Enjoy the festivities

December in London is a great time to slow down and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The city comes alive with Christmas lights on streets like Regent Street and Covent Garden, and there are plenty of markets where you can wander, browse stalls, and soak up the holiday spirit. Wrap up warm and enjoy the festive break.

Art & Culture

• Step into a magical winter world at Outernet London’s Ice Palace, running from 12 November to 31 December at The Now Building near Tottenham Court Road. This free immersive experience transforms giant screens into a sparkling frozen kingdom.
• Fleet Street Quarter is hosting a free Snoopy Sculpture Trail from 19 November 2025 to 16 January 2026. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Charles M Schulz’s beloved Peanuts comic strip.
• On Friday, 5 December, The National Archives is hosting The Real Jane Austen, a free online talk from 2pm to 3pm. Led by bestselling biographer Paula Byrne, the session explores the real woman behind the novels, challenging the image of Austen as a quiet spinster and revealing her as a strong-minded professional writer.

Outdoor Activities

• The Ever After Garden at Duke of York Square from 13 November to 16 December, the square is transformed by over 30,000 glowing white roses, creating a beautiful space to pause and remember loved ones, you can choose to dedicate a rose for a suggested donation, with all proceeds supporting The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
• The Aldgate in Winter Festival brings two days of festive fun to Aldgate Square on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 December. This free community celebration features live music, creative workshops, and plenty of seasonal cheer. There’s also a three-week Lantern Trail lighting up the area until 17 December, making Aldgate a magical spot to explore this winter
• On Saturday, 6 December, Regent Street will go traffic-free for the first time in five years, transforming into a festive pedestrian paradise from 2pm to 9pm. Visitors can stroll under the famous Christmas lights without cars or buses, enjoy roving street performers, and hop aboard three themed vintage buses. Wrap up warm and soak up the festive spirit on one of London’s most iconic streets.

Special Events

• If you love cheese, Borough Market’s annual Evening of Cheese on Wednesday, 10 December is a must-visit. From 6pm to 9pm, the market turns into a festive hub where you can sample incredible cheeses from across the UK and Europe, completely free, with no obligation to buy.
• Celebrate the season at Carols by the River on Saturday, 6 December at Gabriel’s Wharf on the South Bank. This free afternoon event runs from around 12:30pm to 5:30pm and features live music, classic carol singing, and festive decorations. No tickets are needed, just drop by and join the fun!
• On 31 December, the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks light up the Thames at midnight, official viewing areas are ticketed, and without a ticket you won’t be allowed in. you can still enjoy the atmosphere by watching the display live on BBC One or heading to a riverside spot outside the restricted zones. Keep the celebrations going on 1 January with the London New Year’s Day Parade, marking its 40th anniversary in 2026. Starting at 1pm, this free event winds through Piccadilly, Regent Street, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square, and Whitehall, featuring over 8,000 performers, dazzling floats, marching bands, and giant balloons.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, may your holidays be filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Here’s to many more adventures and free fun around London in the year ahead!