Fantastic things to do in London in December 2023

December in London means a delightful abundance of festive attractions—from enchanting Christmas lights and ice skating to bustling markets, heartwarming carols, captivating shows, and a wealth of art. With so much on offer, the city spoils us for choice! Here's our curated selection of must-do activities in London for December 2023.

The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House 

The Nutcracker, The Royal Ballet. Royal Opera House/ Karolina Kuras.

#FLODown: The Nutcracker graces The Royal Opera House once more, inviting you to delve into this timeless ballet. Join Clara on her enchanting Christmas Eve journey, accompanied by Tchaikovsky's iconic score, beautifully choreographed by Peter Wright. Adorned with stunning period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman, and brought to life by the exquisite dance of The Royal Ballet, this performance makes for an unmissable holiday tradition.

Date: 6 December 2023 – 13 January 2024. Location: Royal Opera House Bow St, London WC2E 9DD. Price: £5- £160. Book now.

Click here for more unmissable things to do in London at Christmas.

 London Symphony Orchestra/Gianandrea Noseda

Principal Guest Conductor Gianandrea Noseda and the LSO continue their cycle of Sergei Prokofiev’s Symphonies, marking 70 years since the composer’s death.

#FLODown: The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) celebrates Prokofiev's Symphonies and Brahms's Second Piano Concerto, conducted by Principal Guest Conductor Gianandrea Noseda. Prokofiev's Fourth Symphony reflects his tumultuous history, while Brahms's concerto showcases his artistic peak.

Date: 10 December 2023. Time: 7pm. Location: Hall, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: £18 - £70 plus booking fee. Book now.

Discover classical music to experience this autumn at the Southbank Centre and the Barbican Centre.

Wineyard London

Wineyard returns to Clapton

#FLODown: East London's independent wine market, Wineyard is back at the Round Chapel in Clapton E5, offering a festive blend of sipping and shopping. This event brings together top wine importers and producers from around the world, presenting mulled wine, craft beverages, and tasty dishes from local cafes. Expert talks by WSET wine educator Sam Povey cover engaging topics, from ideal Christmas wine pairings to exploring diverse wine varieties. Tickets include a branded tote bag, a stylish GoVino glass, and tasting tokens to try before you buy!

Date: 10 December 2023. Time: 1pm - 6pm. Location: Round Chapel, 1D Glenarm Road London E5 0LY. Price: from £19.67. Book now.

Miracle at the Henrietta Hotel

Miracle at the Henrietta Hotel. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Join the holiday festivities at Miracle at the Henrietta Hotel. Experience a cosy, retro Christmas atmosphere filled with colourful decorations and twinkling lights. Enjoy a selection of holiday-themed cocktails such as the 'Christmapolitan,' 'Elfling Around,' 'Snowball Old-Fashioned,' all of which are as delightful as their names suggest.

Date:13 November - 23 December 2023. Location: 14-15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS. Website: miracleathenrietta.com.

Click here for our pick of 14 must-visit pop-ups to discover in the city this month.

Ever After Garden

Ever After Garden. Grosvenor Square, Mayfair. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: The Ever After Garden returns to Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, showcasing over 25,000 glowing white roses. In its fifth year, this serene event invites visitors to commemorate lost loved ones while supporting The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Conceived by Anya Hindmarch and Camilla Morton in memory of their friend Michael Howells, this peaceful garden has raised over £250,000 for the charity since its inception in 2019. Visitors can dedicate a rose in remembrance, with a suggested minimum donation of £10, offering a touching way to honour loved ones and contribute to the fight against cancer.

Date: 16 November – 19 December 2023. Time: Daily 3pm – 9pm. Location: Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London, W1K 6LD. Website: royalmarsden.org.

Christmas Markets

Southbank Centre Winter Market. Photo by India Roper-Evans.

#FLODown: London's Christmas markets are in full swing, offering a delightful blend of shopping and festive experiences. From mulled wine and mince pies to fairground rides and Santa's grotto, these markets have it all.

Click here for our guide to 14 must-visit Christmas markets in London this holiday season.

Christmas Carols and Concerts

St John's Smith Square.

#FLODown: London's holiday season is filled with a variety of Christmas carols and concerts. From traditional sing-alongs to unique themed events, there's something for everyone. Whether you prefer the grandeur of St. Paul's Cathedral, charitable fundraisers, or pet-friendly services, our guide will help you find the right Christmas music experiences across the city.

Queen’s House Ice Rink

Queen’s House Ice Rink. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: The Queen’s House Ice Rink is back and better than ever! Tucked within Greenwich's UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Queen’s House Ice Rink sits amidst iconic architecture. Glide along the ice with beautiful views of Greenwich Park to the south and Canary Wharf's twinkling lights to the north—it's a picturesque setting for an unforgettable skating experience. And when you need a break, Benugo’s rink-side cafe has you covered with delicious tempting hot chocolates and mulled wine to keep you toasty!

Date: 23 November 2023 - 7 January 2024. Location: Queen's House, Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF. Price: from £17/ £10. Concessions available. Book now.

Click here for more places to ice skate in London this month.

 Christmas Lights

Christmas lights Carnaby Street London. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: There is no shortage of festive lights to see in London right now, from Christmas at Kew to Kenwood House and the dazzling displays along Regent Street, Oxford Street, New Bond Street, and Marylebone. There are plenty of places to soak in the holiday glow. Don't forget to catch the iconic Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting up the city from 7 December 2023.

Art in London

Pope:L at South London Gallery. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: We've had a fantastic year for art in London, and the festive season presents a wonderful array of art exhibitions waiting to be explored. From displays delving into impressionism to solo showcases highlighting renowned artists such as Frans Hals and Rubens, along with highly anticipated exhibitions like Marina Abramović's, and contemporary works by artists like Pope: L. Click here for our area guide to art exhibitions in London in December 2023 to January 2024.

Wreath Making Workshops

Wreath making workshops in London. © MTotoe.

#FLODown: Few things capture the charm of Christmas like elegant wreaths on doorways. Delve into the world of festive creativity as numerous florists in the city offer engaging wreath-making sessions.Click here to discover the best wreath making workshops and masterclasses happening in London this month.

Operation Mincemeat

Operation Mincemeat starring (from left) Claire-Marie Hall, Natasha Hodgson, David Cumming, Zoe Roberts and Jak Malone. Photograph by Matt Crockett.

#FLODown: Looking for a great way to enjoy the festive season? Operation Mincemeat is a standout show worth catching. It weaves a gripping narrative with unexpected twists, MI5 intrigue, and a touch of grassroots feminism that could easily belong in a musical. Created by SpitLip, this West End favourite, features catchy songs that stay with you. The talented cast, refined over four years, delivers energetic performances with seamless character changes.

Date: 29 March 2023 - 15 June 2024. Location: The Fortune Theatre, Russell St, London, WC2B 5HH. Price: £35. Book now.

Click here for our pick of new musicals to check out in London this festive season.

Reuben Kaye: The Butch is Back

Reuben Kaye’s 'The Butch is Back!' at the Southbank Centre. Photo by Christian Nims.

#FLODown: Get ready for Reuben Kaye's 'The Butch is Back!' storming into the Southbank Centre this month. This internationally acclaimed sensation, with millions of TikTok views and a global stage presence, finally brings his outrageous and wildly entertaining performance to the city. Across his three-week residency, Reuben promises an electrifying exploration of themes like fathers and sons, masculinity, and the power of self-reclamation. Don't miss this limited 15-night stand—a vibrant revolt against the narrowing perspectives of an increasingly conservative world!

Date: 8 - 30 December 2023. (not 11, 18, 24, 25, 26). Time: 8pm (120 mins, including interval). Location: Southbank Centre, Purcell Room, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: £25. Book now.