Christmas in London: Markets, lights, and ice rinks
Christmas in London is magical. From mid-November until New Year's, the city transforms into a bright wonderland: millions of lights on the main streets, Christmas markets with mulled wine and hot chocolate, ice skating rinks with views of monuments, and giant decorated trees. In this guide, you will find the best Christmas events in London: markets, lights, ice rinks, Winter Wonderland, and tips to experience Christmas in London like a local.
When do the Christmas lights and markets start in London?
The Christmas lights are usually turned on between the first and second week of November (around November 5-10). The markets open from mid-November until December 24 (Christmas Eve). Winter Wonderland opens from mid-November to early January. The lights and trees remain until January 6 (Epiphany).
The most spectacular Christmas lights
1. Oxford Street and Regent Street
The two most famous shopping streets compete every year for the most beautiful lights.
Oxford Street:Star-shaped lights (instead of the old spheres), millions of LEDs. Turned on: first week of November.
Regent Street:Angel-shaped lights ("The Spirits of Christmas"), very elegant. Turned on: mid-November.
Tip:Walk between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus to see both.
2. Carnaby Street
Every year, Carnaby Street chooses a different theme. Colorful lights, themed installations, often with ecological or solidarity messages.
3. Covent Garden
The covered market at Covent Garden is one of the most beautiful places at Christmas. A huge Christmas tree decorated with 30,000 LED lights and 100 large red baubles. In the square, life-size reindeer and a giant advent calendar.
4. Bond Street
The luxury street has elegant lights, shaped like peacock feathers or snowflakes. Less crowded than Oxford Street, more chic.
5. Kensington Palace and Kew Gardens
Kensington Palace:A tunnel of lights and a lit tree in the courtyard.
Kew Gardens (Christmas at Kew):A 2 km illuminated path in the botanical garden (ticketed, £20-30). Lit trees, light tunnels, projections. Reservation required.
Christmas Markets
1. Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park)
The largest and most famous Christmas market in London, in fact an entire Christmas amusement park. It's not just a market: it has an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, shooting games, an ice skating show, a circus, and dozens of food and craft stalls.
Where:Hyde Park.
Dates:Mid-November - early January.
Hours:10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (variable hours).
Admission:Free on weekdays (but with reduced hours). On weekends and after 3:00 PM, admission is charged (£3-5). Attractions (skating, wheel, roller coasters) are charged separately (£5-10 each).
Metro:Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Green Park.
Tip:Book online to avoid queues. Go on weekdays in the morning (less crowded). It's huge: it takes 2-4 hours.
2. Southbank Centre Winter Market
A market along the Thames, between the London Eye and the National Theatre. A more intimate and romantic atmosphere than Winter Wonderland. Stalls with crafts, mulled wine, hot chocolate, German sausages, churros.
Where:South Bank (Queen's Walk).
Dates:Mid-November - December 24.
Hours:11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (until 10:00 PM on weekends).
Entry:Free.
Metro:Waterloo, Embankment.
Tip:Perfect for an evening stroll after the London Eye.
3. Leicester Square Christmas Market
A small but central market, right in Leicester Square. Live shows, international food stalls (paella, crêpes, hot dogs, mulled wine) and a small ice skating rink.
Where:Leicester Square.
Dates:Mid-November - December 24.
Entry:Free.
Metro:Leicester Square.
4. Greenwich Christmas Market
A market in the charming Greenwich Market, featuring local crafts, Christmas decorations, street food, and mulled wine.
Where:Greenwich Market.
Dates:Late November - December 24.
Entry:Free.
Tube/DLR:Cutty Sark.
Tip:Combine the market with a visit to the Cutty Sark and Greenwich Park.
5. Kingston Christmas Market
Outside the city center (zone 6, southwest), but one of the most authentic markets. German-style stalls, crafts, mulled wine, sausages.
Where:Kingston upon Thames.
Dates:Mid-November - December 24.
Entry:Free.
Train:From Waterloo to Kingston (30 minutes).
Ice Rinks
1. Natural History Museum Ice Rink (South Kensington)
The most beautiful rink in London, in front of the museum with its Romanesque arch and the illuminated Christmas tree. Spectacular in the evening.
Where:Natural History Museum, South Kensington.
Dates:Late October - mid-January.
Price:£12-18 (adults), £8-12 (children).
Booking:Required online.
Tube:South Kensington.
2. Somerset House Ice Rink (Strand)
A rink in the neoclassical courtyard of Somerset House, very elegant and cinematic (featured in films like "Love Actually" and "Bridget Jones's Diary"). In the evening, music and cocktail bar.
Where:Somerset House, The Strand.
Dates:Mid-November - mid-January.
Price:£15-22 (adults), £10-15 (children). More expensive in the evening and on weekends.
Reservation:Required.
Metro:Temple, Covent Garden, Charing Cross.
3. Tower of London Ice Rink
Ice skating in front of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. A medieval and enchanting atmosphere.
Where:Tower of London.
Dates:Mid-November - early January.
Price:£15-20.
Reservation:Recommended.
Metro:Tower Hill.
4. Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
In the garden of Henry VIII's palace (Hampton Court). An ice rink in front of the Tudor facade. Very romantic.
Where:Hampton Court Palace.
Dates:Mid-November - early January.
Price:£15-20.
Reservation:Required.
Train:From Waterloo to Hampton Court (35 minutes).
5. Winter Wonderland Ice Rink (Hyde Park)
The largest rink in London, inside Winter Wonderland. Very crowded but spectacular.
Price:£10-15 (included in the entry ticket).
6. Canary Wharf Ice Rink
A modern rink in the financial square of Canary Wharf. Illuminated trees, bars, and restaurants around.
Where:Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf.
Dates:Mid-November - late February.
Price:£12-16.
Metro:Canary Wharf (Jubilee, Elizabeth).
Other Christmas experiences
Santa's Grotto
Many department stores (Harrods, Selfridges, Hamleys, Fortnum & Mason) set up a "Santa's Grotto" where children can meet Santa. Reservation required, cost £10-20 (sometimes free with purchase).
Famous Christmas Trees
Trafalgar Square:The tree donated by Norway every year (in gratitude for World War II). 20-25 meters tall. Lighting in the first week of December.
St. Pancras International:A 12-meter tall tree decorated with lights and bows.
Covent Garden:As mentioned, one of the most beautiful.
Christmas Carols
St. Paul's CathedralandWestminster Abbey:Christmas services with carols (free, but arrive early).
Royal Albert Hall:Christmas concerts with choirs and orchestra (tickets £20-60).
Winterville (Clapham Common)
A smaller alternative to Winter Wonderland. Ice skating rink, outdoor cinema, street food, market. Less crowded, more local.
Dates:Mid-November - December 24.
Metro:Clapham Common (Northern).
What to eat at Christmas in London
Mulled wine:Hot red wine with spices (cloves, cinnamon, star anise). £4-6.
Hot chocolate:With whipped cream and marshmallows. £3-5.
Bratwurst:With sauerkraut or ketchup. £5-8.
Roast pork roll:With apple sauce and red cabbage. £6-9.
Churros:Spanish fried dough pastry with sugar and chocolate. £4-6.
Mince pie:Small pie filled with dried fruit and spices. £2-4.
Christmas pudding:Traditional Christmas dessert, served warm with brandy sauce. £5-8.
Tips for experiencing Christmas in London
Book everything in advance:Ice skating rinks, Winter Wonderland, concerts, Christmas restaurants. Weeks or months in advance.
Dress very warmly:Temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. Coat, scarf, gloves, hat. Lines are outdoors.
Avoid mid-December weekends:It's the busiest time. If you can, come in November or after Christmas (December 27-30).
Use public transport:Central areas are closed to traffic or have huge queues. Tube and buses.
Bring cash:Some market stalls only accept cash.
Don't forget the umbrella:Christmas in London is often rainy (it rarely snows in the center).
Take advantage of free museums:If it rains or is too cold, take refuge in museums (British Museum, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When do they turn on the Christmas lights in London?
Between the first and second week of November. Oxford Street lights up around November 5th, Regent Street around November 15th.
Is Winter Wonderland free?
Entry is free on weekdays (until a certain time). On weekends and after 3:00 PM, it costs £3-5. Attractions (ice skating, rides) are paid separately.
What is the most beautiful Christmas market in London?
Winter Wonderland is the largest and most famous. Southbank Centre Winter Market is the most romantic (on the Thames). Greenwich Christmas Market is the most authentic (less touristy).
Where can I ice skate in London?
Natural History Museum (most beautiful), Somerset House (elegant), Tower of London (picturesque), Winter Wonderland (largest), Hampton Court Palace (romantic).
Is London very crowded at Christmas?
Yes, especially on weekends in December and the week between Christmas and New Year. If you can, come in November or the first half of December (less crowded).
Are the shops open at Christmas in London?
On December 25th (Christmas), all shops are closed. On December 26th (Boxing Day), many shops open with big sales. On December 24th, they close early (4:00 PM-5:00 PM).
Is there snow at Christmas in London?
Rarely. In the last 10 years, significant snowfall at Christmas has been very few. Temperatures are cold (2-8°C), but snow is more likely in January-February.
How much does it cost to skate?
£10-20 per person (depending on the location). Skates are included in the price. Book online.
Can you eat at the Christmas markets?
Yes, most have street food stalls (mulled wine, hot chocolate, sausages, crepes, churros). Prices are £5-10 per serving.
Is London beautiful at Christmas even without snow?
Yes, very much. The lights, the trees, the markets, and the festive atmosphere make London magical even without a snowflake.
Summary Table
| Event | Where | Period | Entry | Metro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Wonderland | Hyde Park | mid-Nov - early Jan | free (weekdays) / £3-5 (weekends) | Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner |
| Southbank Market | South Bank | mid-Nov - Dec 24 | free | Waterloo, Embankment |
| Natural History Museum Ice Rink | South Kensington | end of Oct - mid-Jan | £12-18 | South Kensington |
| Somerset House Ice Rink | The Strand | mid-Nov - mid-Jan | £15-22 | Temple, Covent Garden |
| Tower of London Ice Rink | Tower of London | mid-Nov - early Jan | £15-20 | Tower Hill |
| Oxford Street Lights | Oxford Street | Nov - Jan 6 | free | Oxford Circus |
| Regent Street Lights | Regent Street | Nov - Jan 6 | free | Oxford Circus, Piccadilly |
| Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree | Trafalgar Square | Dec - Jan 6 | free | Charing Cross |
Unforgettable lights and atmospheres
Christmas in London is a magical experience you won't forget. Sparkling lights on Oxford Street, mulled wine markets on the South Bank, ice skating rinks in front of museums and Buckingham Palace, and the enormous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Book in advance (skating, Winter Wonderland, restaurants), dress warmly, and be prepared to walk. And if it doesn't snow, don't worry: the lights and atmosphere will be enough to make your London Christmas unforgettable.
Discover every aspect of the trip in our complete guide:holidays in London.
Review date:April 2026