Visit London In December 2024 – Things To Do, Weather, Tips and More

There are tons of festive activities and things to do as well as some non festive events if you’re not in the Christmas mood.

From exploring historical traditions at the Tower of London to gliding across ice rinks with iconic backdrops, and from wandering through dazzling light displays at Kew Gardens to indulging in festive afternoon teas, London has something for everyone.

Discover the best things to do to experience the magic of December in London and make unforgettable winter memories.

Celebrate Christmas at the Tower of London.  Walk through the Tower and see displays showing the celebrations of Kings and Queens of the past.

Uncover the grandeur of King Edward I’s medieval Christmas feast. Experience the festivities of the Tudor court, and even pose for a family portrait on a throne.

For a magical evening, make sure to visit Christmas at Kew,

Wander through a 3km light trail featureing over 20 breathtaking installations, including glittering tunnels, jewel-toned illuminated trees, and vibrant lakeside reflections.

Highlights include the fire garden’s cozy glow, larger-than-life displays, and a chance to spot Father Christmas along the way. Perfect for celebrating Christmas and welcoming the New Year, this enchanting event transforms Kew’s botanical world into a sparkling winter wonderland.

Ice skating is the perfect fun and Christmassy activitiy to do in London in December, with outdoor skating rinks located all over the capital.

Here are some places where you can ice skate throughout December in 2024. Make sure you book in advance to get the session you want.

Somerset House Ice Rink: One of the most beautiful ice skating locations with a 40 feet Christmas tree, surrounded by 18th-century architecture.

Glide in Battersea: Features three interconnecting rinks, riverside views, and fairground rides​

Canary Wharf Ice Rink: Ice skate underneath a roof, so no worries if it rains!

Hampton Court Palace: Where else can you skate in a magical setting with a Tudor palace backdrop?

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: It’s the UK’s largest ice rink, set around a Victorian bandstand within a massive Christmas fair.

Hop on Christmas Lights by Night Open-Top Bus Tour

Experience the magic of London’s Christmas lights on an open-top bus tour.  See the festive displays which illuminate iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Regent Street.

Guided by an expert, hear fascinating stories about the city as you see the dazzling lights on historical streets and landmarks like Tower Bridge and the London Eye.

Capture photos or relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere There’s also a stop to admire one of the tallest Christmas trees in the city at Trafalgar Square.

A Christmas LIghts Bus Tour on a Budget

If you want to do a Christmas lights tour on a budget, take the 139 bus from Waterloo to Golders Green which has been named London’s most festive bus by Secret London. Plus it only cost £1.75!

It crosses Waterloo bridge where you can see Christmas lights shimmering on the River Thames. Then it pass by the giant Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square. It also journeys by the beautiful lit up angels at Regent Street.

If you want a break from the madness of Christmas, why not wrap up warm and enjoy a cold, brisk warm across one of London’s beautiful parks? 

The parks also have some fun events happening in December too. 

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland takes place throughout December and as we’ve already mentioned, features the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink. There’s also thrilling rides, live entertainment, and festive markets.

For a creative twist, Hyde Park also offers Christmas wreath-making workshops on December 6 and 7, 2024, complete with tea and cake.

Richmond Park: hosts magical winter carriage rides from November 30, 2024, to January 1, 2025, where you can explore the park aboard a horse-drawn carriage while enjoying seasonal refreshments. 

There are also guided walking tours across Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and St. James’s Park. 

Find a list of alll December events taking place at London’s Royal Parks.

Browse through a Christmas market

London’s Christmas markets are perfect way to get in a Christmassy mood. Browse through potential gifts and enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate while you wander. Many markets have lots of extras including things for the kids to do, live performances and photo ops!

Here are some top ones to visit:

Southbank Centre Winter Market – Walk through the riverside Alpine chalets. Enjoy some German bratwurst, mulled wine and hot chocolate while your browse for gifts, jewelry and decorations.

Covent Garden Christmas Market –  Lots of photo opportunities at this one with beautiful lights, a towering Christmas tree and 19th-century sleigh. There’s Covent handmade crafts, mulled wine and more alongside high-end shops.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – London’s biggest Christmas celebration. It’s more than just a market, although you can wander through countless stalls with gifts and festive treats, Other highlights include the giant ice rink and Ferris wheel as well as other fun fairground rides.

Leicester Square Christmas Market –  Alongside the cinemas and restaurants, you’ll find wooden chalets where you can pick up festive food and drink. There’s also La Clique, an Olivier award winning show being hosted in Leicester’s Square’s Spiegeltent.

The new Paddington Bear movie is out in cinemas now. What better way to celebrate then a visit to the Paddington Bear Experience at the County Hall!

Explore many amazing locations from the Paddington movies while helping Paddington and the Brown Family prepare for a very special event; the Marmalade Day Festival.

Find out more

Embark on Twighlight Walking Tour of Shakespeare’s London

Twighlight walking tours run by the Globe are running throughout the autumn and winter months (to include November)

The tour offers a magical way to explore the rich history of London’s Bankside under the evening sky.

Follow expert guides and discover Shakespeare’s fascination with the dark.

The walks take about 90 minutes and start and finish at The Globe Theatre.

London offers a delightful selection of festive afternoon teas this December, perfect for celebrating the holiday season. The Ritz Hotel London hosts its luxurious Christmas Afternoon Tea in a beautifully decorated Edwardian winter wonderland, featuring classic finger sandwiches, mince pies, and festive pastries, accompanied by live carol performances from The Ritz Choir. It’s on the expensive, high end side with prices start at £115 per adult​

Biscuiteers in Belgravia presents a biscuit-themed tea with festive creations like hand-iced biscuits, delicious winter finger sandwiches and brioche buns, exquisite patisseries, and freshly baked scones.

At the Royal Lancaster London, you can enjoy a seasonal menu with sandwiches like roast turkey and cranberry jam, paired with desserts such as chestnut yule logs in the elegant Hyde Café​

Other highlights include the creative festive offerings at Grosvenor House inspired by the poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, and the Great Northern Hotel’s cosy tea featuring turkey sandwiches and eggnog tarts

There are plenty of fab musicals, plays and pantos to watch in London in December.  Here is a quick round up of a few:

Wicked at the Apollo Victoria: Witness the untold tale of Oz’s witches, with jaw-dropping effects and unforgettable songs

The Snowman at Peacock Theatre – This beautiful winter story is a great way to get Christmas started.

Six The Musical at the Vaudeville Theatre – Join Henry VIII’s wives as they tell their stories in this empowering, historical musical.

Hansel and Gretel at the Shakespeare’s Globe – A new version of The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale transforms the Globe Theatre with poetry, songs and hope.

The Lion King – Follow Simba’s journey from cub to king in Disney’s award winning musical.

Dick Whittington and his Cat – Join Dick Whittington and his Cat at this panto in Greenwich theatre as they seek their fortune in London Town!

Looking for an activity with a difference to try this December?

Why not head to Coal Drop Yard, Kings Cross where you can try your hand at curling.

Teams of six can enjoy six colourful, sustainable curling lanes (children under 12 play for free when accompanied by an adult)

Lanes are open from 12 – 8pm every day, with sessions lasting 45 minutes.

In December 2024, London museums are hosting a variety of festive events to celebrate the Christmas season. Here are some highlights:

Victorian Santa’s Grotto at the Museum of London Docklands (Dec 1–23) – Step back in time to a Victorian-themed Christmas with festive decorations in the Sailortown Gallery. Children can meet Santa, receive a traditional gift, and capture the magical moment with a photo. Quiet sessions are also available for a relaxed experience​

Christmas at the Natural History Museum
On the 20th December you can visit the museum after hours. Escape the daytime crowds to explore galleries, chat with scientists about their work, and take part in creative workshops like designing nature-themed Christmas cards. Enjoy festive highlights, including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre exhibitions, a harpist’s enchanting performances, and a life-size T. rex sporting a Christmas jumper. Participate in a mystery Christmas book swap, embark on a themed trail, and join the Women in Science: Winter Wonders Tour for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Christmas Lates at the Science Museum
Join the Science Museum’s first festive edition of Lates, a celebration of the science behind Christmas! Explore the chemistry of festive food, the physics of Santa’s overnight journey, and the mathematics of creating stunning decorations. Experience hands-on activities, enjoy mulled wine and mince pies, and sing along in epic carol sessions. Highlights include a Silent Disco spinning holiday tunes, seasonal singalongs, and shopping for unique gifts at the museum store—all while celebrating STEM’s role in making Christmas magical

Christmas at the London Transport Museum
Celebrate the season at the museum with festive family fun and a visit from Santa! From November 23 to December 23, little ones can meet Santa in the Transportorium Garden, climb aboard his interactive sleigh, and capture magical holiday photos with the help of cheerful elves. Beyond Santa’s visit, enjoy holiday-themed activities into the New Year, including meeting costumed characters from London’s transport history and following a fun-filled elf trail through the museum galleries. All festive activities are included with museum admission, and kids go free!

Head to Fleet Street and follow the penguin sculpture trail thoughout December.  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.

If you’re around Tottenham Court Road tube station, it’s worth popping into Outernet where you can see amazing free immersive light shows throughout the day.

One of the most popular is the butterfly trail but there are several others to see too. This December they  have festive light shows including a festive cosy fireplace. Check out the Outernet app or the website before you go to make sure the show you want is showing and the time to get there.

The light shows take place indoors in the Now Building which makes it a good choice of free activity whatever the weather.

Weather in December

London in December typically experiences cold, crisp days, with average temperatures ranging between 4°C (39°F) and 8°C (46°F). Mornings can feel particularly chilly, often accompanied by frost. Although snowfall is rare, you might catch a dusting if you’re lucky, adding to the festive atmosphere. Rain is more likely than snow, with London averaging 10-12 rainy days during the month, so it’s wise to carry an umbrella or wear waterproof outerwear.

Rain can be frequent, with overcast skies and periodic showers. Occasionally, light fog rolls in, especially in the mornings.

What to Wear In London in Devember?

In December, London’s weather is cold and often damp, so dressing in layers is key to staying comfortable.

Start with a warm base layer, like thermal tops or leggings, and add sweaters or cardigans for insulation.

A waterproof, wind-resistant coat or jacket is essential to protect against rain and chilly winds.

Accessories like a scarf, hat, and gloves will keep you warm, especially in the evenings when temperatures drop further.

Comfortable, waterproof footwear is also a must, as you may encounter wet streets and occasional puddles while exploring the city.

Don’t forget to carry an umbrella or wear a hooded jacket to handle London’s unpredictable rain showers.

It still can be very warm if you’re travelling on the underground and you may find it more comfortable if you can remove layers when needed. 

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