London in December 2026: Things to Do, Weather & Tips

Pass London in December, It's about discovering the English capital at its most festive: illuminated streets, Christmas markets, ice rinks, and decorated shop windows. Having lived in the UK since 2012, we'll give you the weather forecast, the key dates for 2026, and our tips for enjoying the city stress-free.

In short: London in December is cool, with temperatures ranging from 4 to 9°C, and night falls around 4 pm. Christmas lights, markets, and ice rinks are in full swing from mid-November to early January. Note: on December 25th, public transport is almost entirely suspended and most attractions are closed.

What is the weather like in London in December?

In December, temperatures in London are generally between 4 and 9°C. Snow is rare, but rain and wind are frequent. The days are also very short: the sun rises around 8 a.m. and sets around 4 p.m. This is why the Christmas lights can be admired from late afternoon onwards.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? London in December 2026: what to do, weather and tips "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

In the city, you enjoy exploring…

On foot, neighborhood by neighborhoodMajor sites first

Question 2 of 5

Need a break?

A local cafe or pubA museum or a monument

Question 3 of 5

What appeals to you most?

The atmosphere of the streets and marketsHistory and architecture

Question 4 of 5

In the evening, you would rather choose…

A good restaurant and a lively neighborhoodA show or a visit

Question 5 of 5

With a few free hours?

You let yourself be carried awayYou add an essential

So pack a waterproof jacket, a hat, and good walking shoes. To compare with other months, see our guide when to go to England.

Key dates to remember in London in December 2026

Here are the main events of the season, according to the organizers. However, schedules change during the holidays: please check them before your visit.

Event	Dates 2026-2027
Southbank Center Winter Market	From November 2, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Somerset House Ice Rink	From November 11, 2026 to January 10, 2027
Christmas at Kew (light trail)	From November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Hogwarts in the Snow (Harry Potter Studios)	From November 14, 2026 to January 17, 2027
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland	From November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027
New Year's fireworks	Thursday, December 31, 2026, at midnight

What to do in London in December?

Strolling through the Christmas markets

First, Christmas markets are a major highlight of the season. Leicester Square, the South Bank, London Bridge, and Hyde Park all host chalets, mulled wine, and street food. Find the dates for each one in our guide. Christmas markets in London.

Admire the illuminations

Then, the shopping streets light up from the beginning of November. The angels on Regent Street, the decorations on Carnaby Street, and the giant Christmas tree in Covent Garden are worth a stroll at dusk. Our route is detailed in the guide to... Christmas lights in London.

Ice skating at Somerset House

The Somerset House ice rink, located in the courtyard of an 18th-century palace, is one of London's finest. It's open from November 11, 2026, to January 10, 2027, with live music on weekends. Book your time slot online, as evenings fill up quickly.

Experience Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland also combines a funfair, chalets, shows, and a large ice rink. It's one of the highlights of London in December, especially for families. All the information is in our guide. London Winter Wonderland.

Discover Hogwarts in the snow

At Warner Bros. Studios in northwest London, the Hogwarts in the Snow event covers the Great Hall and the castle in snow and Christmas decorations from November 14, 2026, to January 17, 2027. Tickets are booked well in advance. Plan your visit with our guide. Harry Potter in London.

Warm up with an afternoon tea

Finally, nothing beats afternoon tea to warm up after a day of sightseeing. In December, many hotels and tea rooms offer a Christmas menu. Our recommendations are in our guide to...’afternoon tea in London.

London at Christmas: what's open on December 24, 25 and 26

• December 24th Most museums and shops are open, but closing earlier. Public transport is also running, with reduced service in the evening.
• December 25th It's the quietest day of the year. Public transport barely runs, and most museums, monuments, and markets are closed. So book a centrally located hotel and a Christmas meal in advance.
• December 26 It's Boxing Day, the first day of the sales. Transport resumes with a reduced service, and department stores open early in the morning.

The exact transport timetables are published every year on the Transport for London website.

Celebrating New Year's in London

If you're staying until December 31st, don't miss the spectacular fireworks display over the Thames, at the foot of the London Eye. Access to the riverside areas is ticketed, and tickets sell out quickly. Prices, sales dates, and places to watch without a ticket: everything is in our guide. New Year in London.

Our tips for visiting London in December

• Book your hotel early, especially for weekends in December and New Year's week.
• Visit the markets on weekdays and during the day to avoid the crowds.
• Buy tickets in advance for popular attractions: Harry Potter studios, ice rinks, Winter Wonderland during peak hours.
• Take advantage of the early nightfall to enjoy the illuminations from 4 p.m. onwards.
• For a first stay, follow our itinerary to Visit London in 3 days.

Frequently asked questions about London in December

Is it cold in London in December?

It's cool rather than very cold: between 4 and 9 °C approximately. Rain and wind, however, are frequent.

When do the Christmas lights start in London?

From the beginning of November. The illuminations then remain in place until the beginning of January.

Is it possible to visit London on December 25th?

Yes, but the city is running at a snail's pace: public transport is barely operating and most attractions are closed. However, a walk along the Thames remains very pleasant.

How many days should I plan to spend in London in December?

Three to four days allows you to see the main markets, the illuminations and some museums, without rushing.

Cover photo: Marathon, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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