London in December: Traveling During the Holiday Season

Introduction

Are you planning to visit London during the last month of the year? The capital of the United Kingdom has a lot to offer throughout the year, and it becomes even more exciting during the holiday season, although I admit that the weather conditions are not the most ideal. If you want a preview of what to expect during a trip to London at the end of the year, then you're on the right page. In this post, I will cover all aspects of a visit to London in December!

The Weather in London in December

December is one of the cooler months of the year in London. The London climate in December is not the most favorable for travel, but temperatures are not as low as you might think. On average, the temperature is around 7 degrees Celsius during the day. Mornings and evenings are cold, and nights can be chilly .

The weather is relatively dry compared to other times of the year, but precipitation is still quite common in London, and the sky is mostly cloudy in December. Snowfall is not uncommon, as well as fog. Weather conditions can also be very changeable. Days last about 7 hours and 30 minutes on average during December in London. The sun rises between 8:00 AM and 8:20 AM and sets around 4:00 PM.

If you are traveling to London in December, the climate certainly won't ruin your experience, but you will need to plan accordingly by bringing warm clothing and primarily considering indoor activities, which are plentiful in the British capital!

December: A Great Month to Discover London?

From a meteorological perspective, conditions are not very pleasant in London in December, although you might get to spend a snowy Christmas here ⛄️. It can also happen that some attractions are inaccessible due to the weather. However, the climate isn't everything, and it's essential to consider more factors.

There is another disadvantage besides the weather, at least for part of December, which is the tourist crowds. The numbers aren't too high at the beginning of the month but increase steadily, and the second half of December is indeed one of the busiest times of the year for the city. As a result, prices rise, especially for flights, train tickets, and hotel rooms. For this reason, I recommend that you book your flight tickets in advance and consider skip-the-line tickets for some attractions that are often crowded.

Days are very short in December, which can be a disadvantage sometimes, but not always, as it gives you more time to admire the Christmas lights ✨.

Other than that, there are many positives, and there's no doubt that December is an excellent month to visit London. All the major must-see attractions in the city can be visited, the city has a unique atmosphere, and many events are organized during the last weeks of the year. To help you organize your visit better, feel free to check out my article on the best places to stay in London!

For example, it's the only time you'll be able to admire the beautiful Christmas decorations, enjoy seasonal ice rinks, and stroll through the charming Christmas markets. Some of the most popular attractions hold special events, and December is also a great time for shopping in London.

Choose a Tourist Pass to Save Money!

If you're looking to visit London in 3 days or more and want to see some of the must-visit sites, purchasing a London pass will certainly be a cost-effective idea that allows you to save money while also saving time Here are the different options available to you ⬇️

Must-See Attractions in the English Capital

What to Do and See in London in December?

There are many events and attractions that you can only discover during the last weeks of the year in London. But this is certainly not a reason to miss out on the most iconic landmarks of the city, which must be visited regardless of the season

Here's a small selection of the must-sees:

Explore iconic London landmarks: Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Shard, Wembley Stadium...
Attend a musical in the West End, London's theater district: Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, Mamma Mia! at Novello Theatre, Frozen at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Lion King at Lyceum Theatre, Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre...
Discover the iconic parks and gardens of Britain's capital: Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Kensington Gardens, Green Park, St. James's Park...
Visit London's major museums: British Museum, Tate Museum, Natural History Museum, Tate Britain, Science Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum...
Take in the city views from the London Eye, the giant wheel that rises over the banks of the Thames, or from one of the city observatories: The View at The Shard, the Sky Garden, Alexandra Palace...
Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a traditional event that draws numerous visitors and typically occurs every other day in December but can be canceled in bad weather.
Go on a cruise on the Thames, an essential experience during a trip to London, and even more memorable at sunset or during a dinner cruise ️✨

The Christmas Lights and Decorations

If you don't know what to do in London and love Christmas decorations, you will be delighted, as the English capital is one of the most impressive cities in the world during the festive season . The city truly transforms, and the atmosphere becomes magical, with streets and shop windows illuminated, numerous large Christmas trees, and countless garlands and light displays, creating a truly magnificent sight.

In the city center, the decorations are most spectacular on the main squares and along the bustling shopping and tourist thoroughfares. Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and Carnaby Street are more radiant than ever, with department stores competing to create the most beautiful window displays. Christmas markets spring up, and many monuments and buildings are decorated for the occasion.

You can even find activities centered around these festive lights, such as the night bus tour that passes through the most beautiful neighborhoods of the English capital .

Harry Potter Studios

The Harry Potter Studios

The Harry Potter Studios in London (Warner Bros Studios) have been among the most visited sites during a stay in London for several years now .

Here, you'll dive deep into the universe of this literary and cinematic saga, with a tour of the film sets, discovery of original props, costumes, and models, as well as interactive experiences, and a shop dedicated to the films and books.

From mid-November to mid-January, you can celebrate Christmas in the wizarding world thanks to the event 'Hogwarts in the Snow.' Iconic studio sets like the Gryffindor common room, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest are specially decorated for the occasion, and the Great Hall transforms into a ballroom. Also, feel free to read my article about where to stay to visit the Harry Potter Studios in London .

The Christmas Markets

The Christmas Markets and Villages

The Christmas villages in London are numerous and particularly appreciated. They offer a unique warm atmosphere where you can enjoy great moments, warm up with mulled wine or a seasonal specialty, and find many souvenirs and gifts to take home .

Generally, they open between early and late November and are accessible until the last week of December or the first week of January. Here are some of the best Christmas markets in London:

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the main Christmas village of the city. As the name suggests, it is located in Hyde Park and is one of the major attractions in London at this time of year. You'll find plenty of artisan stalls, Christmas decorations, souvenirs, drinks, and food, as well as rides and even an ice rink ⛸️.
The Leicester Square Christmas Market is a small Christmas market in central London, where a few dozen chalets are nestled in a lively little square, perfectly representing the magic of Christmas.
Winter by the River (formerly Christmas by The River) is a Christmas market set along the Thames between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, with iconic attractions like the Tower of London and the modern business district in the background. It has previously been named the most romantic Christmas market in the country .
The Kingston Christmas Market, located away from the city center, is a particularly authentic market comprised of several wooden huts offering souvenirs, handmade toys, hot drinks, and international street food.
The Greenwich Christmas Market is the festive version of the Greenwich Market, a very popular covered market open year-round and especially enjoyable. It is located outside the city center, but you can take this opportunity to visit another significant attraction, the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
The South Bank Centre Winter Fest, near the London Eye along Queen's Walk, is a typical Christmas market that starts at the beginning of November. Besides the market, many other events are planned here throughout December, including concerts, street performances, and even a big New Year's Eve party.

Christmas at Kew

You can witness a stunning sound and light show entitled Christmas at Kew at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. During this highly anticipated event, numerous light installations are placed throughout the gardens and in the Victorian greenhouses of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The decorations integrate perfectly with the natural elements, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle .

The Ice Skating Rinks

Several outdoor ice rinks are installed in London at the end of the year. In December, they are generally all open and provide the opportunity to skate in beautiful settings, at the foot of historic buildings and other iconic structures of the capital:

The Winter Wonderland rink, the largest in the entire country, in the heart of the Christmas village.
The rink at Somerset House is one of the most impressive in the city. The decor is truly exceptional, and the experience is often accompanied by DJ performances and musicians.
The Canary Wharf rink, in the middle of the very modern business district, allows for ice skating at the foot of impressive skyscrapers.
The rink at Hampton Court Palace, located on the grounds of one of Britain's most prestigious royal residences, which also offers beautiful views of the Thames.

Shopping in London

What to Do and See in London in December?

Other areas of the capital, such as Camden Market, the Notting Hill district, Chelsea, or Southwark, also deserve a detour for the occasion.

I hope this article inspires you to explore the city during this end-of-year period! If you're not yet sure when to go to London, you can check out my article on London at Halloween, which is also an excellent time to discover the capital .

Hamleys and Liberty on Regent Street
Fortnum & Mason at Piccadilly Circus
Selfridges on Oxford Street