Fun and FREE Christmas activities to do in London!

October 31, 2025

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Finding free Christmas activities in London isn’t as difficult as you might think. In fact, when you live in one of the most expensive cities in the world, you are constantly on the lookout for discounts or free events and opportunities.

For Americans or other travelers to London who have limited time for a vacation, it’s nice to have a guide that will tell you how to save money and research effort. London has so much to offer during the most wonderful time of the year. There are plenty of things that will put you in the Christmas spirit while costing nothing. Nothing! There are neighborhood light-on parties, exhibits to view and much more. Visiting London at Christmas is like being in a holiday movie!

But to keep it simple, this guide is organized by area. Plus, all suggestions are within walking distance of each other and can easily be viewed in a day. For the most part, the focus is on the West End and its surrounding borders.

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Christmas Activities in London: Covent Garden

Of course, we’ll start with my favorite neighborhood! Filled with theaters, shops, restaurants, bars and hotels, Covent Garden offers plenty of activities throughout the year. Free Christmas activities range from obvious to hidden neighborhood gems.

The Piazza’s decorations contribute to some of London’s most popular Instagram moments. Themes change often. Since moving to London in 2013, I’ve seen giant baubles, mistletoe and spinning disco balls. And I liked almost everyone!

After strolling through Jubilee Market and Apple Market, you can spend time taking photos in front of the Covent Garden Christmas tree or sleigh and watching the very entertaining street performers.

Christmas in London

Don’t ruin your trip to London with a bad itinerary! Your dream Christmas in London starts here.

From twinkling lights to perfect routes, self-guided walks and everything in between, our all-new Christmas in London the guide is full of festive magic! (and Mr. Sunny’s Holiday Sausage Roll Recipe)

Don’t miss your Christmas like a movie!

Christmas Activities in London: Trafalgar Square

Compared to the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, the one in Trafalgar Square is not as big. Nonetheless, I make sure to visit it several times during the holiday season.

The tree is an annual gift from the Norwegian people to the people of London for their support during World War II. Oslo sends a Norwegian spruce every year to symbolize close friendship and to say “thank you” for the help along the way.

You will also find the Trafalgar Square Christmas market. Mr. Sunny stops there every year for his first Christmas sausage of the season. And he included his family’s holiday sausage roll recipe in the Ultimate Guide to Christmas in London. My favorite food market is the London Bridge Christmas Market.

And, throughout the season, more than 40 carol groups will gather for an hour at a time under the tree to sing and raise money for charities.

Christmas Activities in London: Carnaby Street

Carnaby is the area you need to be if you want your list of free Christmas activities in London to reflect a more eclectic vibe. Their Christmas lights lighting party is one of the most energetic of the year!

If you can sit outside on a sunny day at Shakespeare’s Head, you can enjoy a drink and a spectacular view of the decorations. This is something I always do around the first week of January to soak up the last moments of the holidays, reflect on the year, and prepare for what lies ahead.

The Ultimate Guide to Christmas contains Mr. Sunny’s list of 12 Christmas ads you’ll want to have, too!

Christmas Activities in London: Oxford Street

Not far north of Carnaby is Oxford Street. This street is famous for its numerous retail chains and countless red buses that drive tirelessly under all the strands of Christmas lights. However, the current Mayor of London is attempting to pedestrianize it at the time of publication of this article.

As well as gazing at the twinkling streetlights for free, you can also see the exhibitions at Selfridges. It is well known for them not only at Christmas, but also historically.

Founder (American) Harry Gordon Selfridge pioneered innovative and elaborate window displays to attract and entice buyers. And it was the first in the UK to have lit up Christmas windows, which are now a famous London attraction.

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Christmas Activities in London: Regent Street

Finally, the last stop is Europe’s largest shopping street, Regent Street. Their seasonal events and decorations are the most majestic in London. Something you can do for free on Regent Street is visit Hamleys. Upon entering you are always greeted by something spectacular. On my last visit I was flooded with bubbles.

The Regent Street location has been around since 1881, so it’s absolutely iconic. It is the oldest toy store in the world, which is why it is always crowded.

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Free Christmas Activities to Do in London: Final Thoughts

For a quiet day in London during the holidays, here is the list of free activities that I suggest you do. With countless great photo opportunities (featuring some of London’s most iconic images) and countless places to eat, you’ll easily spend a whole day enjoying it!

And my ultimate guide to Christmas in London offers 4 self-guided festive walks (with a printable copy too!)

You will get:

Digital Christmas Guide to London (over 70 pages with clickable links)
3-day itinerary: economical + luxury versions
20+ linked videos for visual inspiration
Lists of the best Christmas markets, trees and more!

What’s on your list of free Christmas activities to do in London that you would recommend?