Table of contents
Table of contents
Contributors
With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creatin...
For Christmas events, London is the best place to be. The city transforms, with winter wonderland pop-ups, Christmas markets and the air buzzing with festive energy. Whether you’re planning a holiday trip or looking for inspiration for your own Christmas events, London’s Christmas calendar is packed with enchanting activities, from iconic displays to secret pop-up experiences.
So, before you wander around the city this Christmas, we’ll walk you through the best Christmas events in London for 2024, including light switch-ons, secret festive shows, and even free events. Let’s jump into Christmas in the capital!
Famous Christmas events in London
London does Christmas in style, with some of the most famous festive attractions in the world. These are the landmarks that truly shine during the holiday season:
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
21st Nov 2024 – 5th Jan 2025
This is arguably the crown jewel of London’s Christmas attractions. Running from mid-November to early January, Winter Wonderland is the perfect family day out, complete with carnival rides, ice skating, and endless Christmas market stalls. For event organisers, this massive attraction is a source of inspiration on how to create large-scale festive experiences that appeal to a wide audience.
Christmas at Kew Gardens
13th Nov 2024 – 5th Jan 2025
If you’re looking for something a bit more serene, the annual Christmas at Kew Gardens event is must-see. Picture this: winding pathways lit by glowing installations, a tunnel of lights, and festive food stalls to warm you up. Kew Gardens offers a more intimate, magical experience, ideal for those wanting a quieter, yet equally festive evening.
Best Christmas markets in London
There’s nothing like wandering through a Christmas market with a mulled wine in hand, discovering one-of-a-kind gifts. Here are London’s best Christmas markets for 2024:
Southbank Centre Winter Market
1st Nov – 26th Dec 2024
Located along the Thames, the Southbank Winter market offers a vibrant mix of craft stalls, gourmet street food, and festive bars. The riverside setting, combined with the market’s cosy chalets, makes it an atmospheric festive experience. It’s an excellent example of how to combine location and event design to create a memorable seasonal event.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
6th Nov 2024 – 5th Jan 2025
Right in the heart of the West End, Leicester Square’s market is small but full of charm. Expect traditional wooden stalls selling handmade crafts and gifts, alongside festive food and drink. There’s also a pop-up cabaret tent hosting Christmas shows, which could inspire organisers to add performance elements to their own markets.
Top Christmas pantomimes in London
It wouldn’t be a British Christmas without a good old-fashioned pantomime! These festive theatre shows are perfect for families, full of slapstick comedy, colourful costumes, and audience participation. If you’re looking for a fun, light-hearted Christmas show, these are some of the best Christmas pantomimes to see.
Robin Hood at the London Palladium
7th Dec 2024 – 12th Jan 2025
The London Palladium is famous for hosting one of the most extravagant pantomimes. Expect celebrity appearances, dazzling sets, and all the classic pantomime humour. It’s a perfect example of how to combine entertainment with festive spirit.
Dick Whittington at Hackney Empire
23rd Nov 2024 – 5th Jan 2025
Hackney Empire’s pantomime is a beloved annual tradition, known for its high energy and community feel. This year’s performance of Dick Whittington promises magical moments and plenty of laughs for all ages.
Beauty and the Beast at Richmond Theatre
7th Dec 2024 – 5th Jan 2025
For a family-friendly panto, Beauty and the Beast at Richmond Theatre is a surefire hit. It features all the classic elements of a pantomime, with plenty of singing, dancing, and the obligatory ‘he’s behind you!’ moments.
Pantomimes offer a great example of how to engage an audience interactively, so whether you’re organising a family event or a Christmas party, consider adding these light-hearted entertainment elements.
Secret Christmas events to look out for
If you’re looking for something a bit off the beaten track, London has plenty of hidden gems to discover. Secret Christmas events are often more intimate and exclusive, making them perfect for those seeking unique experiences.
Pop-up Winter Rooftop Bars
Keep an eye out for pop-up rooftop bars like Queen of Hoxton. These venues transform into winter wonderlands with heated igloos, fire pits, and festive cocktails. For event organisers, the combination of location and atmosphere shows how important setting the scene can be for a memorable Christmas event.
Secret Cinema Christmas Edition
For something truly immersive, Secret Cinema offers a one-of-a-kind Christmas edition. You can watch a classic Christmas movie in a setting that replicates the film’s atmosphere, with actors and interactive experiences to bring the story to life.
Christmas light switch-ons in London 2024
No London Christmas is complete without the famous light displays. The switch-on events are a highlight of the festive calendar, featuring celebrity guests, performances, and, of course, the stunning lights themselves.
Oxford Street
5th Nov 2024
Carnaby Street
7th Nov 2024
Â
Covent Garden
12th Nov 2024
Â
Kew Gardens
13th Nov 2024
Free Christmas events in London
You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy Christmas in London. Here are some of the best free events and activities to look out for this year.
Christmas markets
Many of London’s Christmas markets are free to enter, and even if you’re not buying, wandering around with a mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand is a festive experience.
Christmas light trails
London’s famous streets like Carnaby Street and Seven Dials are known for their quirky and creative Christmas lights, which you can enjoy for free as you stroll through the city.
Christmas carol services
Many churches across London, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, host free carol services during the festive season. These events are steeped in tradition and offer a peaceful moment to reflect on the true spirit of Christmas.
Christmas parties in London
London is the ultimate destination for festive Christmas parties, offering everything from glitzy corporate events to cosy get-togethers with friends.
If you’re tasked with organising a Christmas party or simply looking for the best spots to celebrate the season, here are some of the top Christmas party venues and events in London for 2024:
Christmas Party Cruises on the Thames
For a party with a view, hosting a Christmas party on a Thames riverboat cruise adds an extra special touch. Several operators offer festive packages that include dinner, drinks, live entertainment, and a cruise past London’s iconic landmarks. Whether it’s a private hire for a corporate event or a group booking on a public cruise, this is a unique way to celebrate the season while taking in the city’s Christmas lights.
Alpine themed pop-up
Fancy a Fondue or find out what’s Raclette at Winter Pop-Ups on the South Bank or Somerset House. Try a taste of the mountains with melted cheese and more melted cheese on the menu.
The Natural History Museum’s Hintze Hall
Want to throw a party with a dinosaur? The Hintze Hall at the Natural History Museum, with its grand architecture and iconic blue whale skeleton, is an extraordinary location for a Christmas party. It offers grandeur with a touch of whimsy and is perfect for large-scale festive events. The museum’s in-house events team provides catering and entertainment options, making it easy to host a seamless event.
Bounce Christmas Party
If you’re after something a little more playful, Bounce, the ping pong bar in Farringdon and Old Street, is an ideal choice. They offer festive packages that include endless rounds of ping pong, DJs, festive cocktails, and themed party platters. It’s a casual, fun atmosphere perfect for groups who want to celebrate in a lively, interactive setting.
London offers a vast array of Christmas party options, from elegant and sophisticated venues to quirky and playful experiences. Whether you’re organising a corporate event or a social gathering, London’s party scene is brimming with inspiration and ideas to help make your Christmas celebrations truly memorable.
Other tips to know about Christmas in London
Where is the most Christmassy place in London?
Covent Garden is often regarded as the most Christmassy place in London. With its beautiful decorations, huge Christmas tree, and lively market atmosphere, it truly feels like a winter wonderland.
Is London still decorated for Christmas in January?
Yes, London’s Christmas decorations typically stay up until early January, with most displays lasting until the twelfth night (5th or 6th January). This gives you extra time to enjoy the festive lights even after New Year’s celebrations.
What is the most beautiful Christmas street in London?
Carnaby Street is known for its bold and creative Christmas light displays, offering something different each year. It’s a strong contender for the most beautiful Christmas street, with themes ranging from vibrant rainbows to whimsical designs.
London during Christmas is nothing short of magical. Whether you’re looking for world-famous attractions or hidden festive gems, the city has something for everyone.
For event organisers, London offers plenty of inspiration, from massive markets to intimate pop-ups and dazzling light displays. So, grab your coat, sip on some mulled wine, and dive into the festive fun of London’s Christmas events for 2024.
Get Event Insurance with Protectivity
For event organisers, Christmas brings a variety of events and with this a number of risks and considerations when bringing them together.
Protectivity offers a range of event insurance policies tailored to the scale and scope of your events. Our policies include public liability coverage up to £10 million, event equipment cover, and event money cover as standard.
To further safeguard your events, you can opt for additional coverage such as event cancellation insurance and employers’ liability insurance, depending on your specific needs.
For specialist Christmas events, we also offer a Christmas lights insurance policy to cover light switch-on events or festive light displays.
Learn more about our event policies and request a quote online today.
Get Event Insurance from Protectivity
*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date.Â
Last updated by
