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London at Christmas

From mid-November London puts on its lights, markets and ice rinks. Hotels around the West End fill up on December weekends, so book early.

One thing to plan around: on Christmas Day itself the Tube, buses and trains don't run, and most attractions close.

Christmas lights

  1. Regent Street and Oxford StreetFree

    The best-known lights, usually switched on in early to mid-November.

    Stay nearby: Soho · ~$360/night

  2. Carnaby StreetFree

    A different themed installation every year.

    Stay nearby: Soho · ~$360/night

  3. Covent GardenFree

    A giant tree, decorations through the market hall and festive shopping.

    Hotels in Covent Garden · ~$360/night

  4. Trafalgar Square treeFree

    Norway's annual gift to London, with carol singing in the evenings.

    Stay nearby: Covent Garden · ~$360/night

Markets, rinks and events

  1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

    Rides, a circus, an ice rink and food stalls from late November to early January.

    Tip: Book an entry slot online, especially at weekends.

    Stay nearby: Paddington · ~$230/night

  2. Southbank Centre Winter MarketFree

    Wooden chalets with mulled wine and food along the river. Free entry.

    Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night

  3. Skating at Somerset House

    London's prettiest ice rink, in an 18th-century courtyard.

    Tip: Sessions sell out; book early.

    Stay nearby: Covent Garden · ~$360/night

  4. Christmas at Kew

    A light trail through Kew Gardens; take the District line to Kew Gardens.

  5. Carol services

    Westminster Abbey and St Paul's hold carol services through December; some need tickets.

    Stay nearby: Westminster · ~$320/night

Christmas Day and New Year

On 25 December there's no public transport at all, and most shops, museums and attractions close. Choose a hotel within walking distance of a restaurant that's open, and book Christmas lunch well ahead.

Boxing Day brings the sales and a reduced transport service. The New Year's Eve fireworks over the Thames are ticketed; the riverside viewing areas sell out months ahead.

Written by the StayAreas editorial team · Updated Oct 2026 · How we research our guides

Hotels we'd book in Covent Garden

Our top area for this guide. Mid-range doubles cost about $360 a night.

Covent Garden guide

Best value

hub by Premier Inn London Covent Garden

Why we like it: Compact, well-designed rooms by the piazza.

Typical budget rate in Covent Garden: ~$190/night

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Boutique pick

Covent Garden Hotel

Why we like it: Cosy Firmdale hotel in the middle of the district.

Typical mid-range rate in Covent Garden: ~$360/night

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Luxury pick

The Savoy

Why we like it: Grand 1889 hotel between the Strand and the river.

Typical luxury rate in Covent Garden: ~$805/night

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FAQs

When do the London Christmas lights turn on?

Most of the big displays, including Regent Street, Oxford Street and Carnaby Street, switch on in early to mid-November and stay up until early January.

Does public transport run on Christmas Day in London?

No. The Tube, buses and trains don't run on 25 December. There is a reduced service on Boxing Day.

Is London expensive at Christmas?

Hotels in central areas cost more on December weekends and around New Year. Weekdays in early December and the days between Christmas and New Year are often better value.

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Where to stay in London

Hotels in Covent GardenMid-range from ~$360/night

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