A Guide to Visiting London In December

3 Unusual Places to Visit in London in December 

The places below are less frequently covered but consistently worth seeking out, particularly for visitors who have covered the city's more obvious December ground before.

1. Sir John Soane's Museum by Candlelight

Sir John Soane's Museum in Lincoln's Inn Fields is one of London's most peculiar and rewarding spaces at any time of year: every wall, ceiling and alcove of the architect's townhouse is filled with antiquities, paintings, casts and curiosities accumulated over decades. In December, the museum runs candlelit evening openings where the house is lit entirely by flickering candles. The picture room, where Hogarth's A Rake's Progress is displayed across a series of hinged panels, takes on a quality in this light that is unlike anything else the city offers. Entry is free; the evenings sell out quickly and require advance booking.

2. Dennis Severs' House, Spitalfields

Dennis Severs' House on Folgate Street in Spitalfields runs a dedicated Christmas programme across December, when the Georgian townhouse, arranged as if its fictional Huguenot family had only just left the room, is dressed fully for the season. Candlelight, fireplace, half-eaten food on the table. The experience takes visitors through ten rooms in near-silence and is deeply atmospheric. It suits those who appreciate pace and immersion over information, and advance booking is essential.

3. Columbia Road Flower Market in Winter

Sunday mornings on Columbia Road in Bethnal Green shift in December from summer blooms to Christmas trees, seasonal wreaths, foliage and winter flowers. The market runs from around 8am to 2pm and is best before 10am, when the stalls are fully stocked and the street has not yet reached capacity. The surrounding independent shops open alongside it, and the contrast with the larger commercial markets in the centre makes the short Overground journey to Hoxton well worth it.

What to Visit in London in December for Culture and Theatre

The West End runs at full capacity across December, and the seasonal programme at the major venues adds a layer that other months do not have. The Royal Ballet's Nutcracker runs at the Royal Opera House from early December into January, with matinee and evening performances suited to both families and those making a full evening of it. Book early for the most popular dates; the Paul Hamlyn Hall inside the Opera House makes an excellent setting for a drink before the curtain.

The Royal Albert Hall, a four-minute walk from Fraser Suites Kensington, stages its annual carol concerts through December in one of the largest and most acoustically distinctive spaces in the country. The Hall's full winter listings typically extend well beyond the carol nights and are worth checking for one-off performances. The West End long-runs, including Hamilton, The Lion King and Les Misérables, continue through the month alongside seasonal limited runs and the opening weeks of pantomime season. 

Where to stay in London in December

Fraser Suites Kensington is hard to beat as a base for December in London. The Natural History Museum, the V&A and Hyde Park are all within ten minutes on foot, the Royal Albert Hall is a four-minute walk, and Gloucester Road Underground Station puts the rest of the city within easy reach. The apartments run from studios to three-bedroom residences, each with a full kitchen, generous living space and a private garden that feels like a proper retreat after a day out in the December cold. Families and groups will find the larger apartments particularly well suited to the festive season: real space to spread out, cook, and enjoy the evenings the way they deserve to be enjoyed. December fills fast, and the best dates rarely last long, so find your perfect festive stay before someone else does.

FAQs about Visiting London in December

What is the weather like in London in December, and what should I pack?

December in London is cold and frequently grey, with temperatures typically between 3°C and 8°C and around ten to twelve days of rain across the month. Snow is possible but genuinely rare; the city's maritime climate keeps temperatures above freezing most nights. Pack layers, a waterproof outer layer and comfortable waterproof walking shoes. One unexpected advantage of the short daylight hours, which run from around 8am to just after 3:45pm, is that the city's light displays and illuminated events come into their own early in the afternoon, extending the atmosphere well into the evening.

How far from central London is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour?

The studio is in Leavesden, around 20 miles northwest of central London. The fastest public transport route is a train from London Euston to Watford Junction, which takes approximately 17 to 20 minutes, followed by a shuttle bus from the station to the studio entrance. From South Kensington, allow around 30 minutes to reach Euston by Tube, making the total journey roughly an hour each way. Allow a full day: most visits run three to four hours inside the tour, and the Hogwarts in the Snow features are included in the standard ticket price.

Are shops and attractions open in London on Christmas Day?

Most shops, museums and major attractions in London are closed on Christmas Day, 25 December, so it is best to plan a slower day around a festive meal, a walk through the city or time at your accommodation. Some restaurants, pubs and hotel dining rooms do open, particularly in central London, but they usually require advance booking. Boxing Day, 26 December, is much busier: many shops reopen for the sales and some attractions resume with reduced or amended hours. Always check individual opening times before travelling, especially if you are planning to visit a specific museum, restaurant, market or show.

How busy is London in December?

London is busy in December, but the crowds vary depending on when and where you visit. The busiest areas are usually Oxford Street, Covent Garden, South Bank, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and the main Christmas shopping districts, especially at weekends and during the school holidays. The period between Christmas and New Year can also feel particularly full, as visitors stay on for festive events and New Year celebrations. For a smoother trip, book major attractions and restaurants in advance, visit popular sights earlier in the day, and use South Kensington as a calmer base with quick Tube access to central London.

Is it worth visiting London in December?

Yes, December is one of the most atmospheric times to visit London, particularly if you are interested in Christmas lights, winter markets, theatre, concerts, festive dining and seasonal attractions. It is colder and darker than other months, so it suits travellers who are happy to plan around the weather and mix outdoor events with museums, galleries and indoor performances. The main trade-off is that popular festive experiences book up quickly and central areas can be crowded, but with advance planning, December offers a version of London that feels distinct from the rest of the year.