Things to Do in London in December

Starting off our list of things to do in London in December; something to blow the cobwebs away (and inject some Christmas spirit into your day).  

Treasure hunts like these are perfect for anybody who wants to get out and explore London during the festive period – and locals, that includes us, too. 

Solve riddles, discover quirky spots, and uncover city secrets as you journey across famous landmarks and lesser-known nooks. Pick from one of eleven city routes, team up with some fellow sleuths and enjoy seeing London at its wintery best!

Speaking of sleuthing, have you heard that the Festive Guardian is having some trouble keeping the magic of Christmas alive? 

There are tons of Christmas lights tours in London to choose from, but this one has a fun and festive twist.

The Festive Guardian who keeps London’s lights aglow (and, by extension, Christmas spirit itself) has gone into hiding. Together, you and your team have to track down the Guardian by following a puzzle-filled journey past London’s most dazzling festive displays. 

Will you manage to save Christmas, or will you take a leaf out of the Grinch’s book and allow them to dim once and for all…there’s only one way to find out.

At any given time of year, London’s many markets are worth a visit–but if you’re looking for things to do in London in December, you just can’t miss them.

Of course, if you haven’t managed to do all your Christmas shopping, market browsing is a great opportunity to pick up something that is a little unusual, handmade, or even one-of-a-kind as a gift. 

Otherwise, it’s all about the treats. Depending on where you go, there’s something for everyone (and, let’s be honest, an excuse to grab some mulled wine along the way).

Here are some of my favourites:

• 📍Seven Dials Market
• 📍Greenwich Market
• 📍Columbia Flower Market
• 📍Broadway Market

Escape the winter chill and warm up by the fire in one of London’s many atmospheric pubs. Sip on a pint, tuck into hearty fare, and enjoy the crackle of logs as you sink into a comfy armchair. It’s the perfect British winter experience – no thermals required.

• 📍The Trafalgar (Greenwich)
• 📍Fitzroy Tavern (Fitzrovia)
• 📍White Cross (Richmond)
• 📍The Lamb & Flag (Central London)
• 📍Tapping The Admiral (Kentish Town)

If you’re looking for things to do in London in December that satisfy your sweet tooth, this is for you.

For those of you who fancy splashing out a bit on something fancy, you just can’t go wrong with a festive afternoon tea. 

Where can you go to have one of these exquisite experiences? Well, it’s the usual ritzy candidates such as The Langham or The Four Seasons. 

If you want to leave the turkey and cranberry until the big day itself, opt for a themed afternoon tea instead; whatever your fandom, you’ll probably find it here in London.

If you need an excuse to show off your creativity (and enjoy a glass of prosecco), this is it. 

Brush and Bubbles offer sip and paint style workshops where you can relax, ease into your handmade creation and enjoy a cheeky drink or two. 

Perfect for a festive night out with friends, you’ll get to design your very own bauble and sip on a glass of bubbles (or something non-alcoholic, if you prefer). As an added bonus, you’ll leave with a unique decoration to hang proudly on your tree (or sneak onto someone else’s).

Nothing says winter like getting competitive over a board game at a snug café. 

Grab your friends or family, pick a game, and lose hours strategising (or bickering) over whether it’s really fair to allow hotels on Mayfair at Draughts. 

Come here for the ultimate antidote to Christmas shopping stress and to find a budget-friendly, fun and wholesome way to spend your afternoon or evening in the lead up to the 25th.

Did you know that the word “carol” comes from Latin and means “dance with a song”?

We’ve lost the ‘dance’ element of carolling over the years, but perhaps that’s all to the better (that’s what cheesy Christmas songs are for, right?). 

IMO, there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than with traditional carols sung in the enchanting setting of Fulham Palace’s historic courtyard. 

Wrap up warm, grab a hot drink, and let the festive tunes transport you back in time. Bonus: it’s completely free, but donate if you can–it helps keep the tradition alive!

What could be more Christmassy than channelling your inner Bake Off contestant and decorating your own gingerbread treats? 

With an array of icing colours and festive shapes, it’s a fun, hands-on way to get creative – and you get to eat your masterpiece afterwards!

Here in Britain, we like to get into the festive spirit by…watching innuendo-filled theatre productions with local celebrities playing unlikely characters from fairytales. 

If you’ve not been before, expect slapstick comedy, outrageous costumes, and plenty of audience participation. A guaranteed laugh for all ages–and in my opinion, the smaller the production, the better it often is. 

Look up a theatre near you and grab tickets!

If you’re looking for things to do in London in December that have nothing to do with Christmas at all, this is for you!

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed during the festive season–and if you don’t celebrate Christmas, it can feel a bit like the world’s been put on pause. But don’t forget: this is London, there’s always something going on! 

Outdoor escape rooms like these allow you to take on London’s streets where you’ll solve clues, crack codes, and race against time to complete your mission: to uncover as many city secrets as possible. 

Perfect if you need an inclusive activity last-minute!

Looking for fun things to do in London in December that do something good for the local community? Grab your trainers (and Santa hat) and prepare for a jolly jog around Victoria Park.

Whether you’re running, walking, or wobbling in a Santa suit, this event raises spirits, charity funds and of course your pulse. 

It’s not every day you get to see hundreds of Santas dashing around–and, if you need a bit more persuading to get involved, there are free mince pies to be had…

Looking for things to do in London in December that have an air of exclusivity about them?

For one night only, the Natural History Museum opens its doors for an after-hours event full of festive fun. 

This year, the date to know is 20th December, and if you choose to go along, you’ll get to enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the museum’s iconic galleries, join a Christmas mystery book swap, and craft your own nature-themed Christmas cards at a Wild Life Drawing workshop. 

If that doesn’t sound delightful enough, there’ll also be an excellent harpist there to set the Christmassy mood.

In other words, it’s an evening that’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside – with or without the mulled wine.

Looking for things to do in London in December that little ones will enjoy? Head to Battersea Park’s Children’s Zoo. 

The zoo’s great any time of the year but on select Friday nights in December, “after-dark” tickets allow you and the family to enjoy some Christmas games, crafts and activities; and even get the chance to meet some of the resident animals by lantern-light.

If you need romantic things to do in London in December that don’t break the bank, go back to basics, my friend. 

Nothing warms the heart (and your hands) like a cup of velvety hot chocolate. Seek out London’s finest, whether that’s from Knoops’ custom blends to Dark Sugars’ decadent creations (or bring your own from home in a thermos, that works too).

Want to do something really cute and Christmassy with your partner? Share a cosy, creative moment by making your own Christmas wreath. 

These workshops provide all the greenery, ribbons, and festive flair you need, along with expert guidance, so you can walk away with a bespoke decoration and the warm glow of a date well-planned.

For a festive film night with a touch of vintage glamour, head to the Rivoli Ballroom. 

If you’ve never been before, Rivoli Ballroom is a beautifully-preserved 1950s venue that, like the name suggests, used to be where the grandparents of London threw some shapes. 

As it’s still in lovely condition, plenty of events are still held here and during December, you can get your hands on tickets to see some absolute Christmas classics like Home Alone, Die Hard, Gremlins, Elf and, of course, Love Actually.

What’s more romantic than strolling hand-in-hand through London’s illuminated streets at the most wonderful time of the year? 

Self-guided walking tours like these are a lovely way to get your steps in, see parts of London you’ve never explored before or see them in a different light, and to learn a little more about London without sacrificing your privacy or your busy schedule. 

There’s no guide, no strangers walking along beside you or inflexible allotted time slots: all you need is WhatsApp, someone to play along with and comfy walking shoes. 

Simple, budget-friendly, and a great way to maybe sneak in a few festive selfies.

Step into a romantic, twinkling wonderland at Chelsea Physic Garden’s Christmas fair.

Browse handcrafted gifts, sip warming drinks, and enjoy the serene surroundings of London’s oldest botanic garden. You’ll find stalls brimming with unique finds, festive scents, and a peaceful atmosphere, so it’s the perfect setting for a festive date away from the hustle and bustle of the city.