Best Free and Cheap Things to do In London at Christmas

Looking for the best and cheap Christmassy things to do in London at Christmas? Look no further.

We have researched 15 amazing things to do in London at Christmas on a budget. Whether you’re a solo traveller, coming with the kids or with friends or a partner – there is something on offer.

Take advantage of all the free and inexpensive things that London has to offer this Christmas for a fantastic day out.

We’ve updated this post for Christmas 2024, however it’s certain there are many free events that haven’t been announced yet . We’ll keep updating the post as we get nearer the festive season. 

Book a Free Christmas Walking Tour

Embark on a themed Christmas tour in November and December. Discover amazing Christmas trees, see Christmas lights and hear about Christmas in the past.

A quick Google search brings up many free walking tours at Christmas. Here are a few to look at:

London with a Local (Dates for 2024 still to be announced)

Strawberry Tours

Civitatis

Tours by Foot (not completely free but only $4)

The tours are free but the guides don’t get paid so earn their money from tips they receive at the end of the tour. If you enjoyed the tour you can pay as much as you can afford or what you think it was worth at the end.

Marvel at the Christmas Tree at Trafalgar Square

Every year the people of Norway gift a Christmas tree as a token of gratitude for Britain’s support during World War II.

The tree is normally a 50 to 60 metre Norweigan Spruce which stands 20 metres tall.

Why not attend the tree lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square which takes place on the first Thursday in December and is attended by thousands of people?

Or enjoy the Christmas carols which take place there from early December.

Bag Cheap Tickets to See A Play

Christmas is a traditional time to go to theatre in the UK but it can cost a small fortune.

The good news is that there are many places you can see a play without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas:

If you’re happy to stand you can see the Brother Grimm’s winter fairy tale ‘Hansel and Gretel‘ at the Globe for just £5! Other tickets can be bought for as little as £20 and are half price for children.

Join in the panto tradition and see the Potted Panto at Wilton’s Music Hall with tickets from just £15. Dick Whittington and his  Cat is showing at the Hackney Empire with tickets from just £10. 

Take the kids to the Little Angel Theatre in Islington where you can see Rosie Robin and the Christmas Post (ages 2 to 5) and  The Singing Mermaid (ages 3 to 8)  for just £12 a ticket on Thursday and Friday afternoons over the winter months.

Small children (aged 3 to 7) will also enjoy the Albany’s production of  Well Done Mummy Penguin with all tickets at the Deptford theatre priced at just £14.

Discover the Magic of Christmas Markets

Stroll through one of London’s many Christmas markets. Soak up the festive atmosphere while browsing through unique Christmas themed stalls. If you have a few pennies you can induldge in a delicious treat or treat yourself warm cup of mulled wine.

There are pleny of markets to choose from:

Browse through unique gifts and handmade items at Covent Garden. Enjoy street performers and get a pic at the giant Christmas tree in the piaza. Marvel at the Christmas installation which featues over 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles and 8 spinning mirror balls, all displayed in the iconic Market Building. Plus have a free Christmas selfie on a traditionally decorated sleigh or on the festively decorated Covent garden swing seat. Find out more about Christmas in Covent Garden.

Another place to join in the festive spirit is at Greenwich market. This year there’s Christmas carolling events,  Combine the market with many of the free attractions available in Greenwich which include the National Martime Museum, The Queen’s House Museum and a winter stroll through Greenwich Park.

Alternatively, wander through the stunning Victorian architecture of Leadenhall Market, beautifully adorned with festive decorations. See the 8 metre high Christmas tree and LED light display. While you’re there, there’s many festive themed pop ups to see, including one from Pollock Toy Museum with antique puppets and toy theatres.  Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps pick up some last-minute Christmas goodies.

There’s also the market on the Southbank as part of the winter festival. Find out more below…

Visit the Southbank Centre Winter Festival

Head to the Southbank Centre for their Winter Festival.

Walk through the Christmas markets in the festive huts. There are some fun free festive events taking place including a creative encounters event which is taking place on 11th December and has live music and hands on creative challenges.

Christmas Lights Bus Tour

Hop on a bus and take a tour of London’s dazzling Christmas lights. While there are paid tours available, you can create your own route with a public bus.

The 139 bus from Waterloo to Golders Green has been names the most Christmassy bus in London by Secret London.  It cruises across Waterloo bridge where you can see Christmas lights across the River Thames. Then it passes by the giant Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square. It also journeys by the beautiful lit up angels at Regent Street. The cost = £1.75!

Free Off Peak Entry Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

While most attractions within the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland may come with a cost, you can get off peak entry to the park is free. Explore the Christmas markets, admire the lights, and soak in the festive atmosphere with your kids.

You can also see Santa for free and get a free gift (although expect long queues!)

Experience Christmas in Leicester Square

Leicester Square is transformed into a festive haven during Christmas. Most events may require tickets but the square itself is open to the public for free. Visit the seasonal Market, and enjoy the enchanting festive lights illuminating Leicester Square and St Martin’s Lane.

Find out more about Christmas in Leicester Square.

Head to Fleet Street and follow the penguin sculpture trail. Have fun spotting 12 penguins, each 1.6.m tall.

Each penguin has been designed by a different artist. Find them dotted around Chancery Lane, New Street Square, Ludgate Circus and Fleet Street.

They will be in place from 14th November 24 and a map will be available online nearer to the time.

Enjoy the Winter Festival at the Museum of the Home

Located in East London, the Museum of the Home is well worth a visit at any time of year and has free entry. During the festive months it’s even better as the period rooms are dressed specifically for the winter festival. Journey through different rooms to see how the home has changed from the 17th Century through to the present day. The rooms are based on real London homes and their owners.

During the Winter festival visitors can explore 400 years of winter festivities, from a joyful Midwinter in 1630 to a fabulous Millenium party.

On 5th December 2024 the Museum of Home will hold it’s winter gathering. There is a small charge for the event (£5 to £7). Some of the rooms are decorated for Christmas and enjoy seasonal music, crafting and mulled wine.

Enjoy Carols at St Paul’s Cathedral

Listen and sing carols in the beautiful setting of St Paul’s Cathedral.

There are free carol services taking place throughout December incuding on Christmas Eve. Some servies require you to book a free ticket so check dates and time online at St Paul’s Cathedral before you go.

Christmas Views from the Sky Garden

Book tickets to the Sky Garden, for a free view of London’s magnificent skyline in all it’s festive glory.

The Sky Garden is located on 43rd floor of The Fenchurch Building (alson known as the Walkie Talkie) and has panoramic views over London.

Why not also dine in the restaurants and bars there while enjoying the magnificent views?

A Christmas Ride in a Cable Car

Take the IFS cloud cable car over the River Thames. It gives amazing views of Canary Wharf with London spread in the distance. It’s another way to get a festive view of London at Christmas time.

Tickets for the cable car are just £6 for a return trip for kids and £12 for adults.

Read our review of the IFS cloud cable car.

Head to Oxford Streets for more Free Events.

At Christmas, Oxford Street becomes much more that one of the best shopping streets in London. There are lots of free things to see and do if you know where to look.

Between 4pm and 12am, wander down Oxford street and admire the “sky fall of star” display. Thousands of bright stars (which are made of more than 300,000 energy-efficient LED lightbulbs and recycled materials) float above the iconic shopping area.

The lights will be on from Tuesday 5th November. 

Plus on December 7, Oxford Street will be transformed for A Big Day of Joy, featuring live performances, in-store activities, and festive experiences, all in support of its Christmas charity partner, Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH).

Find out more at the Oxford Street website. 

Selfridges department store is a great place to see Santa for free and they run this event most years. Santa and his eleves roam the store spreading Christmas cheer most days over the festive period. Check out the times to see Santa here. In addition, las yeare there we liive DJs and choirs play Christmas music while you shop in store

See a Light Show at Outernet

Just off Oxford Street in Tottenham Court Road’s Now Building, step into a world of immersive art with Outernet’s free light shows.

These captivating, family-friendly shows run daily throughout the year and are always worth a visit. In December, they often add a festive twist. Last year (2023), the show was called SnowGlobe, where visitors entered a magical, life-sized snow globe surrounded by towering screens. Inside, hand-drawn villagers could be seen having snowball fights and shopping. You could even create digital snow angels on the central screen and challenge family and friends to a virtual snowball fight. Keep your eyes peeled for what they are doing in 2024.

Find out more.

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