{"id":4845,"date":"2026-10-26T13:24:02","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T12:24:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/"},"modified":"2026-10-26T15:17:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T14:17:28","slug":"london-in-december","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/london-in-december\/","title":{"rendered":"London in December 2026: Things to Do, Weather & Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pass London in December<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short:<\/strong> London in December is cool, with temperatures ranging from 4 to 9\u00b0C, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is the weather like in London in December?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In December, temperatures in London are generally between 4 and 9\u00b0C. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Key dates to remember in London in December 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

Event<\/th>Dates 2026-2027<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Southbank Center Winter Market<\/td>From November 2, 2026 to January 3, 2027<\/td><\/tr>
Somerset House Ice Rink<\/td>From November 11, 2026 to January 10, 2027<\/td><\/tr>
Christmas at Kew (light trail)<\/td>From November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027<\/td><\/tr>
Hogwarts in the Snow (Harry Potter Studios)<\/td>From November 14, 2026 to January 17, 2027<\/td><\/tr>
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland<\/td>From November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027<\/td><\/tr>
New Year's fireworks<\/td>Thursday, December 31, 2026, at midnight<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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What to do in London in December?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Strolling through the Christmas markets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admire the illuminations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ice skating at Somerset House<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover Hogwarts in the snow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warm up with an afternoon tea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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...\u2019afternoon tea in London<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

London at Christmas: what's open on December 24, 25 and 26<\/h2>\n\n\n\n