Everything you need to plan your festive season around the city
✨ Best for Magical Christmas Lights
Regent Street Lights 📍 Regent Street, West End, London W1 (Piccadilly Circus → Oxford Circus) Regent Street’s “Spirit of Christmas” angels light up every winter. Combine with Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, and Covent Garden lights for a full festive walk. Shops stay open late in December. 🚇 Tube: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Charing Cross 🌐 Website: regentstreetonline.com 💷 Cost: Free
Somerset House 📍 Strand, London WC2R 1LA Classic seasonal rink under the huge Christmas tree. Family-friendly atmosphere. 📅 Dates: Mid-November – Early January 🌐 Website: somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skate-somerset-house 🚇 Tube: Temple, Charing Cross 💷 Prices: Check website (varies by session)
Battersea Power Station Ice Rink 📍 Circus Road, London SW8 5BN 200-metre riverside rink with festive lights. Hot drinks in The Glass House. 📅 Dates: 7 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 🌐 Website: batterseapowerstation.co.uk 💷 Prices: Adults, children & family tickets available
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink 📍 Hyde Park, London W2 2UH Rink around the bandstand under twinkly lights. 📅 Dates: 14 Nov – 1 Jan 2026 🌐 Website: hydeparkwinterwonderland.com 💷 Prices: Adult £11.50–£17.50 | Child £8.50–£12.50 | Family £34–£50 (skate hire included, 45-min sessions)
Skate Leicester Square 📍 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DE Pop-up rink by Christmas market and lights. Quick spin while shopping or dining. 📅 Dates: 1 Nov – 4 Jan 2026 🌐 Website: skateleicestersquare.co.uk 💷 Prices: Adult from £14.50 | Child from £9.50 | Family ~£40 (45-min sessions)
The Queen’s House Ice Rink 📍 Queen’s House Grounds, Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF Historic Greenwich setting with views of Canary Wharf. 📅 Dates: 21 Nov – 4 Jan 2026 (closed 25 Dec) 🌐 Website: thequeenshouseicerink.com 💷 Prices: Adult ~£19 | Child ~£16.50 | Family ~£49.95 (45-min sessions, skate hire included)
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink 📍 Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU Skate with palace backdrop. 📅 Dates: 21 Nov – 4 Jan 2026 (closed 25 Dec) 🌐 Website: hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk 💷 Prices: Adult ~£18+ | Child (3–12) ~£13.50+ | Family ~£46+ (45-min sessions; palace entry separate)
Canary Wharf Ice Rink 📍 Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB Rink with skyscrapers, lights, and nearby bars/restaurants. 📅 Dates: 25 Oct 2025 – 22 Feb 2026 🌐 Website: icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk 💷 Prices: Varies (peak/off-peak and concession rates); 45-min sessions, skate hire available
Alexandra Palace (Indoor) 📍 Alexandra Palace, London Indoor rink, weather-proof, suitable for all ages. 📅 Dates: 11 Dec 2025 – 5 Jan 2026 🌐 Website: alexandrapalace.com 💷 Prices: Adult £11–£12 | Child £10–£11 (plus skate hire)
🎄 Best Christmas Markets
Southbank Centre Winter Market 📍 Queen’s Walk, South Bank, London SE1 8XX Wooden chalets, gifts, food, festive drinks. Free to browse. 📅 Dates: 3 Nov – 26 Dec 2025 🌐 Website: southbankcentre.co.uk/activity/winter-market 🚇 Tube: Waterloo, Embankment 💷 Cost: Free (pay for food/drinks/gifts)
Leicester Square Christmas Market 📍 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DE Central West End market, fun stalls. 📅 Dates: 1 Nov – 4 Jan 2026 🌐 Website: skateleicestersquare.co.uk 💷 Cost: Free
London Bridge City Christmas Market 📍 London Bridge, London SE1 2DB Riverside market with food, gifts, and Thames views. 📅 Dates: 1 Nov – 24 Dec 2025 🌐 Website: londonbridgecity.co.uk 💷 Cost: Free
Covent Garden Christmas Village 📍 Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD Large Christmas tree, artisan gifts, festive lights. 📅 Dates: Early Nov – 24 Dec 2025 🌐 Website: coventgarden.london 💷 Cost: Free
🎅 Best Carol Services & Festive Music
Royal Albert Hall 📍 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2APA Orchestral carols, seasonal music events in December. 🌐 Website: royalalberthall.com 🚇 Tube: South Kensington 💷 Prices: Check website
✨ Best Christmas Light Trails
Christmas at Kew – Kew Gardens 📍 Richmond, London TW9 3EG 3 km illuminated trail, light installations, tunnels, photo spots. 📅 Dates: 14 Nov – 4 Jan 2026 🌐 Website: kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas 🚇 Tube/Train: Kew Gardens (District Line / Overground) 💷 Prices: Timed entry, check website
Neverland at Kenwood House 📍 West Gate, Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, NW3 7JR Peter Pan-inspired lights trail, food and drink, family-friendly. 📅 Dates: Early Nov – Early Jan 2026 🌐 Website: neverlandkenwood.co.uk 🚇 Transport: Nearest stations Gospel Oak or Hampstead Heath (bus via Archway/Golders Green) 💷 Prices: Check website
