Introduction
December gives London a different rhythm. Streets are lit for Christmas, theatres put on seasonal productions, markets sell gifts and winter food, and many attractions introduce special programmes. There is plenty to enjoy beyond the festive season, too, from free museums and winter walks to indoor activities for cold or rainy days.
If you are searching for things to do in December, the main challenge is choosing what deserves your time and money. A family day out, an evening with a partner and a solo afternoon in the city can call for very different plans.
This guide covers 10 December events with dates, locations, prices and official websites, followed by five activity ideas and 10 more things to do for different budgets and interests. It focuses on London in December 2026, including Christmas events, children’s entertainment, free outings and plans for couples.
Planning note: prices shown are advertised starting prices or published entry prices where available. Check the official booking page for the exact date, current availability, age restrictions and final cost before travelling.
5 Events in London in December 2026
London’s December calendar includes large seasonal attractions, outdoor markets, theatre productions and events for children. These options offer different experiences, from an evening light trail to a daytime shopping trip or a New Year’s Eve celebration. For month wise you can check London Event Calendar by Month
1. Christmas at Kew
Best for: Couples, families and outdoor light displays.
Christmas at Kew transforms parts of Kew Gardens into a ticketed after-dark trail featuring illuminated installations, music and seasonal food. Allow time to follow the route and pause at installations.
- When: Selected dates, 13 November 2026–3 January 2027.
- Where: Kew Gardens, Richmond, south-west London.
- Price: Advertised non-member adult tickets from £29.50 off-peak; peak dates cost more.
- Getting there: Kew Gardens station is served by the District line and London Overground.
Advance booking is essential because entry is timed and some dates have limited availability. Dress for an outdoor evening and check the entrance gate on your ticket. This is a separately ticketed event, not ordinary daytime garden admission.
2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Best for: Families, groups of friends and visitors wanting several attractions in one place.
Winter Wonderland combines fairground rides, food stalls, entertainment, an ice rink and themed attractions in Hyde Park.
- When: 19 November 2026–3 January 2027, excluding Christmas Day.
- Where: Hyde Park, central London.
- Price: Entry advertised from £1 off-peak, £5.50 standard and £8.25 peak; rides and attractions cost extra.
- Getting there: Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch are nearby Underground stations.
Entry and attraction tickets are different. Check which rides and shows require separate booking. Busy evening sessions and weekends may involve queues, so compare time slots before booking.
3. Southbank Centre Winter Market
Best for: Festive food, gift shopping and a riverside walk.
The Winter Market brings seasonal food and gift stalls to the Queen’s Walk beside the Thames. It can be combined with a riverside stroll or dinner nearby.
- When: 2 November 2026–4 January 2027.
- Where: Queen’s Walk, South Bank, near Royal Festival Hall.
- Price: Free to browse; food, drinks and purchases cost extra.
- Getting there: Waterloo is a convenient major station.
Published hours are 11am–10pm daily, with craft traders closing at 9pm; the market is listed as closed on 25 and 31 December. Check the official page for changes. The market is outdoors.
4. Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre
Best for: Christmas shopping, food lovers and historic settings.
This festive shopping event features independent producers and stallholders selling gifts, homewares, jewellery, prints and seasonal food, with live music.
- When: 4–6 December and 11–13 December 2026.
- Where: Great Fountain Garden, Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey.
- Price: Fayre entry is included with valid palace admission; check current prices and booking conditions. Members must pre-book.
- Getting there: Hampton Court railway station is close to the palace.
The Fayre is scheduled for 10am–5pm. Palace access and closing arrangements may differ, so allow extra time if you want to visit the historic interiors and gardens.
5. Winter Palace at Hampton Court Palace
Best for: Families, history fans and an indoor seasonal attraction.
Winter Palace is a themed seasonal experience inside Hampton Court Palace, featuring mythical creatures and a festive story.
- When: 28 November 2026–3 January 2027.
- Where: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey.
- Price: Included with palace admission; members go free but need to pre-book.
- Getting there: Hampton Court railway station.
This differs from the Festive Fayre, which takes place on two December weekends. Check which areas are open and whether additional booking is required. The site involves walking.
Five Different Activities to Try in London in December
Not every December outing needs to be a Christmas attraction. These activities work in winter, but prices and availability depend on the provider. Check directly before booking.
1. Take a pottery or ceramics workshop
A beginner-friendly class may cover hand-building, wheel throwing or decorating ceramics. Ask whether materials, firing and collection or postage are included. It suits dates, small groups and anyone looking for an indoor activity. Search providers in Hackney, Peckham, Walthamstow or central London and confirm the location and experience requirements.
2. Try indoor bouldering
Bouldering involves climbing shorter walls without ropes, using padded flooring and designated routes. Many centres offer introductory sessions and equipment hire. Check minimum ages, induction requirements, footwear hire and booking rules, and follow the centre’s safety instructions.
3. Book a cooking class or food workshop
Classes may cover bread-making, pasta, baking, chocolate or cuisines from around the world. Before paying, check duration, ingredients, dietary accommodation and whether you cook individually or as a group. Gift buyers should confirm how the recipient books a date.
4. Go bowling or try indoor games
Bowling suits families, colleagues and groups because it does not require previous experience. Compare lane prices, session lengths, shoe hire and weekend availability. For children, check age restrictions and whether lighter balls or lane barriers are available.
5. Join a guided architecture or neighbourhood walk
Look for tours focused on Victorian architecture, historic pubs, the City of London, legal London or post-war design. Check route length, meeting point, weather policy, cancellation terms and whether building entry is included.
5 More Things to Do in London in December
These ideas are separate from the named events and bookable activities above. They cover free outings, paid attractions, family options and ideas for couples. And there are many things to do in London by month, festive, season.
1. See the Christmas lights along Oxford Street and Regent Street — free
Walk through central London’s well-known shopping streets to see seasonal decorations. Combine the lights with window-shopping or a warm drink. Evenings and weekends can be busy; check travel information because central road arrangements can change.
2. Visit a free museum
The British Museum in Bloomsbury, Natural History Museum and Science Museum in South Kensington offer free general admission to their permanent collections. Special exhibitions may charge, and some venues use timed entry. Check official opening times, bag policies and closures.
3. Explore Covent Garden’s seasonal displays
Covent Garden combines market buildings, shops, cafés and seasonal decorations. It works well as part of a West End day without booking a specific event. It can be busy in the run-up to Christmas; reserve a restaurant if needed.
4. Take a winter walk through a royal park
St James’s Park suits central sightseeing, Greenwich Park has views towards Canary Wharf, and Regent’s Park has broad paths and landscaped areas. December daylight is limited, so plan the route and check the weather.
5. Enjoy a view from Sky Garden
Sky Garden offers an indoor garden and city views in the City of London. Booking arrangements and free-entry availability can change. Check the official website for entry requirements, time slots, identification rules and food or drink options.
How to Plan a December Day Out in London
- Choose the main reason for going out: a ticketed event, family outing, shopping, culture or a quiet walk.
- Check the date and opening time. Seasonal attractions may run only on selected dates or use timed entry.
- Book high-demand experiences early. Theatre, light trails and New Year’s Eve viewing areas can have limited availability.
- Group activities by location. Pair nearby attractions and allow time for walking between them.
- Set a budget. Food, drinks, transport and optional extras can raise the total beyond the entry ticket.
- Check transport before leaving. Weekend engineering works and holiday timetables can affect journeys. Use https://tfl.gov.uk/ for service updates.
- Plan for the weather. Carry a waterproof layer and comfortable shoes, and have an indoor alternative.
Free and Paid December Plans Compared
| Type of outing | Examples | Main cost to consider | Best for |
| Free outdoor outing | Christmas lights, park walk, historic streets | Transport, food and drinks | Budget-conscious visitors |
| Free-entry culture | Museum permanent collections | Special exhibitions or donations, where applicable | Families and culture fans |
| Ticketed seasonal event | Light trails and theatre | Admission, transport and optional extras | Planned evenings out |
| Hands-on activity | Pottery, cooking or climbing | Class/session fee and equipment hire | Couples and groups |
| Family attraction | Children’s theatre or museum visits | Tickets, travel and meals | Families with children |
| Special occasion | Afternoon tea or New Year’s Eve plans | Reservation, menu and event tickets | Couples and celebrations |
Conclusion
London in December offers more than Christmas markets and seasonal lights. You can book a major event, take children to a short theatre production, spend an afternoon in a museum or keep costs down with street decorations and a winter walk.
Start by checking dates and prices for the events that interest you most. Then choose one or two nearby activities, leave room for a meal or warm-up stop, and confirm transport before travelling. If you are planning around Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Eve, verify opening hours and ticket requirements because normal arrangements may not apply.
For more ideas, browse London City Directory’s local business and neighbourhood guides to find cafés, restaurants, attractions and services near the places you plan to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in London in December 2026?
Popular options include Christmas at Kew, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the Southbank Centre Winter Market, seasonal theatre and free Christmas-light walks. The best choice depends on your budget, interests and whether you are travelling with children.
What can I do in London in December for free?
You can view seasonal street lights, visit museums with free general admission, walk through royal parks, explore historic streets and browse Covent Garden. Check for exhibition charges, booking requirements and holiday hours.
Which December events in London are good for children?
Stick Man, Cirque Alice, Winter Wonderland and daytime museum visits are options. Check age recommendations, performance lengths, ticket terms and height restrictions before booking.
What can couples do in London in December?
Couples could book The Nutcracker, visit Christmas at Kew, see central London lights, enjoy afternoon tea or plan a riverside walk followed by dinner. Reserve ticketed experiences and restaurants where possible.
Are London Christmas events open on Christmas Day?
Not all of them. Winter Wonderland and the Southbank Centre Winter Market are listed as closed on 25 December. Other attractions may have special hours or close, so check the venue’s official page.
Do I need to book London December events in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended for ticketed light trails, popular theatre productions and official New Year’s Eve fireworks. Some free activities may still use timed-entry bookings.
How much should I budget for a December event in London?
Costs depend on the activity. Free walks and museum collections may cost only transport and refreshments, while ticketed attractions and theatre can cost considerably more. Include food, travel and optional extras.
What should I wear for London in December?
Wear layers, a warm coat and comfortable shoes. A waterproof jacket or umbrella is useful for outdoor events, while gloves or a scarf can make evening walks more comfortable.
Is public transport available in London over Christmas and New Year?
Transport arrangements vary, with special timetables and closures possible around Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Check Transport for London’s service updates before travelling.
Where can I find more London events and local activities?
Check official venue calendars, Visit London’s seasonal listings and TfL service updates. London City Directory can also help readers find nearby businesses and services.
