Best Christmas Events and Activities in London 2024: Your Holiday Guide

London’s Christmas events are steeped in history and tradition, making the city one of the most enchanting places to celebrate the season. Step back in time with these extraordinary holiday events and activities that we have picked out for you. These are not only the best Christmas events but are also the ones that you will likely remember forever. Many of these events carry nostalgic ties to decades or even centuries of holiday cheer, blending the past with the present in ways that captivate locals and visitors.

Kingston Christmas Market

The Kingston Christmas Market is a hub for small businesses, artisans, and food vendors. With its focus on handcrafted goods and locally made products, the market attracts shoppers who value quality and uniqueness. The market’s high foot traffic provides an invaluable opportunity for local brands to showcase their offerings, build customer relationships, and generate holiday sales. Retailers use this market as an opportunity for a significant boost in revenue.

• Dates and Times: November 14, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Admission: Free entry. Learn more here.

Riverside Christmas Market

The Riverside Christmas Market offers a unique blend of London’s maritime history and festive joy. Located along the Thames, this market captures the nostalgia of Victorian-era river trade and community gatherings. The setting invokes memories of old London, where the river played a central role in daily life. Wandering through this market evokes a timeless connection between the city's history and its modern celebrations.

• Dates and Times: November 12, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Admission: Free entry. Learn more here.

Hogwarts in the Snow

Hogwarts in the Snow takes visitors into the magical world of Harry Potter, but its charm is rooted in the nostalgic traditions of British Christmases. The setting reimagines classic Dickensian winters, with snow-covered streets and roaring fires in common rooms. The Great Hall, adorned with towering Christmas trees, mirrors the rich, celebratory spirit of Victorian feasts. This event captures the nostalgia of both the films and the timeless holiday traditions they celebrate.

• Dates and Times: November 15, 2024 – January 26, 2025
• Admission: From £56 to £250 Click here to purchase tickets.

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland feels like an homage to London’s long-standing love of outdoor festivities. The park itself has been a space for public enjoyment since the 17th century, and this event carries that tradition forward with a festive twist. From ice skating to twinkling markets, it blends nostalgia with vibrant entertainment. Whether you’re spinning on the ice or sipping mulled wine, it’s impossible not to think of old-fashioned winter fairs.

• Dates and Times: November 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Admission: From £5 to £7.50; ticketed attractions. Click here to book.

Christmas at Kew

Kew Gardens’ light trails illuminate more than the trees—they spotlight the garden’s storied past. Kew Gardens has been a place of wonder since the 18th century, and the Christmas at Kew event taps into that enduring charm. Walking the illuminated trails feels like revisiting childhood magic, where light and nature combine to create awe. The nostalgic glow of a million lights reminds visitors of simpler times.

• Dates and Times: November 20, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Admission: From £25.50 to £32. Click here to purchase tickets.

Covent Garden Christmas Market

Covent Garden has been a gathering place since the 17th century, and its Christmas Market embodies that rich history. The square, once a bustling fruit-and-vegetable market, transforms into a festive haven each holiday season. The iconic Christmas tree and vintage decorations bring a sense of nostalgia that feels like the London of storybooks. Street performers add a dash of whimsy, evoking memories of bygone holiday fairs.

• Dates and Times: November 10, 2024 – January 3, 2025
• Admission: Free entry. Learn more here.

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Skating at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is a magical experience steeped in royal history. The palace, once home to King Henry VIII, serves as an awe-inspiring backdrop, connecting the glamour of Tudor celebrations to the modern joy of ice skating. The rink embodies nostalgia for wintry pastimes, with lights and music heightening the sense of wonder.

• Dates and Times: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Admission: Adults £18; Children £13. Book your tickets here.

The Peter Pan Cup

The Peter Pan Cup, held on Christmas morning in Hyde Park, is a nod to the adventurous spirit of early 20th-century London. The race, first held in 1864, became associated with Peter Pan after J.M. Barrie gifted the Serpentine Swimming Club a trophy in 1904. Watching the swimmers plunge into icy water is like witnessing a piece of London’s eccentric history—a blend of bravery and holiday cheer.

• Date and Time: December 25, 2024, at 9:00 AM
• Admission: Free to watch. Learn more here.

Carols at Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall’s Christmas carol concerts are a longstanding tradition, blending music, history, and holiday cheer. These performances, held in one of London’s most iconic venues, offer a magical setting for festive sing-alongs and orchestral masterpieces. For businesses, the event attracts a diverse audience, providing sponsorship opportunities and drawing visitors to nearby restaurants and shops. The grandeur of the venue adds a sense of timelessness, making it a must-attend for holiday enthusiasts.

• Dates and Times: December 14–24, 2024, multiple showtimes. Book showtimes here.
• Admission: Tickets from £20

‍Cruise Through River Thames

A cruise along the River Thames during the Christmas season is more than a scenic ride; it's a journey through London's history. With the city’s landmarks illuminated by festive lights, the experience offers a nostalgic glimpse of London’s maritime heritage. As you glide past landmarks like the Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the reflection of twinkling lights on the water evokes memories of timeless winter evenings. Special holiday cruises feature mulled wine, carols, and even appearances by Santa, making it a festive and cozy outing.

• Dates and Times: Various cruises available from November 2024 through January 2025
• Admission: Prices vary depending on the cruise operator. The Christmas Party Lunch is  £75. Learn about this event here. 

London’s Christmas events are more than festive traditions—they’re vital to the city’s culture, bringing together history, people, and commerce. From family-friendly attractions to luxurious experiences, they showcase how communities thrive and come to life during the holiday season.