December in London is a dazzling celebration of the festive season. The city’s iconic landmarks, historic streets, and vibrant neighbourhoods are transformed with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and seasonal markets offering everything from artisanal gifts to delicious seasonal treats. The crisp winter air is filled with the sounds of carol singers, street performers, and the joyful bustle of locals and visitors alike.

Visitors can explore Christmas markets, enjoy candlelit concerts and theatre performances, take part in family-friendly workshops, and stroll along illuminated streets and riverside paths. From the West End theatres and Covent Garden to the Southbank Winter Market, London offers an endless variety of festive experiences suitable for families, couples, and groups.

Whether you’re admiring the city’s famous Christmas lights, enjoying seasonal theatre and concerts, or discovering hidden festive gems, London in December offers an unforgettable holiday experience. For property owners, Pass the Keys provides fully managed short-let services, ensuring your property is guest-ready, compliant, and optimised for peak festive bookings — helping you maximise income while visitors soak up the city’s seasonal magic.

1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

November 21 2025 – January 4 2026 (TBC for official dates)
No London Christmas season is complete without a visit to Winter Wonderland. This enormous festive festival in Hyde Park blends Bavarian markets, funfair rides, bars, ice skating, circus shows, and live music.

Expect:

• The UK’s largest outdoor ice rink

• Dozens of market chalets

• Zippos Christmas Circus

• The Magical Ice Kingdom

• Festive street food villages

• Large-scale rides, including giant wheels and roller coasters

Best for: families, groups, romantic nights out, and those who love big Christmas attractions.

2. Covent Garden Christmas & Daily Snow Showers

Late November – December 2025
Covent Garden transforms into a picture-perfect Christmas postcard. The giant Christmas tree, sparkling baubles, and traditional decorations provide one of the best festive displays in London.

Highlights include:

• Daily artificial snowfalls in the Piazza

• Live street performers

• Pop-up bars and winter terraces

• Independent market stalls

• Excellent Christmas shopping opportunities

This is one of the most photographed festive spots in the UK.

3. Christmas at Kew – Light Trail

Mid-November 2025 – Early January 2026
Kew Gardens’ world-famous illuminated trail returns each winter. Wander through tunnels of light, glowing sculptures, laser gardens, and beautifully lit greenhouses.

Why go?

• Exceptional photography opportunities

• Magical for adults and children

• Fire pits for toasting marshmallows

• Hot chocolate, mulled wine, and seasonal stalls

• Usually fully sold out weeks in advance — book early

One of London’s most premium Christmas experiences.

4. Christmas Markets Across London

London’s markets are more spread out than in other UK cities, but December 2025 offers many worth visiting:

Southbank Centre Winter Market

November–December
Cosy wooden chalets lining the Thames. Great for street food, mulled wine, handmade gifts, and riverside views.

Leicester Square Christmas Market

November–January
A traditional German-style market combined with a festive performance tent showing family shows, cabaret, and comedy.

Kingston Christmas Market

All December
One of the best traditional markets in Greater London. Known for Alpine chalets, live music, and Bavarian food.

Greenwich Christmas Market

December weekends
Independent makers, artists, antiques, and designer gifts in a UNESCO area.

5. Ice Skating Rinks Across the Capital

London’s seasonal ice rinks are iconic:

• Somerset House Ice Rink – elegant, stylish, and perfect for couples.

• Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink – skate beneath Henry VIII’s Tudor palace.

• Canary Wharf Ice Rink – long season, modern setting, and sheltered.

• Alexandra Palace Ice Rink – not strictly seasonal, but hosts Christmas-themed events.

If you’re visiting with children or want a photogenic setting, Somerset House and Hampton Court are must-visits.

6. Carol Concerts at St Paul's Cathedral

Various dates in December 2025
St Paul’s Cathedral hosts some of the UK’s most beautiful Christmas services and concerts. These include:

• The Famous Christmas Carols service (free, but queues form hours in advance)

• Ticketed candlelit concerts

• Organ recitals and special festive services

Whether religious or not, the atmosphere is breathtaking.

7. West End Christmas Shows & Ballet

December is peak theatre season in London, with festive programming that tends to include:

• The Nutcracker (Royal Opera House)

• A Christmas Carol (Old Vic)

• Pantomimes in theatres across the city

• Christmas concerts at the Royal Albert Hall

Expect special family shows, 2pm matinees, and extra weekend performances.

8. Christmas at the Tower of London

Early December – early January
The Tower typically introduces a winter trail or festive display designed for families. Expect historic costumed guides, storytelling, and a magical winter atmosphere along the fortress walls.

9. Oxford Street, Regent Street & Carnaby Christmas Lights

London’s famous Christmas lights attract millions every year. Each neighbourhood has its own theme:

• Regent Street: classic angels

• Oxford Street: contemporary designs

• Carnaby: creative, colourful, often charity-linked installations

Visit after 4pm for the full effect.

Suggested 2-Day December Itinerary for London

Day 1

• Morning: Explore Covent Garden Christmas decorations

• Lunch in Seven Dials

• Afternoon: Southbank Winter Market

• Evening: Christmas at Kew light trail

Day 2

• Morning: Ice skating at Somerset House

• Afternoon: Explore Regent Street & Carnaby lights

• Dinner in Soho

• Evening: Carol concert at St Paul’s Cathedral or a West End Christmas show

FAQs: Visiting London in December

Is London busy in December?

Yes — especially mid-December and weekends. Weekday mornings are quieter for markets and shopping.

Is December a good time to visit London?

Absolutely. The lights, concerts, markets, shows, and decorations make it one of the most festive cities in the world.

Do I need tickets for the major events?

Yes. Events like Christmas at Kew, carol concerts, and Winter Wonderland attractions sell out weeks in advance.

What’s the weather like?

Cold, often wet, with temperatures between 2–10°C. Wear warm layers and waterproof shoes.

Is London good for children at Christmas?

Very. Winter Wonderland, ice rinks, light trails, and theatres offer countless family-friendly activities.

Where should I stay?

For easy access to festive events: Covent Garden, Westminster, Kensington, Southbank, or King’s Cross.

Conclusion: Experience London’s December Magic With Pass the Keys

London in December is vibrant, magical, and filled with unforgettable festive moments. From Christmas markets and illuminated gardens to historic carol concerts and West End shows, the capital delivers a remarkable seasonal experience for every type of visitor.

If you’re a London property owner wishing to maximise bookings over the Christmas and New Year peak, Pass the Keys offers fully managed short-let services across the capital — including guest communication, cleaning, maintenance, and listing optimisation to keep your property performing at its best throughout the busiest month of the year.