What to do in London this Christmas
If you’re in London this Christmas and looking for the best ways to spend the festive period than look no further. We’ve put together the best things to do – and for free – in the capital over Christmas.
London Christmas lights
London has many famous Christmas light displays and all are worth a visit – especially because they are all free. From Regent Street to Oxford Street, Covent Garden to Carnaby and the many other displays around the capital, you’ve got plenty of walking in sparkling lights to get you ready for the festive season.
London’s Christmas markets
London’s famous Christmas markets and fairs are a must-visit in the capital, and many of them are free admission (though there are plenty of add-ons if you want to spend your money). There’s so much to see, and so much culture to enjoy – from craft stalls to local food and drinks, there isn’t much better than London’s Christmas markets.
Top of the list is Southbank Centre’s Winter Market (3 November – 26 December 2022) a cute collection of wooden chalets decked in sparkling lights, right next to the river.
So stroll through the market and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Visit the Ever After Garden
The Ever After Garden is back in Mayfair (open 3 pm-9 pm from 23 Nov 2022) and is free to visit.
20,000 glowing roses light up Grosvenor Square again this Christmas and is a place where Londoners can go to remember absent loved ones. You can dedicate a rose for a minimum donation of £10 to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
It’s free to visit but if you can drop a few quid in for a donation it would be appreciated.
Snow fall in Covent Garden
If you want to see snow showers this winter, head to Covent Garden where the showers are a daily event in the run-up to the big day. It’s part of the Christmas in Covent Garden festivities and most of it is free. The exact timings of the snowfall are TBC but it’s free to experience.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Perhaps one of the most iconic Christmas festivities in London is the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
In 2019 entry fees to Winter Wonderland were introduced and the festive funfair isn’t as easy to do for free as it once was. But if you can go in off-peak (an early weekday morning in November or early December), entry is free, though you still need to book in advance.
Once in the funfair, there are plenty of ways for you to spend your money (especially if you’re visiting with children) from funfair rides to theatre shows to food and drink – and all the market stalls to buy unique gifts.
You can wander around fair and soak up the festive atmosphere for free during off-peak.
Open from 18 November 2022. Free, off-peak entry tickets are available selected times 18 November-8 December, and 31 December-2 January.
