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

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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.

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Chanukah in Trafalgar Square

chanukah london trafalgar square
Celebrating Hanukkah in London. | Photo by Garry Knight used under CC

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.

Gingerbread City

Somerset House Gingerbread

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.

Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square December 2019
Photo by iStock.com/mikeinlondon

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.

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.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

London New Year's Eve Fireworks
Photo by iStock.com/chalffy

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 parties

London New Year's Eve Party
Photo by istock.com/Oversnap

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.

Last Chance Events

Siders—roof East
Photo by Roof East

Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays | Until December 19th | Bethnal Green

Sliders Curling On Roof East | Until December 22nd | Stratford

Ongoing Events

Winter Markets and Festivals

Somerset Skating
Photo by iStock.com/anatoleya

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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