Best Festive Attractions in London this Winter

London in winter is full of twinkling lights, Christmas markets cookies and spiced mulled wine. When it comes to things to do in London in winter, you’ve got so much to choose from it can be hard to narrow down your wishlist!

Luckily, we’re sharing our favourite winter indoor and outdoor activities that accommodate your holiday no matter how good or bad the weather in London can be!

Enjoy Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park is back again for its 15th year and has always been in the top of the list of things to do in London in winter. It’s a great choice for families for everything it has from ice skating, ice slides, roller coasters, ice sculpting workshops through to the Christmas markets and bars for adults!

Entry to Winter Wonderland 2022 and access to some activities require a paid-for ticket so make sure to check the ticket prices and book youor visit in advance to avoid disappointment.

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park is open until January 2, 2023.

Tips:

• As Winter Wonderland is a ticketed event, make sure to book your tickets before your visit.
• Wrap up warm as most of the activities are outside so it can be a bit chilly at times.

Go ice skating at Glide at Battersea Power Station

The newly opened Glide at Battersea Power Station is the first and only riverside ice rink in London. Unlike other singular rinks, the Glide is made up of three interconnecting rinks with a giant 30ft Christmas tree as its centrepiece. After a whizz around the rink, skaters can enjoy vintage-style funfair ride, live entertainment or chill out in the private cosy igloos with magnificent views of the iconic Battersea Power Station.

The Glide is open until January 8, 2023. Tickets can be booked here!

Tips:

• It can be a bit confusing to find the area as the entry to the Glide is on the other side where you first approach so don’t hesitate to ask staff for directions if you get lost!

Winter brings several ice rinks to London. Although you may see ice skating rinks in London in December, it’s also likely that you see them at the end of November till early January, so this is definitely a great activity to do in London in Winter and in January too if you want to avoid some of the larger crowds!

Other impressive ice rinks in London in winter are Somerset House, Hampton Court, Winter Wonderland, Canary Wharf! Make sure to book tickets in advance for all these!

See the London Christmas lights

Sometimes the best way to stay warm in London in winter is to keep moving! A trip to Oxford Street and Regent Street is highly recommended over winter as this is the only time of the year when the streets are lit and magically transformed in the festive lighting. Heading to Trafalgar Square to admire the city’s tallest Christmas tree in the middle of the square, where you can hear the beautiful sound of Christmas carols. Pay a visit to Covent Garden or Carnaby to treat your eyes to huge displays that glow-up with illuminations, sounds, and colours.

Tips:

• Be prepared to be in very large crowds, especially on the weekend before Christmas, for quieter spots be sure to check out some of the incredible side streets around the area and take in all the architecture or find your next favourite hidden gem!

Go on a Christmas cruise

Experience Christmas lunch or dinner on a cruise down the Thames, especially if you don’t feel like spending whole day outdoor during winter in London when the weather is not always the greatest! Cruising through the heart of the capital is the perfect way to see most of the iconic landmarks of London. While taking in all the stunning views, you can enjoy festive live music and carols, and a bar on board! Price ranges from £26 for one-hour Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruises to £142 for a three-hour Christmas Day Lunch Cruise, options for party are also available. Check ticket price for Christmas Cruise!

Get lost in Christmas Markets across London

There are plenty of Christmas Markets to visit in London this winter, and most of them have free admission. Top of the list is Southbank Centre Winter Market, where the banks of the Thames come alive with art exhibition, Christmas shows, pop-up bars, comedy, festive treats and spiced mulled wine under sparkling lights. Wandering around and soaking up the festive atmosphere is free, although it can be crowded at weekends!

Southbank Centre Winter Market is open until to January 8, 2023.

Also well worth a visit:

• Leadenhall Christmas Market
• Christmas in Leicester Square and Covent Garden
• Hackney Christmas Market
• Greenwich Market
• Kingston Christmas Market

Sing along with the Carols at the Royal Albert Hall

If it’s cold or wet outside, attend an evening of Christmas Jazz or Christmas Carol indoors at the Royal Albert Hall. It is one of the most distinctive buildings in the UK, and located a 10-minute walk away from Fraser Suites Queens Gate on the southern edges of Hyde Park. In the spectacular surroundings of the Carols at Royal Alber Hall, be prepared to immerse yourself in one of the most uplifting sing-along carols in the city. There are lots of great musicians, including the British Imperial Military Band, the Royal Choral Society and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

When: only during December 17-24, 2022 with 3 performances per day. Book your tickets here!

Explore more about the iconic Royal Albert Hall here.

Shop in a Grand department store

While London is already well-known as busy shopping hub all year round, all grand department stores come alive during the winter months. The buildings are all lit up with massive decorations and spectacular lights, where you can soak up the Christmassy spirit or grab a bargain. Otherwise, it is still worth having a gander as kids always love visiting the toy department and it can be a great place for present ideas.

Harrods: it’s stocked with posh decorations, luxury Christmas crackers and ornaments. In 2022, Christmas store celebrates The Fabulous World of Dior this year.

Fortnum & Mason: ensure you leave plenty of time to explore the Christmas delights in the food hall. The handpicked wicker Christmas baskets are a great choice for those hard-to-buy-for friends.

Selfridges: after picking up some gifts in the bright modern shop with high-end brands, head to its Christmas Market right outside for more festive fun. Don’t forget to take loads of pictures of the famous Christmas window displays.

Head to Chinatown

In case you fancy something non-festive to eat, Chinatown is a great place to go for. Nothing like a hot bowl of noodles or spicy hotpot in a cold winter night, is there? Some of the restaurants stay open as usual during Christmas and New Year so it is important to check in advance. Or you can join the Chinese New Year 2023 celebration on Sunday January 22, 2023. Hopefully the traditional new year lion dance parade and the stage performances in Trafalgar Square will be back after being cancelled last year.

Where to stay in London

It is the most beautiful time of the year and if you are spending Christmas or celebrating New Year in the capital of the UK, why not stay central to make the most out of the festive vibes? Stay at Fraser Suites Queens Gate for your short breaks or Fraser Suites South Kensington for longer stays, and you are just minutes away from the top Christmas attractions in London. Our One-Bedroom Executive and Two-Bedroom Deluxe with a fully equipped kitchen and home entertainment systems are great choice for families looking for comfortable holidays in London central.  

Take advantage of the current offers to save up for your family holiday trip to London. All offers are time limited so hurry up and book while it last!