December is here. For most of us that’s a month of Christmas markets, twinkling lights and going out slightly too often. Here are our favourite things to do in London this December 2022, taking you from festive indulgence to New Year’s Eve frolics.
On the lookout for something specifically Chistmassy? Be sure to check out our roundup of the top London Christmas markets and winter festivals. It has all the best places to get you in the mood for carol singing and mulled wine!
Njinga Santa Cycle
If you love cycling, Santa and charity, then this is the event for you. All rolled up into one festive and feel-good event, you can join a casual cycle of 18km dressed as everyone’s favorite Christmas gift-bringer and deliver presents to the children at Shooting Star Chase Children’s Hospice. You have to register to participate but it’s free—and you must wear a Santa suit and come with an unwrapped gift for a child if you’re joining in.
Njinga Santa Charity Cycle in aid of Shooting Star Children's Hospice
Chanukah in Trafalgar Square
Celebrate the Jewish festival of lights with a visit to the giant Menorah in Trafalgar Square. Expect live music, dancing and good cheer all around. The Menorah will remain in place for the the full 8 days of Chanukah.
Chanukah in Trafalgar Square
Gingerbread City
The mammoth gingerbread city is only growing in size and creativity with each passing year. Gaze in a mixture of wonder and hunger at the structures created by a whole host of architects and engineers in a display that would knock Prue and Paul off their showstopper round feet. Created by the Museum of Architecture, the display was designed by a city-planning company and is an intricate creative scene well worth exploring.
Gingerbread City at the Museum of Architecture
| Advance sales: £15.00 | At the door: £16.00 | |
| Advance sales: £10.00 | At the door: £11.00 | |
| Advance sales: £12.75 | At the door: £13.75 | |
Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square
If you’re looking for a sure-fire way to feel festive for free, head over to Trafalgar Square any evening between the 9th and 24th of December. With more than 40 carol groups serenading the square to raise money for charity, you’ll see it on most lists of things to do in London this December.
Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square
Peter Pan Cup
Wrap up warm and watch the quirky tradition of the hardy members of the Serpentine Swimmers Club diving into the chilly water from the south bank of Hyde Park every Christmas morning.
Peter Pan Cup
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
A chance to get tickets for the grand annual fireworks display—the second batch of £10.00 tickets were released on November 30th. Don’t worry if you haven’t got tickets though, there are plenty of free places with great views of the show!
New Year's Eve Fireworks 2023/3
| Advance sales: £15.00 | ||
New Year’s Eve parties
Almost everywhere in the city charges an entry fee on NYE—probably even your local pub. And while tickets can be a pricy affair, we’ve put together a list of fun, affordable options.
Ally Pally Christmas Carnival
Not a location to let a celebration pass it by, Alexandra Palace is back with its winter carnival taking place over three weekeends. As well as festive treats like Streatlife food, craft beer, the main attraction this year is a Santa’s grotto—making it a solid option.
Ally Pally Christmas 2023
Last Chance Events
Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays | Until December 19th | Bethnal Green
Sliders Curling On Roof East | Until December 22nd | Stratford
Ongoing Events
Winter Markets and Festivals
Christmas by the River | Until Jan 5th | London Bridge
Hackney Christmas Market | Until Dec 15th | Hackney
Winterfest at Wembley | Until Jan 3rd | Wembley
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | Until Jan 5th | Wesminster
Christmas at Kew | Until Jan 5th | Kew
Leicester Square Christmas Market | Until Jan 5th | Leicester Square
Winter Festival at South Bank | Until Jan 5th | South Bank
Ice Skating
Tower of London Ice Skating | Until Jan 5th | Tower Hill
Hampton Court Palace Ice Skating | Until Jan 5th | Richmond
Ice Skating at Somerset House | Until Jan 12th | Aldwych
Natural History Museum Ice Skating | Until Jan 12th | South Kensington
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Recommended hotels located nearby
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St Paul's 8.1 km