Generally, December in London is taken up by Christmas, Christmas, Christmas — but not everyone's into that. With that in mind, here's a mixture of festive — and completely unfestive — things happening in the capital in December 2026.
CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: The Highgate International Chamber Music Festival brings together leading musicians from around the world to perform in unique combinations. Expect a mix of concerts at St Anne's Highgate, including a family-friendly introduction to the world of small-scale classical music. 1-6 December 2026
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY: City of London Guide & Lecturer Jill Finch drops by the London Archives in Clerkenwell to give a talk about the history of Christmas in the Square Mile, from the Roman winter festival of Saturnalia, to the Saxons introducing Yule, via Medieval Mumming and Tudor feasting. 2 December 2026
LITTLE VOICE: Jill Halfpenny and Francesca Mills star in the National Theatre's new production of Jim Cartwright's 1992 play, The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice. Little Voice is a shy young woman who deals with life by practising vocal impressions of famous singers in the privacy of her own room — until she finds herself pressurised to share her talent with the world. 2 December 2026-23 January 2027
CANINE CAROL CONCERTS: As is tradition, Battersea Dogs Home holds its fundraising carol concerts at St Luke's in Chelsea — and brings the dogs into church to join in the fun. No confirmation yet on exactly which carols will be sung, but we'd hazard a guess at Bark! The Herald Angels Sing. 3, 4 and 11 December 2026
REVEL PUCK CIRCUS: The Revel Puck Circus returns to Walthamstow with its biggest Winter Festival yet, pitching a big top tent at Walthamstow Central. The headline productions is CLOWN, a brand-new stage adaptation, and the first circus production, of Sir Quentin Blake's beloved children's picture book. Festival favourite Fête du Puck also returns. 3-16 December 2026
FESTIVE FAYRE: Head to the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre for Christmas grub galore. Wander among the courtyards and grounds perusing artisan food stalls selling everything from Christmas pudding and brownies to chocolate, cheese, biltong, coffee, cakes — plus gallons of booze. 4-6 and 11-13 December 2026. For a thoroughly festive day out, take a twirl on the palace's winter ice rink while you're there.
HANNUKAH: The Jewish holiday of Chanukah (or Hannukah) this year takes place rather early, 4-11 December 2026. Keep an eye out for details of menorah lightings and other events closer to the time.
HUMBUG CHRISTMAS BAR: Boozy festive pop-up Humbug comes to a new home in Greenwich for the Christmas season. Once again we're promised "festive mayhem" strictly for adults, with live music, games, singalongs, and Santa on the DJ decks — think part live show, part Christmas party. 4-24 December 2026
SANTA CHARITY CYCLE: On yer bike, but make it festive. Njinga's Santa Charity Cycle is a 15,5km cycle through Richmond, raising money for Shooting Star Children's Hospice in Hamtpon. Santa suits (and helmets) are compulsory if you want to take part. 5 December 2026
POLAR EXPRESS: Board the Polar Express at Euston station, and enjoy a theatrical experience inspired by the popular Christmas film as the train wends its way out of London on a circular route. Chefs, the Conductor, and even Santa himself visit you in your seat as you sing along to Christmas songs and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Pyjamas and dressing gowns very much encouraged! 5-23 December 2026
SANTA IN THE CITY: Walk, jog, or run through London dressed as Santa, for the 2026 edition of Santa in the City. The charity event begins at Paternoster Square (St Paul's) on three different days, taking in a 5k route which crosses the Thames four times. 8-10 December 2026
CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY: Dig out your most festive knitwear for Save The Children's Christmas Jumper Day 2026 — it's on a Thursday this year, though you can do it on another day if that works better. The idea is that you get your whole workplace/school involved, with everyone donning a Christmas sweater, and making a donation to Save the Children. 10 December 2026
CAROLS AND ICES: London has plenty of carol concerts at this time of year, but London Canal Museum can probably claim the most unusual venue, with Camden Town Community Choir performing inside its historic ice well, which is specially illuminated for the occasion. There's also the chance to take a short boat trip on the canal at night, plus free mince pies, ice cream-making demos and other entertainment. 10 December 2026
LONDON HORSE SHOW: The London International Horse Show returns to Excel, with equestrian sport and seriously impressive displays across two arenas, as well as three FEI World Cup competitions – in Show Jumping, Dressage and Driving. 17-21 December 2026
MEAT AUCTION: Every Christmas Eve, as the meat suppliers of Smithfield Market close down for the holidays, their surplus meats are sold off to the public during a raucous meat auction. Even if you're not looking to score a hunk of bargain meat, it's a chance to witness a quirky London ritual dating back more than 100 years. 24 December 2026
DISNEY ON ICE: Don't know about you, but Disney On Ice was a staple of our childhood, and it's back at The O2. This year's theme is Discover The Magic. Characters from Toy Story, Moana, Coco, Frozen and Aladdin appear on skates... and a word of warning: look out for a cheeky appearance from a very mischievous Stitch. You'll be singing and clapping along to this one, guaranteed! It's one of our picks for family-friendly theatre shows to see this Christmas. 24 December 2026-3 January 2027
PETER PAN CUP: If you do one thing on Christmas Day in London, head to Hyde Park to watch the Peter Pan Cup. A group of hardy swimmers from Serpentine Swimming Club take to the chilly waters; you can't take part unless you're a member, but you can watch them from the comfort of dry land. FREE, 25 December 2026
HARLEQUINS BIG GAME: The annual Harlequins Big Game is a festival of rugby, music and entertainment for fans of all ages, taking place at Allianz Stadium between Christmas and New Year. DJ and producer Paul Oakenfold gives a headline music set before Northampton Saints play Loughborough Lightning. 28 December 2026
NEW YEAR'S EVE: The biggest party night of the year is approaching. Whether you want to go full-on drinking and dancing for a last hurrah of 2026, or see in 2027 in a more sedate manner, take a look at our curated list of things to do in London on New Year's Eve. 31 December 2026
Christmas events in London in December 2026
By the time December rolls around, it feels like Christmas has already been in full swing in London for several weeks. Here's a reminder of some of the festivities taking place around town (though do check opening times around Christmas Day itself, as they may vary):
EVER AFTER GARDEN 2026: Chelsea's Duke of York Square is aglow with 30,000 illuminated roses, forming the Ever After Garden. The installation is a fundraiser for the Royal Marsden Hospital Cancer Charity, and though it's free to visit, you're invited to dedicate a rose to a loved one (suggested minimum donation £15). 5 November-21 December 2026, 3pm-9pm
WINTER WONDERLAND 2026: Once again, the huge festive funfair takes over Hyde Park, with rollercoasters and fairground rides, theatre and circus shows, an ice kingdom, food and drink stalls, a Christmas market, ice rink and plenty more. Be aware that you still need to book your entry in advance this year. 19 November 2026-3 January 2027
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: The Oxford Street and Regent Street Christmas lights are world-famous — and with good reason. Glowing stars dangle elegantly over the former this festive season, with those twinkling angels back over the latter. And with Christmas light displays in Covent Garden, Carnaby, Bond Street and elsewhere in the capital to see as well, you'll be needing our guide to London's Christmas light displays 2026 — coming soon!
SANTA'S GROTTOS: The man in red makes multiple appearances in London at this time of year, at grottos and meet-and-greets all over town. You'll need to book way in advance for most — here's the lowdown on Santa's grottos in London this year.
LIGHT FESTIVALS: London gets LIT at this time of year, and not just with Christmas lights (above). Illumination festivals take over botanical gardens, parks and the like, with light tunnels, illuminated animal sculptures, fire gardens and other installations to ogle. Get booking for London's best light festivals this year — and a few beyond the capital too.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS: Stock up on Christmas gifts (or treat yourself) at London's best Christmas markets, which feature independent makers, wooden chalets, twinkling lights and plenty of food and drink to enjoy as you shop.
ICE SKATING: A festive staple, skating rinks pop up all over town for the Christmas season, so you can take to the ice outside palaces, skyscrapers and all manner of other backdrops. These are London's best ice rinks for Christmas 2026, including Somerset House and Hampton Court Palace.
CAROL CONCERTS: You can barely move in London in December without stumbling across a carol concert or two. The best-known ones such as St Paul's and Westminster Abbey are notoriously difficult to get into, but why not see what's on at your local church?
FESTIVE FILMS: From posh hotels to independent and pop-up cinemas, plenty of places offer screenings of Christmas films (think Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, The Holiday, It's A Wonderful Life and plenty more), with varying levels of festive bonhomie thrown in. Take a look at this year's festive film screenings.
PANTO AND CHRISTMAS THEATRE: As if there's not enough drama in an average December, the London theatre scene comes into its own with ample pantomimes (some which are family-friendly, and others which are strictly for adults), as well as festive theatre, dance and comedy shows, and family-friendly Christmas productions. London's also blessed with multiple renditions of A Christmas Carol.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS: Looking for family-friendly things to do with children in London over Christmas, or during the school holidays? We've got a few ideas for family days (and evenings) out to make the season even more special.
CHRISTMAS ON A BUDGET: We hear you — December can be a spenny time of year. But that doesn't mean you have to sit at home staring at the walls all month. Our guide to freee things to do in London at Christmas has plenty of fun things to do, without the need to open your wallet.
London exhibitions and shows closing in December 2026
A few things are closing this month too (and in early January 2027). December 2026 is your last chance to see:
TOSCA: The English National Opera's take on Puccini's Tosca — about an opera singer planning a secret meeting with her lover in a state overtaken by civil conflict — is on at the London Coliseum on selected dates. Until 11 December 2026
HAY FEVER: Richard E. Grant and Christine Baranski are the impressive cast for Noël Coward's Hay Fever at Wyndham's Theatre. Four members of a family individually and secretly invite a guest to spend the weekend at their country home, resulting in chaos. Until 12 December 2026
STANDARD OF LIVING: Rory Kinnear and Royal Ballet principal Natalia Osipova star in The Standard of Living, a new play by James Graham (writer of Dear England, and Punch). Telling the astonishing story of rebel economist and member of the Bloomsbury Group, John Maynard Keynes, it's world premiere run is at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Until 12 December 2026
TREES AND TERRACES: Burgh House in Hampstead hosts an exhibition of the work of Hampstead-based painter Donald Towner. Amongst the Trees and Terraces spans the interwar and postwar years, with depictions of both romantic landscapes with the destruction of war. FREE, until 13 December 2026
VIRGINIA WOOLF: Theatre show Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is at Soho Place, about a couple whose 20-year marriage has its flaws exposed by a younger couple they befriend. Until 19 December 2026
STRANGER THINGS: Theatre show Stranger Things: The First Shadow acts as a prequel to the popular TV show. Set in the town of Hawkins in 1959, it takes you back to the very beginning of the story — with a few hints to the end, too. See it at the Phoenix Theatre. Until 27 December 2026
BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL: Tim-Burton-film-turned-Broadway-musical-extravaganza Beetlejuice ends its run in the West End, telling the tale of Lydia Deetz — a strange teenager sharing her home with a pair of newly-deads and the demonic 'ghost with the most', Beetlejuice. Until 2 Janaury 2027
MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO: The much-loved Royal Shakespeare Company production of 1988 Studio Ghibli film My Neighbour Totoro plays out on stage at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. The show — which has scooped six Olivier Awards — features elaborate sets that shift from village to forest to school, small and huge-scale puppetry, and a small orchestra performing a new arrangement of the original score. It's the story of two sisters exploring the forest near their new home, and is as charming for adults as it is for children. Age six+. Until 3 January 2027
AVENUE Q: Avenue Q is back on the block, having returned to the West End after two decades. A cast of human and puppet characters sings and dances through the (rather naughty) tale of a fresh college graduate who finds himself living in a rundown New York apartment among some eclectic neighbours. Read our full 5* review. Until 3 January 2027
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR: Sam Ryder makes his West End debut starring at Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Plus, Glenn Close joins the production as King Herod for its final week, 4-9 January. Until 9 January 2027
