LAST MONTH OF THE YEAR KLAXON!
It’s almost December, and London is already awash with Christmas lights — kitted out in stars, trees and ice rinks for the winter season. You haven’t been to any yet? Well, please allow us to tell you about the festive galore that the city has to offer. You’re all Christmas-ed out and there’s still a while to go? Non-festive life doesn’t just stand still this month, and there’s plenty out there for you to do. Everyone’s cold, but everyone’s winning, and 2024 is peeking its beady eye through the snow-capped ferns. Ladies and gentlemen… December.
You probably don’t need telling twice, but London is doused in swathes of festive décor right now, and you are cordially invited to do the jingle bell rock at any—or, even, every single one—of London’s lovely Christmas markets.
🌟 Leicester Square
❄️ Christmas By The River
🎅 South Bank Christmas Markets
Check out our full guide to London’s Christmas markets here!
You won’t so much be walking in the air on this one, but you will be walking among some delightful models based on an iconic picture book by Raymond Briggs: The Snowman. Most people will be familiar with the charming images, which also feature in the animated 1982 film. Fleet Street Quarter are tapping into the reverence and love many people hold for The Snowman, and are bringing back the trail of 12 models are in town between November and January, and the designs on each snowman are inspired by ‘The Twelve Days Of Christmas’. They’re scattered around areas including Fleet Street, Chancery Lane, and more – catch them all throughout December. Read more about the train here.
How does one accidentally Wes Anderson? We find things in day-to-day life that resemble the unique style and flair that resemble the work of the treasured director and post them online. Maybe it’s a pastel-coloured house or a particularly patterned train carriage that stands out as a potential work of Wes that surrounds us. The concept began all the way back in 2017, created by Brooklyn-based husband and wife Wally and Amanda. Now, the shots are set to be displayed in an exhibition, which kicks off its run in London on December 13 – grab your tickets now!
Read more about the upcoming exhibition here.
One fact shines brighter than most when it comes to Christmas in London: the city sure knows how to do lighting. Whether its the effervescent 2.7km, fire garden-flashing trail at Kew Gardens or the lantern bonanza at Lightopia, Londoners have plenty to enjoy when it comes to being dazzled by the lights. Check out our list of London’s light trails here.
Oxford Street boasts a twinkling display of sustainable stars; Mayfair has its sparkling triangular archways; Covent Garden has 115,000 lights illuminating the streets—and that barely scratches the surface. Check out our handy guide to the various light displays around the big smoke, get your camera ready, and prepare to be blown away.
The Ever After Garden is back for its fourth year at Grosvenor Square, inviting anyone to pen a message to a loved one they have lost in the form of an illuminating white rose. Every dedicated rose and message puts money towards The Royal Marsden Cancer Society, and blesses London with an ocean of light through a difficult period of the year. Read more about the Ever After Garden here.
Stranger Things fever has gripped swathes of Netflix viewers, but for this one you can ditch the laptop-in-bed method of consumption, and head to the theatre in London for an onstage production. Stranger Things: The First Shadow takes you back to the very beginning, before season one to tell the tales before the world of Hawkins turned upside down. You can expect familiar characters like Joyce and Hopper to feature in the play that runs until January. Plan your visit here.
December doesn’t have to be all about the Christmas music (though there’s a lot of that around, of course). Have a dance-along at one of the many gigs happening in London this month.
Kylie Minogue (December 1): Royal Albert Hall – you won’t be able to get this one out of your head.
Rick Astley (December 1 & 12): Pryzm, Kingston & Roundhouse – he’s never gonna give you up when you’re in the crowd at his show.
Sleaford Mods (December 2): Alexandra Palace – the post-punk lifers are in town for a special London gig.
Girls Don’t Sync (December 2): KOKO – the hyped four-piece take to the big stage in Camden.
Madonna (December 5-6): The O2 – a show that might be like a little prayer is happening, courtesy of the Queen of Pop herself.
SOFY (December 5): The Grace – loud-mouthed solo singer providing the perfect antidote to a cold Tuesday evening.
Mclusky (December 6): Dingwalls – the raucous three-piece are back in Camden for a high-energy gig.
Capital Jingle Bell Ball (December 9-10): The O2 – Take That! ALICIA KEYS! Busted! Becky Hill! There’s a bloody stacked lineup here across two days for a pop-filled end to the year.
The Darkness (December 9): Roundhouse – I believe in a thing called a flippin’ party at the Roundhouse in December.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor (December 5): Eventim Apollo –
Ice Cube, Cypress Hill and The Game (December 11): The O2 –
Leona Lewis (December 12): Eventim Apollo – bleeding love and a desire to head to the Leona Lewis gig this month
Therapy? (December 14): Electric Ballroom – could I trouble(gum) you with a suggestion for a brilliant rock show to see out 2023?
Suede (December 15-17): Electric Brixton – Brett Anderson and co. have a triple threat lined up for you in London this month.
Joy Orbison (December 16): Troxy – cheeky dose of techno chiming in just one week before Christmas eve? Gone on then, son.
Tom Jones & Germein (December 17): O2 Arena – it’s not unusual to want to end your year belting out… It’s Not Unusual.
Check out our handy guide to the gigs around London here.
9) Head to a new Rudy’s Pizza site
Rudy’s Pizza might have earned its reputation up north in Manchester, but it’s a name that’s been on the lips of many a Londoner since it arrived at its Soho site in 2021. Now, they’re arriving in the east of the city with a brand new location in Shoreditch, and are ready to prove why they’re high up on the recommendation lists with a two-floor restaurant to serve up their authentic Neapolitan delights. Head there for a Calabrese from December 4.
And if that wasn’t quite enough, you’ll be able to enjoy their divine creations in Tottenham Court Road, with their second new opening of the month arriving on December 18.
Ah, it’s time folks. Time for our beautiful square to come alive with the lights of the Trafalgar tree. Every year since 1947, Norway has blessed London with a tree as a thanks for helping them out during World War II, and this year it returns on December 7. Yes, people have been known to be mean about how it often looks, and yes, some of the jokes are funny—but it wouldn’t be Christmas without this loveable Norway Spruce tree in the centre of our city.
Pretty dapper Christmas tree they’ve got there at St. Pancras, wouldn’t you say? This year’s one is made up of all things books. And if you think that’s the only tall king that London has dressed up to the nines, you, my friend, are sorely mistaken. Anyone looking for a city not peppered with smartly decorated saplings is barking up the wrong tree, and here is the evidence.
12) Live out your Disney dream at this exciting exhibition
Take in a century of storytelling at the layered universe of the Disney100 exhibition, which arrived in London earlier in the year. Visitors can feast their eyes on over 250 different artefacts from the world of Disney, uniting the classic tales with the more recent titles in the worlds of Star Wars and beyond. Disney fanatics can check out the likes of the carousel horse ridden by Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins (1964), as well as the red dress worn by Emma Stone in Cruella (2021). Whatever your favourite Disney moment is, this exhibition has likely got it captured in some form – plan your visit here!
Read all about the exhibition here.
In winter, London is less big smoke, and more large ice. Your skills on the rink might—much like that opening analogy—not be the Olympic gold medal standard, but if Bambi can give it a go, so can you. Plus, many of them have mulled wine and lots of food, so there’s really no way you can lose. Here are a few suggestions to get you going.
⛸️ Skate at Somerset House
💃 Glide at Battersea Power Station
👑 Queen’s House
❄️ Hampton Court Palace
Read our guide to London’s enchanting Ice Rinks here.
While the O2 might be housing elephantine names this month like Madonna and Tom Jones, there’s only one act that will really hit the heights… in a literal sense. Yes, carol singers are taking to Greenwich’s dome to spread the festive cheer on December 9-10, and you can too! Get the not-so-lowdown on the event by reading our sneak preview.
The Churchill Arms outdoes itself every year, doesn’t it? Looking like Santa Claus himself gave it a glow-up, it’s safe to say it’s the most Christmassy pub in London. So, without further ado, it’s time to catch the bus sleigh and make a beeline for the bar – this next pint has a big fat (figurative) CHRISTMAS logo in the foam. Salut. Read about it here.
Sure, it might be chilly out, but there are plenty of pub gardens that are still demanding your attention. You may want to take a coat, but these spots all have outdoor heating for you to snuggle up and sip on that pint with the fresh air for company. Read our guide here.
There’s no better time to drink mulled wine and feel fine than December, is there? And there’s really no shortage of the stuff here in London town. Read about the best places to sip on that beautiful, piping-hot alcohol right here.
18) Check out the Christmassy edition of this alternative art market
Over in Shoreditch, DROOL are presenting their one-off “Alternative Art Market: Xmas Edition”. On December 2, visitors will be able to sift through the works from a multitude of creatives including Alexander Khbbazi and John Schullisch. Oh, and since it’s Christmas, anyone attending will be treated to a complimentary glass of mulled wine as well as hosting giveaways of tote bags filled with prints throughout the day. DROOL’s Christmassy alternative art market can be enjoyed between 10am – 6pm on December 2, and you can find more information here.
We’re blessed to live in a city where so much art surrounds us all year round, so make it your mission to fit in some visits to galleries in the final month of the year.
Muphoria (open from December 1): London’s first-ever permanent music art gallery arrives in Berwick Street, Soho, at the start of the month, featuring pieces that celebrate the careers of artists including Oasis, Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, and The Ramones.
Meet Me On The First Floor… (ends December 3): Artground – an inaugural exhibition at this Whitechapel gallery featuring the intriguing work from artists including Nathalie Hollis, Melanie Issaka, and Barnaby Lewis.
BABEL (closes December 23): Jealous Gallery – ALO’s first-ever solo exhibition brings energetic portraits that are self-described by the artist as ‘Urban Expressionist’.
Marina Abramović (closes January 1): Burlington House – presenting key moments from the carrier of a true pioneer.
It’s December. It’s cold. It’s dark. If we ever needed a happy place, it’s right now. Thankfully, Dopamine Land is here, giving visitors that boost of endorphins we need. There are adult ball pits, photo zones, and more colourful installations than you could shake a candy cane at. Book your place here.
John Lewis gets us ready for Christmas with their advert each year, but they also run a popular roof terrace that’s doused in festive joy. This year, you can expect the same top-notch food, cocktails and views, alongside their festive igloos to dine in and say goodbye to 2023 in style. Read all about it here.
One noticeable change to the environment of London around Christmas time is the emergence of these clear, spherical objects. People like to dine inside them and they feel pretty damn festive so we rounded up some of the best ones around. LONG LIVE THE IGLOOS.
23) Find a new area of the city to explore
However long you’ve lived in London, be it two months or your whole life, there’s always somewhere new to explore. Not ventured to Camden yet? Fancy heading down to Greenwich, or having a stroll around Marylebone? Now’s the time! We’ve got plenty of handy area guides on the site, so take your pick and see what a new area of the city has to offer.
It might take a little longer, but there are plenty of beautiful parks, tasty food halls, and lovely buildings outside the realms of the Tube map’s zone three. Here are a few places in zone four and beyond to get you started.
We all know art can be cathartic, and that still applies when it’s taken to the extreme. Across three days in December, you can enter the paint rage room and throw some colours at the canvas as you’re guided along by a professional as you learn the splatter, graffiti and texture play to the sounds of the curated background music. Plan your visit here.
27) Book your annual December theatre trip
Everyone knows that a trip to the theatre in December just hits that little bit sweeter. For starters, the West End is awash with Christmas decorations, you’re surrounded by lights and lots of people shuffling in from the cold to catch a play. Les Mis, The Lion King, The Play That Goes Wrong… whatever! Get the family together and enjoy the brilliance that is theatre season, Christmas edition.
Edward Scissorhands (December 5 – January 20): Sadler’s Wells – the play based on the classic Tim Burton movie is rolling back into London with a new cast.
Merry Mayhem: A Festive Extravaganza (December 9 – 21): The Yards Theatre – gear yourself up for a ‘warped winter wonderland’ over at the Yards with a brilliant lineup of cabaret, circus, burlesque, and more.
Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen (ends on December 23): Bush Theatre – transferring from a successful Edinburgh Fringe run, this play about a comedian who is about to kill his boyfriend is hitting London for the first time in a journey through “self-awareness and self-sabotage”.
My Neighbour Totoro (from November 21): Barbican – the acclaimed Studio Ghibli has returned, and runs at the Barbican all through December.
28) Or skip into a pantomime
Yes, Christmas season means pantomime season (oh no I’m not going to do the ‘oh no it doesn’t’ gag… dammit), and there are more to choose from in London than candy canes in Santa’s factory. Take your pick from this handy guide to the pantomimes in London and get ready for an energetic day out with the family.
Read our Pantomimes in London guide here.
You know Sky Garden, London’s brilliant vantage point to catch views of the city from 43 floors up? Yeah, you do. Well, they’re hosting some fantastic events to toast the end of the year and catch a view of the Christmas-light-kissed city. DJs, bubbly, the lot! Read more about them here.
Bresh is returning to Brixton for its final bash of 2023 on December 9. Never been? You can expect a world-renowned Latin-American party with a host of vibrant decorations and energetic performers throughout the night. Bust all your energy at this one before the inevitable Christmas relaxation period that follows. Get your tickets now.
More things to do inspiration…
200 fab and FREE things to do in London
100 of the best things to do in London
All our ideas for unusual places to visit in London
Also published on Medium.
