Experience the Magic of Christmas in London

Your Festive Journey Starts with Heathrow Express

Unwrap London's festive magic this Christmas 2025

Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year to take a trip to London.

The UK capital is at its most charming during the holiday season – bathed in twinkling festive lights and adorned in elegant decorations. From pop-up bars and Christmas markets to ice skating rinks and festive West End shows, the atmosphere is buzzing and delightfully warm and cosy.

If you're planning a trip to London this Christmas, make sure you don't miss a minute of the magic by booking your airport transfer with Heathrow Express. With generous luggage allowances and a regular timetable, we’ll whisk you from the airport to Central London in just 15 minutes, providing a smooth start to your festive adventure.

The most magical Christmas markets London 2025

No trip to The Capital during the holiday season is complete without whiling away a few hours soaking up the atmosphere at the Christmas markets in London. Dotted across the capital, each market has its own unique vibe. Whether you're shopping for artisan gifts, indulging in seasonal street food, or simply soaking up the merry buzz, London's Christmas markets are a feast for the senses.

So, where are the Christmas markets in London? And what are the London Christmas markets 2025 dates? Let's find out.

1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

14 November 2025 – 1 January 2026

The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is London's one Christmas experience to rule them all. Although there are plenty of markets there, it's more of a Christmas extravaganza – set aside a whole day to enjoy the full experience.

What's there? White-knuckle rides, immersive ice attractions, a huge outdoor ice rink, circus shows, festive street food, and over 100 market chalets selling beautiful gifts and decorations.
Atmosphere: Family-friendly, energetic, and entertaining.
Getting there from Paddington: Hyde Park is a 15-minute walk from Paddington Station, or 5-10 minutes by Tube. Take the Bakerloo line to Oxford Circus, then transfer to the Central line for Marble Arch.

Insider tip: Book an off-peak time slot for free entry to the Winter Wonderland. Otherwise, tickets cost £5-£7.50 depending on when you visit.

2. Southbank Centre Winter Market

3 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Set along the banks of the River Thames, the Southbank Centre Winter Market is one of London's most scenic Christmas markets. From here, you can see some of London's most iconic landmarks, including Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye, making this the perfect spot to unwind with festive street food after a long day of sightseeing.

What's there? Traditional alpine-style market stalls serving sumptuous international street food and mulled wine, alongside independent craft traders selling artisan gifts, jewellery, and decorations.
Atmosphere: Bustling yet laid-back in an iconic location.
Getting there from Paddington: Take the Bakerloo line southbound to Waterloo Station. It takes around five minutes to walk to the Southbank Centre from here.

3. Leicester Square Christmas Market

1 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Located in the heart of the West End, the Leicester Square Christmas Market is a great place to grab a bite to eat, soak up the festive atmosphere, and maybe even take a spin on the ice before hitting the theatre for a Christmas show.

What's there? Classic market stalls with handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and seasonal food. A pop-up Spiegeltent hosting the incredible La Clique cabaret performances, plus a dazzling ice-rink, new to Leicester Square for 2025!
Atmosphere: Lively, vibrant, and entertaining.
Getting there from Paddington: Hop on the southbound Bakerloo line to Piccadilly Circus. Leicester Square is a five-minute walk from here.

4. Covent Garden Christmas Market

12 November 2025 – 5 January 2026

Every year, the classy Covent Garden shopping district hosts a festive extravaganza, going all out with Christmas markets, decorations, and lights – including a magnificent 55ft pine tree decked out in over 30,000 twinkling lights. It’s pure festive magic.

What's there? A grand Christmas tree, some of the most spectacular themed decorations in all of London, market stalls with unique gifts and decorations, and photo ops with Santa's sleigh. The ice skating rink outside Somerset House is just a short walk across The Strand.
Atmosphere: Elegant, charming, and vibrant – one of the best Christmas markets in London.
Getting there from Paddington: Covent Garden is 15-20 minutes from Paddington Station on the Tube. Hop on the southbound Bakerloo line to Picadilly Circus. From here, change to the eastbound Picadilly line to Covent Garden.

5. Borough Market at Christmas

1 December 2025 – 6 January 2026

Borough Market is a favourite with foodies all year round. If you're after seasonal street food or the finest ingredients to prepare your own festive feast, then add this market to your itinerary. During the Christmas season, the market hall is decorated with pretty lights and hosts themed nights like the popular 'Evening of Cheese'.

What's there? Gourmet ingredients, artisanal food products, festive delicacies, mouth-watering festive street food, and exciting themed nights.
Atmosphere: A chilled and charming festive foodie's paradise.
Getting there from Paddington: Take the Bakerloo line southbound to Waterloo station, then change to the Jubilee line to London Bridge Station. Borough Market is just a couple of minutes' walk from here.

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Things to do in London at Christmas time

Visiting London's Christmas markets may be the capital's most beloved festive tradition, but there's plenty more to see and do beyond the wooden chalets to make your trip magical.

London's top festive experiences

Get some festive magic with one of these top Christmas experiences in London in 2025:

Buckingham Palace Christmas Event

14 November 2025 – 5 January 2026

This year, for the first time, you can enjoy a truly royal Christmas at Buckingham Palace. Shop for exclusive royal gifts, luxury homeware, and festive gourmet treats at a Christmas pop-up shop in the historic Royal Mews within Buckingham Palace's grounds.

From Paddington: Take the Circle or District line eastbound to St James Park Station.

Ice skating at Somerset House

12 November 2025 – 11 January 2026

Get those festive feels as you glide across the ice in front of the spectacular illuminated Somerset House and a magnificent 40ft Christmas tree. The rink hosts live DJs from 8 pm, festive food and drink for when you need to fuel up, and skating lessons for newbies. Adult tickets cost between £15 and £28.50 depending on when you book and children’s tickets are from £10. Make sure you book online before you go, so you can guarantee a slot.

From Paddington: Jump on the Bakerloo line southbound to Piccadilly Circus, then transfer to the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden Station.

Christmas light displays

Light switch-ons begin in early November

London's lights and seasonal decorations are a must-see spectacle guaranteed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. You'll find some of the most impressive illuminations on the capital's most iconic streets, including Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Bond Street. It’s yet to be confirmed, but it looks like the light switch-on for Oxford Street will be Monday 3 November 2025.

From Paddington Station: Take the Bakerloo line southbound to Oxford Circus Station.

Enjoy a festive West End show or pantomime

Starting from early November

Catching a festive show in London's West End is sure to be a highlight of your trip. There are two versions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in London in 2025. One at the Old Vic near Waterloo running from 12 November 2025 to 10 January 2026. And one at Alexandra Palace from 22 November to 4 January 2026. The Alexandra Palace version is more of a ghost story and is suitable for children aged 12 and up.

You’ll also find favourites like Elf: The Musical held at the Aldwych Theatre. Plus, London's West End hosts an eclectic selection of other festive productions and pantomimes during the holiday season. Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

A family of three about to travel on the Heathrow Express

Your festive journey starts here: travel with Heathrow Express

Visiting London at Christmas is like stepping into a cosy British rom-com. Every corner of the city sparkles during the festive season.

Shop for unique gifts and sip steaming mugs of mulled wine at the Christmas markets, glide across an outdoor ice rink, or catch a Christmas pantomime in the West End with the kids. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year to visit London.

Your festive adventure begins the moment you land, so don't waste a minute. After arriving at Heathrow, hop on board the Heathrow Express for the fastest transfer to Central London. With generous luggage allowances and free travel for children 15 and under, it's the smartest way to start your trip.

Book 30 or more days in advance to get the best prices on your tickets, and pay just £10 for a Standard Single from Heathrow to Central London. Start planning your break today to make lifelong memories in London this Christmas.