Last updated: 11 November 2024
Get thrilled for the holidays, City of Westminster! Check out our guide for all the best events and activities. For City of Westminster regulars and one-time guests, our guide is your compass through the winter wonderland.
Popular events bring the festive spirit to life in the City of Westminster. The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland features a magical market, ice skating rinks, and thrilling rides that create a lively atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Southbank Centre Winter Festival offers ice skating, a Christmas market, and seasonal performances that showcase local talent. And the Covent Garden Christmas is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its dazzling decorations and charm. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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City of Westminster Holiday Light Displays
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- Historic tradition of gratitude symbolized by a tall, decorated spruce.
- Description
- The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree is a 50-60 year old Norwegian spruce, over 20 meters tall, gifted annually by Oslo to London as a token of gratitude for Britain's support during World War II. The tree is selected with great care, felled in November, and decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion with energy-efficient lights.
- Where
- London | More Info : Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
Christmas lights walking tour
- What to Expect
- Guided tour showcasing London's best Christmas lights and landmarks.
- Description
- Explore London's iconic landmarks and vibrant Christmas markets on a guided walking tour. See the dazzling displays of lights in Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and Regent Street. Discover hidden spots and learn about London's rich history and festive traditions.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas lights walking tour
Traditional Black Cab Tour of London's Christmas lights
- What to Expect
- Private guided tour in a classic London black cab.
- Description
- Explore London's iconic Christmas lights in a traditional black cab, visiting central locations like Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Trafalgar Square. Enjoy photo opportunities and learn about the city's festive spirit.
- Where
- London | More Info : Traditional Black Cab Tour of London's Christmas lights
Christmas lights tour on a vintage Routemaster bus
- What to Expect
- Vintage bus tour with live commentary through London's festive lights.
- Description
- Travel through London's iconic streets on a restored 50-year-old vintage bus to see the city's spectacular Christmas lights. The tour features live commentary from a local guide as you pass by Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Knightsbridge, including the Houses of Parliament and the famous Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square.
- Where
- London | More Info : Christmas lights tour on a vintage Routemaster bus
Battersea Power Station Christmas
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with ice-skating and light festival.
- Description
- Battersea Power Station transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with festive extravaganzas, featuring a stunning riverside ice-skating rink and the enchanting Light Festival that illuminates the neighbourhood.
- Where
- London | More Info : Battersea Power Station Christmas
City of Westminster Holiday Markets and Shopping
Covent Garden Christmas
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas decorations and immersive festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Covent Garden transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with iconic Christmas bells, a 60ft Christmas tree, and festive menus across over 100 dining spots.
- Where
- London | More Info : Covent Garden Christmas
Greenwich Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts and international street foods in a historic marketplace setting.
- Description
- Greenwich Christmas Market offers a vibrant atmosphere with diverse stalls selling handmade jewelry, crafts, and unique gifts. Enjoy a variety of international street foods and browse through antiques and collectibles. The market is a perfect place to find one-of-a-kind items and indulge in delicious seasonal treats.
- Where
- London | More Info : Greenwich Christmas Market
Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays
- What to Expect
- Extended shopping hours for independent retailers.
- Description
- Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays feature extended hours for independent retailers, supporting local businesses and creative endeavors.
- Where
- London | More Info : Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays
City of Westminster Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Large-scale outdoor ice skating rink with over 100,000 lights.
- Description
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a comprehensive holiday event featuring an array of attractions, including an open-air ice rink, carnival rides, and themed shows. Visitors can enjoy traditional German cuisine, mulled wine, and live music in the Bavarian Village. The event also includes a Magical Ice Kingdom with intricate ice sculptures and a variety of themed bars.
- Where
- London | More Info : Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
- What to Expect
- Diverse cultural and artistic experiences.
- Description
- The Southbank Centre Winter Festival offers a vibrant array of activities, including spectacular shows, luminous art, and a wondrous Winter Market. Visitors can explore inspiring books, homeware, prints, and accessories, as well as enjoy water cascades over bronze figures and a beautiful stainless steel sculpture overlooking the Thames. The event also features a growing pocket forest creating a natural oasis.
- Where
- London | More Info : Southbank Centre Winter Festival
Winter by the River
- What to Expect
- Themed karaoke rooms and pop-up bars.
- Description
- Winter by the River is an event where bold, beautiful, and curious individuals gather to experience vibrant market stalls, themed karaoke rooms, and pop-up bars. The event features a range of food, drink, and craft businesses that prioritize benefit to people and planet.
- Where
- London | More Info : Winter by the River
Leicester Square Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Award-winning cabaret show in a historic Spiegeltent.
- Description
- Leicester Square Christmas Market features a variety show, La Clique, in the Leicester Square Spiegeltent, along with an alpine-style market offering seasonal treats, food, and drinks.
- Where
- London | More Info : Leicester Square Christmas Market
Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- English National Ballet's Nutcracker at the London Coliseum is a classic ballet production featuring over 100 dancers and musicians. Choreographed by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith, it combines exquisite dancing with spectacular sets and costumes designed by Dick Bird. The performance includes Tchaikovsky's iconic score played live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic.
- Where
- London | More Info : Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum
Raymond Briggs The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre
- What to Expect
- Live orchestra accompaniment to classic holiday music.
- Description
- A stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs' picture book, featuring a boy and his snowman coming to life, with music by Howard Blake, choreography by Robert North, and a live orchestra.
- Where
- London | More Info : Raymond Briggs The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre
Carol concerts at St Paul's & Westminster Abbey
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas carol concerts with Holy Communion.
- Description
- Join St Paul's and Westminster Abbey for traditional Christmas carol concerts featuring the Cathedral Choirs and Holy Communion, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
- Where
- London | More Info : Carol concerts at St Paul's & Westminster Abbey
Cadogan Hall Christmas Events
- What to Expect
- Choral and orchestral performances blending traditional and modern Christmas music.
- Description
- Cadogan Hall presents a variety of Christmas events, including choral performances by The Sixteen, swing music by the Down for the Count Orchestra, and a Dickensian Christmas celebration with readings and carols. These events showcase a range of musical styles and traditions, from medieval carols to modern masterpieces.
- Where
- London | More Info : Cadogan Hall Christmas Events
City of Westminster Other Holiday Activities
Somerset House Christmas Ice Rink
- What to Expect
- Unrivalled skating experience with gourmet dining and live music.
- Description
- Skate at Somerset House offers an unparalleled winter experience with skating lessons, chilled-out sessions, and trailblazing DJs. Enjoy gourmet dining at The Chalet and festive cheer at the Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel. Exclusive evenings hosted by Virgin Atlantic Holidays and festive shopping at Shelter Boutique add to the event's charm.
- Where
- London | More Info : Somerset House Christmas Ice Rink
Hampton Court Palace Christmas Ice Rink
- What to Expect
- Historic palace backdrop for outdoor ice skating.
- Description
- Skate through history at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, an outdoor rink set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's historic home. Enjoy skating sessions, festive treats, and stunning views of the palace.
- Where
- London | More Info : Hampton Court Palace Christmas Ice Rink