10 Must-Do Activities in London This Winter

The festive lights are twinkling, the mulled wine is flowing, and London’s holiday season is in full bloom.

Whether you seek to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit or desire a cozy winter adventure in the city, here are ten exceptional activities to explore in London this season.

Enjoy Ice Skating at Stunning Locations

During the winter months, many of the city’s majestic landmarks host grand ice-skating rinks. Set against the magnificent neoclassical backdrop of Somerset House, the courtyard has undergone a Swiss transformation, featuring a pop-up Alpine restaurant that serves cheese fondue and waffles. Additionally, there are Skate Late sessions where prominent DJs play music while you glide under the stars. It is advisable to reserve a time slot in advance, as availability tends to diminish rapidly.

If you prefer a more exquisite setting, Henry VIII’s former residence, Hampton Court Palace, is a 35-minute train journey from Waterloo. It offers breathtaking views of Tudor architecture coupled with skating excitement. Following your skate, you may explore the interior of the palace to delve deeper into the intrigues of Tudor-era history.

Experience Dazzling Holiday Lights

A traditional favorite, elegant Regent Street is adorned with iconic “spirits” hovering over London’s most bustling shopping area, while nearby Carnaby Street, recognized for its distinctive Christmas illuminations, features a spectacular galactic neon display this year.

Famous for hosting the city’s finest tailors, Savile Row introduces a stunning new design of golden shears slicing into a brilliant expanse of “fabric,” while Marylebone Village, regarded as one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, showcases lights crafted entirely from recycled plastic bottles.

For a more immersive experience, take the Lights and Sights tour offered by the London Transport Museum, which is a 60-minute journey on a historic bus, accompanied by a guide dressed in a traditional conductor’s attire.

View the First Christmas Card

The Postal Museum located in Clerkenwell offers a delightful family outing as the holidays approach. Visitors can explore seasonal exhibits, showcasing letters to Santa from various generations, including the very first Christmas card ever sent, originating from 1843. Additionally, journey back in time aboard the Mail Rail, a century-old underground train that transported mail through tunnels from Paddington to Whitechapel and venture through previously unseen sections of the rail via a festive tunnel walk led by one of the museum’s knowledgeable guides.

Explore a Festive Georgian Residence

Situated on a cobbled side street in Spitalfields, Dennis Severs’ House is among the city’s best-kept secrets. Described as a “living painting” by its creator, a Californian artist who acquired the property in 1979, it took him two decades to construct a “historical imagination” of the life of an invented Victorian family.

Each winter, this unique residence is lavishly decorated with vintage Christmas ornaments and paper chains, illuminated solely by candlelight. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with the atmosphere of centuries past through a silent tour.

Indulge in Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is an essential experience on any visit to London, particularly with the enticing menus available during the holiday season. The offering at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the oldest operational theatre in London, is noteworthy: warm turkey and cranberry pie with caramelized onion chutney, complemented by an English crumpet topped with Earl Grey-infused cream cheese and smoked salmon. Sweet delicacies crafted by renowned baker Lily Vanilli include a festive spiced chocolate pudding, served in the opulent atmosphere of the Grand Saloon.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, an indulgent hot chocolate is available from the luxurious chocolate café Knoops. With several locations around the city, patrons can select their preferred percentage of white, milk, or dark chocolate and enhance it with festive spices or a fluffy gingerbread marshmallow for the ultimate treat.

Enjoy Christmas Carol Concerts

Holiday concerts in London provide a delightful blend of musical splendor and stunning architecture. St Paul’s Cathedral stands out as one of the most recognized venues, featuring carol services on both weekdays and weekends throughout December. Many of these events are complimentary and do not require tickets, providing a wonderful opportunity to appreciate Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece.

A lesser-known yet equally impressive venue is Freemasons’ Hall in Covent Garden, a hidden art deco gem. Here, you can enjoy carols by candlelight performed by the Belmont Ensemble and Trafalgar Sinfonia within the exquisite Grand Temple.

Watch a Classic Ballet Performance

Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker has become a cherished holiday tradition, and the English National Ballet’s enduring performance is particularly adored, set in the grandeur of the London Coliseum.

For a more contemporary interpretation of storytelling through dance, an adaptation of Edward Scissorhands is making its debut at Sadler’s Wells. Visionary choreographer Matthew Bourne has reinvented the score and stunning costumes from Tim Burton’s cult film for the stage, captivating audiences with brilliant set pieces and innovative visuals.

Browse Winter Markets

Pop-up Christmas markets often present a homogeneous experience; however, London showcases several remarkable exceptions. The Southbank Centre’s winter market adorns Queen’s Walk with wooden chalets and enchanting lights. Stroll along the Thames while browsing the offerings, or simply watch the crowd with a hot toddy from one of the riverside igloos.

Borough Market is a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts throughout the year. In December, visitors can partake in the annual “Evening of Cheese,” select a seasonal gift basket, or meander through the stalls while savoring a spiced apple drink.

Attend a Major Art Exhibition

The National Portrait Gallery has revamped its prestigious David Hockney exhibit, Drawing from Life, which was available for just 20 days in 2020 before the pandemic necessitated its closure. In addition to self-portraits and works featuring friends and family, Britain’s preeminent living artist has introduced new artwork, including a vibrantly articulated portrait of Harry Styles.

For enthusiasts of European masters, visit the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, where over 100 items from Henry VIII’s court narrate the legacy of Hans Holbein the Younger. Highlights include portraits of Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour, as well as Henry VIII’s famously adjustable armor, designed to accommodate his expanding waistline.

See a West End Theatre Production

One of the year’s most anticipated theatrical productions is Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a newly staged prequel to Netflix’s acclaimed sci-fi series. Currently running at the Phoenix Theatre, this production tracks the teenage experiences of characters Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado, and Henry Creel in 1950s Hawkins, featuring impressive special effects and a synth-led soundtrack.

Younger audiences will be captivated by the Royal Shakespeare Company’s adaptation of the beloved Studio Ghibli film My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican, characterized by exquisite puppets crafted by Jim Henson’s studio. For a holiday-themed delight, the Globe Theatre is staging a grand rendition of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, promising enchantment for audiences aged five and older.

This article was initially published on September 20, 2019, and subsequently updated on November 29, 2023.