Explore the city, London experiences,
November 06 2024
Christmas in London is packed with festive magic. The best part? You absolutely don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. But with so much going on across the capital, you might not know where to start.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve prepared a guide to free Christmas events in London. You’ll find everything from sparkling light displays to carol services, with a long list of free Christmas things to do in London waiting for you to explore.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or just visiting. You’ll find all the information you need to get in the Christmas spirit without breaking the bank. Let’s see some of the top free London Christmas events for you to explore this festive season.
London’s Christmas lights are some of the most spectacular in the world. They’re also completely free for you to enjoy! Here are a few of our favourites — including famous streets and hidden gems. These free Christmas things to do in London fit into any itinerary and will help ramp up the festive spirit.
We’ll start with the most iconic of all. Regent Street’s “Spirit of Christmas” lights are a yearly crowd-pleaser, with glowing angels lining the road all the way down the central shopping area. And just around the corner, neighbouring Oxford Street mixes modern and classic Christmas decorations, using thousands of LED lights to create a unique winter wonderland. Ideal for an evening stroll and some festive shopping.
Covent Garden’s Christmas decorations are just as impressive. Its huge Christmas tree, covered in festive lights, baubles and ornaments, dominates the square. The mistletoe chandeliers add a cosy, festive touch — if you’re looking for photo-worthy spots, you’ll find all you need here.
Looking for something a bit more quirky? Then head to Carnaby Street. Every year, the lights here follow a new theme. You might find anything from bold and colourful designs to a range of eco-friendly designs. If creativity gets your Christmas spirit flowing, you’ll love how different Carnaby Street feels compared to the traditional displays.
If you’re looking for free things to do in London at Christmas away from the obvious, why not visit these hidden gems? The Seven Dials monument, for example, is a lesser-known but equally stunning lights display in the Covent Garden area. If you’re near Mayfair, stroll past the luxury shops on Mount Street with a fantastic light display to add extra sparkle to your festive season.
There is a fantastic choice of free Christmas markets in London. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to do some Christmas shopping or not — these London Christmas markets are a fun way to spend a few hours.
A great place to start is at the Southbank Centre Winter Market, where wooden chalets line the River Thames. This free London Christmas event is a perfect spot to browse handmade crafts, festive ornaments and unique Christmas gifts — even if you don’t plan to shop. It’s worth visiting just for the views and the buzz of Christmas energy.
South of the river? At Greenwich Christmas Market, you’ll find a strong festive vibe with plenty of artisanal goods and tasty treats. The historic setting makes it one of the best free Christmas events in London for a leisurely stroll.
Perhaps the most famous of all London’s Christmas markets is the winter festival going on at Leicester Square. Take a wander around the chalet outlets and pop-up events going on — maybe treat yourself to a mince pie from one of the artisanal stalls. If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting on a weekday.
If you want to browse some of the lesser-known free Christmas markets in London, try one of these ideas. On the west side of London, Kingston Christmas Market is a family friendly, traditional place with cosy stalls and warm drinks (mulled wine, anyone?). In the centre, try Camden’s festive pop-ups for an eclectic mix of gifts and international street food — one of the top free Christmas events in London you won’t want to miss.
Fancy a singalong? You’re in luck. There are plenty of free Christmas activities in London centred around live music, carols and concerts for you to attend this festive season.
Visit the iconic Trafalgar Square to hear daily carol performances around its stunning Christmas tree. Choirs from across London sing a range of festive favourites, creating a joyful and uplifting festive spirit — a fantastic way to spend an evening.
St Paul’s Cathedral is an excellent choice for free Christmas carols in London. With the choir’s angelic songs and the stunning backdrop of the historic cathedral, it’s an unforgettable experience. Make sure you arrive early — spaces fill up quickly.
Another fantastic free Christmas concert in London is at the legendary Westminster Abbey. You can join their free Christmas concerts, including the famous Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. It’s a serene, festive and meaningful way to get right in the Christmas spirit.
While it’s tempting to attend the bigger events, don’t overlook community-led carol services happening across London. You can often find these in local churches, public squares or even parks. They’re a great way to join in with many of the local Christmas parties going on at this time of year.
Another fantastic free Christmas activity in London is admiring the city’s stunning department store window displays. You can explore some of the best festive decorations just by walking through central London. If you’re feeling energetic, combine these legendary stores into a walking tour.
Of course, an ideal place to start is at the iconic Harrods. Their Christmas window displays are always spectacular. Each feels luxurious and festive (and expensive!), with themes featuring everything from winter wonderlands to Santa’s Grotto.
Meanwhile, over on Oxford Street, Selfridges’ windows are always some of the most creative and best Christmas designs. You’ll see bold colours and phenomenal decorations set in imaginative Christmas scenes, making it a favourite stop for festive window shopping. Hint: this is also a very popular stop for a Christmas afternoon tea!
Liberty’s windows are all about Christmas charm. You can admire the detailed decorations while enjoying the beautiful backdrop of the store’s Tudor-style building. It’s also a fantastic spot for a bit of luxury Christmas shopping if you want to spoil yourself or your loved ones.
London’s parks are the perfect way to enjoy free Christmas activities. They’re a great place for everything from a quiet stroll to a massive selection of festive events. To help you plan your day out, here are some great (and free) ideas.
Why not combine your Christmas day out with some of London’s most iconic parks? You can take a winter walk through Hyde Park, with its miles of paths and Winter Wonderland creating a gorgeous festive atmosphere. Likewise, Regent’s Park has stunning open spaces with great walking routes and beautifully maintained gardens.
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of central London? If you prefer something more rugged and a little less crowded, you can visit the parks of Hampstead Heath. The views over central London are especially stunning on a crisp winter’s day — ideal for a quiet and relaxing festive escape.
Another great way to pass a few hours is by visiting some of London’s festive ice rinks. While skating at rinks like Somerset House or the Natural History Museum requires a ticket, you can still enjoy the festive atmosphere for free by watching others hit the ice. Simply grab a warm drink and people-watch the day away.
London is packed with amazing free Christmas events. You’ll find everything from twinkling light displays and festive markets to carol services and scenic park walks.
When planning your list of free Christmas things to do in London, you can make the most of it all by staying in a centrally located Thistle Hotel. With cosy rooms near these free London Christmas events, you’ll have the perfect base for exploring the city. Explore our hotel options and book your stay now to enjoy the magic of Christmas in the heart of London.
