The best free things to do at Christmas in London in 2024
There's no denying how free Christmas events in London can be quite the lifesaver once the festive season in full swing. It's no secret that life – and trips to – the capital can be rather expensive, especially if the itinerary means ambling around many of the central neighbourhoods that house the most iconic attractions. But there are things that all the family can get involved in that needn't cost an arm and a leg. Embark on a DIY Christmas lights trail, taking in the twinkling Regent Street angels, the gigantic bells of Covent Garden, and the illuminated squares of Chelsea and beyond. Elsewhere, the city's Christmas markets are the perfect place to get in the spirit and make a great detour even if you're not interested in the mulled wine. From winter walks to immersive penguin trails, these are the best free Christmas things to do in London. If you’re looking for more festive activities this season, see the best Christmas events in London.
Top tips for spending Christmas in London
- Warm-up: True to British fashion, the weather can be unpredictable, with strong winds one minute and downpours the next (sometimes both simultaneously). Put on plenty of layers, and don't forget waterproof gear.
- Avoid shopping madness: Christmas crowds are inevitable, but alleviate the stress by planning out the places you want to see first, skipping peak hours, and shopping early in the day if possible.
- Plan ahead: Many of the best free things to do in London at Christmas don't require too much planning, such as a Christmas lights walk or a stroll through the smaller markets. However, events such as Winter Wonderland (off-peak tickets are free, but you must book) and carol concerts across the city can fill up at the very start of the season.
Best free things to do at Christmas in London at a glance
- See the Christmas lights
- Wander around the Christmas markets
- Seek inspiration for your own Christmas tree
- Check out the wintery windows
- Christmas carols at St Pauls
- Christmas at Leadenhall Market
- Free exhibitions in London
- Southbank Centre Winter Festival
- Go for a frosty walk
- Witness a Christmas Day sporting event
- Seek out penguins on an immersive trail
Want more ideas on how to spend Christmas in London? See below:
- The best Christmas events in London 2024
- The best Christmas lights in London
- The best Christmas markets in London
- The best Christmas afternoon teas in London
- The best Christmas hotels in London 2024
1. See the Christmas lights
London's Christmas lights switch-on often signifies that the festive season is well and truly starting. Thousands of Christmas lights twinkle above London's historic streets – from the famed Regent Street angels that have shoppers looking upwards to Carnaby Street's new lighting theme that marks the start of a long-term, sustainable, five-year scheme. As usual, Bond Street's lights are some of the most fashionable in town, modelled on the timeless Chanel Nº5 perfume.
2. Wander around the Christmas markets
‘Tis the season for Christmas markets galore, where those in town are spoiled for choice regarding the finest street foods, pop-up bars and glittering trinkets. Many of these world-famous markets are returning this winter, including central London’s Leicester Square festive fair, the Covent Garden Christmas market with its legendary 60-foot tree and Southbank Centre’s festive delights along the Thames. While exploring the markets, it’ll be hard to ignore the alluring smells of fresh, sugary churros, spiced bratwurst and homemade mince pies, so we suggest just giving in and eating your way through the food stalls. Keep warm with a hot chocolate, mulled wine or cider while browsing around gift stalls selling hand-crafted festive goodies.
3. Seek inspiration for your own Christmas tree
London’s streets and famed hotels are well-known for their festive displays, with new Christmas trees on display annually, each decorated in the merriest gear. You can expect an extravagant show from hotels like Claridge’s, The Ritz and The Goring. Looking for something bigger? Keep your eyes peeled for 40-foot-and-taller trees at these landmark locations: Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and Leadenhall Market. We have no doubt you'll find some inspiration for your Christmas tree at home.
4. Check out the wintery windows
Is there anything more magical than window shopping at Christmas? London sees lavish displays pepper the windows of the capital's favourite stores, rarely disappointing passersby. Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Harvey Nichols, have gone bigger on Christmas bling this year. Selfridge’s windows celebrate stagecraft and artistry in a characteristically flamboyant fashion, festive favourites have sprung to life on Christmas Eve in the windows of Fortnum and Mason, and Harvey Nichols is an uber-luxe fairground.
5. Christmas carols at St Pauls
Listening to Christmas carols is one of the most festive feelings you can conjure, but add a backdrop of Sir Christopher Wren’s architectural marvel, St Paul’s Cathedral, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for something really special. The legendary London landmark hosts free, unticketed carol concerts, including family-friendly services and a night of organ-led carols.
Address: St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
Website: stpauls.co.uk
When: Throughout December
6. Christmas at Leadenhall Market
Victorian grande dame Leadenhall Market (you know it from the Harry Potter films) gets a suitably sparkly makeover for the winter, with a giant Christmas tree at the centre of the festooned halls. The lights were switched on during an event on Thursday 14 November. Every Wednesday from 22 November until 13 December between 6.30pm and 8pm, embark on festive walks with a local expert. The tours are no longer free, but relatively wallet-friendly at around £8 per person.
Address: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, London
Website: leadenhallmarket.co.uk
7. Free exhibitions in London
London hosts free exhibitions year-round – check opening times on the website ahead of visits around the Christmas bank holidays. Have you ever wondered how a T-Rex would wear a giant Christmas jumper? In fairness, probably not, but it’s a fascinating sight at the Natural History Museum as the team squeezes their resident animatronic dinosaur into a fetching red number – human-sized versions of the sustainable jumpers are available in the store and online. At Japan House London, the UK's first exhibition dedicated to shokuhin sanpuru, where Japanese artists create uber-realistic replicas of food for restaurant displays, is currently free and running until Sunday 16 February, while Lina Iris Viktor: Mythic Time / Tens of Thousands of Rememberings at the Sir John Soane’s Museum is a new series of sculptures and paintings available to see for free until Sunday 19 January 2025.
8. Southbank Centre Winter Festival
The Southbank Centre is the capital’s riverside cultural hub. While many of the Centre’s events do require priced tickets – Nutcracker and Christmas Actually are some of the most exciting shows in the city this year – it's equally a great place for free Christmas things to do in London. Join the Winter Reimagined: Family Morning on Saturday, 14 December, a free crafts workshop using recycled and scrap materials to make your own Christmas crackers, or spend Christmas Eve learning how to jive with a free Five Go Jiving masterclass at 1pm.
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Website: southbankcentre.co.uk
9. Go for a frosty walk
There's nothing quite like wrapping up warm and going for a brisk walk in London. Trees glisten with snowy branches and icy waters at St James's Park, deer amble through frosty fields at Richmond Park and the canal twinkles and sparkles near Regent's Park. Stop off for hot chocolate or mulled wine en route and you've got yourself a spectacularly festive day out.
10. Witness a Christmas Day sporting event
From 7.45am on 25 December every year, brave swimmers line up along the water's edge of Hyde Park's Serpentine Lake. Each of them has their eye on the coveted Peter Pan Cup as part of a Christmas Day race held every year since 1864. Become a member of the Serpentine Swimming Club and take to the water yourself, or cheer on swimmers from the sidelines while warming up with a steaming hot chocolate in hand.
Address: The Serpentine, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
Website: serpentineswimmingclub.com
11. Seek out penguins on an immersive trail
12 adorable penguins have moved into the capital's Fleet Street Quarter for the festive season. Until the first week of January, find the sculptures dotted across the neighbourhood, all supporting the WWF. Each penguin has been designed by a talented artist, offering plenty of photo opportunities for the whole family and an educational experience little ones won't forget in a hurry. Listen to the free Penguin Parade audio trail for the full experience, and scan each penguin's QR code if you can donate towards the WWF's conservation efforts. This is one of the most wholesome free Christmas events in London for all ages.
Address: Fleet Street Quarter, London
Website: fleetstreetquarter.co.uk