London is at its best in December, when the nights draw in, twinkling lights stretch across the West End, and the whole city gets into the festive spirit. With SWR trains taking you straight into the heart of the capital, getting there is easy, leaving you with more time to soak up the festive fun after dark.
Plus, when you book your journey with SWR, you can unlock SWR Rewards, giving you access to exclusive offers and discounts on a whole host of London experiences. So, we’ve rounded up ten wintery nights out worth hopping on the train for this festive season.
1. See London’s most iconic Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic
Image credit: Manuel Harlan.
No Christmas is truly complete without Dickens, and there’s no better place to see Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from curmudgeon to redemption than The Old Vic.
The five-time Tony Award-winning adaptation is returning for its 10th year on stage, making it London’s longest running version of the festive favourite. You’ll even be offered complimentary satsumas and mince pies on arrival – the theatre gets through 40,000 of them every year! It’s on from November 12 to January 9, and it sells out every year, so make sure to book early.
🚆 2 minute walk from Waterloo
2. Raise a festive toast at Miracle on Russell Street
If you like your Christmas over-the-top, The Henrietta Hotel’s Christmas bar is the place for you. Miracle on Russell Street is a kitsch, festive wonderland, covered in baubles and twinkly lights, and it only pops up once a year in the weeks before Christmas. Every nook is filled with something festive, from vintage TVs playing Christmas classics to fake fireplaces, and of course, a fully seasonal drinks menu, including a gingerbread Snowball Old-Fashioned and cranberry-rosemary Christmapolitan. It’s London’s most flamboyant tribute to Christmas, and one worth coming back to every year.
🚆 18 minute walk from Waterloo
🚆2 stops on the Northern line to Charing Cross + 9 minute walk
3. Dance your way around the West End on a festive silent disco walking tour
Credit: Unsplash, Philippe BONTEMPS
London’s most magical night out is brought to you by Boogie Shoes, the family-run team who guide you through the sparkling lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden, and beyond. The soundtrack mixes Christmas classics with feel-good pop and disco hits, while the inimitable host, Boogie Mama Roo, keeps everyone smiling with hilarious live commentary and a few surprises along the way. Whether you’re a natural on the dancefloor or the shyest in the group, everyone’s welcome, so just bring your dancing shoes and best Christmas jumper.
🚆 20 minute walk from Waterloo
🚆3 stops on the Northern line to Leicester Square + 6 minute walk
4. Catch a gloriously camp Christmas cabaret at the Southbank Centre
For a nativity that includes everyone from the Virgin Mary and Father Christmas to Judy Garland and Melania Trump’s body double, the Devil, check out Thick & Tight: Camp as Christmas. The riotous cabaret-style variety show is packed with show tunes, quick changes and plenty of laughs, promising an hour of pure, joyful chaos. Whether you love or loathe the festive season, it’s the perfect way to get into the (slightly irreverent) Christmas spirit.
🚆 5 minute walk from Waterloo
5. Cosy up by the fire with a decadent fondue
Is there a better way to warm up on a winter’s evening than with melted cheese? Jimmy Garcia brings his experience running a ski chalet in the Alps to Fire & Fromage, an Alpine-inspired pop-up on the South Bank, complete with twinkly lights, fire pits, and views across the Thames. Tuck into the £35 fondue feast for two, or try the Alpine-style street food, including schnitzel, and end the night roasting your own s’mores over the fire. It’s the closest thing to a Swiss ski trip you can get without leaving London, and it’s on til January 5th!
🚆 8 minute walk from Waterloo
6. Celebrate Christmas in the sky at London Bridge Rooftop
Expect Christmas trees, mulled wine, lights and baubles galore as London Bridge Rooftop transforms into a magical Christmas grove this December (fully covered, with plenty of blankets and heaters). Groups of up to 30 can pre-order a festive feast of pigs in blankets, festive burgers, and Christmas churros for £30 per person. For something more private, you can even book the sixth-floor Christmas Grotto, which comes with its own balcony overlooking the city, a private bar and interactive darts.
🚆2 stops on the Jubilee line to London Bridge + 3 minute walk
7. Cycle under London’s Christmas Lights at twilight
See London’s festive displays from a whole new angle on the London Bicycle Tour Company’s Christmas Lights Tour. This twilight adventure takes you straight through the heart of the city, past Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street, and Covent Garden, just as the lights start to twinkle. The guide’s boombox will be blasting carols and Christmas hits the whole way, with plenty of stops for photos. You’ll get a bike, helmet and lights, plus a free Santa hat to keep your ears warm, and you can warm up with a hot chocolate, coffee or tea before you set off. Tours depart at 3.30pm daily from November 20 to January 2.
🚆 12 minute walk from Waterloo
8. Step into a Victorian Christmas at Leadenhall Market
Image credit: Matt Crossick/Assignments/Press Association
From the stunning Victorian architecture to the recognisable features of Diagon Alley from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Leadenhall Market is absolutely oozing with cosy festive vibes. From November 19 the lights will be on, the iconic walkways will be beautifully decorated, and the spectacular 26ft Christmas tree will take centre stage. You’ll even be able to step through a light tunnel in Beehive Passage, complete with live music and a flurry of snow.
🚆 1 stop on the Waterloo and City line to Bank + 8 minute walk
9. Deck the halls with your own hand-painted decorations at Token Studio
Credit: Esra Kaya, Pexels
Decorating the tree (or the whole house!) is always a very special ritual, but incorporating your own hand-painted creations takes the festive magic to a whole new level. From vibrant acrylic paints, and baubles to glitter and ribbons, you’ll have everything you need to create your masterpiece at Token Studio, with the option for a professional gloss coating at the end. Plus you’re welcome to bring your own drinks and necessary vessels if you fancy a tipple whilst working on your decorations.
🚆 3 stops on the Jubilee line to Bermondsey + 14 minute walk
10.Play along at Blingo: Hip Hop Bingo, filled with tunes, laughs, and nonsense
When it comes to finding a festive night out with your friends, bingo fits the bill perfectly – and this one comes with a hip hop twist. Think of the classic lottery game we all know and love, reimagined with lip sync battles, dance offs, and comedy by the bucketload, courtesy of the two iconic hosts. Book Hip Hop Blingo Bingo today and use your SWR reward to get 15% off all shows in 2026.
🚆3 stops on the Northern line to Leicester Square + 7 minute walk
