Best things to do in London at Christmas: 14 ideas for festive fun

Address: Four Seasons Hotel at Tower Bridge, 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ;
Website: fourseasons.com; fortnumandmason.com

Coal Drops YardAlphotographic

Explore King’s Cross’ festive offerings

Enough is happening across King’s Cross to fill a jam-packed weekend itinerary in the lead-up to Christmas. The beloved Christmas under the Canopy market returns between 28 November and 22 December, offering a curated line-up of artisan traders and food stalls, while there’s plenty of competitive fun to be had at Club Curling as it returns for the winter (until March 2026). The regular Lower Stable Street Market also returns with a seasonal twist, so swing by to pick up unique gifts and trinkets.

Address: Across King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard
Website: kingscross.co.uk
Date: November and December; various events

Petersham Nurseries Christmas Workshops 2025

Christmas events in London don’t get much more wholesome than Petersham Nurseries’ workshops. Get hands-on at a series of winter sessions fueled by mince pies and warming drinks, starting with Christmas Calligraphy on 19 November, where resident calligrapher Kate Ridyard guides curious hands through the art of creating personalised presents. Create festive containers with seasonal plant varieties on 27 November or craft Christmas crackers for the big date – there’s plenty to choose from. Alternatively, swing by for Petersham Nurseries’ annual Christmas shopping and carols evening, when the home is transformed with wildly foraged displays and the shelves are packed with handmade gifts.

Address: Petersham Nurseries Richmond, Church Lane, Petersham Road, Church Lane TW10 7AB
Website: petershamnurseries.com
Price: Classes from £65 per person
Dates: From 19 November

South Bank Christmas Market

Celebrate Christmas on the Southbank

The Southbank’s festivities have become a true signifier of Christmas in the capital, as a riverside market consumes Queen’s Walk. Artisans sell a wide range of unique trinkets, from glittering party season accessories to rustic decorations, while street vendors serve dishes from Alpine-style chalets – think Himalayan dumplings from Chulo Momo’s and Cajun-spiced sandwiches from Poor Boys to beat the winter chill. Then there are the five pop-up bars, including The King’s Head and The Lodge, ideal for a friendly catch-up with a difference. There’s also a new space to explore at Between The Bridges; experience a host of free events and family-friendly activities, from Christmas sing-alongs to festive Drag Brunches, at Wünder Bar.