Best Christmas Things to Do in London 2022

If you are living as a student in London or visiting the capital this year we’ve put together a list of the best Christmas things to do in The Capital.

When the dark nights draw in, the cold weather kicks in and the clocks go back, the big smoke is transformed into a magical, winter wonderland.

You’ll find Christmas lights, Christmas trees, festive films, Christmas markets in every area and mulled wine for all. 

Snow-body compares to our ultimate guide of the top festive activities to get involved in!

1. Christmas Lights

Watching the Christmas lights being turned on is fantastic and really gets you into the festive spirit.

Even just a wander round to see the lights at any point is a great way to spend an evening.

You can tie it in with a catch-up with friends or Christmas drinks.

We’ve chosen Carnaby Christmas Lights as our go to this year, lighting up Soho between 8th November and 12th January. 

The lights on Carnaby Street are always high up on most people’s list of Christmas things to do in London. 

This year, the Christmas installation and switch on is celebrating 25 years with 14 different themes from previous years.

Including neon lyrics from Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, glittering Rolling Stones tongues, oversized robins, a giant snowman and so many others.

This is complemented by new installations aimed at raising awareness of key issues, as well as a collaboration with the charity Choose Love. 

Choose Love, is a shop set up by Help Refugees, providing funds, blankets, and necessities to refugees in more than 80 areas where humanitarian aid is at work around the world.

If you’re wondering about things to do in London, deffo go and visit the Christmas Lights.

Address: Carnaby Street, Foubert’s Place, Ganton Street & Newburgh Street.

2. Winter Wonderland

There’s only one place to go to take part in one of the main Christmas things to do in London, and that’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. 

It is the essential Christmas experience in London, running between 8th November 2022 to 2nd January 2023. 

There is a massive ice rink to go skating on with your friends, two circuses and a Magical Ice Kingdom and wheel that brings out the little kid in you.

Plus, a few themed bars where you can partake in some mulled wine and cider to really get the festivities going. 

The Winter Wonderland is the perfect place to go with a group of friends for sure.

Drinking from the Bavarian-themed winter stalls and having loads of fun! 

For us it is the quintessential London date spot during the Christmas period. 

You need to book in advance for this festive experience, so don’t wait, grab your tickets now!

Address: Hyde Park, London 

3. Ice Skating

If you want to go ice skating this Christmas in London the best place to go is down to Ally Pally. 

The indoor skating arena at Alexandra Palace is actually open all year-round, so you can get your skating on at any time of year, but to us ice skating always feels like a much nicer experience during the winter months. 

The refurbished indoor skating arena has special Disco Nights on Friday and Saturday – wooo. 

With late opening on a Sunday too giving you ample opportunity to take to the ice and show off your skills this Christmastime.

Address: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY

4. Experience The Panto Fun

For slapstick comedy, big belly laughs and plenty of joy, why not take in some panto this year as one of your Christmas things to do in London? 

Panto is a big tradition in the UK – Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes, it is!

You’ll find plenty of opportunities to go see some shows this year.

With washed up soap stars dressing up and your favourite stories from when you were a child being jazzed up for a modern, Christmas tale. 

Jack and The Beanstalk at the London Palladium runs from December 10th 2022, until January 15th, 2023.

It stars comedy superstars Dawn French and Julian Clary, with Alexandra Burke as the traditional big panto guest star.

The UK’s biggest panto will also feature returning favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot.

This show is all about fun, entertainment, and massive laughs.

Address: The London Palladium, 8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF

5. Lightopia

The award-winning light festival that is Lightopia returns to Crystal Palace Park this year from 17th November until 2nd January 2023 – we can’t WAIT! 

This spectacle of interactive light installations and large lanterns is for sure something you need to experience when it comes to Christmas things to do in London. 

The handmade, hand-painted Chinese lanterns are created using methods dating back to the Tang dynasty, and this combines perfectly with the modern multi-sensory interactive lights and installations to tell a truly Christmas story through an exciting trail.

6. Christmas Markets

You’ll find Christmas markets in almost every town and city these days.

However, there is something quite enchanted about the Christmas markets in London – trust us! 

Wandering through the markets, arm in arm with your date, searching for those special little trinkets for family gifts on a solo trip, or taking in the food and drink with friends, somehow feels like you are part of the tapestry of a big Christmas film in the city.

There are a few Christmas markets in London that you can choose from, but we’ve chosen to highlight the Southbank Centre Winter Market. 

It might be full of tourists and dead busy, but the German-style chalet Christmas market on the South Bank is the perfect representation of this type of festive vibe.

The markets are running from 3rd November until 8th January 2023 on the South Bank of the Thames. 

You’ll find seasonal street-food stands, pop-up bars, alongside comedy, drag, and cabaret performances at Spiegeltent venue, which make it a must-see.

It’s one to check off the list of Christmas things to do in London, 100%! 

Address: The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 8XX

There are loads of Christmas things to do in London, with these 6 activities being the tip of the festive iceberg.

After all, it’s the UK’s largest city so you’ll find Christmassy things on every corner.

We hope whatever you get upto you make it rein, deer!

Let us know what you enjoy most about Christmas in London @_homesforstudents.

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