Ah, winter. The underrated season of short days and cosy nights. It’s easy to forget the heartwarming charm of this time of year: low golden sun in the afternoon, the anticipation of Christmas and festive jumpers full of heart. Luckily, London truly shines in winter. From twinkling lights to magical markets, the UK’s capital transforms into a wonderland of things to see and do.
It’s also the perfect time for a city break. With YHA’s great-value London hostels (easily accessible by public transport), you’ll have the perfect base to explore. Wrap up your year the right way with our top 10 things to do in London this winter. It really is the most wonderful time of the year...
Winter Wonderland
No guide to London is complete without Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. With its gates open for six weeks, the festive fun will run between 14th November 2025 and 1st January 2026. Celebrating its 18th anniversary, London’s giant-sized celebration of all things Christmas is a must-do! With markets, ice skating, a ferris wheel, ice bars and even the world’s largest transportable rollercoaster, it’s the ultimate Christmas celebration.
Top tip: book your tickets early, especially for popular attractions like ice skating. For a more relaxed experience, visit midweek during the day to avoid those pesky weekend crowds.
Festive window displays
When London goes full-on festive, lavish window displays are bound to bring even the biggest humbug out of a slump. From Selfridges and Liberty to Fortnum & Mason and Harrods, expect dazzling decorations and magical storytelling through window design. We reckon the Grinch would even approve of these fabulously festive Christmas window displays.
Top tip: even if you’re on a budget, it’s worth window shopping to soak up the creativity and holiday spirit. For more affordable shopping nearby, explore Covent Garden and its Christmas charm.
Celebrate New Year's Eve in London
See in 2026 with a bang! London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are world-famous, offering incredible views of Big Ben and the Thames. There are six ticketed viewing areas, and many rooftop bars and restaurants host special events with skyline views. If you miss out on tickets, catch the New Year’s Day Parade on 1st January 2026 instead.
Top tip: tickets are required for official viewing areas, so buy early! For free alternatives, head to Cannon Street, Alexandra Palace or Parliament Hill.
Kew Gardens
From 14th November 2025 to 4th January 2026, Kew Gardens lights up with spectacular illuminations. Wander the glittering trail of lights and enjoy installations from artists around the world, street food stalls and warming festive drinks for a magical after-dark experience. Enjoy a holly, jolly Christmas at Kew!
Top tip: tickets are cheaper when booked in advance and even cheaper still when booked during an off-peak period. Also, don’t forget to bring your camera, as it’s one of London’s most Instagrammable winter events.
Oxford Street lights and shopping
Nothing says Christmas quite like Oxford Street’s famous lights. With 300,000 energy-efficient LED stars strung overhead, this iconic shopping street dazzles every December. This year, Oxford Street is partnering with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, hosting fundraising events including the Big Day of Joy on 7th December 2025.
Top tip: visit early in the morning or on a weekday evening to beat the crowds and make the most of the magical atmosphere. Keep an eye out for an enormous range of shops lit up by twinkling lights.
Pantomimes and festive theatre
No city break in the UK over the festive period is complete without a visit to the pantomime (oh no it isn’t!). London’s stages are full of festive fun, from Sleeping Beauty at The London Palladium and A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic. You might even see a number of well-known celebrities!
Top tip: for family-friendly excitement, check out West End favourites like The Lion King, Matilda or Mrs Doubtfire to treat the little ones.
Head to one of London's museums
Perfect for those winter rainy days, London is awash with museums, and luckily, many of the best ones are free! With highlights including The British Museum, Natural History Museum and Imperial War Museum, there’s plenty to learn and discover from the capital’s most creative curations.
Top tip: if you fancy something a little more off-the-beaten-track, try the Museum of Brands or the Charles Dickens Museum, which has a brilliant Christmas Eve event worth a visit!
Go for a wintry walk in Richmond Park
Easily accessible via public transport, head to Richmond Park for a walk around one of south-west London’s quietest spots. Wander among frosty landscapes in the capital’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest. You won’t be escaping the festivities completely, as there are 600-strong herds of red and fallow deer roaming the park.
Top tip: enjoy the wildlife from a distance. These beautiful creatures are best admired respectfully and safely.
Wands at the ready for the Harry Potter guided tour
Calling all wizards and witches! Starting from Leadenhall Market, this wondrous walking tour takes you through some of the most recognisable spots from the ever-popular Harry Potter film series. Discover a magical side of The Big Smoke while on the Tour for Muggles, visiting secret places hidden in plain sight that even a die-hard Potter pro will learn something new!
Top tip: this is a walking tour, so leave your broomsticks at home. Not a Potter fan? There are plenty of film and TV tours in London, such as Bridgerton or Paddington.
Scrumptious street food at the winter markets
It doesn’t truly feel like Christmas until you’ve walked around traditional alpine-style chalets with a hot chocolate in hand. From Winter by the River at London Bridge City to Camden Market and Old Spitalfields to Trafalgar Square, the capital city turns into a wintry wonderland. Regardless of which one you choose, there will be scrumptious street food and twinkling lights guaranteed.
Top tip: grab your hat, scarf and gloves, and make a day of it. Browse for Christmas gifts, tuck into a bratwurst and soak in the unbeatable yuletide ambience.
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Photo credit: Melinda Nagy / Julia / magicbones / warasit / moofushi / Alexey Fedorenko / aerial-drone / Anastassiya / David Iliff / Kasia Batorska / Adobe Stock
