Nearly thirty years ago, I traveled from the United States to London for a romantic rendezvous with my Norwegian boyfriend. It was mid-December, and the city, though extremely cold and characteristically gray, exuded sparkling Christmas warmth. We somehow stumbled into a candlelight concert of seasonal music at St. Martin in the Fields. To this day, I remember the sound of the music echoing through the church as the candles flickered in the cool darkness, thinking it was the most beautiful experience I’d ever had.
Enjoying a candlelight concert is just one of numerous unique attractions for visitors or expat residents spending the holidays in London. From royal celebrations to holiday markets, there’s something for every taste and interest—including a visit to the house of the man whose classic 19th-century novella continues to have a profound impact on how we celebrate Christmas today.
All Hallows by the Tower
This is one of the city’s best-kept secrets—and it’s just steps from the Tower of London. Founded in 675, the church includes architecture from nearly every century between the seventh and the 20th, as well as a second-century Roman pavement from a domestic house in the Undercroft. If you enter on the Tower side, be sure to walk across the church to the Byward Street entrance to view the Tudor brickwork. Special Christmas happenings include Community Carols by Candlelight on December 12 at 6:30 p.m.; a festive service of Lessons and Carols on December 15 at 4:00 p.m.; a candlelit communion service with carols at 11:30 pm on Christmas Eve; and a Morning Eucharist on Christmas Day at 11:30 a.m.
Getting there: via bus or Underground (Tower Hill). Open Monday–Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm and Saturday–Sunday 10:00 am–5:00 pm. Free and open to the public.
Charles Dickens Museum
What could be more festive than a visit to the home of the man who wrote A Christmas Carol? There are numerous activities to get you in the spirit, including a special Christmas tour guided by Dickens’ closest friend, John Forster (we’re not sure whether he’s a ghost or an actor), and a Magic Lantern Show, the Victorian equivalent of Netflix. For the ultimate Christmas experience, book a visit on Christmas Eve, when, decked out in Victorian-era garlands and red ribbons with the scent of mulled wine lingering in the air, the house will evoke memories of Christmases past.
Getting there: via bus or Underground (Russell Square). Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday. Special holiday hours apply—admission is £12.50 for adults, and £10.50 for concessions.
Historic Royal Palaces
Three properties operated by Historic Royal Palaces are offering holiday-themed experiences and events throughout the season. Annual memberships are a good deal if you intend to visit more than one property or are traveling with a family member (individual £65, two family members £100).
Hampton Court Palace
From December 21 to January 5, 2025, the palace will be decked out for a Tudor Christmas with traditional decorations, live music, food, and activities. The ice rink in front of the palace offers a magical skating experience. The Historic Kitchens will feature daily roasting over a huge fire as historian cooks recreate festive recipes from 500 years ago. Festive Fayre, running December 6–15, includes seasonal treats and street food from over 100 artisan producers.
On December 7, Bitesize Carol services will be held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. in the Chapel Royal, where Henry and Queen Elizabeth I worshiped. Palace tickets or HRP membership is required to attend these services, but regular services are free and open to all.
Getting there: Hampton Court train station is a five-minute walk from the palace. National Rail services run from London Waterloo every 30 minutes.
Kensington Palace
The birthplace of Queen Victoria and one-time home of Princess Diana will offer visitors a trip back in time with Victoria's Childhood Christmas from December 4 to January 5, 2025. Flickering candles, theatrical festivities, Yuletide traditions from the Regency period, and intricately designed installations will illustrate how Christmas customs have evolved over time and how many cherished traditions can be traced back to the 1830s at Kensington Palace. I’m a big fan of the gift shop at Kensington, and I always make time to walk the Sunken Garden, home to a statue of Princess Diana dedicated by her sons in 2021.
Getting there: via bus or underground (Queensway and High Street Kensington are the closest stations). The Palace is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday—Sunday (closed December 24,25, 26). Admission is £20 for adults, £16 for seniors, and free for members; the Palace Gardens and Sunken Garden are open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (free).
The Tower of London
The complex where Anne Boleyn was held and executed and where two young princes famously disappeared may not seem like a very jolly place to celebrate Christmas. However, even the notorious Tower is embracing the festive spirit this season. From November 29 to January 5 (excluding December 24, 25, 26, and January 1, 2025), the Tower will be adorned with themed decorations and installations exploring Christmas celebrations from the Medieval period and other eras.
On December 7 and 8, the Tower will come alive with the voices of 1,300 singers from 24 choirs performing in various locations throughout the grounds. During your visit, be sure to explore the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula or plan to attend a service there.
Getting there: Access is available via bus, Underground (Tower Hill), or boat (Tower Pier). The Tower is open Tuesday–Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday–Monday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is £34.80 for adults, £27.70 for seniors, and free for members. Church services are free and open to the public, but space is limited, so check the website for details and instructions.
St. Martin in the Fields
This renowned parish church near Trafalgar Square dates back to the 13th century and offers an astonishing variety of activities, particularly during the holiday season. With so many events on offer, it’s worth spending some time exploring their website for a full list.
The church hosts services throughout the week, as well as classical concerts during lunch or by candlelight. For something truly unique, late-night live performances are held in the iconic vaulted Crypt beneath the church, which is transformed into a cabaret venue complete with a fully-stocked bar and food offerings.
Over the holidays, visitors can enjoy free concerts, candlelight carol sing-alongs, performances of Handel’s Messiah, or even ring in the new year with traditional Viennese music. For crafting enthusiasts, wreath-making workshops led by professional florists include complimentary mince pies and mulled wine. Those looking for something more festive can dance the night away at Christmas disco nights in the Crypt.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Café in the Crypt, a destination in its own right. With its original brick-vaulted ceilings and historic tombstones embedded in the floor, it provides a tranquil escape from the crowds in Trafalgar Square. The café offers delicious food at reasonable prices, making it a perfect stop during your visit.
Getting there: Accessible via bus or Underground (Charing Cross or Leicester Square). The church, shop, and café are open seven days a week at various times. Free concerts are held on Thursdays through January (excluding December 26) at 1:00 pm. Candlelight concerts are available on various days and times, with tickets ranging from £9 to £38. Lunchtime concerts on Fridays at 1:00 pm cost £20 with lunch or £10 for the concert only. Wreath workshops run on various dates throughout November and December for £75. Christmas disco nights take place on December 11 and 12 for £10. Late-night crypt performances are held on various days and times, with tickets priced from £9 to £25.
Stocking Stuffers
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
For those seeking a Christmas activity with a carnival-like atmosphere, complete with rides and festive treats, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is the place to be. Open daily through January 5, 2025 (excluding Christmas Day), from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, this festive attraction offers something for everyone. Admission ranges from free during off-peak hours to £7.50 during peak times, and booking is required. Attraction prices vary depending on the activity, day, and time.
Getting there: Easily accessible via bus or Underground (numerous nearby stations).
If you’re in the mood for shopping, London is home to numerous Christmas markets, offering everything from handmade crafts to gourmet holiday treats. These markets, scattered throughout the city and even further afield, are perfect for soaking in the festive spirit.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
For a magical holiday experience outside the city, the Harry Potter Studio Tour transforms into Hogwarts in the Snow during the holiday season. The studio is beautifully decked out, and the snowfall effects are so convincing you’ll swear they’re real! Open daily through January 19, 2025 (excluding December 25 and 26), the studio welcomes visitors from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm. Admission starts at £56 for adults, and booking is absolutely essential as tickets sell out quickly.
Getting there: Trains run from London Euston to Watford Junction, where a shuttle bus takes you directly to the studio (included with your ticket). Ample parking is also available and included with your ticket.
Whether you’re shopping, feasting, crafting, or immersing yourself in magical experiences both past and present, spending Christmas in London is the best gift you can give yourself. For activities that require pre-booking, don’t delay. But as you plan your itinerary, don’t forget that simply strolling through the streets and admiring the beautifully decorated shops can be a magical experience in itself.
Note: At the time of publication, the exchange rate was $1.00 to £0.79.
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