Twixmas: 50 Things to do in London between Christmas and New Year’s Eve

As we approach that unique stretch between Christmas and New Year, where the days blur and routines slip away, if you're already contemplating how to make the most of this period, we've got you covered with our guide to 50 enjoyable things to keep you busy between Christmas and the New Year.

• Take a wild dip on Christmas Day (tradition to go for a dip at Hampstead Heath ponds or the Serpentine).

Serpentine Lake Hyde Park. Photo by Marco Chilese.

• Watch Matthew Bourne’s latest ballet: Edward Scissorhands at Sadler’s Wells.

• Enjoy an evening of jazz at Dalston Jazz Bar, a neighbourhood jazz spot open every Thursday through Saturday, showcasing local talent. Their menu has no prices - you pay based on what you feel it's worth through donations.

• London welcomed two brand-new viewing platforms this year: The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate and Horizon 22 at 22 Bishopsgate. Take the opportunity to explore breathtaking views of the city for free.

Horizon 22 at 22 Bishopsgate. © MTotoe.

• Explore the treasures at the Wallace Collection, just one of London’s many exceptional free museums. Other locations to explore include like the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.

• Pick up some of London’s finest festive baked goods, like the Christmas trifle pudding bun at Fortitude Bakehouse or the King's Ginger Mince Pie at Pophams. Click here for our guide to the best mince pies in the city.

King's Ginger Mince Pie at Pophams. © MTotoe.

• Extend a helping hand by volunteering for Crisis, the UK's national charity dedicated to supporting individuals facing homelessness.

• Enjoy timeless seasonal classics, alternative, and cult December films at our favourite independent cinema,The Garden Cinema.

• The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a 1000-year history as a fortress, royal residence, and notorious prison. Safeguarding the Crown Jewels and steeped in haunting tales, it's a London landmark worth visiting during the festive period.

Tower of London. © Historic Royal Palaces.

• Head to some of London's best art bookshops and dive into your next big read.

• Experience the thrill of gliding on ice at London's ice rinks. Click here for locations to ice skate in London.

• Dine in style at Bambi, the music-led wine bar located at Netil House. With its chic ambiance, vast record collection, and top-notch sound system, it promises an evening full of good music and good food!

Bambi Restaurant in Hackney. © MTotoe.

• Attend a rave, such as the Sneak Boxing Day rave at XOYO or Dennis Sulta's (All Night Long) at Phonox London.

• Try snagging a table at Hackney hotspot, Sager + Wilde. If not, enjoy cosy drinks at their welcoming bar.

• Experience the unique thrill of the IFS Cloud Cable Car, the UK's only urban cable car system connecting the Royal Docks and Greenwich Peninsula. Soar 90 metres above the River Thames and enjoy panoramic views of London. Start with a round trip from Greenwich Peninsula, then explore the Design District before visiting the NOW Gallery to discover the Greetings from Ireland exhibition by Robyn Lynch.

IFS Cloud Cable Car. Photo by Transport for London.

• Embark on a sculpture hunt across London! Click here to explore our some of our favourite scultures in the city.  

• Spend a day at the V&A Museum exploring their vast collection and exhibitions like DIVA and Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto. Don't miss their Christmas tree installaton, The Power Plant, this year. And make sure to visit the grand Gamble room for a coffee.

• Synchronicity by UVA at 180 studios has been extended into next year, making it the perfect opportunity to visit.

Installation view of UVA Synchronicity at 180 The Strand. Polyphony, UVA, 2023. Commissioned by 180 Studios. Photo by Jack Hems

• Have a drink at Equal Parts, a chic bar situated on a corner of Hackney Road, crafted by the minds behind Sager + Wilde.

• Photograph your aura at Battersea Power Station The Alkemistry pop-up.

• Watch the World Darts Championship at Ally Pally.

• Venture to Greenwich Park and soak in the breathtaking views overlooking London's skyline.

Views of London from Greenwich Park. © MTotoe.

• Discover one of London’s hidden treasures The Hill Garden and Pergola in Hampstead Heath. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to Kenwood House.

• Explore Hampton Court Palace, Explore Hampton Court Palace, a historic gem by the Thames. Walk through rooms steeped in Henry VIII's legacy and scenic gardens. You can also ice skate on the grounds until 7 January 2024.

Hampton Court Palace. © Historic Royal Palaces.

• Watch Harriet Walter (Succession) in The House of Bernarda Alba at the National Theatre, where she portrays the formidable matriarch safeguarding her reputation against the growing desires of her family.

• Taste Hampstead's iconic crepes at the famous La Crêperie de Hampstead. La Crêperie de Hampstead. Don't be deterred by the queues; they're all part of the experience!

La Crêperie de Hampstead. © MTotoe

• Climb the O2 and experience incredible views of London.

• Explore London’s Christmas trees with our guide to the most talked about Christmas trees in London.

David Hockney’s animated Christmas tree in collaboration at Battersea Power Station.

• Don’t miss out on the final chance to see the magical light trail at Kew Gardens with Christmas at Kew.

• Visit the beautiful Burgh House and Hampstead Museum in Hampstead, an incredible hidden gem in North London. Discover the history of the house, explore their latest exhibitions, and finish with lunch at the Buttery Café.

Burgh House and Hampstead Museum. © MTotoe.

• Enjoy a delightful day starting with a scenic stroll through Primrose Hill, indulge in a tasty brunch at Avro, and conclude with a serene late afternoon, watching the sunset at Parliament Hill.

• Don't miss the final chance to see Marina Abramović's exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts.The exhibition ends on 1 January 2024. Click here for our area guide to art exhibitions to see in London during the festive break.

• Experience the enchanting Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House before its final performance on 13 January 2023.

• Enjoy a festive afternoon tea at none other than Claridge's and don't miss their Christmas tree collaboration with Louis Vuitton!

Sarah Lucas, Bunny 1997. Private collection © Sarah Lucas.

• The Tate is currently home to six exhibitions spread across its two London locations. Tate Modern presents A World in Common, a retrospective of Philip Guston, Capturing the Moment, and the remarkable Hyundai Commission: Anatsui: Behind the Red Moon. Meanwhile, Tate Britain showcases two captivating exhibitions—one by the renowned artist Sarah Lucas and another dedicated to female artists, titled Women in Revolt!. While these exhibitions come at a fee, both galleries, including Tate Britain, offer free admission and host several complimentary exhibitions. Tate Britain has recently rehung its collection, promising visitors a fresh perspective. Don't miss it!

• Head to the Barbican for a dose of arts and culture. Experience the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony or explore exhibitions by Julianknxx, delving into themes of inheritance, loss, and belonging in the Curve. Additionally, discover 'Re/Sister,' a major group exhibition exploring the dynamic relationship between gender and ecology.

Julianknxx, Production still of Chorus in Rememory of Flight, 2023 © Studioknxx.

• Explore the depths of London's history with The Gentle Author. Join for an afternoon's tour through the ancient streets, discovering the soul of the City of London.

• Experience The House with Chicken Legs, a production based on Sophie Anderson's beloved novel at the South Bank Centre. Additionally, don't miss the largest survey to date of works by Hiroshi Sugimoto, also showcased at the Southbank Centre.

• Final chance to see the Gucci Cosmos exhibition at 180 Studios before it concludes at the end of December. Click here for more immersive art to see in London

• Discover emerging artists before they hit the mainstream at Sofar Sounds events. Between Christmas and the New Year, catch these intimate gatherings at various locations like Hackney, Holborn, St. Paul's, and the Barbican.

Wigmore Hall. Photo by Wigmore Hall.

• Enjoy the beauty of classical music at Wigmore Hall with a captivating lineup of performances during Christmas and the New Year. Including Tamsin Waley-Cohen alongside George Xiaoyuan Fu, the Doric String Quartet's , Ariel Lanyi's , and a collaboration of James Newby and Joseph Middleton on the piano.

• Relax and unwind at Aire Ancient Baths, a tranquil retreat.

• Explore the Barbican Conservatory and admire sculptures by Ranjani Shettar, on display until March 2024.

The Conservatory x Ranjani Shettar. The Barbican Conservatory. © MTotoe.

• Enjoy wakeboarding at Royal Victoria Dock for an adventurous day out.

• Experience the unique ambiance of Dennis Severs House.

• Discover the fascinating world of fans at The Fan Museum in Greenwich, dedicated to their history and craftsmanship.

Café Cecila in Hackney © MTotoe.

• Grab a delicious meal at Café Cecila and don't miss their amazing Guinness bread!

• Visit The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill, known as the most festively decorated pub in London, and enjoy a pint or mulled wine. Click here for our favourite locations to drink mulled wine in London.

• Take in stunning views of London from Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station.

Lift 109. Battersea Power Station. © Joshua Atkins.

• Visit Notting Hill's renowned cookbook shop, Books for Cooks. Beyond offering thousands of fantastic cookbooks, they also prepare delicious, wholesome meals.

• Delve into an enjoyable and relaxing gaming experience at The Science Museum's Power Up exhibit. Discover five decades of gaming history and find the ideal game for you in their gaming area, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gamer.

  Escape the city

Looking for a last-minute escape from the city this Christmas and New Year? Escape the city and head to the tranquil Cotswolds for a visit to the lovely Thyme Hotel. While there, make sure to check out the exhibition The Golden Thread by Jemma Powell, on display until 7 January 2024.