London in December 2026: 22 amazing things you can’t miss

The Nutcracker has been captivating audiences around the world since 1950, and the legendary Christmas theatre show is back on the West End stage for yet another season. Featuring more than 100 ballet dancers and a full orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s breathtaking score, this production is guaranteed to delight the entire family. 

Set in Edwardian London, the show follows Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker on a whirlwind adventure. Watch as she joins forces with the Sugar Plum Fairy, soars through the sky in a hot air balloon and explores a land of sweets before a final showdown with the Rat King. Take your seats at the majestic London Coliseum and prepare for an unforgettable evening. 

Watch London sparkle this winter as you embark on a 90-minute Christmas lights bus tour and get acquainted with some truly jaw-dropping festive light displays.  

From the world-famous angels on Regent Street to the intricate decorations lining The Strand, you'll get a front row seat to the best sights, all while your expert guide shares fascinating insights into the history of the capital. Wrap up warm and claim a spot on the upper deck for unbeatable views – and don't forget to snap plenty of photos. 

The end of the year is within reach, and now is the time to lock in your plans. We recommend marking the occasion with a New Year's Eve cruise, which guarantees spectacular views of London's famous New Year's Eve fireworks. 

Whether you're in the mood for a raucous boat party or a sophisticated New Year's Eve dinner cruise, there are plenty of ways to celebrate in style. Check out our full guide to New Year's Eve in London for more inspiration. 

December brings a spectacular programme of events to London's Royal Albert Hall, including a seasonal edition of the ever-popular Films in Concert series.  

In the lead-up to Christmas, you can enjoy a screening of the Home Alone films, with movies including How to Train Your Dragon, Pirates of the Caribbean and Casino Royale on the roster at the end of the month. Watch in awe as the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performs each film soundtrack live from the stage of this historic venue. 

While you can marvel at dazzling decorations across the capital during the festive season, nothing draws a crowd quite like the Trafalgar Square tree. Every year since 1947, a 20-metre spruce has been transported from Norway to London – and while the famous Christmas tree arrives in Trafalgar Square at the beginning of November, the lighting ceremony takes place in December. 

This time-honoured tradition began as a token of thanks from Norway, in recognition of Britain's support during World War II. The exact date of the lighting ceremony hasn't yet been confirmed for 2026, but it's guaranteed to be a magical occasion. 

December kicks off the much-anticipated revival of Matthew Bourne's Cinderella at Sadler's Wells. It also marks the 30th anniversary of the spectacular New Adventures production – so make sure to book your tickets before they sell out. 

Prepare to experience a classic fairytale like never before as this magnificent show transports you to the 1940s, tracing Cinderella's love story against the backdrop of the Second World War. Set to Sergei Prokofiev's timeless score, it's a powerful tribute to wartime London and a real highlight of London's theatre calendar. 

If you fancy spending some time outside of London, December is the perfect time to embark on a day trip. Book a Cotswolds tour and you can visit three different villages in just one day, guaranteeing plenty of gorgeous scenery and a host of incredible photo opportunities.  

Hop on a luxury coach and you'll soon find yourself in the picturesque Cotswolds town of Burford. Stroll through the cobbled lanes and check out the charming boutiques on the high street, then take a short drive to Stow-on-the-Wold, a historic spot nearby. Finish your tour in Bourton-on-the-Water – with the option to book a delicious lunch at the Old New Inn – before you head back to the capital.

Christmas has well and truly begun at Warner Bros. Studios thanks to Hogwarts in the Snow, an annual experience that sees the famous film sets transformed into a festive wonderland. 

Expect a yuletide feast in the Great Hall, frost-covered trees in the Forbidden Forest and snowy shopfronts in Diagon Alley. Naturally, the iconic Hogwarts Castle model will also be blanketed with snow, and the gift shop will be brimming with festive delights and stocking fillers. Hogwarts in the Snow is included with all standard tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, but make sure to book in advance, as popular dates and timeslots tend to sell out fast. 

Looking for an immersive experience with a seasonal twist? Don't miss the Chelsea Winter Village and Illuminations. Head down to the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea and you'll discover a breathtaking light trail that stretches across almost a mile, encompassing enormous sculptures, glowing archways and interactive installations. 

At the end of the trail, a world of festive fun awaits in the Winter Village. Tuck into hot food at the Chelsea Food Hall, sip on delicious drinks at the Après-Ski Bar and shop for handmade gifts at the Artisan Market. Kids will love the rides and attractions, and you can even look forward to live choir performances and carol services. 

While plenty of new theatre shows will be opening in London soon, there's no better time to see a classic play like the The Lion King. The award-winning production has been on the West End since 1999, making it the sixth longest-running musical to be performed in the capital. 

Whether you're a devoted theatre fan or you're keen to experience the magic of The Lion King for the first time, you won't be disappointed by this jaw-dropping adaptation. Expect incredible set design and a magnificent cast made up of both actors and puppets, alongside the all-important musical score composed by Sir Elton John. 

Drawing inspiration from Raymond Briggs' timeless Christmas story, this bus tour is a brilliant family activity that's more than worthy of a spot on your December itinerary. 

The Snowman Afternoon Tea Bus Tour combines sightseeing with a foodie adventure that is guaranteed to please adults and children alike. Step onboard a double decker bus and make your way through some of the most famous streets in the capital, marvelling at an array of London landmarks while you sample delicious treats including mince pies, frosted cupcakes and snowball truffles. 

London's arts scene is full of surprises, and there's no denying that Hamlet Hail to the Thief is a highlight of the winter season. Co-created by Radiohead's lead singer, Thom Yorke, this incredible show brings together rock music and Shakespearean storytelling to produce a theatrical experience like no other.

The production features a musical score that reworks Radiohead's sixth studio album and a plot that reimagines Hamlet in an eerie contemporary setting. It arrives at the Barbican Centre after sold-out runs in both Manchester and Stratford-upon-Avon, with performances scheduled in the capital until 23 January 2027. 

Prepare for a night to remember at Cirque Alice, a family-friendly production that transforms Lewis Carroll's beloved stories into a gravity-defying circus show. 

Arriving at the Royal Festival Hall between 12 December 2026 and 3 January 2027, Cirque Alice brings together actors, dancers, musicians and acrobats from across the globe. Throughout the show, this impressive cast is joined by aerialists, contortionists and even puppets to create a truly breathtaking spectacle. 

A white Christmas may be rare in the capital, but head down to Covent Garden and snow is guaranteed. Every December, visitors to the famous piazza can enjoy hourly snowfall flurries beside the Covent Garden Christmas tree. 

While exact dates are yet to be announced for 2026, the snowfall usually begins in the first week of December and finishes just before the New Year. In 2025, the flurries fell hourly between noon and 9pm every day – so no matter whether you wander into the piazza during the day or you arrive as the Christmas lights start to twinkle at dusk, you can still soak up some festive magic. 

It may usually be buzzing with action, but London becomes distinctly quiet on 25 December – and there's no better way to soak up the magic than by cruising through the city on an open-top bus ride.  

Book a hop-on hop-off Christmas Day bus tour and see the capital from an entirely new perspective. Explore at your own pace on a route covering more than 60 spots, leaving plenty of time to admire famous attractions and snap photos without the crowds. Add a stop at Browns restaurant in Covent Garden for a three-course Christmas lunch if you fancy a touch of luxury. 

While you can always enjoy breathtaking views from London's skyscrapers and rooftop bars, why not get even closer to the action? During Up at the O2's Snow Globe Climb, you'll cross a 52-metre walkway that sits atop one of the UK's most famous entertainment venues – and you'll finish your climb by stepping inside a gigantic snow globe. 

With an expert climber as your guide, you'll carefully scale the roof of The O2 arena before reaching the dazzling snow globe to find delicious snacks, festive music and the perfect viewing point from which to admire the London skyline. Don't forget to take plenty of photos before you return to Basecamp. 

The year might be wrapping up, but there's still a host of new theatre shows opening soon. If you're in the mood for ballet, mark your calendar for 3 December, when a sensational adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Match Girl comes to Wilton's Music Hall. Meanwhile, Peppa Pig's Big Family Show opens at Theatre Royal Haymarket on 4 December, guaranteeing an unforgettable day out for little ones, and Choir of Man brings jukebox joy to The Arts Theatre at Marble Arch on 10 December. 

This month does, however, mean the end of a few beloved theatre shows. If you're keen to see Avenue Q, Beetlejuice or My Neighbour Totoro, this is your last chance to book tickets before production ends in January 2027. 

No Christmas itinerary is complete without a trip to Winter Wonderland: this dazzling celebration is a highlight of London's seasonal event calendar, drawing huge crowds from November until January. 

Snap photos from dizzying heights on the Giant Wheel, pick up stocking fillers at the Christmas market and check out attractions including the Magical Ice Kingdom and the ever-popular ice rink. Don't forget to grab a meal from the bustling Bavarian Village and a delicious dessert from Candy Cane Lane. 

Expect a glorious blend of comedy and music at Bill Bailey's new live show, Vaudevillian, which kicks off a limited run at Theatre Royal Haymarket on 6 December. 

Inspired by the traditional Vaudeville genre – a popular form of theatrical entertainment that originated in the 1870s – the production brings together engaging storytelling, stand-up comedy and live musical performances, with plenty of surprises along the way. It's a must-see show for the whole family to enjoy. 

Once the Christmas season is underway, London plays host to joyful carol services at some truly incredible venues.

Sing along to both classic and modern songs at Union Chapel's popular Carols by Candlelight event (20 December) or enjoy a service in the breathtaking chapel at the Old Royal Naval College (7 and 14 December). For the ultimate festive experience, book a ticket to one of 15 carol performances at the Royal Albert Hall (19 to 24 December) or head to the magical carol service at St Paul's Cathedral on Christmas Eve. 

You might have planned to visit a few London attractions in 2026, but did you see them all? As the capital sparkles with Christmas lights and comes alive with festive cheer, there's no better time to get out and enjoy some sightseeing. 

If you have a long list of landmarks to check out, we recommend trying the Total London Experience – a full-day coach tour that covers the most famous spots in the capital. From stepping inside the Tower of London to watching the magnificent Changing the Guard ceremony, expect a blockbuster tour accompanied by an expert guide. 

New Year's Eve is the perfect excuse for a party, but if you're looking for something a little different, head down to a ceilidh at the English Folk Song and Dance Society at Cecil Sharp House.  

Ceilidhs are a traditional Scottish dance involving fun, simple moves accompanied by live folk music. No previous dance experience is required, as you'll be carefully guided through each routine before the band starts to play. Whether you come with friends or on your own, you're sure to leave in high spirits once the clock has struck midnight.