17 unmissable things to do in London this Christmas 2023
As November arrives, London undergoes a festive transformation that lasts through January. The city comes alive with a variety of activities, including ice skating, Christmas markets, enchanting shows like The Nutcracker, mesmerising light displays, and the vibrant Winter Wonderland. London truly becomes the epicentre of festive excitement during this season. Here are our 17 top recommendations to ensure a memorable and delightful festive season in the city.
Christmas Actually
Image: Christmas Actually at the Southbank Centre.
#FLODown: Presented by Senbla and Roast Productions in partnership with Comic Relief Christmas Actually is a delightful Christmas variety show curated by Richard Curtis and directed by Daniel Raggett. This festive show captures the spirit of Christmas through a star-studded lineup of live music, heartwarming stories, poetry, and comedy.
Date: 7 – 11 December 2023. Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: £25.50 – £124.50. Book now.
The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House
Image: The Nutcracker, The Royal Ballet. Royal Opera House/ Karolina Kuras.
#FLODown: This Christmas, The Nutcracker returns to The Royal Opera House, offering a timeless ballet that takes you on Clara's magical Christmas Eve journey, set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Choreographed by Peter Wright and featuring stunning period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman, this performance beautifully combines fairy tale magic with the exquisite dance of The Royal Ballet. Make sure not to miss this cherished holiday tradition; it's a must-see for the Christmas season.
Date: 6 December 2023 – 13 January 2024. Location: Royal Opera House Bow St, London WC2E 9DD. Price: £5- £160. Book now.
E.T. in Concert with the Philharmonia Orchestra
Image: E.T. in Concert with the Philharmonia Orchestra. TM & © Universal Studios.
#FLODown: Discover the magic of Christmas with E.T. in Concert, featuring the Philharmonia Orchestra. Experience the heartwarming 1982 classic as John Williams' Academy Award-winning score comes to life, synchronised with the film on a massive HD screen.
Date: 13 December 2023. Time: 7pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Price: £30 - £67.50. Book now.
Christmas at Kew
Image: Christmas at Kew. © Raymond Gubbay Ltd, Richard Haughton.
#FLODown: Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with the return of Christmas at Kew. Enjoy the beauty of stunning light displays and new additions like illuminated flowers and a record-setting light tunnel. Don't miss The Hive, a modern beehive artwork, and charming candle lantern displays. Explore old favourites such as the Christmas Cathedral and Fire Garden, all set against a starry night sky. Indulge in traditional Christmas dinners, treats, and, of course, mulled wine.
Date: 15 November 2023 – 7 January 2024. Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond TW9 3AE. Price: from Adult: from £22.50, Family: from £69, Child 4 – 16: from £15, Under 4s free. Book now.
Christmas in Tinseltown
Image: Christmas in Tinseltown hosted by Mark Kerode at Royal Festival Hall. Southbank Centre.
#FLODown: Christmas in Tinseltown features the London Philharmonic Orchestra, with Mark Kermode as the host, performing themes from classic Christmas films like Elf, The Holiday, The Grinch, and Miracle on 34th Street.
Date: 14 December 2023 Time: 7.30pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Price: £30 – £60. Book now.
Southbank Centre Winter Festival 2023
Image: Southbank Centre Winter Market by India Roper Evans.
#FLODown: The Southbank Centre's Winter Festival returns, bringing spellbinding shows, festive family fun, a Winter Market with pop-ups, luminous art exhibitions, and glorious music and choirs. Enjoy the Winter Market by the Thames, family shows, spellbinding performances, and dance events. Explore art exhibitions, and listen to free choirs and classical music performances.
Date: 28 October 2023 – 7 January 2024. Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Click here to discover the full line up of events.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Image: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Image courtesy of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
#FLODown: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is making a return this November for its 15th edition. The Wonderland boasts the UK's largest outdoor Ice Rink, an enchanting new Magical Ice Kingdom, Bar Ice with a lively 80s apres-ski vibe, Zippos Christmas Circus, Cirque Berserk performances, the towering Giant Wheel, and an even bigger Real Ice Slide. Plus, six exciting new attractions, including the world's largest transportable Starflyer, promise fun for everyone. All of this can be savoured amidst a backdrop of street food delights in a truly festive atmosphere.
Date: 18 November 2023 - 1 January 2024 Time: 10am – 10pm (open every day except closed on Christmas Day. Location: Hyde Park. Book now.
Christmas Igloo
Image: Willow on The Roof. Photo by @mikeportlock_lifeafterlife.
#FLODown: London's winter scene sparkles with cosy igloos that pop up across the city's rooftops, riversides, and terraces. Offering delightful food, warming cocktails, and inviting vibes. From the rooftop igloos at Willows On The Roof, with a view of central London, to rink-side igloos at Glide in Battersea Power Station, there's something for everyone. You can also find a similar cosy experience at Thor's Tipi in Winter Wonderland. Don't miss the Southbank Centre's Winter Festival with Fire and Fromage for an extra-special winter treat.
Ice Skating
Image: Ice Skating at Somerset House. November 2022. © MTotoe.
#FLODown: As the festive season rapidly approaches, temporary ice rinks are starting to pop up all over London. Our favourite spots include the largest outdoor ice rink at Winter Wonderland, the iconic rink at Somerset House, and Hampton Court Palace. Plus, Glide at Battersea Power Station returns!
Click here for our guide on the most atmospheric places to go ice skating during the Christmas.
Christmas Classics with Philharmonia Orchestra
Image: Christmas Classics with The Philharmonia Orchestra. Hosted by YolanDa Brown.
#FLODown: Join host YolanDa Brown for a festive sing-along in 'Christmas Classics' with the magnificent Philharmonia Orchestra. The Philharmonia Orchestra, featuring the Philharmonia Chorus, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, with the London Philharmonic Choir, will perform on different days. They are joined by the London Youth Choirs and West End singer Marisha Wallace for a truly enchanting experience for the Christmas season.
Date: 15 -17 December 2023. Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Price: £30 – £60. Book now.
Christmas Light Display
Image: Regent Street Christmas lights. November 2022. © MTotoe.
#FLODown: In November, London comes alive with the glow of Christmas lights, starting with Carnaby Street and Oxford Street on 2 November, followed by Seven Dials and Covent Garden on 7 November, and culminating with the illumination of Regent Street and Mount Street on 9 and 16 November, respectively, creating a beautiful holiday ambiance in the city.
Miracle at Henrietta
Image: Miracle at Henrietta Hotel. Covent Garden. @hotelhenrietta.
#FLODown: Step into a world of nostalgia and fun at Miracle at Henrietta, where you'll find a delightful retro Christmas experience complete with vibrant decorations and colourful lights. Sip on a selection of festive cocktails, including the ‘Christmapolitan,’ ‘Elfling Around,’ and ‘Snowball Old-Fashioned,’ among others!
Date:13 November - 23 December 2023.Location: 14-15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS. Website: miracleathenrietta.com.
Christmas at Kenwood House
Image: Christmas at Kenwood House.
#FLODown: Christmas at Kenwood returns with a new 2023 light trail, featuring 13 fresh installations and a unique festive experience. Partnered with Kilimanjaro Live and English Heritage, the event promises surprises, festive treats, and picturesque moments.
Date: 1 December 2023 - 1 January 2024. Location: Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, NW3 7JR. Price: from £25.50/19.25 Adult/child. Book now.
Art Exhibitions
Image: Installation view of UVA Synchronicity at 180 The Strand. Polyphony, UVA, 2023. Commissioned by 180 Studios. Photo by Jack Hems.
#FLODown: This Christmas season, take the opportunity to explore some of London's finest art exhibitions between your festive activities, shopping, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Click here for our curated list of the best art exhibitions in London over the holidays.
Nutcracker at the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club
Image: Nutcracker at the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club
#FLODown: Experience the world premiere of a new Nutcracker, a playful and mischievous take on the classic, directed by Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie. Set in the vibrant Tuff Nutt Jazz Club at the Southbank Centre, the timeless story comes to life with a live jazz band and dynamic choreography. The show features a talented cast and is followed by live music sessions at the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club.
Date: 28 October 2023 – 6 January 2024. Location: The Tuff Nutt Club, Royal Festival Hall - Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Price: £15 – £150. Book now.
Mulled Wine
Image: Mulled wine. Photo by Taryn Elliott.
#FLODown: When Christmas time arrives, London is awash with delightful spots to enjoy the beloved warmth of mulled wine. Among our cherished places are The Orange Pub in Belgravia, The Coach Makers Arms in Marylebone, The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead Heath, and the Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich. This year, Somerset House Ice Skating by Whispering Angel will be serving up a tasty mulled wine.
Miracle on Leake Street
#FLODown: Miracle on Leake Street returns this Christmas , offering a free alternative festive celebration in the Leake Street graffiti tunnel in Waterloo. Enjoy a screening of Home Alone 2 and participate in free graffiti workshops, a snowboard simulator, wreath-making classes, and a Christmas craft market. The event features street food, mulled wine, market stalls, and festive face painting. It's organised by WeAreWaterloo and South Bank London, with donations collected benefiting the Waterloo Foodbank.
Date: 7 December 2023. Location: Leake Street Tunnel. Website: leakestreetarches.london
