London is a pretty magical place no matter what time of year it is, but it gets extra special come Christmas. Winter might not be the most fun of seasons, thanks to its tendency to be bitingly cold and wet and cause your heating bills to skyrocket, but December in the city makes all that fade into the background. The streets twinkle under the golden Christmas lights, and lavishly decorated Christmas trees adorn many shops, venues and outdoor spaces.
It all adds up to something that’ll make you want to throw the cosy blankets to one side, wrap up warm and get outside to enjoy London’s offerings of festive activities and entertainment. Head to a screening of some festive movie classics, show off your skills at a glistening ice rink, take a trip to a traditional pantomime, or make the most of the city’s pubs and restaurants serving delicious mulled wine. If you’re looking for something new to try, winter pop-ups often hold the answer, while Christmas markets will help you tick off that present list for your loved ones.
There’s so much going on over Christmas that you might not know where to start. Luckily, Time Out is here to guide you through everything you need to make your yuletide in London a truly merry occasion. Be share to check back regularly as we continue to update this list with newly announced markets, pop-ups, parties and more festive events.
RECOMMENDED: It’s never too early to start planning a spectacular New Year in London.