Top Christmas events in London

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South Western Railway November 5, 2025 7 min read

In this article, you'll learn the following:

Family Christmas events in London
Christmas events for children in London
Adult Christmas events and experiences in London
Plan your Christmas in London with SWR

London is one of the top Christmas destinations to celebrate the magic of Christmas, offering a wide range of festive events for all ages. From enchanting family experiences and sparkling light trails to classic theatre performances and elegant afternoon teas, the city comes alive with seasonal cheer.

There’s plenty happening in December, so however you choose to celebrate this Christmas season, London is the perfect spot for a day of fun. If you want to explore more, take a look at the best Christmas light festivals in London and the best Christmas markets in London and the South West.

Family Christmas events in London

Bring the whole family together to celebrate Christmas with festive fun that will create lasting memories. From enchanting winter wonderlands to magical garden lights, there are plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy.

Whether kids are meeting Santa, skating on ice, or exploring sparkling trails, London offers perfect festive days out for all ages.

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park

Winter wonderland drone footage at night

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a must-visit festive attraction featuring rides, ice skating, shows and Santa's Grotto that will delight family members of all ages. Enjoy traditional food stalls, festive markets and endless entertainment in a magical setting.

Date: 14 November - 1 January 2026

Price: Off-peak times usually have free entry while other times standard entry tickets start from around £5.50, though you’ll still need to book your tickets beforehand. Once in the park, the rides and activities are an additional fee.

How to get there: There are many ways to get to Winter Wonderland by train using South Western Railway services. Our trains to London include regular services from stations like Woking, Basingstoke, Guildford, Winchester and Southampton Central.

Covent Garden at Christmas

Covent garden at christmas

Covent Garden becomes a sparkling festive spectacle, featuring over 300,000 twinkling lights and an iconic 55-foot British-grown Christmas tree decorated with 30,000 LED lights and more than 200 oversized baubles. The beloved gold bells return to adorn the Market Building, while nearby areas like Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard are also illuminated with seasonal lighting.

Visitors can enjoy lively seasonal entertainment, street performances, and browse delightful Christmas market stalls offering festive treats and unique gifts. Don’t miss Miracle at Henrietta for Christmas-themed cocktails and warm drinks, all creating a joyful holiday atmosphere.

Covent Garden is a premier London’s top shopping destinations, making it the perfect place to pick up Christmas gifts while enjoying the festive atmosphere and beautiful decorations. From unique boutiques to well-known stores, you’ll find plenty of options for holiday shopping in this vibrant area.

Date: 12 November 2025 until January 2026 (exact date TBC).

Price: Price Free to visit the piazza and outdoor decorations. Individual market stalls and performances may have their own prices.

How to get there: Take the Northern line from London Waterloo to Leicester Square, then walk 7 minutes to Covent Garden.

Christmas at Kew

Kew Gardens transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland each festive season with illuminated trails created by world-renowned artists, colourful light displays, and seasonal food stalls serving festive treats. The magical light trail offers a perfect festive outing for families, couples, and nature lovers alike. You might even glimpse Father Christmas along the way.

Date: 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

Price: Adult tickets Off Peak are £27.50 / Peak £34.Child (4-15) tickets Off Peak are £18 / Peak £22. Booking is essential, as spaces are limited. Don’t forget: you can enjoy 2FOR1 tickets to Kew Gardens with SWR Rewards.

How to get there: Kew Bridge station is the nearest station to Kew Gardens when travelling by train. You can get a direct train to Kew Bridge from London and Staines, and other popular routes include travelling from Reading and Woking. From Kew Bridge, you’re just 800m from the Elizabeth Gate entrance.

Christmas events for children in London

Make this Christmas magical for children with a variety of festive experiences designed especially for young audiences. London’s seasonal events promise enchanting activities that will delight and entertain children throughout the festive period.

The Nutcracker London

The nutcracker poster

Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless festive ballet, The Nutcracker, performed by the English National Ballet at the London Coliseum this Christmas season. Follow Clara on a magical journey from Edwardian London to the Land of Sweets & Delights, where enchanting dancing and spectacular sets bring the classic story to life.

This acclaimed production features over 100 dancers and musicians with live orchestral music, stunning costumes, and captivating choreography.

Date: 11 December 2025 to 11 January 2026

Price: Ticket prices vary depending on the ticket seller and performance, with a range of options and discounts available.

How to get there: The London Coliseum is just a short 20-minute walk from Waterloo Station.

London Transport Museum at Christmas

Kids at London Transport museum

© Image credit: London Transport Museum

The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden offers festive family fun with activities such as crafts, storytelling, and exploring historic vehicles decorated for Christmas. Kids can climb aboard Santa’s sleigh in the twinkling winter garden and enjoy seasonal trails and interactive exhibits. It’s a lively and engaging festive outing for families and transport enthusiasts.

Date: TBD (Last year: November 23, 2024, to January 5, 2025)

Price: Admission is generally around £20.50 for adults. Children under 17 go free with a paying adult. Specific event prices may vary; check the museum website for details. Don’t forget: you can enjoy 2FOR1 tickets to with SWR Rewards.

How to get there: Located in Covent Garden, approximately a 5 to 10-minute walk from Waterloo.

Adult Christmas events and experiences in London

For those looking to celebrate Christmas in style, London offers sophisticated and entertaining events perfect for grown-ups. From traditional theatre performances to elegant afternoon teas, there are plenty of ways to soak up the festive atmosphere.

A Christmas Carol London

Experience Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas tale brought to life in London’s West End and other theatres this festive season. Mark Gatiss’s acclaimed adaptation returns to Alexandra Palace Theatre, delivering a spine-chilling yet heartwarming ghost story amid atmospheric Victorian settings. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge through his supernatural journey of redemption, perfectly capturing the magic and spirit of Christmas.

Date: 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

Price: Ticket prices available on the Alexandra Palace Theatre website.

How to get there: The nearest South Western Railway station to Alexandra Palace is London Waterloo. The journey from Waterloo to Alexandra Palace takes about 40 minutes by Tube and bus.

Christmas afternoon tea London experiences

Ritz afternoon tea

Indulge in a festive afternoon tea at one of London’s elegant hotels or tearooms. Seasonal treats and cosy decorations create a perfect setting for a sophisticated Christmas outing. Notable venues include:

The Ritz London - offers an exquisite festive afternoon tea from £120 per adult, complete with Champagne, Christmas carols and a magical Edwardian winter wonderland ambience.

Ting - Perched 35 floors high with panoramic views over London, Ting’s festive afternoon serves seasonal finger sandwiches alongside classic scones and sweet treats such as Santa’s Hat mousse. It is priced at £78 per person, or £88 with a flute of Champagne.

Pan Pacific London – Available from 10th November to 4th January 2026, the Ginger Lily Lounge hosts a traditional festive afternoon tea with decadent flavours, savoury bites and warm scones. Priced at £68 per person.

How to get there: Many venues are centrally located and accessible via London Waterloo or other stations served by South Western Railway.

Plan your Christmas in London with SWR

Christmas in London is the perfect time to explore spooky attractions, family-friendly activities and late-night adventures. Planning ahead is the best way to make the most of your celebrations, and travelling by train means you can enjoy a hassle-free journey into the city without worrying about traffic or parking.

Book advance tickets to secure the best value fares and take advantage of our GroupSave offers when travelling with friends or family. You can also check your eligibility for Railcards and discounts to save even more on your festive day or night out.

For extra flexibility, choose from our Sunday Out or Semi-Flex Return tickets, so you’re free to enjoy your Christmas celebrations without being tied to strict times. If you’re travelling with children, consider a Family and Friends Railcard, which offers 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off child fares. Explore our range of cheap train tickets and benefit from great savings, especially when travelling off-peak.

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