15 Festive Things To Do When Visiting London In The Winter

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London in the winter, especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas, is a brilliant place! I spent all of December in London with my family last year, and while the weather was frosty and the days were short, the vibe was festive, and the pubs, theaters, and museums were warm and cozy. It even snowed once – not enough for the winter wonderland I was hoping for, but beggars can’t be choosers with London weather.

In short, I loved it, and I highly recommend spending at least a week in the city, especially in the winter off-season months and especially in December. To be clear, it’s still a busy city, but I think there are fewer tourists because most people spend their holidays at home. This means you get a more local Britt attitude (which is sassy; I’ve never heard more elegant cursing in my life!). 🫢

Here’s a quick look at my favorite things to do in London in winter:

✅ Hit up the Christmas Markets in London – they are amazing, especially Southbank Market and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Think ice skating rinks, German-style Christmas villages, mulled wine, and ice sculpting!
✅ Go shopping at Covent Garden – it explodes with Christmas lights and is a great place for finding gifts and Instagram pictures.
✅ Visit the best museums in the world for free – the National Gallery is one of my favorites.
✅ Date night at the theater – London’s theater scene is in high season all winter. The shows compete with New York’s, and tickets are cheaper than in the States. (I use London Theater Direct to shop for cheap last-minute tickets!)
✅ Indulge in the pub life. When the weather is shit and the days are short, the pubs are warm and cozy. I love Sunday feasts at The Cleveland Arms.

Let’s jump into all of the best things to do and my tips for visiting London in the winter. I’ll include some of my favorite pubs, where my favorite Christmas markets are located, what to pack for the blistering cold, how to get around, and a few quick-hitter logistical FAQs at the end.

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Best London Christmas Markets

There are tons of winter markets in London, but there are a few standouts for me. I would recommend allotting at least half a day to each market because they are quite large and there are tons of things to do, shop, and eat at each place. Here are my favorites:

• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – Open until January 2nd, this is one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe! There’s an ice rink, carnival wheel, ice sculpting, Christmas parties, and a whole bunch of other stuff that will bring your jolly spirit through the roof. Note that you will need to book an entry slot on their website.

• Southbank Center Winter Market – Open until December 26, this market is on the south bank of the River Thames, which I don’t usually venture to often. The reason I love this market is because of the cute little German-looking huts selling goodies like handpainted Christmas ornaments, small toys, and stocking stuffers.

• Covent Garden Christmas Village – The holy grail of Christmas meets capitalism. I spent way too much time shopping in Covent Garden last Christmas, walking around the festive stores and sampling the roasted chestnuts and mulled wine stalls. There’s also a giant lit-up Christmas Tree in the middle and more lights than you can imagine.

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15 Best Things To Do In London In The Winter

I’ll be upfront that this is NOT an exhaustive list of all the things you can do in London. While researching for my trip, I came across blogs with 100+ things to do in the city, and while they were on point, those lists exhausted me. Instead, these are my favorite winter-specific things to do in London. This means November to March. Hell, I’ll even throw in April as a winter month, considering the weather! 🫠

1. Book A Fun Holiday Tour

Here are some of the best city tours which I think are great for a London winter day. Remember, bundle up; these are not for fair-weather fans!

Holiday Tours I Recommend	Highlights	Cost	Time
London Helicopter Tour for Two	Bottle of Champagne Romantic 💖 Unique & Private	$955 (2ppl)	35 min
London Winter River Cruise	Small Group Thames River Cruise City of Westminster	$50	4 hrs
Christmas Markets Walking Tour	Mulled Wine Included Local Guide & History Covent Garden Trafalgar Square	$55	1.5 hrs
Harry Potter Walking Tour	Super Fun Guide Potter Movie Locations Great for Kids	$25	3 hrs

2. Hit Up The Christmas Markets

I already outlined my favorite above, but in short, I was blown away by the Christmas markets in London. It was like walking into a holiday postcard. Every market has its own personality, with vintage vibes and gourmet goodies. This is the perfect spot to grab one-of-a-kind gifts and treat yourself to some seriously good mulled wine.

One of my favorites is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. It’s open until January 2nd, and is one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe! There’s an ice rink, carnival wheel, ice sculpting, Christmas parties, and a bunch of cute stuff to bring your jolly spirit through the roof. Note that you must book a slot to attend, but it’s easy; just go to their website.

Another great Christmas I love is the Southbank Center Winter Market. Open until December 26, this market is on the south bank of the River Thames, which I don’t usually venture to often. I love this market because of the cute little wooden houses selling goodies like handpainted Christmas ornaments, small toys, and stocking stuffers.

3. Ice Skating in Somerset House

This is by far one of the more iconic things to do in London in the winter. Ice skating at Somerset House is like gliding into a winter dream. The setting is epic – think a grand historical building meets an icy wonderland. After showing off your moves (or clinging to the sides, no judgment!), you can chill at the rink-side bar like I did. 🤠

4. Christmas Lights at Covent Garden

You can’t go to London in the Winter without visiting Covent Garden – it takes Christmas lights to a whole new level. It’s not just about the lights; it’s the atmosphere buzzing with festive energy, the shopping during the day, the lights, and the market at night. The area is decked out in the most stunning decorations, and there’s always something happening, from music to performances.

Did you know? Covent Garden often features giant mistletoe chandeliers – super romantic and totally Instagram-worthy.

5. See a Pantomime Play (& Enjoy British Tradition)

If you can, try to catch a pantomime play, which is a classic British holiday tradition. It’s a mix of slapstick comedy, musical numbers, and audience participation (oh yes, you’ll be shouting at the stage!). Panto is fun, family-friendly (so bring the kids), and a great way to experience British humor at its best.

Here’s a quirky fact: Pantomimes often feature a male actor in a leading female role, known as the ‘Pantomime Dame’, which adds to the hilarity! 🎭

6. Holiday Shopping in SOHO

SOHO during the holidays is like the ultimate shopping spree with a festive twist. The streets are super decorated, the shops range from funky boutiques to high-end brands, and the whole area just oozes Christmas. It’s the perfect place to find luxury gifts or treat yourself because SOHO has some of the quirkiest little shops around – you can find everything from vintage records to artisan chocolates.

The streets to hit up for shopping near SOHO include Regent Street, Bond Street, and Carnaby Street.

7. Enjoy An Afternoon Tea Experience

I went to an afternoon tea at the Ritz on another trip to London in the fall, and in winter, it’s even more special. Think cozy tea rooms, warm scones, delicate sandwiches, and a selection of teas. Many places offer a festive twist on their menu during winter.

Cost Expectations: I will mention that Afternoon Tea is not the cheapest thing to do. I paid about $80 for the set menu “tasting” without a champagne pairing. I still think it was worth it for the experience – at least once.

8. Enjoy Hyde Parks Winter Wonderland

Most of the time when I’m in London, I’m staying at my friend’s place near Hyde Park while she’s off traveling the world herself. And how amazing it was this past December because Hyde Park in winter transforms into this massive, festive playground called Winter Wonderland. It’s got everything: ice skating, festive markets, fairground rides, and loads of food stalls. It’s a great spot for all ages, but especially kids, and a perfect way to spend a winter evening.

Fun Fact: Winter Wonderland includes a giant carnival wheel, giving you stunning views of the park and the city all lit up.

9. Mulled Wine & Carolling at Trafalgar Square

There’s nothing like warming up with mulled wine while listening to carol singers in Trafalgar Square. It’s a real community vibe, with local choirs performing and everyone getting into the holiday spirit. Plus, the square’s Christmas tree is a sight to behold.

➡️ Love this Small-Group Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Mulled Wine & Christmas Markets) ⬅️

Fun fact: The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is an annual gift from Norway to the UK, a tradition that’s been going on since 1947.

10. Go To The London Theaters

London’s theater scene is legendary, and winter is a great time to catch a show. From blockbuster musicals to classic plays, you have to go. I highly recommend the Tina Turner Musical and catching an opera at the Royal Opera House. See if you can grab last-minute tickets here.

The theaters themselves, all decked out for the holidays, are worth the visit alone. In fact, many theaters in London are centuries old, full of history and stories, adding an extra layer of magic to your theater experience.

11. Indulge In The Pub Life

Diving into London’s pub scene is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket but with a pint (or multiple) in hand. Each pub has its own character, from historic, wood-paneled nooks to modern gastropubs serving up gourmet foods. It’s the perfect way to experience British culture, especially on a chilly winter day.

Here are some of my favorites around London – I love that some of these pubs are centuries old!

• The Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden (oldest)
• The Cleveland Arms in Hyde Park (my fave)
• The White Haus (upscale, lodge-feel)

12. Club It Up at Carwash Nightclub

Carwash Nightclub is your spot if you’re up for a night of retro fun. I went with a bunch of old college friends, and we had a blast! The multi-level club is known for its throwback tunes and funky, disco vibe – think 70s and 80s classics that’ll have you dancing all night. It’s a total blast from the past and a great way to heat up those cold London nights.

Also, Carwash has been dubbed Europe’s longest-running disco and funk club, so you’re in for a wild-ass night! And don’t worry, they have a coat check!

13. A Day At The Museums

London’s museums are not just about escaping the cold; they’re treasure troves of art, history, and science that the English stole, cheated, borrowed and bought from around the world. The top museums to visit are the Natural History Museum, The British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Don’t forget the quirky ones like the Sherlock Holmes Museum!

And the best part? Many of them are free to enter.

14. The Harry Potter Studios Tour

We didn’t personally do the tour, but we regret it because the guide takes you to all the best filming locations from the movies, as well as Platform 9 3/4. Imagine strolling through the Great Hall, peeking into Dumbledore’s office, and even wandering down Diagon Alley with a fun fellow Harry Potter fan, discussing movie versus book, fan theories, and actual London history.

➡️ This is the Best Harry Potter Tour for Families! ⬅️

And during winter, it’s all extra special with the Hogwarts in the Snow feature, where the sets are dusted with snow – it’s like stepping right into a wintry wizarding world. Plus, you get to see how they make movie snow!

15. Visit Buckingham Palace

I had to put some royal things on the list, but truly, checking out Buckingham Palace in winter has its charm. The crowds are thinner, so you can get a good look at the iconic façade and maybe even catch the Changing of the Guard without too much jostling. While the State Rooms are closed to the public in winter, the exterior is impressive enough for some royal photo ops.

Did you know? The Palace has 775 rooms, and the balcony where the royal family appears for major events is a globally recognized symbol of the British monarchy. 🏰

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Places To Visit Near London In Winter

There are a couple of places about an hour’s train ride from London that are festive during the winter, both of which I’ve been to and can attest to the cuteness factor – Windsor and Bath. I’ve included a tour I went on, which I thought was great because it took care of the transportation and had the added perk of a personal tour guide. I’ve also included some notes on how to get to Windsor and Bath by train on your own and what to see.

➡️ Small Group Day Trip To Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath ⬅️

Note: It will be a full-ass day on a mini-bus, but I prefer the tour because it’s more bang for your buck, and if it’s your first time, the tour guide is super informative.

✔️ Windsor

Just a short train ride from London, Windsor in winter is like stepping into a Royal Christmas card. The main draw is Windsor Castle, which usually hosts special holiday tours. The town itself is super quaint, with lovely shops and cafes all decked out for the holidays. To get there, hop on a train from London Paddington or Waterloo, and you’ll be there in under an hour.

✔️ Bath

Bath is like a little slice of historical heaven, especially in winter. The Christmas market here is super nice, set against the backdrop of stunning Georgian architecture. You’ve also got the Roman Baths and the Bath Abbey, which look even more magical with a bit of frost. Trains from London Paddington will get you there in about 90 minutes. During Christmas, the whole city of Bath feels like a festive wonderland, with twinkling lights and seasonal cheer around every corner.

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London In The Winter Weather

The weather in London during the winter is chilly, sometimes a bit damp, but it’s not like you’re stepping into a freezer. Temperatures usually hover between 2°C and 8°C. For my American friends, that’s in the range of 35-45°F.

Snow? Yeah, it happens, but it’s more of a light dusting than a full-on winter wonderland situation. It’s rare to see the city covered in a thick blanket of snow. Mostly, you’ll get those crisp, cold days where you can see your breath in the air – perfect for wrapping up in your coziest scarf and exploring. And if it does snow, it’s pretty magical, but don’t expect it to stick around for too long.

Set your expectations to a classic British winter – a bit chilly, sometimes wet, but totally manageable. 🌨️🧣

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Packing Guide for a London Winter

Packing for a winter trip to London is all about staying warm and comfy while still being ready for those classic British drizzles.

Here’s my go-to list:

1. Warm Layers: Think thermals or long-sleeve tees for your base layer. Add a cozy sweater or fleece on top – layers are key because indoor places like pubs can be quite warm.
2. Sturdy Outerwear: A good, warm coat is a must. Waterproof if you can, because you never know when that London drizzle will hit.
3. Waterproof Shoes: Comfortable for walking and waterproof, preferably a nice boot. You’ll be doing a lot of exploring on foot, and nobody likes soggy socks.
4. Accessories: Scarves, gloves, and a hat. They’re not just stylish – they’ll keep you toasty.
5. Umbrella: Go for a sturdy one that can handle a bit of wind. London’s rain can be sneaky.
6. Travel Adapter: If you’re coming from outside the UK, you’ll need a UK power adapter for your devices. You can always grab one for cheap in London, but it’s definitely a must.
7. Moisturizer and Lip Balm: The cold can be harsh on your skin, so keep it hydrated.
8. A Day Pack: For carrying your essentials while you’re out and about. A backpack or crossbody bag works great. All the Londoners are sporting one, too, so you’ll fit right in.
9. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while you’re on the go – I put hot tea in mine. Plus, it’s eco-friendly!

Remember, London’s style is quite chic, so if you’re into fashion, this is your chance to rock those cool winter looks. But comfort is key, especially with all the walking around. Happy packing!

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FAQ: Winter In London

Here are a few questions I get from people wanting to visit London in the winter.

Is it worth visiting London in winter?

Absolutely! Winter in London is one of those things that I think should be on everyone’s bucket list. London, especially at Christmas, is as iconic as NYC, and the Christmas markets are even cuter because they have this European vibe.

Also, January is the least visited month in London, but it’s a great time to see the city without any tourists. There are a bunch of after-holiday sales, and you’ll have all the iconic hot spots to yourself. The only catch is that it’s cold AF. But London is cold all winter long, so why not take a trip in January when there are virtually no tourists and the prices are the lowest?

What is a London winter like?

In the winter, London is pretty cold, usually hovering between 2°C and 8°C. For my American friends, that’s in the range of 30-40°F. You’ll get a bit of rain and maybe some snow if you’re lucky, which honestly makes the city look like a postcard. The days are also shorter, so you get that cozy, early evening vibe when you should be heading to the nearest pub or theater for a nightcap and culture.

What’s more, the city totally decks itself out for the holidays. We’re talking twinkling lights everywhere, those cute Christmas markets with all the crafts and hot drinks (hello, mulled wine!), and there’s always something going on, like festive shows or New Year’s parties. It’s like the whole city’s buzzing with the holiday spirit.

If it’s too cold for you to be outside, the museums and galleries are top-notch, and a lot of them are free, which is awesome. Plus, the theatre scene is on fire in winter – you’ve got to catch a musical if you can.

My last little observation I want to share is that London does get a bit crowded in December, especially during the holidays, but that’s part of the fun. Just remember to layer up, pack waterproof boots and a big coat, and keep yourself toasty.

Is it worth going to London at Christmas?

London during Christmas is a must at least once in your life! It’s like stepping into your very own holiday movie (Love Actually? The Holiday?!) The city lights up with incredible Christmas lights and decorations that turn the streets into twinkling wonderland. There’s this amazing festive buzz everywhere, with Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and loads of holiday events.

Plus, the vibe in London at Christmas – with cozy pubs, hearty food, and all the classic British traditions – it’s just unbeatable. It’s the kind of experience that’ll leave you with stories and memories to share for years. 🎄✨

How do you get around London in the winter?

Getting around London in winter is pretty easy. The Tube (that’s the London Underground) is your best friend – it’s like the veins of the city, getting you close to pretty much anywhere you want to go. Buses are great too, especially for seeing the city’s sights from up top on a double-decker. Payment is contactless, so just tap your card on and off everywhere.

If it’s super chilly or a bit wet, you can always grab a black cab or use Uber – a bit pricier, but hey, it’s warm and dry! Just bundle up, keep an eye on the weather, and you’re all set to zip around London like a local!

Is December a good time to visit London?

December in London is magical. The whole place is lit up like a Christmas tree, and there’s this electric holiday vibe in the air. You’ve got the festive markets, twinkling lights, and all those cozy pubs to duck into when you need a break from the chill. Sure, it’s a lot of frosty air and a bit crowded, but that’s all part of the fun. It’s the perfect time to see London in full festive swing and really soak up that classic British holiday charm..

What is the cheapest month to travel to London?

If you’re looking to save some cash and still have a blast in London, aim for January or February. After all the holiday hoopla in December, things chill out a bit for the next months (literally and figuratively).

Fewer tourists mean hotels often drop their prices to attract visitors, so you can snag some decent deals on accommodation. Plus, flights tend to be cheaper post-holiday season. Sure, it’s a bit cold and a lot rainy, but hey, that’s what those cozy British pubs are for, right? Just bundle up, enjoy the quieter streets, and hey, maybe even catch a winter sale or two while you’re at it! 💷🧣🇬🇧

Are winters harsh in London? Does it snow?

Define harsh. 🥲 They’re more nippy than harsh, really. We’re talking chilly, sometimes a bit damp, but it’s not like you’re stepping into a freezer.

Snow? Yeah, it happens, but it’s more of a light dusting than a full-on winter wonderland situation. It’s rare to see the city covered in a thick blanket of snow. Mostly, you’ll get those crisp, cold days where you can see your breath in the air – perfect for wrapping up in your coziest scarf and exploring. And if it does snow, it’s pretty magical, but don’t expect it to stick around for too long. So, harsh? Nah. It’s more like a classic British winter – a bit chilly, sometimes wet, but totally manageable.

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Conclusion: London In The Winter is Magical

London is busiest in the weeks leading up to Christmas, so expect crowds at that time. This is also the time when all the lights are up, festivity, markets, and Love Actually cheer is in the air!

Christmas time in London is one of those things you have to do once in your life, just like visiting NYC! Here are my recommended things to do:

• The Christmas Markets in London, especially Southbank Market. Some even have ice skating rinks and a Christmas carnival for the kids, like the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
• Covent Garden explodes with Christmas lights and is a great place for shopping and mulled wine.
• The best museums in the world are in London, and most are free. The National Gallery (free) is one of my favorites.
• London’s theater scene is in high season all winter. The shows compete with New York’s in both range and options, and tickets are usually cheaper in London than in the States.
• Pub life is the best life in London. The weather is shit, and the days are short, but the pubs are warm and cozy.

My last little bit of insider travel advice is to NOT be afraid to travel to London in January or February. The weather is similar to December in London, but the city has no tourists, and the airfare and hotel prices are at their lowest all year. Happy travels!