Wondering what to do in London this winter? You're in for a magical experience! Winter in London runs from December through February, transforming the city into a festive wonderland filled with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and unforgettable celebrations.
Discover the best things to do in London this Winter, from skating at Somerset House to exploring the enchanting Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Whether you're sipping mulled wine at Southbank's Christmas market, watching the dazzling lights along Regent Street, or catching a spectacular West End show, London offers endless winter magic.
Families can meet Santa at Hamleys' famous grotto, couples can enjoy romantic strolls through illuminated streets, and Harry Potter fans can experience Hogwarts in the Snow. The city's world-class museums, cozy pubs, and festive events provide perfect escapes from the cold while keeping the holiday spirit alive.
Ready to explore London's winter wonderland? Check out our Europe Tour Packages and start planning your unforgettable winter adventure today!
15 Best Things to Do in London this Winter
Explore the best things you can do this winter in London below:
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Top Things to Do in London in Winter - Think Events/ Shows
Attend events, experience celebrations, and enjoy shows. Here’s how:
1. Visit the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Visiting Winter Wonderland is one of the best things to do in London this winter. It is a Christmas festival that has been running in London for about 15 years. This year it opens from 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026.
Go ice skating, play fairground games, visit the ice bar, warm up next to the fire in a teepee, visit the carousel bar, ride a rollercoaster, or dance along to the live band. Winter Wonderland has something for everyone.
2. Enjoy Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens is one of the best places to visit in London. It is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site, home to over 50,000 living plants, and is only a train ride away from central London.
During winter, the botanical gardens light up with a magical trail of twinkling displays, illuminated tunnels, and sparkling trees.
Grab the best street food and mulled wine as you wander. Kids love spotting Father Christmas along the way. It's perfect for families and is one of the top photography spots in London.
3. Experience Hogwarts in the Snow At Warner Bros
Warner Bros. Studio Tour is one of the top London winter attractions, especially during Hogwarts in the Snow, running from 15th November 2025 to 18th January 2026.
Wander through the Great Hall decorated with Christmas trees and golden lights, see the Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley blanketed in snow, and marvel at the snowy Hogwarts Castle model.
They even demonstrate special effects like non-burning fire and non-melting ice used in the films. A must-visit for Harry Potter fans!
4. Experience Christmas Carols At St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral hosts some of the best indoor things to do in London during winter with beloved Advent and Christmas services. Highlights include the Christmas Carol Services on December 23rd and 24th, and the Celebration of Christmas on December 9th.
Popular services require free ticket ballots. If you can't get tickets, the carol services are broadcast on a large screen in nearby Paternoster Square, so you can still enjoy the festive atmosphere.
5. Meet Santa at Hamleys Santa’s Grotto
If you're looking for family-friendly winter activities in London with kids, they will love Hamleys. It is a famous toy store with a few locations across the UK, but its store on Regent Street is by far the best.
It spans over seven floors, has every toy you could probably ever think of, and has heaps of interactive activities and demonstrations.
If you want to treat your kids to an extra special experience, we would highly recommend booking a meeting with Santa. Their Santa's grotto setup is a magical experience, personalized for your children from the moment you enter!
You will be greeted by the elves and taken over to meet Santa Claus himself and receive a gift to take home.
Catching a West End theatre show is one of the best things to do in London in winter. London's West End features world-class performances, from The Lion King and Hamilton to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Matilda.
Book popular shows well in advance, as they're sought-after Christmas gifts and sell out quickly.
7. Attend London's New Year's Day Parade (LNYDP)
The New Year's Day Parade is one of the top winter activities in London to kick off 2026. Enjoy music, dancing, and performances from artists and cultural groups along a two-mile route through central London. It's a spectacular way to celebrate the new year and shouldn't be missed!
- Event Date: 1st January 2026
- Bookings: londonparade.com
- Entry Fee/Tickets: Usually free, but if you want ticketed seating, it starts from ₹6,772 per person
- Timings: From 1 pm onwards
- Location: Parade Route
8. Watch the Peter Pan Cup Race
The Peter Pan Cup is an exclusive race that’s only 100 yards long, but it takes place on Christmas Day, and participants dive in at 9 am. This tradition has been running since 1864.
Only members of the Serpentine Swimming Club can participate. The race is free for the public to watch from the banks of the Serpentine Lake.
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9. Take Part in Chinese New Year
Celebrating the Chinese New Year is one of the most unique things to do in London this winter! Head to Chinatown on 17th February.
See the streets come alive with colorful parades, firecrackers, music, and dragon dances around Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square.
The free cultural performances are amazing, and there's fun for everyone. It's such a lively, festive atmosphere that really kicks off the Year of the Snake in style.
Best Things to Do in London During Winter - Explore Markets, Museums, & More!
Explore markets, enoy igloos, and ice skating during winter in London.
10. Explore Southbank Centre Christmas Market
The Winter Market at Southbank is a really popular Christmas market in London, and for good reason; it's super accessible. Just a stone's throw from Waterloo station, it's perfect for grabbing a festive bite after work.
While it's not the largest Christmas market in London, it has plenty of charm with its alpine-style chalets selling everything from festive street food to handmade gifts and souvenirs.
11. Visit the Natural History Museum
If you're looking for indoor activities to escape the rain and cold during your visit, head to the Natural History Museum. Located in the beautiful South Kensington area, it's one of London's most renowned historic attractions.
The dinosaur gallery is a fan favorite, featuring an impressive animatronic T. rex and fascinating fossil displays, while the Mammal gallery showcases models of incredible creatures like mammoths, hippos, and blue whales.
12.See the Christmas Lights
Among the best things to do in London this winter, admire Trafalgar Square's stunning 20-metre Christmas tree, a gift from Norway since 1947, beautifully lit and surrounded by festive charm.
Stroll down Regent Street to see the dazzling Christmas lights featuring a new theme each year. Perfect for romantic winter activities in London for couples, the lights stay up until January 2nd, 2025.
13. Snuggle Up in an Igloo
Igloo pods are one of the most popular things to do in London in winter, and you'll find them scattered across the city during the colder months.
They come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of luxury, but our favorites are the pop-up bars along the Southbank! You get stunning views of boats gliding down the Thames without freezing.
Most igloos can be booked in advance; highly recommended to secure your spot, and they're worth the wait if you're a walk-in. Inside, you'll find warm blankets and fantastic winter menus featuring treats like mulled cider and raclette.
- Entry Fee/Tickets: Starts from ₹3,647 per person
- Timings: Vary by specific venue
- Locations: Top Igloo Pods
14. Go Ice Skating at Somerset House Ice Rink
Ice skating is among the top London winter attractions, with rinks popping up across the city. Somerset House offers the most beautiful setting, running from November to January.
Enjoy daytime skating lessons perfect for beginners, or visit at night for DJ sets and light shows. Great for dates or family outings.
- Entry Fee/Tickets: Starts from ₹1,563 per person
- Timings: 10 am to 7 pm
- Location: London WC2R 1LA, UK
15. Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Spending Valentine's Day in London? Treat your partner to something special! Enjoy a romantic multi-course dinner at a fine restaurant, stroll hand-in-hand through Columbia Road Flower Market, or take a romantic evening walk along the South Bank with stunning river views. Unforgettable memories await!
What to Do in London this Winter?
London's winter season offers an incredible array of experiences that create lasting memories. From the best things to do in London this winter, like Winter Wonderland and Christmas at Kew, to ice skating at Somerset House, exploring charming Christmas markets, and celebrating unique events like Chinese New Year, there's something magical around every corner.
Whether you're admiring spectacular light displays, catching West End shows, or cozying up in Thames-side igloo pods, winter in London promises enchantment. Don't miss this festive season. Book your Europe Tour Packages today and experience London's winter magic.
