Discover the top activities, exciting events, and must-see attractions taking place across London this December 2024.
Can you hear those sleigh bells jingling? Maybe not just yet, but December is fast approaching, and London is gearing up for another season of festive cheer. Stroll beneath dazzling Christmas lights, soak in the sound of carols, and dive into the holiday spirit with a visit to Christmas markets or a cozy festive film screening.
But December isn’t all about Christmas! The city’s cultural calendar is brimming with unmissable events. Highlights include a reimagined staging of Derek Jarman’s Blue, Sigourney Weaver’s much-anticipated UK stage debut in Jamie Lloyd’s production of The Tempest, a star-studded performance of Cat On A Hot Tin Roof at The Almeida, and the London debut of a celebrated musical adaptation of War and Peace.
While new museum and gallery openings are sparse this month, December offers a final chance to catch blockbuster exhibitions like Fragile Beauty at the V&A, Haegue Yang at the Hayward Gallery, and Geumhyung Jeong at the ICA before they close.
And, of course, London’s winter charm shines through with seasonal activities like ice skating, festive pop-ups, and invigorating winter walks topped off with a warm pub gathering.
Then there’s New Year’s Eve—the grand finale of the month, bringing unforgettable parties and celebrations to cap off the year in style.
December in London is nothing short of magical. Dive into our guide for everything you need to know about the events, shows, and activities lighting up the city this December 2024.
Skate at Somerset House
Somerset House’s iconic ice rink has become a Christmas tradition for Londoners and visitors heading to the capital for some festive cheer. There’s good reason – gliding (or, at least, attempting to) around the rink, gazing upon the Georgian architecture and 40ft Christmas tree feels like you’ve skated onto a movie set, ready to be watched by families settling in for their post-turkey food coma.
There’s more to this rink than just skating, though. This year, pop-up gourmet dining spot The Chalet and rosé brand Whispering Angel’s skate lounge will return to keep you fuelled up. Skate Lates are also back, with DJ takeovers from Rinse FM, Daytimers’ Rohan Rakhit, Dankie Sounds, and Jay Jay Revlon. Shelter Boutique are bringing a pop-up shop of pre-loved clothing, homewares and gifts for you to shop til you drop at, while there’ll also be special chilled-out sessions for those who want to skate but need things to be a little quieter, and coaching for skaters of all ages at the skate school and kids’ skate club.
Christmas lights in London
Even if you think Christmas is a load of consumerist claptrap, you can’t deny that London looks a whole lot better when it’s hung with strings of glistening lights. And London is never in short supply of some thoroughly excellent festive light displays. From the classic angels that beam over Regent’s Street to the snazzy, themed displays over Carnaby Street, a trip to one of these gleaming streets will flutter the heart of even the most Scrooge-like of souls.
Miracle
Dreaming of a kitsch Christmas? New York’s famous Miracle on Ninth Street bar is popping up in London for its seventh year, ‘50s Christmas decorations, nostalgic accessories and creative new spins on beloved cocktail favourites in tow. This year’s menu is still a work in progress, but past years have seen the bar slinging the likes of a Snowball Old Fashioned or a Christmapoliton, which includes cranberry sauce and absinthe mist – a take on Christmas trimmings that’s not for the faint-hearted. If you’re failing to find the Christmas spirit, this is one great place to come find it.
Club Curling
Curling has been growing in popularity in recent years, nudged on by its compelling showings at various Winter Olympics, and you can try your hand at it in King’s Cross this winter. This pop-up outdoor arena boasts six synthetic curling lanes, on which you can curl your heart out for 45 minutes before rewarding yourself with a tasty cocktail at the Curling Club bar. Last year’s 90s theme is being replaced by bright neons, with Walthamstow’s God’s Own Junkyard recreating their warehouse in the bar. Booking opens on October 11.
London’s best festive concerts
An evening of proper Christmas carols is an absolute must if you’re interested in getting entirely wrapped up in unalloyed festive cheer. Check out our comprehensive round-up of the jolliest and most moving services in the capital. Indoors and outdoors, cathedrals, churches and secular spaces, we’ll be adding to it constantly, as more events are announced.
London’s best Christmas markets
Markets, eh? They’re pretty nice to wander around at nearly every time of year. But, at Christmas? Well, that’s when London’s markets really come into their own. Every year the capital fills with the kind of markets that host fairy-light-lined stalls, festive street-food sellers and community tombolas, with a playlist of Christmas songs on loop in the background. In fact, whether you’re looking for tasty treats, traditional decorations and cutting-edge arts and crafts or are just shopping for a last-minute present, the capital’s selection of Yuletide stalls are here to help.
New Year’s Eve Cruise
Trying to find a good spot to watch the NYE fireworks along the Thames can be a hassle. You’ve got to get down early, jostle for space and then stay there til the big show is over. Uber Boat by Thames Clipper is offering a much less stressful and much more luxurious way to witness the spectacle this year, with special New Year’s Eve cruises. The package includes a sail down the river, a welcome glass of red or white wine or a soft drink when you board, plus a glass of Champers to toast with at midnight, live music and a yummy snack box to keep hunger at bay. The cruises set sail from various points of the river, including Tilbury, Gravesend, Barking, North Greenwich, Putney, Battersea Power Station and Canary Wharf.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Things to do on New Year’s Day in London
Congrats – you’ve made it through another year. Don’t let the consequences of how you spent New Year’s Eve (throbbing head, deep desire to do nothing but order the greasiest food known to man) keep you from kicking off 2025 as you mean to go on. Get yourself out of bed and out into London’s streets, parks and, sure, pubs and grab this year by the horns. It’s not just the fresh air that’ll do you good – all the fun the capital has to offer will brighten you up in no time.
The information on this page was correct at time of publication, but please check with venues before you head out