A cozy guide to things to do in London during the winter

London in the winter might have a reputation for being unpredictable when it comes to weather, but don’t be put off, as winter is one of the best times to visit, especially in December, when the capital undergoes a festive transformation straight out of a movie. It’s true that it might not snow until February, if at all, but you can still see Hogwarts covered in snow at the Warner Bros Studios. Hop from one cozy pub to another, or take afternoon tea before catching a show at the theater. Here is the ultimate winter guide to London.

London’s best winter activities at a glance

The best places to find winter markets in London: The South Bank and London Bridge City have great riverside Christmas markets, and there are always hearty seasonal dishes at Leadenhall Market.

The top things to do for kids and families visiting London in winter: Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park or Warner Bros Studios, which gets a seasonal makeover in winter.

Romantic winter spots for couples in London: London has plenty of cozy pubs to enjoy a Sunday roast dinner by a crackling fire, or catch the annual run of the “Nutcracker” at the Royal Opera House.

Unique events that take place in London in winter: Christmas concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, and the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show.

1. Experience a magical winter-themed wonderland in central London

Every year, Hyde Park transforms into a Christmas wonderland. Let the scent of mulled wine and hot chocolate in the air invite you in, and stay for the thrilling rides, the crowd karaoke, and fun fairground games.

Why do it in winter?

Winter Wonderland can only be enjoyed for six weeks, starting the last week of November. The dazzling light displays and decorations make it one of the most seasonally festive spots in London. The wintertime allows the Magical Ice Kingdom to be built each year, a walk-through display of palaces, forests, and mythical creatures sculpted from ice.

Address and opening hours

Louisa Duckworth Walk, London, W1K 7AN. Open everyday 10AM-10PM between November and January. Dates change yearly,

2. Fill up on Bratwurst and minced pies at London’s Christmas markets

The winter markets at the Southbank Centre are known for tasty bites, and the Covent Garden markets are about as Christmassy as London can get — the entire glass-covered market often transformed by giant baubles and mistletoe. Watch a free Punch and Judy show here and take photos under the towering Christmas tree.

Why do it in the winter?

The markets transform typical tourist areas in London into winter grottos, making the city look even more beautiful. The Trafalgar Square markets are frequented by carol singers, and many of the markets have sheltered booths where you can enjoy a cozy moment out of the cold with a spiced cider.

Address and opening hours

Opening hours vary for different locations.

3. Go ice-skating outside of London’s most jaw-dropping buildings

For a limited time each winter season, outdoor ice-skating rinks pop up around London with landmark backdrops. Tick them off one-by-one, starting at Somerset House, Hampton Court Palace, Battersea Power Station, and Queen’s House in Greenwich.

Why do it in winter?

Winter is the only time that you can ice-skate in front of some of the most historical and recognizable buildings in London, a memory that will stay with you forever. There is something enchanting about gliding through the crisp air to holiday music, hanging up your boots and enjoying a hot toddy by the rink afterward.

Address and opening hours

Opening hours vary by location.

4. Enjoy an evening in the West End at the theater

Head to London’s dazzling West End to enjoy a night at the theater. Watch long-running shows like Les Misérables and Oliver, or look for temporary productions that often have cheaper tickets.

Why do it in winter?

For the most part of the year, this side of London never sleeps, but during the winter, the streets in the West End are adorned with majestic light displays, like the giant sparkling angels on Regent’s Street. As everyone is enjoying London’s Christmas spirit outdoors, it is often one of the best times to catch a show.

Address and opening hours

Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES. Performance times vary from theater to theater.

5. Follow the illuminated trails at Kew Gardens

Walk through the twinkling lights of the seasonal illumination festival, Christmas at Kew Gardens. Sparkling tunnels, lantern trails, and trees wrapped in lights make this the perfect way to kick off the most wonderful time of the year. Make pit stops along the trail for roasted chestnuts and warm drinks.

Why do it in winter?

Running between November and January, the short winter days mean you can see the lights in full effect from as early as 4:30 PM, leaving plenty of time for evening activities.

Address and opening hours

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TW9 3AF. Open from mid-November until early January each year, with a few closures throughout.

6. Escape the cold inside one of London’s museums and galleries

Delve into London’s history and art culture at places like the British Museum, the National Gallery, and spend hours exploring the installations and interpretive pieces at Tate Modern.

Why do it in winter?

One thing you cannot rely on in London is the weather, but don’t write-off visiting in the winter. The cold season is one of the best times to enjoy the warmth and shelter of London’s museums and galleries, many of which are free to enter.

7. Go pub-hopping around London’s historical taverns

Pub-hop around London, sampling local ales and hearty traditional pub fare — a quintessentially English experience. Get snug in renowned pubs like the Churchill Arms in Kensington, or at London’s oldest riverside tavern, the Prospect of Whitby in Wapping.

Why do it in winter?

There aren’t many feelings like stepping into a warm, cozy pub, the smell of old wood and ale filling the air, after being able to see your breath in the crisp air outside.

8. See the set of Harry Potter covered in snow

Whether you’re an avid Harry Potter fan or a parent looking for something in London to captivate the family, take a trip to the Warner Bros Studio to see the wizarding world up close, an especially magical experience at Christmas.

Why do it in winter?

The sets of the Harry Potter films undergo a festive transformation every winter, so even if you’ve visited before, you will be able to see it in an entirely different way during the winter. Diagon Alley is dusted in snow and the Hogwarts dining hall is filled with Christmas trees.

Address and opening hours

Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR. Friday to Tuesday, 8:30 PM- 10:00 PM, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 PM- 10:00 PM.

9. Enjoy artisanal bites and luxury shopping at a Victorian market

Browse the boutiques or eat in a traditional pub under the elegant Victorian ironwork of Leadenhall Market, one of London’s most architecturally beautiful structures.

Why do it in winter?

Leadenhall Market is worth a visit all year round, but during winter, the festive decor is particularly inviting. It is a lively yet refined refuge from the outdoors. As one of London’s most Instagram-able locations, the Christmas lights only enhance its captivating atmosphere.

Address and opening hours

Gracechurch St, London, EC3V 1LT. Public areas are open 24/7, but shop, market and restaurant opening times vary.

10. Explore the Winter by the River pop-up at London Bridge

This relatively new regular installation lights up the banks of the London Bridge City end of the River Thames each winter. Starting from The Scoop at Tower Bridge and stretching past Hays Galleria, Winter By The River sees the riverbank decorated with wooden cabins selling sweet treats, festive street food, and handmade crafts.

Why do it in winter?

As the days are shorter, the surrounding city landmarks like Tower Bridge and The Tower of London are illuminated by 4:00 PM, creating a stunning backdrop for wandering through the markets by the river.

Address and opening hours

2A More London Pl, London, SE1 2DB. Open from mid-November to early January. Open from 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Sunday to Wednesday and until 10:00 PM Thursday to Saturday.

11. Hear the city sing with Christmas carols around London

Attend special Christmas carol services at St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Albert Hall, St. Martin-in-the-Fields or Westminster Abbey, or hear some for free in Covent Garden or Trafalgar Square around the Christmas tree.

Why do it in winter?

Romanticising London doesn't have to be unique to films and books set in the city. Gathering in a crowd around Christmas carolers in the winter, cupping a steamy drink with your hands as you sing along is a heartwarming activity, and only enhances your festive cheer.

12. Take afternoon tea in one of London’s iconic locations

Tea is a staple in England, so there is no shortage of ways to experience it. Take afternoon tea in London on a bus, on a boat on the Thames, in the Royal Albert Hall, or at London’s classic afternoon tea venues like Claridges, The Ritz, The Savoy, or Fortnum and Mason.

Why do it in winter?

Londoners would put the kettle on even on the hottest day of the year, but winter is an especially snuggly time to experience this traditional British custom, especially on an old Routemater bus, so you can see London’s winter decorations at the same time.

13. Watch a timeless performance at London’s longest-running ballet.

Spend a night at one of London’s most intricately choreographed ballets, Tchaicovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’. Enter a whimsical world of dancing snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Land of Sweets at the Royal Opera House.

Why go in winter?

The Nutcracker was made to put you in the holiday spirit. It tells the story of a young girl who receives a Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. The Royal Opera House is in Covent Garden, which is abundant in Christmas markets and festive installations.

Address and opening hours

Bow St, London, WC2E 9DD. Runs between early December and mid-January each year. The performance lasts 2 hours and 20 mins, including a 30-minute intermission.

FAQs

What are the best winter activities in London?

Ice-skating outside London landmarks like Somerset House is one of the best things to do in London in the winter, as well as seeing the light displays on Regent’s Street, Oxford Street, and Carnaby Street. It’s also the best time to go pub-hopping and walk along the Christmas markets on the South Bank.

Are there any winter events or festivals in London?

Yes, there are lots of winter festivals and events in London. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the most well-known, but there are Christmas markets in Covent Garden, Leicester Square, the Southbank Centre, and Trafalgar Square. There are also light displays at Kew Gardens and Chiswick House, and many seasonal shows in the West End.

What are some of the best day trips from London in winter?

One of the best winter day trips from London is to the Cotswolds, a quintessentially English patch of countryside, characterized by quaint honey-colored villages nestled in the rolling hills. Hop on a train from Paddington to Bath to spend a day wandering Georgian streets and enjoying cozy tea rooms. More easy places to get to from London that are enchanting during the winter are Canterbury, Cambridge, Windsor, and the medieval seaside town of Rye.

What should I pack for a winter trip to London?

There are a few essentials you will need for your trip to the Big Smoke in the winter months — warm clothes, a waterproof coat, an umbrella and waterproof shoes in case it rains, and gloves.

Are there any seasonal foods I should try in winter in London?

A pub Roast Dinner is a tradition on Sundays, followed by a winter pudding like Sticky Toffee Pudding or Christmas pudding. Scones with clotted cream and jam should accompany afternoon tea. Don’t stop at seasonal foods — foodies can find some of the best dishes they’ve had in London.