There’s always something magical about London at Christmas. From the Oxford Street Christmas lights and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, to festive pop-ups and ice-skating rinks, there’s no shortage of things to do in London during the Christmas period. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge, the capital is brimming with festive events. Here’s The Women’s Journal‘s guide to the best Christmas events and festive things to do in London for 2024.
Best Christmas Events: Ice-skating Rinks In London
Glide at Battersea Power Station
One of the hottest new spots for ice skating in London at Christmas is Battersea Power Station. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Grade II* listed Power Station and the River Thames, Glide will reopen on 8 November 2024, running for over eight weeks of festive fun. This open-air attraction, brought to you by the creators of Winter Wonderland and Lift 109, promises even more enchantment this year with exciting new features.
What makes Glide at Battersea Power Station so special is its three interconnected ice rinks, providing plenty of space for skaters of all levels. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, showing off your skating skills with friends, or enjoying a family day out with penguin skate aids for the little ones, the stunning 30ft Christmas tree at the heart of the rink adds an extra festive touch. Off the ice, you’ll find vintage fairground rides, a carousel, and picturesque photo spots to capture your winter memories.
After skating, take a break at The Glass House Bar, a cosy spot with a transparent roof and walls where you can enjoy pizzas, bar snacks, and festive drinks. Open to both skaters and non-skaters, The Glass House will also host entertainment, from quizzes to themed music nights and DJ sets, making it the perfect place to soak in the winter atmosphere.
For those in need of some holiday shopping, Battersea Power Station boasts a fantastic mix of British and international brands, including Space NK and Reiss. You’ll also find unique independents like Battersea Bookshop and Curated Makers. To top it off, the riverside neighbourhood offers a diverse selection of dining options, from pasta at Noci to gourmet delights at Searcys Champagne Bar and street food at Arcade Food Hall.
Dates: Friday 8 November 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025
Ticket Prices: Adults from £16 | Children (aged 12 and under) from £10.50 (Booking fees apply)
Skate at Somerset House
Skate at Somerset House returns this November, offering one of the most enchanting winter experiences in the heart of London. As Somerset House’s iconic neoclassical courtyard transforms into a shimmering festive wonderland, visitors can enjoy professional-standard ice skating surrounded by stunning Georgian architecture. The 40-foot Christmas tree, twinkling with lights and glittering baubles, adds to the magical atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for creating unforgettable winter memories with loved ones.
This year, the event is presented in partnership with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, offering exclusive experiences such as evenings with special touches and the chance to win prizes. The Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel provides a cosy space for families and friends to warm up while watching the skaters with rink-side views. For food lovers, The Chalet returns, serving up delicious Alpine-inspired dishes, perfect for a post-skate feast. New for 2024, Après Skate evenings invite guests to continue the fun with live music and a singalong, rounding off a delightful evening.
Skate Lates with Rock Angel are a highlight this year, featuring DJ takeovers with London’s best music collectives, offering a high-energy, after-hours skating experience. For those looking to hone their skills, Skate School and Kids’ Skate Club provide coaching sessions for all ages, while Chilled Out sessions cater to those who prefer a more relaxed environment.
Somerset House also brings festive shopping to life with a pop-up Shelter Boutique, offering a selection of pre-loved clothing and gifts, with all proceeds supporting Shelter’s essential services. Early booking is highly recommended, as Skate at Somerset House remains one of London’s most iconic festive highlights.
Dates: 13 November 2024 – 12 January 2025
Tickets: Adults £15 – £26.50 | Children £10 – £15 (including skate hire; booking fee applies)
READ MORE: The Best Ice Skating Rinks in London to Visit This Christmas
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Skate through time this winter at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, where you can glide across the ice against the stunning backdrop of Henry VIII’s historic home. From 22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025, this open-air rink offers the perfect festive escape for families, friends, and skating enthusiasts alike.
With the majestic palace as your backdrop, the ice rink provides a picturesque spot to twirl, spin, or perhaps even stumble on the ice! Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-timer, the beautiful surroundings make every moment feel enchanting, offering plenty of photo-worthy opportunities to capture memories of your winter fun.
Why not make your visit even more special by exploring Hampton Court Palace itself? During the first two weekends in December, the palace will be transformed into a food lover’s paradise with the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre. Running from 06-08 and 13-15 December, this event features artisan food and drink stalls, festive treats, and unique shopping opportunities – the perfect way to add a little extra magic to your day out.
Dates: 22 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Festive Fayre Dates: 06-08 and 13-15 December 2024
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
No Christmas in London is complete without a visit to Winter Wonderland. Running from November 17 to January 1, this sprawling festive fair in Hyde Park is filled with thrilling rides, a giant observation wheel, ice bars, and festive food markets. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink is back for 2024. Set beneath a canopy of sparkling lights and encircling the charming Victorian bandstand, this beloved attraction will open on 22 November 2024, running for over six weeks of festive fun. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a day out with friends, or a family adventure, a trip to Winter Wonderland is a must this festive season.
The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink offers festive fun for skaters of all ages and abilities. Once you’ve finished skating, take time to explore the rest of Winter Wonderland, with its festive food stalls, Christmas markets, and thrilling rides. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat or sipping a warming cup of mulled wine, there’s plenty to do.
Dates: 22 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Ticket Prices: Adults from £11.50 | Children from £8.50 | Family and concession tickets available
Best Christmas Events: Winter Light Trails In London
Christmas at Kew
A festive winter light trail is probably one of the best Christmas events in London for all the family. And Kew Gardens’ illuminated trail returns for 2024 with new light installations for its 11th year. This winter, Christmas at Kew returns, lighting up the festive season with breathtaking new installations and beloved favourites. Running from 13 November 2024 to 5 January 2025, this enchanting light trail transforms the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, into a magical winter wonderland and allows visitors to experience the beauty of nature by night, with stunning light displays highlighting the iconic landscape.
This year, visitors can look forward to two world premiere installations. Ombre by TILT features giant, glowing plants blooming in vibrant shades, while Threshold by Studio Vertigo showcases an illuminated helix structure bathed in warm, golden light, evoking the festive spirit. The trail also includes perennial favourites like the Palm House light show, the glowing Christmas Cathedral, and the atmospheric Fire Garden. The Camellia Walk will be transformed into a snowy, tree-lined wonderland, perfect for capturing magical moments with family and friends.
In addition to the spectacular light displays, Christmas at Kew offers festive food and drink from independent street vendors, with everything from mulled wine to seasonal street food. For an extra special experience, visitors can book a traditional Christmas dinner at The Botanical Brasserie, adding a delicious touch to their festive outing.
Sustainability remains a key focus at Christmas at Kew, with efforts to reduce the event’s environmental impact. Kew is committed to using LED lighting and running all generators on renewable biofuel, ensuring that this magical event is as eco-friendly as possible.
Dates: 13 November 2024 – 5 January 2025 (selected dates)
Ticket Prices: Adults from £25.50 | Children from £16 | Family tickets from £77 | Kew members from £21.50
Best Christmas Events: Festive Pop-Ups In London
Winters of the World
This December, Winters of the World debuts as London’s ultimate festive pop-up, designed to make ‘Friendmas’ a priority. Running from 2nd to 20th December at Finsbury Square, this globally inspired winter wonderland offers everything you need for an unforgettable Christmas gathering. Featuring gourmet dining by Jonas Lode of Fat Duck fame, thrilling games like Bavarian curling (Eisstock) and winter bowls (Jingle Bowls), and live après-ski bands, it’s the perfect destination for groups of friends or colleagues looking to celebrate the season in style.
Set against the backdrop of lively entertainment, including DJs and bands sourced directly from the French Alps, Winters of the World brings a dynamic party atmosphere to the city. Visitors can sip on festive drinks, indulge in a globally inspired menu, and dance the night away on a vibrant dance floor.
Book early to secure your spot at this immersive winter experience or try your luck as a walk-in, subject to availability. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy London’s newest and most exciting Christmas celebration.
Dates: 2nd December – 20th December 2024
Ticket Prices: From 49 per person
Festive Workshops at Page8 Hotel, Trafalgar Square
Get into the festive spirit this November at Page8 Hotel, Trafalgar Square, with a series of creative workshops hosted by Sara Ward. Held in the tranquil Page Common Coffee House, these workshops provide the perfect opportunity for Londoners and guests to craft sustainable and memorable festive decorations while supporting small British businesses. After the workshops, attendees can head to Kitty Hawk, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, to enjoy panoramic views of London.
Linen Christmas Cracker Making – Friday 22nd November
For those seeking a sustainable twist on traditional holiday crackers, this workshop teaches participants how to design and assemble six reusable linen crackers. Guests will choose their linens, write custom jokes, and decorate their crackers, leaving with a beautiful set to reuse for years to come.
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Ticket Prices: £60.29 (includes materials, teaching, one drink, and one snack)
Christmas Wreath Making – Friday 29th November
Kick off the festive season with a wreath-making workshop guided by Sara Ward, who sources her materials from her garden in southwest London. Participants will craft their wreath using yew trimmings, evergreen cuttings, and decorative ribbons, creating a unique and personalised decoration for their home. Guests can bring their own greenery or ornaments for an extra personal touch.
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Ticket Prices: £60.29 (includes materials, teaching, one drink, and one snack)
Coppa Club’s Winter Igloos
This Christmas, Coppa Club’s famous winter igloos return along the Thames, offering a breathtaking view of Tower Bridge and the iconic Southbank skyline. Located near the Tower of London and directly across from The Shard, Coppa Club Tower Bridge provides the ultimate winter dining experience with cosy private igloos that create a winter wonderland atmosphere right in the heart of the city.
This year, Coppa Club’s Winter Igloos return in partnership with Aperol Spritz, bringing a slice of the Alps to London’s riverside. With stunning views and cosy interiors, these igloos are the perfect place for an intimate winter meal or a festive party. Available to book from 11th November for the entire winter season, these igloos promise a truly magical experience, complete with snowfall effects to whisk you away to a dreamy Alpine setting.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed meal or a big Christmas event, Coppa Club has you covered. For larger groups, their events team can help you plan a festive gathering, offering expert advice and a special festive events menu for Christmas parties of ten or more. You can even celebrate Christmas Day at Coppa Club with a three-course meal featuring fizz, festive nibbles, and a special kids’ menu.
Located in the heart of the city, Coppa Club, Tower is within easy reach of London landmarks by foot, boat, or tube. After your meal, explore nearby attractions like the Tower of London, Leadenhall Market, or take a stroll along the river for stunning views of The Shard.
Dates: Winter Igloos available from 11 November 2024
