Things to do in London this December 2024

December in London is a magical time, with Christmas festivities in full swing, from dazzling light displays and festive markets to ice skating rinks. It’s also the season for classic holiday performances like The Nutcracker and carol concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. This month, the city welcomes back cherished events such as the Highgate International Chamber Music Festival, alongside numerous exhibition openings, Christmas fairs, restaurant pop-ups, and a wealth of seasonal activities. Here’s our guide to help you make the most of your December in London.

Highgate International Chamber Music Festival (HICMF)

The Highgate International Chamber Music Festival (HICMF) returns for its twelfth year from 2 - 8 December 2024.

#FLODown: The Highgate International Chamber Music Festival (HICMF) returns this December for its twelfth year, featuring five days of world-class performances by 24 internationally acclaimed artists at St Anne’s Church, Highgate. The festival will present a rich variety of music, including works by Bach, Beethoven, and Handel, alongside iconic film scores and a silent comedy screening with live accompaniment.  Click here for the full programme of events.

Date: 2–8 December. Location: St Anne’s Church, Highgate (106 Highgate West Hill, N6 6AP). Price: from £20 (£6 for students). Free entry is available for up to two children under 16 when accompanied by a paying adult. chambermusicfestival.co.uk

Hotel Chocolat tasting experience

Sea Container Hotel have partnered with Hotel Chocolat for a chocolate tasting experience. © Alexander Baxter.

#FLODown: Hotel Chocolat has teamed up with Sea Containers London to bring a touch of luxury to the South Bank this December with an indulgent winter experience. Chocolate enthusiasts can embark on a guided tasting session led by a Hotel Chocolat chocolatier, exploring a variety of chocolate flavours and profiles. The tasting includes five solid chocolates, five Velvetised™ hot chocolates, a Velvetised™ cream, and a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival. Guests can then unwind in the hotel’s inviting Den, where festive drinks, including the exclusive Mince Pie-flavoured hot chocolate, await.

Date: 9 December 2024. Location: Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD. Price: £25 per person. Book now.

Skate at Somerset House

London's favourite winter experience returns to Somerset House this November.

#FLODown: Skate at Somerset House is in full swing this December, with the iconic courtyard transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Featuring a dazzling 40ft Christmas tree, ice skating, and festive treats, this year’s event is presented in partnership with Virgin Atlantic Holidays. Visitors can enjoy themed evenings, Alpine-inspired dining at The Chalet, and holiday shopping at the Shelter Boutique pop-up. Skate Lates bring live DJ sets, while Skate School welcomes skaters of all ages, and Chilled Out sessions offer a relaxed atmosphere.

Date: 13 November 2024 – 12 January 2025. Location: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA. Price: from £15 - £26.50 for adults / £10 - £15 for children. Book now.

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre returns this December, running over two weekends.

#FLODown: The Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre returns this December, spanning two weekends of seasonal celebration. This cherished Christmas event transforms the palace grounds into a festive haven for food lovers, offering an array of artisan food, drinks, and one-of-a-kind gifts perfect for the holiday season. Visitors can indulge in delicious treats, shop for unique treasures, and enjoy live festive entertainment from the East Front bandstand, all while immersing themselves in the magical holiday atmosphere. For even more seasonal fun, the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink will be open from 22 November 2024 - 5 January 2025.

Date: 6 - 8 and 13 - 15 December 2024. Location: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU. Price: from £27.20. Book now.

YARDLIFE at Dalston Yard

YARDLIFE opens at Dalston Yard this December. Running from 6 - 22 December 2024.

#FLODown: Get ready for a festive feast at YARDLIFE in Dalston Yard this December. Running from 6–22 December, with a second run from January -February, this vibrant pop-up food festival brings together some of London’s top chefs, including Gizzi Erskine, Jordan Bailey, and Ruben’s Reubens. Enjoy indulgent tacos, mouthwatering smashburgers, live-fire feasts, and comforting winter puddings, all accompanied by live DJs and a lively atmosphere. Don’t miss this exciting preview before Dalston Yard’s official opening in Spring 2025.

Date: 6 - 22 December 2024. Location: Dalston Yard, Hartwell St, London E8 3DU.

Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet

Carlos Cruz-Diez, Environnement Chromointerférent, Paris, 1974/2018. © Carlos Cruz-Diez / Bridgeman Images, Paris 2024. Photo © 2023 Andrea Rossetti.

#FLODown: Experience the intersection of art and technology at Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet—a groundbreaking exhibition at Tate Modern. Showcasing over 150 works by 70+ artists from the 1950s to the dawn of the internet, it explores how pioneers of optical, kinetic, and digital art redefined creativity with cutting-edge tools. Discover immersive installations, from Carlos Cruz-Diez’s vibrant Chromointerferent Environment to Atsuko Tanaka’s iconic Electric Dress. This exhibition presents a rare opportunity to journey into the evolution of tech-driven art and its impact on culture.

Date: 28 November 2024 – 1 June 2025. Location: Tate Modern, Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG. Price: From £22. Concessions available. Book now.

Click here for our ultimate guide to art exhibitions in London this festive season.

The Tempest at Theatre Royal Drury Lane

The Tempest opens at London’s West End this December. Photo: Jamie Lloyd Company.

#FLODown: The Tempest sweeps into London’s West End in December, offering the perfect theatrical treat for the holidays! Starring the legendary Sigourney Weaver (Alien, Avatar) as Prospero in her unmissable West End debut, this electrifying production is directed by visionary Jamie Lloyd, a four-time Olivier Award winner. Shakespeare’s final masterpiece blends drama, romance, and fantasy in a tale of betrayal, magic, and redemption. Set on a mysterious island, Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, uses powerful magic to seek revenge and uncover the true meaning of love and forgiveness.

Date:  7 December – 1 February 2025. Location: Theatre Roya Drury Lane, Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF. Price: from £44. This production is recommended for ages 12+. Under 4s will not be admitted.Book now.

The Theatre Royal Drury Lane celebrates Shakespeare’s return with festive offerings, including a Christmas Regency Afternoon Tea in the Grand Saloon, featuring sweet treats by Lily Vanilli and savoury bites by The Lane’s chefs. On 2 December, the festive season kicks off with Christmas carols from Some Voices at 7pm, and personalised poems from The Poetry Takeaway for one night only. Other highlights include the launch of The Terrace as a festive rooftop venue, a new pre-theatre menu, Live at The Lane workshops, and signature cocktails at the Cecil Beaton Cocktail Bar, including the ‘Storm in a Tea Cup’.

Carols at the Royal Albert Hall

Carols at the Royal Albert Hall from 14 - 24 September 2024. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: Experience the magic of Christmas with Carols at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring 15 performances of sing-along carols over six days. These festive concerts, a beloved tradition, will include a presenter and soloist to bring classic carols to life. This year, Jess Gillam and Greg Beardsell will host, joined by the Royal Choral Society, National Youth Choir, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Richard Cooke. With up to three performances a day from 14–24 December, these family-friendly events are the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Date: 14 - 24 December 2024. Time: Starts: 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:30pm, Doors: 10:15am, 2:15pm, 6:45pm Location: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP. Price: from £89. Book now.

Hot Chocolate Trail at Old Spitalfields Market

Festive Hot Chocolate Trail from 1 - 8 December at Old Spitalfields Market.

#FLODown: Old Spitalfields Market is hosting a festive Hot Chocolate Trail from 1 - 8 December, featuring 15 delicious, hot chocolate-inspired dishes and drinks crafted by renowned traders, bars, and restaurants. From Ferrero-inspired drinks to chocolate-dipped churros, there’s something for every chocolate lover to enjoy. Highlights include crispy bao with hot chocolate orange dipping sauce, Nutella and toasted marshmallow pizza, and hot chocolate chip cookie shots. The experience also includes free chocolate-themed workshops on the market’s winter terrace. Perfect for foodies and families alike, this indulgent trail is a must-visit this holiday season.

Hot Chocolate Trail maps and children’s activity sheets can be picked up in the Brushfield Street and middle Commercial street entrances to the Market.

Date: 1 - 8 December 2024, 11am – 5pm (trader opening times may vary). Location: Old Spitalfields Market – Various traders, 16 Horner Square, E1 6EW. oldspitalfieldsmarket.com.

 The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker will be on show at London Coliseum from 12 December 2024 - 12 January 2025. © London Coliseum.

#FLODown: This festive season, experience the magic of the English National Ballet’s Nutcracker. Join Clara on an enchanting adventure as she battles the Rat King and journeys into a dazzling ice realm. With over 100 dancers and musicians, the production brings Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to life, performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic. Choreographed by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith, and featuring stunning sets and costumes by Dick Bird, this breathtaking new interpretation of the beloved classic promises a spellbinding experience for the entire family.

Date: 12 December 2024 - 12 January 2025. Location: London Coliseum, London Coliseum, St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4ES. Price: from £15. Book now.

Winter Market at Southbank Centre

The Southbank Centre’s Winter Market is back from 1 November - 26 December 2024. Image by Adam Luszniak.

#FLODown: The Southbank Centre’s Winter Market runs until Boxing Day, offering alpine-style chalets with indulgent drinks, street food like truffle burgers, duck wraps, and lobster buns, as well as sweet treats such as Dutch pancakes and churros. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate while browsing unique gifts, jewellery, and decorations from independent traders.

Date: until 26 December 2024. Location: Queen’s Walk, alongside the River Thames from Jubilee Gardens to Waterloo Bridge, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Price: Entry is free, with no ticket required.southbankcentre.co.uk.

Christmas woodcut workshop with artists Camille Walala + Alex Booker

Christmas woodcut workshop with artists Camille Walala and Alex Booker to take place from 7 December 2024.

#FLODown: Join artists Camille Walala and Alex Booker for a vibrant Christmas woodcut workshop where you’ll create festive cards, prints, and gifts. Known for her bold, geometric murals, Walala collaborates with printmaker Booker, who specialises in woodcut printmaking, to offer a unique, hands-on experience. The workshop will take place in their Hackney studios, where you’ll explore colour, pattern, and printmaking techniques using traditional Japanese tools and materials. Enjoy a light plant-based lunch, mince pies, and refreshments as you create personalised fine art prints to take home, just in time for the holidays.

Date: 7 December 2024. Time: 10am - 2.30pm. Location: Regent Studios, 8 Andrews Road London E8 4QN. Price: £125 (including lunch, refreshments and all materials). Book now.

Electric Brixton

Niko B at Electric Brixton on 10 December 2024.

#FLODown: Electric Brixton is heating up this December with a stellar lineup, kicking off with Canadian rapper Night Lovell on 2 December. Also on the horizon are Niko B’s quirky tracks on 10th, Nigerian star Oxlade on 12th, and iconic DJ Paul van Dyk on 14th. A.G. Cook will bring his PC pop on 20th December, while Alcest adds their atmospheric metal to the mix . The new year brings more exciting shows, including Better Lovers, GothBoiClique, and Matute. Click here for more shows.

Location: Electric Brixton, 1 Town Hall Parade, Brixton, London SW2 1RJ.electricbrixton.uk.com.

Sh!t Actually

Image: Photographer: Lizzie Coombes. Design: Kathryn Singleton.

#FLODown: Sh!t Theatre is bringing their irreverent holiday spirit to Camden People’s Theatre in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Get ready for a hilarious and chaotic showdown as the best Christmas film of all time, Sing-A-Long-A Muppet Christmas Carol, faces off against the much-maligned Love Actually in Sh!t Actually. Both films receive the signature Sh!t Theatre treatment with a 100% faithful (but not really) remake. Expect free goody bags, booze, and gratuitous nudity in this wild, festive experience. It’s the ultimate Christmas extravaganza, blending cult classics with the trademark Sh!t Theatre chaos.

Date: 12 - 14 and 17 - 18 December 2024. Location: Camden People's Theatre - 8-60 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 2PY. Price: from £8 - 15. Book now.

TOAST X Celia Pym Mending Session

TOAST will be hosting a hands-on Sashiko Repair workshop with Celia Pym on 7 December 2024.

#FLODown: TOAST will be hosting a hands-on Sashiko Repair workshop with Celia Pym, where you’ll learn the art of mending clothing with embroidered patches. Sashiko, meaning “little stabs” in Japanese, is a traditional technique for reinforcing small holes or tears. Celia Pym will guide you through the process, empowering you to repair your own garments with beautiful, functional designs.

Date: 7 December 2024. Time:1-hour sessions; 11am; 12pm; 3pm & 5pm. Location: NOW Gallery, Ground Level. Price: Free. Bookable online.

Katrina Palmer: The Touch Report installation

Katrina Palmer © The National Gallery, London.

#FLODown: Katrina Palmer’s The Touch Report opens in December at the National Gallery. In this unique installation, the usual artworks are replaced by Palmer’s experimental book, which invites visitors to engage with a narrative exploring the violent imagery in the Gallery’s historical paintings. The book examines themes of violence, subjugation, and physical tension within the collection. The room features an illuminated display showing where the last painting hung and an unlabelled sculpture from the gallery’s collection. The project encourages visitors to reconsider the gallery’s artworks through descriptive text, offering a new perspective on the role of violence in art.

Date: 11 December 2024 – 2 March 2025. Location: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN. Price: Free. nationalgallery.org.uk.

Click here for art exhibitions to see in London in December 2024.

The Baileys Christmas Sip and Sing

Baileys Christmas Sip and Song at Hay Galleria on 5 December 2024. Photo by Richard Wang.

#FLODown: Get ready for a festive evening of fun at Baileys Christmas Sip and Sing on 5 December at Hay’s Galleria. Hosted by the one and only Gemma Collins, this special event promises a magical night of Christmas singalongs, festive cheer, and delicious Baileys treats, including Baileys Chocolate Orange Martini cocktails. Gemma will be joined by The Gold Vocal Collective, the sensational group featured in the Baileys Christmas ad, for an unforgettable holiday experience. So gather your friends and get ready to sip, sing, and spread some festive joy!

Date: 5 December 2024. Time: 7pm - 10pm. Location: Hay’s Galleria, 1 Battle Bridge Lane, London, SE1 2HD. Book now.

HUMO Winter Charity Lunch

HUMO, the Michelin-starred wood-fired restaurant in Mayfair, will host a Winter Charity Lunch to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) on 1 December 2024.

#FLODown: HUMO, the Michelin-starred wood-fired restaurant in Mayfair, is set to host a special Winter Charity Lunch on 1 December 2024, in support of the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity). The event will feature Executive Chef Miller Prada alongside a stellar lineup of Michelin-starred chefs, including Marco Zampese from Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Lisa Goodwin-Allen of Northcote, Anthony Genovese from Il Pagliaccio in Italy, Jonny Lake of Trivet, and celebrated pastry chef Ravneet Gill. Each chef will prepare a signature dish, complemented by curated drinks from Agostino Perrone, Director of Mixology at The Connaught Bar, and a selection of wines chosen by Lucas Reynaud-Paligot, Head Sommelier at Hélène Darroze.

Date: 1 December 2024. Time: from Noon. Location: 12 St George St, London W1S 2FB. Price: from £250. Book now.

Ever After Garden 2024

The Ever After Garden, Grosvenor Square, Mayfair. Until 18 December 2024. Photo by MTotoe.

#FLODown: The Ever After Garden, located in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, offers a peaceful space for remembering loved ones during the festive season. The garden is illuminated with over 30,000 white roses, and visitors are invited to dedicate a rose in memory of someone special, with donations supporting The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. This year, the garden is open until 18 December, and dedications can be made online until 9am on 17 December. Any late dedications will be included in the 2025 garden. The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity collaborates with Brookfield as the Headline Partner for this event.

Date: 14 November – 18 December 2024. Time: Open daily from 3pm – 9pm.  Location:  Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London, W1K 6LD. Free entry. £10 suggested minimum donation to dedicate a rose. royalmarsden.org.