Christmas in the Capital

7 October, 2025

Here are a few of our favourite attractions and activities across London that you can enjoy this festive season.

The best Christmas markets

Set up within the stunning Market Building, Christmas in Covent Garden offers everything from handmade crafts to unique jewellery.

The iconic Borough Market offers some of the finest seasonal foods, cookery masterclasses and gifts for food lovers.

Along with seasonal treats and delicious food, Christmas in Leicester Square is home to a Spiegeltent playing host to a bunch of exciting performances.

Winter Wonderland's market features a range of traders selling locally sourced and handmade crafts, Christmas shopping staples and delicious food and beverages.

Kingston Christmas Market offers magical gifts and street food, along with live music.

Beneath the iconic Trafalgar Square Christmas tree sit 34 wooden chalets offering plenty of festive food and drink, as well as high end gifts.

Southbank Centre Winter Market is the setting for a range of pop-up bars, street food stalls and independent craft traders.

Shop until late on Wednesdays at Old Spitalfields Christmas Market, in between listening to live music, feasting on seasonal treats and wreath making.

Ice skating rinks near you

The UK’s largest open-air ice rink can be found at Winter Wonderland, set around the charming Victorian bandstand in Hyde Park.

Skate through history within the grounds of the beautiful Hampton Court Palace.

Skate in all weathers this winter, protected by the transparent roof at Canary Wharf Ice Rink

GLIDE at Battersea Power Station is London’s only riverside ice rink, surrounded by twinkling lights and a spectacular 30 ft Christmas tree.

A uniquely Swiss themed experience is offered by Skate at Somerset House, set within the stunning courtyard, alongside the Chalet Suisse restaurant and Skate Lounge.

Skate around a huge Christmas tree, under falling snow and to your favourite Christmas tunes at Alexandra Palace.

Take a break from your Christmas shopping and visit the ice rink at Westfield.

London's best Christmas lights

London will begin lighting up imminently, with switch-on ceremonies taking place throughout November and December, so don't miss your favourites:

• Oxford Street, W1: Tuesday 4 November
• Carnaby Street, W1: Thursday 6 November
• Regent Street, W1B: Thursday 6 November
• Covent Garden, WC2: Wednesday 12 November
• Kew Gardens, TW9: Wednesday November
• Chelsea (Duke of York Square), SW3: Saturday 6 November
• Trafalgar Square, WC2N: Thursday 5 December