When do Christmas lights switch on in London?

Oxford Street and Regent Street lights typically switch on in mid-November. The exact dates vary each year, with the Regent Street switch-on usually happening first. Lights stay up until early January.

Is London busy at Christmas?

Yes, London is very busy from late November through Christmas. Weekends and evenings are the busiest times at markets and Winter Wonderland. Visit attractions on weekday mornings for shorter queues. The week between Christmas and New Year is slightly quieter.

What is open on Christmas Day in London?

Very little is open on Christmas Day. Most shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions are closed. The Tube does not run. Some hotels serve Christmas lunch, and a few Chinese restaurants in Soho stay open. Plan ahead and book any Christmas Day dining well in advance.

London at Christmas: Markets, Lights and Festive Fun (2026)

Everything you need to know about visiting London during the festive season, from Christmas markets to ice skating.

Updated: 20 March 2026

Christmas Lights: Oxford Street, Regent Street and Beyond

London's Christmas lights are a spectacle that draws millions of visitors each year. Oxford Street's lights stretch for over a mile, creating a glittering canopy above the busiest shopping street in Europe. Regent Street's angel lights are perhaps the most photographed, with giant illuminated angels lining the elegant curve of the road. Carnaby Street goes for a different theme each year, with creative installations that are always Instagram-worthy. The lights typically switch on in mid-November and stay up until early January. The best time to see them is after 5pm on a weekday, when the crowds are thinner than weekends.

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is London's biggest Christmas event, running from mid-November to early January. Entry to the park is free, though individual rides and attractions charge separately. Highlights include a massive ice rink, a giant observation wheel, the Magical Ice Kingdom (walk-through ice sculptures), a Christmas market with over 100 stalls, and live shows. The German-style food stalls serve bratwurst, gluhwein, and roasted almonds. It gets extremely busy on weekends and in the evenings, so visit on a weekday afternoon for a more comfortable experience. Book timed entry online in advance as it is now required.

Christmas Markets

London hosts dozens of Christmas markets throughout the festive season. The South Bank Christmas Market stretches along the Thames from the London Eye to Tate Modern, with wooden chalets selling crafts, gifts, and mulled wine against the backdrop of the illuminated city. Borough Market adds festive treats to its regular offerings, including mince pies, Christmas puddings, and seasonal game. Greenwich Market goes all-out with decorations and handmade gifts. The Leicester Square Christmas Market has a Bavarian beer hall and traditional German food. Covent Garden's famous Christmas decorations and giant tree make it feel magical even without an official market.

Ice Skating

Ice skating in a spectacular setting is one of London's most beloved Christmas traditions. Somerset House on the Strand has the most famous rink, set in the courtyard of this stunning 18th-century building with a giant Christmas tree as the centrepiece. The Natural History Museum rink lets you skate in front of the beautiful Victorian building with a towering tree overhead. The Tower of London rink offers skating with the medieval fortress as your backdrop. Sessions are typically 50-60 minutes and cost £12-20 per person. Book well in advance as popular time slots sell out weeks ahead, especially weekend evenings.

Festive Shows and Pantomimes

The West End puts on special Christmas shows and pantomimes that run from late November through January. Traditional pantomimes at venues like the Palladium and Hackney Empire feature slapstick comedy, audience participation, and celebrity casts. The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House is a stunning ballet that captures the magic of the season. Cirque du Soleil often has a London show running over Christmas. For families, Elf the Musical and The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre are perennial favourites. Book early for the best seats, as Christmas shows sell out fast.

Christmas Day Practicalities

Christmas Day in London is very quiet, with most shops, restaurants, and attractions closed. The Tube does not run on Christmas Day, and bus services are extremely limited. If you are visiting over Christmas, plan your Christmas Day meals in advance: hotel restaurants and a handful of upscale restaurants serve Christmas lunch, but booking weeks ahead is essential. Boxing Day (26th December) is much busier, with the famous sales beginning on Oxford Street and most attractions reopening. The period between Christmas and New Year is a lovely time to visit, as the lights are still up, the markets are open, and the atmosphere is festive without the pre-Christmas rush.