Best things to do in London in Winter
As someone who grew up in Australia, Christmas tends to be a odd thing; with summer Bbq’s, beaches and seafood platter Christmas dinners, but having many northern hemisphere influences such as winter Christmas movies and Christmas cards covered with snow on them it is a bit of a clash.
Christmas in winter was such a foreign, but magical sounding idea! Since then, I have had gotten to experience quite a few northern hemisphere winters and quite a few London winter that I have become quite a fan!
London is one of those cities thats always bustling no matter what time of year and a drop in temperature doesn’t change that! So wrap up warm and check out some of the best things to do in London in Winter!
1. The Christmas lights and displays
The Christmas displays are next level in London, but before we get into that, lets talk Christmas lights!
The majority of lights around London go on at the beginning of November and stay up until early January. There are certain streets that are famous for the lights such as Oxford street and Regents street, but there are plenty more around these two.
With carts on the streets serving mulled wine and spiced Cider, its a great time to go wandering the streets around Mayfair, Piccadilly and Soho.
Make sure you check out New bond street, Carnaby Street and Burlington arcade too!
As I said previously Christmas displays outside and inside some shops are next level!
Places such as King street off Sloane Square in Chelsea are very festive to walk down during the day, Popular places such as the Ivy and Peggy Porschen are always great stops for photos.
Famous department stores including Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum and Mason, Harvey Nichols and Liberty’s all contain stunning Christmas displays in their windows.
2. Christmas at Kew
From mid- November to early January each year, Kew gardens comes alive with festive lights.
Known as Christmas at Kew, the gardens are lit up with light and Christmas displays with plenty of Christmas carols to dance to as you wander around the gardens with some mulled wine or hot chocolate in your hands.
This is definitely one way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Tickets are time- slotted and have peak and off peak prices starting at £25.50 for off peak. This is a very popular event every year and tickets sell out a few months in advance.
Tickets are now on sale. Check it out Here.
3. Winter wonderland
From late November to early January each year Winter Wonderland is held in Hyde Park.
A cross between Christmas markets and a carnival there are plenty of things to do. With live music, rides, Christmas stalls, beer gardens and plenty of mulled wine available it is a great way to spend a afternoon.
4. Have a very Harry Christmas!
For any Harry Potter fan going to the Warner Brothers studio in Watford is a exciting experience, but going at Christmas and seeing Hogwarts in the snow is just magical!
Running from mid- November to the end of January each year, you can explore the sets covered in snow and see the great hall ready for Christmas Day. Don’t forget to enjoy a Butterbeer at the end!
This is a popular event and tickets must be booked in advance.
Tickets start from £53.50 with multiple packages available.
5. The Covent Garden Christmas tree
The Covent garden Christmas tree is one of the main trees that are put up at Christmas in London.
Always better to be seen at night time, this area is full of Christmas carollers, carts with mulled wine and cider too.
The Apple Market just across from the tree has lots of arts and craft type stores with plenty of Christmas and non Christmas items.
6. Chinese new year
Also known as Lunar new year, the New year is held mid January to early February every year.
With Parades running from Charing Cross road and up Shaftesbury Avenue into China town. Performances through the west end and Trafalgar Square and plenty of Chinese food thrown in, this becomes one big street party!
7. Ice skating at Somerset house
A popular pastime leading up to Christmas, the ice rink outside Somerset House is the place in London to do it!
The Rink is up and running from mid November to early January. * Side Note- the Ice rink outside the natural history museum is no longer running and has been shut for a couple of years now.
8. Leadenhall Market
A gorgeous, hidden away arcade dating back to the 14th century, in the city of London, Leadenhall Market is beautifully decorated for Christmas.
The Mayor of London turns on the the lights in November each year in the market with a carols and guided walks around the markets.
There are also plenty of boutique shopping and Christmas workshops to enjoy as well.
9. Enjoy the Christmas markets
Enjoy strolling about the Christmas markets with some mulled Wine or Hot chocolate around Leicester Square Christmas markets or the South bank markets.
10. Enjoy a show in the West End
One of the iconic things to do in London is heading to the west end, to the theatre. With many Christmas pantomimes and shows over winter, this is a great way to get into the festive spirit.
Alternatively you can always check out a classic musical while there.
The Todaytix app is a great way to check out all the shows available and to get cheap tickets.
11. Christmas decoration shopping
At Christmas time London department stores go all out with their lights and window displays, but inside is just as amazing!
Some of the stores look like a bon-bon explosion has happened inside them and I am all for it! With displays of ornaments and decorations, from Christmas pillows and bedspreads to tree decorations, to beautifully set Christmas dinner tables, these stores have it all.
And easy enough to go and pick up a great little Christmas souvenir! Some of the best departments stores to experience this in is Harrods, Liberty’s and Fortum and Mason.
12. New years fireworks
If you happen to be in London on new years eve, watching the fire works lighting up the London eye and along the Thames is a great experience. Wrap up warm though as you will be outside for a long time!
13. Museums and Galleries
Enjoy a day escaping from the cold weather and go check out a museum for the day! London has some of the best museums in the world, but also so many its sometimes hard to pick which one to go to!
From the famous British museum, the Natural History museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Museum of London, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, the Transport museum or the national Portrait Gallery- the options are endless!
14. Cosy up next to the fire in a English pub
Nothing beats heading out of the cold and warming yourself by the fire in a traditional English pub.
London has hundreds of pubs to chose from, all with their own history and character and of course all decorated for Christmas! Here is a list of some of Londons famous pubs, along with some lesser known but still fantastic pubs in London.
The Lamb and Flag
A Grade II listed heritage building from the 1700’s located in Covent garden. It is well know for its history of bare-knuckle boxing and a local haunt of Charles Dickens. 33 Rose Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9EB
Crown and Anchor
A cute little two storey traditional pub close to Covent garden.
22 Neal St, London WC2H 9PS, United Kingdom
The Prospect of Whitby
Located in the East end of London, it is the oldest riverside pub in London. It is a grade II listed heritage building from 1520 and due to is proximity to the London dock and the Thames at high tide, it was the local haunt for Sailors, smugglers and pirates.
57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH, UK
The Anchor, Southwark Bankside
A pub has been on this site for over 800 years and the current Famous Thames side pub from 1615. Once popular with actors during Shakespeares time from the two famous local theatres close by, the Globe and the Rose.
34 Park St, London SE1 9EF, United Kingdom.
The Churchill arms
Probably one of the most famous pubs in London due to its beautiful floral arrangements outside. Located in Kensington the inside is decorated in 1940s era with many World war II posters and Paraphernalia from this era.
119 Kensington Church St, London W8 7LN, United Kingdom
The Dickens Inn
Looking over the marina at St Katherine Docks this beautiful 18th century pub is one of the only few buildings to survive the Blitz during world war 2 in this area.
Marble Quay, St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1UH, United Kingdom
Ye olde Cheshire cheese
A grade II listed heritage building, it was rebuilt shortly after the great fire of London in 1666. Located in a small alley way off Fleet street, there has been a pub on this site since 1538. Famous regulars of this pub are Mark twain and Charles Dickens.
145 Fleet street, City of London
The blue Anchor
A nice 18th century pub with beautiful riverside views in Hammersmith.
13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, London, W69DJ
The Prince of Wales
A cute little traditional 19th century English pub in Kensington.
8 Kensington Church St, London W8 4EP, United Kingdom
Two Brewers
Located in the city of London the Two Brewers is a busy pub during week days with office workers and due to the White cross markets around the corner you can bring your own food and eat it in the pub.
121 White cross street, Barbican, London EC1Y 8JH
Need more suggestions for things to do in London? Check out my other London Posts:
The best 7 day London itinerary
The best 3 day London Itinerary