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December 2026

Lights, light trails and a city getting ready for Christmas

to 3 Jan · Winter Wonderland

to 3 Jan · Christmas at Kew

to 28 Dec · Chelsea Winter Illuminations

to 21 Dec · Ever After Garden

25 Dec · No Tube

26 Dec · Boxing Day sales

19 November – 3 January: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Rides, ice skating, an ice kingdom and the Giant Wheel. Every visitor needs a timed ticket, even for free off-peak slots; closed on Christmas Day.

13 November – 3 January: Christmas at Kew

A light trail through the gardens from 4.20pm, with a fairground and Father Christmas. Adults-only evenings on 3 and 9 December.

25 November – 28 December: Chelsea Winter Illuminations

A light trail in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a short walk from Sloane Square.

11 November – 10 January: Skate at Somerset House

Ice skating in the neoclassical courtyard beside a giant Christmas tree. Book a session in advance.

From 28 November: London Museum at Smithfield

The city’s museum opens its free permanent galleries in the old Smithfield market buildings, starting with a programme on London’s food.

Christmas lights

Regent Street, Carnaby, Knightsbridge and Covent Garden were switched on in early November and stay lit through the holidays.

Ever After Garden, Duke of York Square

A free light installation in Chelsea until 21 December.

Southbank Centre Winter Market

Wooden chalets along the river by the London Eye, 2 November 2026 to 4 January 2027, daily 11am–10pm; closed 25 and 31 December.

Hogwarts in the Snow

The Harry Potter studio sets dressed for Christmas, 14 November to 17 January.

Bath Christmas Market

Hundreds of stalls around the Abbey and city centre, 26 November to 13 December.

New Year’s Eve fireworks

The Mayor’s fireworks return on 31 December 2026, with ticketed viewing areas along the Thames; register for ticket alerts on london.gov.uk.

Book ahead

WundrPath · City guides