What's on in London at Christmas? Your Seasonal Sidekick

London at Christmas can feel a bit like stepping into a classic British storybook. Warm lights glow above the busy streets, the air smells like roasted chestnuts, and the whole city seems to slow down just enough for you to enjoy it. If you have ever wondered how to spend the season without blowing your budget or losing hours in tourist queues, this guide has you covered.

We’ll take you on a practical, student-first journey through the UK’s capital city this festive season. Our tips blend quick-fire fun, community advice, and a few insights drawn from research on what makes Christmas so exciting to students in London. Our goal is straightforward: to help you make the most of your winter in this vibrant metropolis.

Why is London at Christmas so Special?

As a city, London always mixes old traditions with new ideas, and Christmas is no exception. You’ll see classic decorations hanging from the ceiling of department stores, while modern traditions like Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park illuminate the skies with modern technology. It’s a city that rewards you for digging a little deeper, and where just a short tube journey can lead you to something amazing.

Students often mention how the city feels more communal at this time of year. You will see friends meeting for warm drinks, families taking photos by the huge tree in Trafalgar Square, and tourists standing together hoping for snowfall (aren’t we all?). It feels like a shared experience, even if you are exploring alone.

Where’s Best to See Christmas Lights in London?

If you’re on the hunt for the ideal ‘postcard’ moment, head straight into central London. The lights are switched on in November and stay on until early January.

Top picks for Christmas lights: 

• Regent Street: Angel sculptures above the street create a spiritual glow. It gets very busy, but it is worth walking through.
• Oxford Street: Another busy area, but the bright lights and colours on display are a staple of the capital’s festive season.
• Carnaby Street: Usually themed. Previous years have included neon signs, disco balls, and recycled decorations.
• Covent Garden: Home to giant baubles, a wonderful tree, and the option to enjoy some of the local produce.

Where are the Top Christmas Markets in London?

Festive markets are the easiest way to get in the mood, and let you spend as much or as little as you want to do so. They usually offer food, handmade gifts, and a new place to meet up with pals.

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

This is London’s biggest festive event. Expect rides, food stalls, ice sculptures, and loud music. Entry is free at off-peak times, but you must book in advance. It can feel intense, especially at night. Go early in the day for a calmer experience.

Southbank Centre Winter Market

This riverside market is great for students. It still gets busy, but feels a bit more traditional than its Hyde Park counterpart. It is perfect for a quick visit after class or an early evening walk.

Greenwich Christmas Market

A little further from the centre of town, this covered market is great if you want to pick up some unique presents for your family. It’s often calmer than many of the inner-city alternatives.

Kingston Christmas Markets

If you’re studying in Kingston-upon-Thames, this market is worth a visit. Wooden chalets, live music, and local vendors make it feel like more of a community event.

If you want to explore the full range of Christmas markets in London, the local tourist board posts an updated guide every year.

Affordable Things to do in London at Christmas

Students can face tight budgets at this time of year thanks to social events, gifting, and travel. Here are a few of our favourite cost-effective things to do in London this Christmas.

• Walk along the Southbank at sunset for some of the best views of central London. Bring a warm flask of tea to enjoy while the sun goes down.
• Visit the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree. It’s an annual gift from Norway that signifies the start of the season for many.
• Explore events at the Natural History Museum or the V &A; they often host crafting sessions and small concerts.
• Ice skating: Skating rinks pop up across the city. The most popular options include Somerset House and Queen’s House in Greenwich. Prices vary, so check off-peak times for cheaper slots.

Reddit Reveals: Student Tips for London at Christmas

Transport is a common theme among student threads on Reddit. Many suggest you should “plan transport before you go anywhere in December”. Tube services get busy and can sometimes end earlier than expected. There are also railway worker strikes planned for December 2025.

Other shared tips include:

• To “go early in the morning for Winter Wonderland. The queues move faster and you get better photos”.
• “The Southbank Market is perfect for meeting friends who live further away. Everyone can get there easily”. Check the TFL journey planner for your best route.
• “Always bring gloves. London feels colder by the river than anywhere else [in the city]”.

In general, it would seem that students recommend that you come prepared for the cold and are happy to wait in some lines to secure the best Instagram snaps this year.

Festive Activities to do By Yourself

Christmas can feel overwhelming if you are new to the city or spending the season away from home. Fortunately, London offers plenty of activities that feel welcoming even when you go alone.

Visit a Light Trail

Christmas at Kew and the Eltham Palace Light Trail are two gentle, sensory-friendly experiences around London. Walk at your own pace and take breaks if the crowds become too much.

Relax in a Bookshop

London is home to some of the best bookshops in the UK. Foyles on Charing Cross Road is a particular favourite of ours.

Enjoy some University Events

Your university will host loads of Christmas-themed events throughout December. Check your Student Union noticeboard to see what’s coming up.

A Break from the Crowds in London

We all love a bit of festive spirit, but London is a busy place and can get too much sometimes. It helps to know a few quiet spots to retreat to. Below are four of the best:

• Richmond Park
• Little Venice
• Hampstead Pergola
• St. Dunstan

What to Eat in London at Christmas

Food is a huge part of the festive period, so we’ve pulled together a few of our tastiest finds from previous years. Many of which aren’t just for Christmas.

• Fresh doughnuts at Borough Market.
• Street food boxes at Camden Market.
• Cinnamon buns from the bakeries of Shoreditch.

If you are trying to save money, eat before you go to the Christmas markets. Many stalls are great, but the costs add up fast.

London at Christmas: A Week in the Life

Day 1: Walk the lights on Regent and Oxford Street before grabbing a warm drink on the Southbank.

Day 2: Visit Winter Wonderland and marvel at the range of activities on offer. Remember to book tickets and ride tokens in advance.

Day 3: Take it easy and visit a museum or bookshop.

Day 4: Pick an activity such as ice skating or a day at Kew Gardens.

Day 5: Do your Christmas shopping if you haven’t already.

Ready to Explore More of London?

If you’re new to the city or are debating heading here next year, our city page is packed with information about the best student accommodation in London, tips for student life, and loads more!

Explore it now and start the journey of a lifetime as a student in the UK’s capital city. 

Christmas in London: Your Way

Christmas in the big city isn’t about forcing hundreds of hours of activities on yourself; it’s about taking time to enjoy yourself. It might be a walk on the banks of the Thames, or a day in the British Library, whatever you choose to do, we hope you make the most of it.

Enjoy exploring London at Christmas, we sure will!