Christmas Things To Do In London 2023
By
8 months ago
It's never to early to start counting down the days (apparently)
Baffled by the festive decs in your local supermarket? Christmas starts earlier every year, and 2023 is no exception. As of September, the department stores have opened their special Christmas shops, the advent calendars have arrived in shops, and restaurant bookings are firmly open. Fancy getting into the spirit ahead of time? Here are the best Christmas things to do in London for 2023. Yes, already…
Christmas Things To Do In London 2023
Guildhall Christmas Market
5:30pm–9:30pm on 27 November & 10:30am–7pm on 28 November 2023 at the Guildhall (Entrance via Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard, EC2V 7HH)
© James Benson/British Red Cross
Elevate your Christmas gift-giving game at the magical Guildhall Christmas Market. After a few Covid-enforced years of closure, the market will return to the beautiful and gothic Guildhall for 2023 this November, with a variety of lovely stalls selling handmade and unique items. Tickets are £7 per person, raising vital funds for the work of the British Red Cross; redcross.org.uk
Dine At The Great Christmas Feast
14 November 2023–14 January 2024 at The Lost Estate (9 Beaumont Ave, London W14 9LP)
Celebrating five sold-out years, The Lost Estate’s iconic Great Christmas Feast returns for 2023, transporting guests back to 1843 inside the enchanted home of Charles Dickens. Expect an incredible immersive production of A Christmas Carol featuring cinematic live music and a mouthwatering Dickensian feasting menu. christmasfeast.thelostestate.com
Curling On The South Bank
13 October 2023–11 February 2024 on the South Bank
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The Curling Club returns to the South Bank this winter, bringing London’s favourite winter sport back with a resident DJ and bucketloads of Alpine spirit. thecurlingclub.com
Visit A Christmassy Department Store
The sun may be shining, but the iconic annual Liberty’s Christmas shop has already opened, brimming with baubles ripe for the browsing. Soak up the festive cheer with the furry reindeer and twinkling fairy lights strung across the ceiling, and stock up on your Christmas decs, wooden advent calendars, and stocking fillers. libertylondon.com
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Visit Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park, London
Winter Wonderland
The iconic London event is back, open everyday from 10 am–10 pm, 17 November 2023–1 January 2024 (excluding Christmas day). Every year, visitors flock to Hyde Park to make the most of Winter Wonderland’s festive joy. Expect new attractions alongside firm favourites, like a new Norse Mythology theme, the Hollenblitz, Magical Ice Kingdom and the UK’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. Tickets are free during off-peak times, and either £5 or £7.50 at peak times. Booking ahead is essential. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
‘Walking With The Snowman™’ Art Trail
From 21 November in Fleet Street Quarter
The Fleet Street Quarter’s ‘Walking with The Snowman™’ art trail: Four Calling Birds by Jenny Leonard
New for 2023, a brand new art trail will take over Fleet Street Quarter from 21 November, giving visitors the chance to find 12 Snowman sculptures standing 1.6 metres tall on recyclable plinths, in partnership with Wild in Art and Penguin Random House Children’s.
Hogwarts In The Snow
11 November 2023–14 January 2024 at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR)
Harry Potter is one of our favourite cosy Christmas watches. Over in Watford, The Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and Hagrid’s Hut are all getting a wintery makeover at Warner Bros. Studio’s Harry Potter tour this Christmas. Plus, visitors can get a lesson on Neville Longbottom’s Yule Ball dance steps, learn the secrets behind the fires that don’t burn and snow that doesn’t melt, get an insight into set dressings during Christmassy scenes and see the handmade Christmas cards created by the original crew during filming.
Lace Up For Ice Skating
The Natural History Museum’s famous rink may be no more, but the all new Glide at Battersea Power Station promises London’s festive ice skating scene will be just as strong in 2022. There’s also the ever popular Skate at Somerset House, the pretty Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink and the huge Winter Wonderland rink. Check out all of our favourite London skating spots here.
Take A Trip To The Kingdom Of Winter
New on the festive scene for 2023 is the Kingdom of Winter at the ExCeL London. Running from 8 December 2023–7 January 2024, expect over 20,000 sqm of festive fun, including an ice rink, fairground rides, an ‘Ice Expedition’, a circus, craft stalls, chalet bars, and two food and drink villages – all safely tucked inside away from the notorious wet British weather. Early bird tickets from £5.50 are on sale now at kingdomofwinter.com
Visit A Winter Light Show
Christmas at Kew (c) Jeff Eden
Traverse a glittering winter wonderland at one of London’s lovely winter light shows. In the city, there’s Christmas at Kew and Lightopia at Crystal Palace Park – or venture slightly further afield to Waddeson Manor in Aylesbury, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, or the Windsor Great Park. Check out our full guide to 2023’s winter light shows here.
See The Pretty Christmas Lights
The London lights will once again light up the London streets this Christmas. Stay tuned for all the details – or peruse our 2022 roundup for an idea of what to expect.
Head To A Festive Market
There’s nothing quite like the warming smell of mulled wine and gingerbread floating through the air. Head to one of London’s festive markets this season to make the most of it. Our annual favourites are the Southbank Centre, Covent Garden and Borough Market. Check out our full guide here.
Tuck Into Christmas Afternoon Tea
Festive afternoon tea at The Lanesborough 2022
Time to get quintessentially British this Christmas, with festive afternoon tea galore across London. From sweet treats designed to look like little Christmas trees to a festive tipple, check out our 2022 for an idea of what to expect in 2023.
Chow Down On One Of London’s Best Festive Menus
The Spread Eagle Christmas Menu 2022
Or, if a slap up roast is more your speed, book into one of London’s many restaurants for a delicious roast (or Christmas-inspired special menus). Check out our 2022 guide for an idea of where to book this year.
