LAST MONTH OF THE YEAR KLAXON!
It’s already December, and London is already awash with Christmas lights — kitted out in stars, trees and ice rinks for the winter season. You haven’t been to any yet? Well, please allow us to tell you about the festive galore that the city has to offer. You’re all Christmas-ed out and there’s still a while to go? Non-festive life doesn’t just stand still this month, and there’s plenty out there for you to do. Everyone’s cold, but everyone’s winning, and 2025 is peeking its beady eye through the snow-capped ferns. Ladies and gentlemen… December.
1. Walk into a paradise at one of London’s festive Christmas markets
You probably don’t need telling twice, but London is doused in swathes of festive décor right now, and you are cordially invited to do the jingle bell rock at any – or, even, every single one – of London’s lovely Christmas markets. They’re opening up across November and will fully be in the swing of things when December rolls around.
🎅 South Bank Christmas Markets
Check out our full guide to London’s Christmas markets here!
2. Drink in one of London’s other jaw-dropping light trails
One fact shines brighter than most when it comes to Christmas in London: the city sure knows how to do lighting. Whether its the effervescent 2.7km, fire garden-flashing trail at Kew Gardens or the lantern bonanza at Lightopia, Londoners have plenty to enjoy when it comes to being dazzled by the lights. Check out our list of London’s light trails here.
3. Or feast your eyes on the Christmas lights all around the city of London
Oxford Street boasts a twinkling display of sustainable stars; Mayfair has its sparkling triangular archways; Covent Garden has 115,000 lights illuminating the streets—and that barely scratches the surface. Check out our handy guide to the various light displays around the big smoke, get your camera ready, and prepare to be blown away.
4. Embark on a penguin trail around London
Doesn’t get much more adorable than this when it comes to festive activities, does it? Follow a flock of colourful penguins stationed around the city, who will be brightening the place up. It’s adding a flash of vibrancy in the Fleet Street Quarter this winter while also helping support the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Wild In Art meaning there are plenty of great reasons to get a photo with a penguin in a Christmassy jumper. They’re in London for eight weeks across the winter, and each plaque will have details of the inspiration behind the pieces created by various artists! Read more about the penguin trail here.
5. Get a drink and some grub at this new pub venture in Islington by James Cochran
A trip to the pub in December is always just the tonic, so why not stop by the latest venture from James Cochran, the chef behind the much-loved 12:51 restaurant that sadly closed earlier this year. Doors open on December 5, and The Brave draws from Cochran’s childhood memories of the pub with his Glaswegian father. I’ve got my eye on the Guinness and cheese toastie; the Whitstable rock oyster; the chicken liver parfait; the spiced Orkney scallop; and the slow braised shin of beef, but there are some mouthwatering offerings across the first menu at The Brave that you’ll certainly want to be trying before the year is out.
You can book your spot at The Brave here.
6. Soak in the wintery settings at some gorgeous London restaurant glow-ups
While the great outdoors may be less colourful at this time of year than in the other seasons, many a London restaurant will more than make up for it with a fine ol’ festive transformation. Whether it’s the magical foliage of the Dalloway Terrace; the delightful paradise of Daphne’s; or the icy terrain of Tattu, there’s plenty of dining decor to marvel at around London throughout the winter. Check out our guide to the most beautiful restaurant transformations here.
7. Head over to the brilliant Batman Unmasked exhibition
Holy day out with the family, Robin! If the batmobile floats your boat more than sleighbells, then this is the month to head over to the Batman Unmasked exhibition. Sure – it might not be festive, but the Caped Crusader is for all times of year, every year. You’ll find original props, vehicles and costumes from Batman movies in this Covent Garden batcave that you can book tickets to until January 5. Find out more and plan your visit to Batman Unmasked here.
8. Try our special Christmas cookie, in partnership with Whipped
Ho ho ho, Santa Secret London has some good news to deliver. This December (9–24), we’ve partnered with one of our favourite dessert spots near the office, Whipped. Our creation? The Secret London Secret Santa cookie: a gingerbread cookie, with a moreish caramel centre, finished with a deliciously sweet sugar stamp, bearing the Secret London and Whipped logos. And, because we’re Secret London, there’s a little surprise element. We don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say Rudolph would very much approve of the surprise ingredient…
The Christmassy creation is available exclusively at Whipped’s Covent Garden branch between December 9–24. Members of the Secret Club can also snag a free hot chocolate with their first cookie purchase – join the Secret Club to find out more.
9. Get merry at a lively pop-up bar in Spitalfields Market this Christmas
For one month only, you’ll be able to dive into this lively pop-up bar that’s as suited to the Christmas period as holly and mistletoe. Open from Thursday to Sunday every week, you can head over to The Thirsty Trap for a dimly lit evening filled with dancing along to DJs while sipping on numbers from their craft cocktail menu. If you’re after a spot for after-work drinks, catching up with friends and family, or simply letting off some end-of-year steam, then this is a spot that should be high up your lists. Keep an eye on what they’re up to throughout the month here and find them at 65A Brushfield Street, E1 6AA.
10. Visit a beautiful sea of white roses
The Ever After Garden is back for its fifth year at Grosvenor Square, inviting anyone to pen a message to a loved one they have lost in the form of an illuminating white rose. Every dedicated rose and message puts money towards The Royal Marsden Cancer Society, and blesses London with an ocean of light through a difficult period of the year. Read more about the Ever After Garden here.
11. Gaze at the New Year’s Eve fireworks around the city
This is the New Year, and, in the words of Death Cab For Cutie, you may not feel any different. If you want to feel something, though – or just leave your jaw on the floor – head to Central London and look into the sky. Those end-of-year displays never get boring. Everybody ring in 2025 in style; or not… just make sure it’s to the backdrop of these sparkly lights.
12. Relax on the beautiful roof terrace at John Lewis on Oxford Street
John Lewis gets us ready for Christmas with their advert each year, but they also run a popular roof terrace that’s doused in festive joy. This year, you can expect same top-notch food, cocktails and views, alongside their festive igloos to dine in and say goodbye to 2024 in style. Read all about it here.
13. Then go for a tour of London’s igloos
One noticeable change to the environment of London around Christmas time is the emergence of these clear, spherical objects. People like to dine inside them and they feel pretty damn festive so we rounded up some of the best ones around. LONG LIVE THE IGLOOS.
14. There are even floating ones!
Set sail inside an igloo to float into your evening out in style. Diners can step inside their igloo which will float along the waters at West India Quay at Canary Wharf with seasonal drinks and festive snacks. The fondue will only add to the warm and cosy feels out on the igloos, which is bound to be a unique way of dining in the domes at the end of this year. Read more about the floating igloos here.
15. Tuck into a plate of bottomless pigs in blankets
Everyone has their favourite item on a Christmas dinner menu, and if it’s these tasty creations then be sure to wrap yourself into this returning pop-up from the folks at ALDI. Pigs in blanket fanatics – it’s the damn season. Fill your plates and go to town on this beautiful offering. Read more about the bottomless pigs in blankets pop-up here.
16. Have a ball at a London gig
December doesn’t have to be all about the Christmas music (though there’s a lot of that around, of course). Have a dance-along at one of the many gigs happening in London this month.
😎 Lethal Bizzle (December 1): The Roundhouse – POW! There’s a lineup (also featuring Roll Deep, Flowdan, D Double E) and a half over in Camden to kick off the month.
🧛Vampire Weekend (December 4-5): Hammersmith Apollo – jangle jangle of the guitars before the jingle jingle of Christmas Day.
🐺 Remi Wolf (December 5): Brixton Academy – After releasing one of the pop albums of 2024, Remi Wolf couldn’t end the year without one last show in the capital…
🕺Confidence Man (December 6-7): Brixton Academy – NEVER USED TO LISTEN NOW YOU DO, DO, DO, DO.
🌍 The Menzingers (December 6-7): Underworld Camden – a 10-year celebration of the Philly heartland punks 2014 album Rented World.
🎸 Sam Fender (December 10&12): The O2 – a full set of anthems to end the year? Go on then.
🧛 Vampire Weekend (December 10-11): Brixton Academy – HANG ON! BACK FOR MORE ARE YOU VAMPIRE WEEKEND? IN A BIGGER VENUE THIS TIME? Fair enough.
🍸The Human League (December 14): Wembley Arena – big singalong coming up at the big arena before Christmas.
🪲 Paul McCartney (December 18-19): The O2 – Two nights of Macca…
🤘 Slipknot (December 20-21): The O2 – …into two nights of Slipknot? Can I camp out for four days in the O2?
17. Bound along to a karaoke party where there’s no Mariah Carey allowed
At Christmas, you’ll hear the same songs everywhere you go, but this festive karaoke party is having a bonanza with some strict rules: there’s none of those tracks you’ll hear in the local shops (that means you, Mariah!) or traditional carols allowed! No, Miracle on Leake Street is hosting a curated list of ‘rock, hip hop, and RnB classics’ with backing singers to make sure the night is the real deal on December 5. There will also be free dance & theatre performances, graffiti workshops, wreath-making lessons, market stalls and much more to wander around and check out. Find out more about the Christmas karaoke party here.
18. Look out for a giant Elf on the Shelf throughout the month
Santa’s elf that loves to help out will be running around Croydon throughout the month of December, popping up on different makeshift ‘shelves’ that make up eight of the area’s buildings. The elf in question is 15 feet tall and oozes Christmas cheer and joy to help those grumbling about it ‘being too early’ get over the line. Read more about the giant Elf on the Shelf here.
19. Listen to world-renowned artist Takashi Murakami speak at the V&A
As part of Japan Cultural Expo 2.0, world-renowned contemporary artist Takashi Murakami will be making his first public appearance in the UK since 20218, speaking to Sam Thorne (Director General & CEO of Japan House London) at the V&A on December 8. His art combines the past and future of Japanese art, and you’ll likely recognise his paintings and sculptures which will, of course, be touched on during the talk. Find out more details on tickets here – and if you miss out, there’s a live stream of the event taking place too!
20. Welcome in the annual gift of Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree
Ah, it’s time folks. Time for our beautiful square to come alive with the lights of the Trafalgar tree. Every year since 1947, Norway has blessed London with a tree as a thanks for helping them out during World War II. The ceremony for the tree’s grand switch-on takes place on the first Thursday of the month on December 5 this time around, and it’s set to be a glowing affair once more. Yes – people have been known to be mean about how it often looks, and yes – some of the jokes are funny. It wouldn’t, however, be Christmas without this loveable Norway Spruce tree in the centre of our city now, would it?
21. Check out another one of London’s fine array of Christmas trees scattered around the city
Pretty dapper Christmas tree they’ve got there at St. Pancras, wouldn’t you say? This year’s one is made up of all things Wicked. And if you think that’ll be the only tall king that London has dressed up to the nines, you, my friend, are sorely mistaken. Anyone looking for a city not peppered with smartly decorated saplings is barking up the wrong tree, and here is the evidence.
22. Witness the thrilling spectacle of the Formula 1® Exhibition In London
In the moments between shouting at the telly on the Sunday at each Grand Prix event, it’s essential that you take yourself over to the Formula 1® Exhibition in the city to learn all about the history of the spectacle and check out a treasure trove of memorabilia. Over in the ExCeL Centre, you’ll be able to remark upon such topics as which car is your favourite? (maybe it’ll be Hamilton’s Mercedes AMG F! W09 or Senna’s McLaren Mp4/4) and how fast do you reckon that one can go? (answer: very!) before portering over to get behind the wheel yourself on ‘The Fastest Lap’ simulator. Find me an F1 fan that would turn that chance down. Learn more about the Formula 1® exhibition and plan your visit here.
23. Celebrate the end of 2024 in style in another one of London’s fine establishments
You only get to celebrate the end of the year once every 365 days, so you may as well do something. Of course, London is always bouncing with potential plans from any and every direction. From breezing into the New Year at Flipper’s Roller Boogie Disco to a different kind of (dino-)disco celebration at the Natural History Museum to a screening of When Harry Met Sally at the Prince Charles Cinema to a host of live music options, there should be something for anyone – yes, even those who wear the ‘New Year’s Eve is overrated t-shirt all year round – in this city, so plan that night now! The end of 2024 will be with us before we know it. Here’s our handy guide to what’s going down on December 31 in London.
24. Check out the Christmas edition of this Japanese-themed market in London
Known to pop up throughout the year in Dalston, the Yokimono Japanese Market is returning for the Christmas edition on December 6-8 for Japanese food, arts & craft, kimono, jewellery, books and much more. Find out more about their pop-up markets at their Instagram page.
25. Glide around a dreamy ice rink
In winter, London is less big smoke and more large ice. Your skills on the rink might – much like that opening comparison – not be the Olympic gold medal standard, but if Bambi can give it a go, so can you. Plus, many of them have mulled wine and lots of food, so there’s really no way you can lose. Here are a few suggestions to get you going.
💃 Glide at Battersea Power Station
Read our guide to London’s enchanting Ice Rinks here.
26. Have a festive pint at London’s most Christmassy pub
The Churchill Arms outdoes itself every year, doesn’t it? Looking like Santa Claus himself gave it a glow-up, it’s safe to say it’s the most Christmassy pub in London. So, without further ado, it’s time to catch the bus sleigh and make a beeline for the bar – this next pint has a big fat (figurative) CHRISTMAS logo in the foam. Salut. Read about it here.
27. Eat food from one of the best pizza chefs in the world for charity
Michelle Pascarella has been recognised as one of the top pizza chefs in the world, with Napoli On The Road in Chiswick & Richmond named as the fifth-best pizzeria out there earlier this year and the man himself taking the top spot for chefs at the Global Pizza Maker Of The Year Awards. Now, you can eat at that very restaurant in Chiswick for an evening in support of the charity Chef’s In School. Chomp down on curated slices of pizza at this special menu made for an evening promoting Giulia Crouch’s new book The Happiest Diet in the World, which explores the dietary habits of Blue Zone cultures. Find out more and book your spot on December 16 here.
28. Witness Santa visiting the Natural History Museum
Combining the Natural History Museum and Christmas is a surefire way to deliver joy to many, and the entrance of Santa Claus into the world of prehistoric splendour is guaranteed to provide a magical Christmas for the family. Guests can sit down for ‘Storytime with Father Christmas’ at a fairy-lit setting with a view into the grotto before he sets off on a mission to deliver presents far and wide over the festive period. Read more about it here.
29. Check out some beautiful art exhibitions running this month
We’re blessed to live in a city where so much art surrounds us all year round, so make it your mission to fit in some visits to galleries in the final month of the year.
❤️ Koestler Arts: No Comment (until December 15): Southbank Centre – free exhibition curated by Jeremy Deller & John Costi that showcases art by those in the criminal justice system, including fine art as well as writing and music.
💜 Celebrity Skin (unil January 6, 2025): Riverside Studios – photographer Scarlet Page’s collection of stunning Rock ‘N’ Roll shots, including those of Amy Winehouse, David Bowie, Courtney Love, and many more.
💛 We Are Briefly Gorgeous (until December 14): Southwark Park Galleries – Annual open offering artists the chance to show off their works for public view.
💚 Michael Craig-Martin (until December 10): Royal Academy – a retrospective of the 60-year career of Michael Craig-Martin, one that has fused elements from pop, minimalism and conceptual art.
💙 Grayson Perry: The Vanity of Small Differences (until December 8): Pitzhanger Manor – bright tapestries inspired by William Hogarth’s ‘A Rake’s Progress’, which were purchased and displayed in the very same building.
Read about more upcoming art exhibitions in London right here.
30. (Maybe) witness a dusting of snow across the city
London hasn’t had a white Christmas in yonks, but the chillier temperatures we can expect at the end of the year mean that a dusting of chilly flakes (and not the kind you find in the kitchen) can never be totally ruled out on the big day. While it may just turn to slush after ~10 minutes, the initial snowfalls will at least be fun and look great on the IG feed, right?
31. Or, head to Covent Garden for snowfalls
Yes, it’s true. It does snow every day in Covent Garden over Christmas (between the scheduled hours of 12pm-9pm). Later in the festive season, you can do your best Bing Crosby impression and wander around under the snowfalls beside their enormous Christmas tree and glittering light display. Read about the daily Covent Garden snow forecast here.
32. Witness a real-life Martian invasion at Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience
The end of the year is the perfect time to remove yourself from reality and go off to Victorian London to place yourself in the midst of a Martian invasion through the means of virtual reality. Let Jeff Wayne’s iconic platform music be your guide as you experience both live theatre and multi-sensory special effects in the murky depths of a steampunk meets old-world decor where the Martians are looming large. If this sounds like your kind of immersive experience then you can find out more and plan your visit here.
33. Head out on the most festive bus tour you could dream of
For the cost of the standard £1.75 bus fare, you can actually give yourself a pretty stunning tour of the Christmas lights around London. We’ve found you the most Chirstmassy route in town, which gives you a full-on highlight reel of the best lights in town, from Piccadilly Circus to Regent Street to Oxford Street and beyond, after which you’ll be able to truly determine which set are your favourite. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to us. Read about the most festive bus route in the city right here.
34. Attend an interactive festive fairytale experience
In an experience that will provide joy for the whole family, ‘Once Upon a Kingswood Christmas’ transports you into a captivating, interactive tale of Christmas. Step into a Grade II-listed Victorian mansion in South London to help the character of Bella find the Fairytale Alliance and rescue Father Christmas from the snow queen to save Christmas! You can find out more and book your spaces here.
35. Stroll along a mulled wine trail
Take a wintery stroll between Covent Garden and London Bridge to sip on mulled wine. Your three stations will be Quill, which opens up in Borough Yards on November 5; The Mulled Wine Tavern at the Southbank Centre Food Market; and Plume in Covent Garden. You can buy a trail card to be stamped for £30 and grab yourself a mug for the libations (or forgo this for £25 in total) and set off on trail that runs on every Friday (12-8pm), Saturday (12-8pm), and Sunday (12-6pm)between November 8 – December 22. Read about it here.
36. Then get stuck into some more spots during mulled wine season
There’s no better time to drink mulled wine and feel fine than December, is there? And there’s really no shortage of the stuff here in London town. Read about the best places to sip on that beautiful, piping-hot alcohol right here.
37. Book your annual December theatre trip
Everyone knows that a trip to the theatre in December just hits that little bit sweeter. For starters, the West End is awash with Christmas decorations, you’re surrounded by lights and lots of people shuffling in from the cold to catch a play. Les Mis, The Lion King, The Play That Goes Wrong… whatever! Get the family together and enjoy the brilliance that is theatre season, Christmas edition.
Read our guide to theatre performances in London right here.
38. Or skip into a pantomime
Yes, Christmas season means pantomime season (oh no I’m not going to do the ‘oh no it doesn’t’ gag… dammit), and there are more to choose from in London than candy canes in Santa’s factory. Take your pick from this handy guide to the pantomimes in London and get ready for an energetic day out with the family.
Read our Pantomimes in London guide here.
39. Dine at a charity lunch with Michelin-starred chefs
There’s a big price tag on this one, but if you’ve got the means to give to a wonderful cause while eating Michelin-starred level food, then head over to HUMO in Mayfair on December 1. You’ll be treated to grub from world-renowned chefs, with a lineup including three Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Lisa Goodwin-Allen of Michelin-starred Northcote, Anthony Genovese of two Michelin-star Ristorante Il Pagliaccio in Italy and Jonny Lake of the Michelin-starred Trivet alongside celebrated pastry chef Ravneet Gill – all at, you guessed it, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Chefs will prepare a dish each to show their unique style, and money raised on the day going towards Great Ormond Street Hospital. You can book in your time slot for the charity lunch here.
40. Pop down to the Curling Club for one of the funniest winter activities
A meander along the Southbank will be nice enough under the Christmas lights, but once you’ve taken all the festivity be sure to make a beeline towards The Curling Club –which has returned for the winter. There are never enough games involving a target you have to hit, and this one is certainly nearing the top of the podium when it comes to sports at this time of year. Alongside the game itself, you can expect tasty street food and live music, meaning there’s a jig and feed to be had after your competitive itch has been scratched. Find out more and plan your visit here.
41. Make your way through a cocktail menu inspired by everyone’s favourite Christmas films
Head into Bar + Block for a steak and stay for the trio of cocktails inspired by Christmas movies. We have The Polar Express; we have Love Actually; and we have Elf – but what form will they take in a cocktail? Only one way to find out…
Read about the Christmas cocktails at Bar + Block here.
42. Try a ramen dish designed to cure your hangover
The debate on whether a hangover cure actually exists will always rage on, but there’s no harm in searching for the right one for your whole life. In December, there are usually plenty of sore heads in the office what with the festive celebrations here and the work Christmas do there – so if you find yourself on the wrong side of an evening filled with shots and pints, head over to Bone Daddies. They’ve created a hangover ramen that will be on menus until January to hold your hand through your moments of self-pitying and brain-itching with pork broth, smoked bacon, smashed hash brown, spicy bacon bits, half crème brulee egg, beansprouts, spring onion & noodles. Just what the doctor ordered might order if they too were belting out Mariah Carey into the early hours. Find the hangover ramen at all Bone Daddies locations until January 2.
43. Treat yourself to a mince pie or six
44. Find a new area of the city to explore
However long you’ve lived in London, be it two months or your whole life, there’s always somewhere new to explore. Not ventured to Camden yet? Fancy heading down to Greenwich, or having a stroll around Marylebone? Now’s the time! We’ve got plenty of handy area guides on the site, so take your pick and see what a new area of the city has to offer.
45. And that includes places outside of zone three!
It might take a little longer, but there are plenty of beautiful parks, tasty food halls, and lovely buildings outside the realms of the Tube map’s zone three. Here are a few places in zone four and beyond to get you started.
46. Head to the returning Christmas dive bar
HUMBUG is diving back into the Old Truman Brewery after a sold-out festive season in Brick Lane last Christmas to give us another round of neon lights, festive memorabilia, and, of course, the favourite Christmas songs and movies (with parties into the early hours). There’s a menu full of seasonal tipples to keep you going throughout and even a Christmassy beer can bowling alley to add to the entertainment. In short, it’s a Christmas knees-up that’s not to be missed. Read about HUMBUG here.
47. Try the Christmas burger to end all Christmas burgers
When someone calls an item on a Christmas menu a Sleigher, you know they’re onto something. Head to The Collab. in Walthamstow to try this beautiful monster packed with turkey schnitzel with salty-sour Brussels sprout kimchi, Camembert and Champagne fondue finished off with a cranberry hot sauce inside a BBB (buttery brioche bun). Each comes with the juicy stuffing ball and a pigs-in-blankets skewer on top to complete a genius invention.
48. Dive into this otherworldly cocktail experience
While you may have been planning to do a wee little bit of Dry January, there’s time to get a boost little adventure in December in the form of Avora, a carefully crafted cocktail experience with a choice of alcohol and non-alcoholic libations to be sipped on. Whack those jumpsuits on and slide into the universe of mystery and wonder in Hackney. Find out more and book your place here.
49. Keep exploring this wonderful city
Of course, it’s nigh-on impossible to name every single brilliant thing happening in London this month, as hard as we may try. We’re shouting about places, people, and news in the big smoke all year round, and here are a few more things that should be on your radar as we enter the final month of another rollercoaster year.
✨ You Can Once Again Ride A Festive Steam Train Doused In Christmas Lights In London This Winter
🥐 London’s Smallest Bakery Is So Tiny, You Can Only Just Put Your Arms Out Inside It
🍺 This London Pub Will Host A Free Christmas Celebration For Anyone Who Would Otherwise Be Alone
👀 One Of The World’s Oldest Surviving Operating Theatres Is Hidden Inside The Attic Of A London Church
🎅 You Can Run Past Some Of London’s Most Famous Landmarks Dressed As Santa On This Festive Fun Run
🫖 This Historic Tea Shop Has Been Serving Up The Perfect Cuppa For Over 300 Years
🎄This Cult London Cinema Is Screening The Muppet Christmas Carol Every Day This December
🍝 The Best South Kensington Restaurants To Satisfy Your Stomach in Style
🍗 Enjoy Christmas Lunch Inside This Brixton Prison That Helps Reduce Reoffending Rates In London
🍴 London Is Officially Home To 28 Of The Very Best Restaurants In The World
🚂 This Could Be London’s Most Pointless Tube Journey – And Hundreds Of People Take It Every Day
☕ This Magical Peter Pan-Themed Afternoon Tea At The Shard Will Transport You To Neverland
❄️ This Central London Terrace Has Been Transformed Into A Twinkling Winter Wonderland
😋 BOXPARK Are Opening A Huge New Food Hall In London Next Year
🍲 These Are The Best New Restaurants And Bars To Try In London This Winter
More things to do inspiration…
200 fab and FREE things to do in London
