London in winter is one of the most magical times to visit. As the holiday season approaches, the streets glow under twinkling lights, cozy pubs stay lively late into the night, and markets pop up across the city. You’ll feel that unmistakable festive buzz everywhere you go.
By January and February, the city slows down. Crowds thin, hotel prices drop, and you can explore many top attractions – often for free – with far fewer people around. Winter gives you space to enjoy London at a slower, more intimate pace.
Living in London means I’ve spent many winters exploring the city. So this guide focuses on the things that genuinely feel special at this time of year.
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Is Winter a good time to visit London?
Many people don’t view London as a Winter destination. It’s cold, it rains a lot, and the days are all-too-short.
But in the Winter months, London takes on a different feeling. From mid-November, Christmas lights start popping up all over the city. Those long, dark nights start to feel a little more magical. Markets start opening, seemingly more every year, such as the famous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Locals and tourists alike wander the streets cupping a warm hot chocolate or mulled wine. The city’s famous pubs – in Summer all about street-drinking and beer gardens – retreat indoors, into historic, cosy spaces, buzzing with charm.
And while summer brings the biggest tourist crowds, culture peaks in winter. Football season is in full swing, world-class museums are far easier to enjoy, and the city feels more local, more authentic, and more accessible. Winter is one of the best times to experience the real London.
Best things to do in London in Winter
Indoor activities in London in Winter
London gets a lot of rain in the Winter. But luckily, you can still enjoy much of the city’s best offerings in the warm and dry. Here are the best things to do indoors in London during the Winter.
Visit London’s world-class museums
London gets a lot of rain in the Winter. But luckily, it’s also home a lot of excellent indoor activities – not least its world-class museums.
Overall, London has around 250 museums – so many of them free to visit. This includes world-famous institutions, like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum, all the way to tiny, quirky and unusual museums like the Old Operating Theatre or the Cartoon Museum.
There are also hundreds of art galleries, from the massive Tate Modern in a former power station, to small cutting edge spaces like the Whitechapel Gallery.
Tip: If you want to explore beyond the big names, check out the full list of museums in my London Museum Guide.
Visit one of London’s indoor historic gems
Winter is the perfect time to explore London’s most important historic buildings — warm, atmospheric places where you can step inside centuries of stories while escaping the cold. From royal coronations to political drama and world-famous architecture, these sites offer some of the richest cultural experiences in the city. Many are quieter in January and February, making winter one of the best times to visit.
Top historic picks to visit indoors:
- Westminster Abbey – A 1,000-year-old masterpiece and the coronation church of British monarchs. (Book here)
- St Paul’s Cathedral – Sir Christopher Wren’s iconic dome, breathtaking mosaics, and sweeping views from the galleries. (Book here)
- Houses of Parliament – Arguably London’s most iconic building, where British politics lives – visited by guided tour (Book here)
- Hampton Court Palace – Henry VIII’s magnificent Tudor palace, including the famous maze and astonishing great hall
Visit a cosy London pub
Few things feel more “London in winter” than ducking into a centuries-old pub. Locals often spend long winter evenings lingering over pints in warm, wood-paneled rooms.
A few classic central pubs include:
- Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – a rabbit warren of wood-paneled rooms, once a haunt of Charles Dickens.
- The Lamb & Flag – close to Covent Garden, one of central London’s most popular historic pubs.
- The George – south of the river, one of the oldest pubs in the city.
One of the best ways to explore London’s pubs is to book this top-rated historic pub tour.
Have a proper Sunday Roast
Winter in England means one thing: Sunday roasts. Especially over the Christmas period, families over the country settle down for roast turkey, roast potatoes and beef-dripping gravy.
Take the opportunity to experience it in a proper British pub.
There are many tourist traps across Soho and the centre that will overcharge you for a sub-standard meal – do your research and make sure you find a pub known for its Sunday roasts. There are hundreds.
A few places known for their roasts include the Harwood Arms, the Cadogan Arms and the Duke Organic.
Tip: Book ahead. Roasts are a Winter weekend ritual.
Go to a football match
Over the Winter, the football season is really taking hold. It’s far enough into the season that it feels like something at stake, but not so late that most positions are already decided. Every game matters.
Londoners love their football, and the city is home to many historic clubs. Of course there are the big Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea. Tickets can be hard to get and expensive – but it is possible!
You might have a bit more luck at the less famous Premier League clubs, like Crystal Palace in South London (well known for its atmosphere) or West Ham in East London.
Or my tip is to look beyond the Premier League. Football is a national religion in the UK, and even three, four or five leagues below the Premier League are historic clubs with dedicated support bases and lively atmospheres. AFC Wimbledon is one great choice, a fan-owned club in South West London with a magnificent new stadium and an inspiring history.
If you can’t get tickets… go on a tour
All the top Premier League teams offer tours of their stadiums:
Outdoor activities in London in Winter
You’ll need to wrap up warm, but don’t let Winter in London put you off exploring the city’s streets. There are plenty of magical activities in London throughout the Winter months.
Go ice skating
For many Londoners, ice-skating is a quintessential winter experience. Several pop-up rinks run from November to January, often in pretty awesome locations.
For example, Somerset House runs an open-air rink in its huge, grand courtyard, centered on its famous Christmas Tree.
Battersea Power Station, a huge former power station on the Thames now reopened as an entertainment space, also hosts a covered ice rink. There’s also one at Alexandra Palace, where the views are extraordinary.
London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park is one of London’s biggest and most popular green lungs. For a few months every Winter, it becomes a veritable carnival of Christmas. Thousands descend as the park becomes filled with glittering lights, fairground rides and Christmas markets.
There are hundreds of stalls selling street food, crafts, drinks. Make sure you end up at the Bavarian Village – a large beer tent, with bands playing. There’s also an ice rink!
Entry is free during off-peak periods, but you need to book a ticket. In the evenings and at weekends it costs £5-7.50. And activities cost money once you’re in. It gets very, very busy. Go midweek or early in the day if you want to avoid the crowds. At the weekends, it’s more hectic-land than wonderland.
Visit Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
Pop-up London Christmas markets
Winter Wonderland is the most famous, but hundreds of Christmas markets pop-up all over London, many lasting into the first few weeks of January.
They’re often small, neighborhood specific ones – you’ll likely stumble across markets as you walk around, and they can feel like magical places in the evening.
Some of the best Christmas markets in London include Winter By the River, stretching along South Bank with great views along to Tower Bridge, and the nearby Southbank Centre Christmas Market, with wooden chalets lining the Thames selling mulled wine.
Further afield Kingston upon Thames in the South West and Greenwich in the South East are both known for their Christmas markets.
Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens is one of my favorite spots in London. An absolutely massive site, filled with stunning Victorian glasshouses, a treetop walkway, and miles of beautiful gardens.
During the Winter, it lights up. It hosts Christmas at Kew – a lights trail through the gardens, with spectacular installations, including a blockbuster grand finale at the Palm House. It’s really a magical experience worth doing at least once. Tickets are usually around £30, and it sells out quick.
Festive lights and decorations
Kew Gardens is my top pick – but London as a whole goes all out with Winter lights. It gets dark early (from about 3pm when the days are at their shortest!), and impressive light installations switch one, brightening up those long evenings and giving the city a magical festive hue.
The most famous and impressive are on London’s main shopping streets. For example, Oxford Street and Regent Street both have mega displays. As does Covent Garden and nearby Seven Dials.
But all over the city are creative displays, as businesses and town centers find new ways to add a bit of joy to the bleak English winter. The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill, for example, covers itself in lights and decorations.
Go on a festive tour of London
One of the best ways to see London all lit up or to explore its Christmas markets is to book one of its top-rated Winter tours. This will ensure you see all the most impressive light installations, hidden gems and best food options.
For example, you could book this London Christmas lights bus tour with a live guide. Explore more options below or the full list of options on Viator or Get Your Guide.
Go on a Winter Thames Cruise
Seeing London from the Thames is special at any time of year — but in winter, it feels particularly atmospheric. As the days get shorter, the river becomes the perfect place to watch the city light up. Iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, and Tower Bridge glow against the early evening sky, and the reflections on the water add a cosy, festive feel.
Most river cruises are fully enclosed and heated, so you can stay warm while taking in panoramic views through large windows. Many operators also offer evening sailings, Christmas-themed cruises, or boats with onboard bars serving mulled wine, hot chocolate, or winter cocktails. If you’re visiting around New Year’s Eve, some companies run special cruises — but these book out very quickly and are priced at a premium.
Explore the best options below. Or you can find the full options on Viator or GetYourGuide
For a flexible, budget-friendly option, you can take the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, which runs like a river bus from Putney in the West all the way to Woolwich in the East, passing all the major landmarks. It’s less of a guided tour and more a scenic way of getting around, but the views are just as impressive.
Winter walks in London’s parks
Winter in London rewards you with the odd beautiful day – frosty and fresh with bright blue skies. On one of those days, it’s always worth heading to one of the city’s parks for a revitalizing winter stroll.
Best of all, in my opinion, is a walk on Hampstead Heath. It feels like London’s ‘wildest’ park, and it’s home to one of London’s best view points in Parliament Hill. Around Hampstead Heath are many of those cosey pubs I was talking about – especially in Hampstead town itself.
Cultural experiences in London in Winter
Go to a show on the West End
London, along with Broadway in New York, has one of the best theater scenes in the world. The most famous blockbuster shows – like Hamilton, Wicked or the Lion King – run all year round. For something quintessentially London, you could see Agatha Christie’s the Mousetrap, the longest continuously running show in the world.
There are also seasonal shows, for example in 2025 London will be hosting Elf: The Musical.
Take part in a great British tradition – the Panto
Pantomimes are kind of hard to explain. Every year, theaters up and down the country host slapstick versions of fairytales like Cinderella or Aladdin. They’re filled with weird, musical numbers and countless call-and-response in-jokes.
It’s well worth going to one for the experience, especially if you have kids. Bigger theaters often host one – such as the London Palladium, and they can sometimes include big names. You’ll also find pantomimes at smaller theaters and pubs, like the King’s Head in Islington.
Big Panto Guide have a full list of Pantos in London.
Watch the Nutcracker
Another Christmas tradition, though slightly more refined than going to a Panto! Every year, some of the top theatres in London put on a production of The Nutcracker, offering a magical mix of music, dance, and festive nostalgia.
There are usually a few productions across the city. In 2025, you can see it at the Royal Opera House (worth it for the building alone!) or at the London Coliseum.
Watch fireworks light up the sky
London’s dark Winter nights are often lit up with dazzling firework displays. There are two main dates – Bonfire Night (5 November) and New Year’s Eve (31 December).
Bonfire Night (also called Fireworks Night or Guy Fawkes Night) is the unofficial start of Winter festivities in London. It marks the date when, in 1605, Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Every year, all across the UK huge bonfires are lit, and immense fireworks displays fill the sky.
There are many displays in London, including in all the main parks, often paid for. You can also just find a viewpoint somewhere in the city, and watch the skies light up.
New Year’s Eve hosts a huge party and fireworks display on the banks of the Thames. It’s the biggest event of the season, set against the backdrop of the London Eye. Tickets are required for the main viewing areas. They sell out quick, and you need to arrive early to get a good spot. But you can get a good view of the show from many other parts of the city. Book tickets here.
Enjoy London’s winter parades
Winter in London isn’t just about hiding indoors. On important cultural days, the city bursts into life with a series of vibrant, multicultural parades that sweep through the city’s streets. These celebrations bring together music, dance, and community spirit, offering a colorful way to experience the capital during the colder months.
The two main parades to look out for are:
- London New Year’s Day Parade (1 January): One of the biggest events of the season, the New Year’s Day Parade brings marching bands, performers, dancers, and giant inflatables from across the world to central London. Crowds line the route from Piccadilly to Westminster, creating an electric atmosphere as the city kicks off the year in style.
- Chinese New Year Parade (late January or February): Chinatown and the West End host Europe’s largest Chinese New Year celebrations. Expect lion dances, dragon performances, lanterns, traditional music, food stalls, and a spectacular parade that winds through the streets. It’s one of London’s most joyful and energetic winter events.
Winter Day Trips from London
Winter is a great time to explore beyond the capital. Many nearby towns and historic sites stay open year-round, and you’ll find fewer crowds compared to summer. Just wrap up warm, check opening hours, and enjoy a quieter side of England.
Rye
My personal top pick for a Winter daytrip in London is beautiful medieval Rye. It’s one of the most stunning towns in England. Read my full Rye day trip guide here.
Windsor
Only 30–40 minutes from London by train, Windsor is perfect for a winter escape. Windsor Castle looks atmospheric in the colder months, and the town’s cosy pubs and riverside walks make it an easy, relaxed day out. If you visit in December, the castle’s State Apartments are beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Oxford
A direct train makes Oxford a simple winter trip. Its colleges, cobbled streets and libraries feel especially magical on crisp, cold days — almost like stepping into a film set. Many colleges have limited opening hours in winter, so check ahead, but the museums (like the Ashmolean) are warm, free and fantastic.
Bath
A little further (around 1hr 20–30 mins by train) but well worth it. The Georgian streets, Roman Baths and steaming Thermae Bath Spa feel even more special in winter. In December, the Christmas market lights up the city, making it one of the UK’s most festive destinations.
Brighton
For a seaside change of scene, Brighton is great in winter. The pier, independent shops, and cafés in the Lanes stay lively year-round. Expect brisk sea breezes — but also big skies, beautiful winter light, and far fewer crowds than in summer.
Where to stay in London in Winter
West End & Soho
Best for: first-time visitors, theatre lovers, Christmas lights, and walkability
If it’s your first time in London, the West End is hard to beat. Soho, Covent Garden, and the streets around Trafalgar Square put you right in the middle of theatres, pubs, festive lights, and major attractions. You can walk almost everywhere, and there’s always something happening — especially in December.
Top Hotels in the West End
⭐ The Langham, London — Luxury, historic elegance
A grand five-star hotel just off Regent Street, known for its stylish interiors and classic London charm.
Why it works in winter: Cosy lounges, festive atmosphere, and a brilliant location for Christmas shopping and theatre nights.
Tip: December sells out early — check for seasonal packages or winter afternoon tea deals.
⭐ Rosewood London — Refined, high-end comfort
A beautifully designed luxury hotel on High Holborn, combining modern style with traditional British touches.
Why it works: Close to Covent Garden, the West End, and winter lights displays.
Hint: Post-Christmas dates often have better rates or added extras.
⭐ The Clermont London, Charing Cross — Stylish, central value
A smart, well-reviewed hotel right beside Charing Cross Station and Trafalgar Square.
Why it works: Unbeatable access to theatres, museums, and festive landmarks, at a more affordable price point.
Tip: Great option if you want central convenience without splurging.
South Bank
Best for: riverside walks, museums, and iconic winter views
South Bank stretches along the Thames just across from Big Ben and Parliament. It’s packed with major attractions — the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe — and has some of the city’s most atmospheric winter views, especially as the lights reflect on the river.
Top Hotels on the South Bank
⭐ Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection — Art-filled, boutique style
A beautifully designed hotel between Blackfriars and Waterloo, with a warm, contemporary feel.
Why it works: Close to Tate Modern and winter riverside walks, with excellent transport links.
Tip: Ask for a room on a higher floor for winter sunsets over the Thames.
⭐ Sea Containers London — Trendy, modern, riverside
Right on the river between Waterloo and Blackfriars, this design-forward hotel offers lively bars and gorgeous nighttime views.
Why it works: Perfect for winter lights, foodie spots, and the Southbank Centre’s Christmas market.
Tip: Ideal if you want a vibrant, buzzing base.
⭐ Park Plaza Westminster Bridge — Reliable, spacious, great location
A mid-range favourite located almost directly opposite Big Ben and Westminster Bridge.
Why it works: Huge rooms by London standards, excellent amenities, and easy access to the river, South Bank, and Westminster.
Tip: A strong option for families and travellers who prioritise convenience.
Elsewhere across London
Staying in central London can be expensive, or booked up. Staying elsewhere can be cheaper – but also give you a more authentic experience of the city. Read my guide for the best authentic neighbourhoods to stay in London here.
General tip: Wherever you stay, pick a hotel or Airbnb near a Tube station. Winter travel often means rain and early nights, so being near transport is handy. Many mid-budget chains (Premier Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Z Hotels) have winter deals – check January sale prices.
What to pack for London in Winter
London’s winter weather can swing from crisp blue skies to cold rain in a matter of hours, so packing smart makes a huge difference. Think warm layers, waterproofs, and shoes that can handle long city walks.
Clothing
- Warm waterproof coat – essential for rain showers and windy days.
- Layering pieces – jumpers, fleece, thermal tops; perfect for moving between cold streets and heated indoor spaces.
- Comfortable trousers/jeans – avoid anything that soaks up water easily.
- Hat, gloves, scarf – London feels colder than the temperature suggests because of the damp air.
- Warm socks – pack several pairs in case you get caught in the rain.
Footwear
- Waterproof boots or comfortable walking shoes – London involves a lot of walking.
- A second pair of shoes – helpful if one pair gets soaked.
Useful Accessories
- Compact umbrella – London classic.
- Crossbody bag or backpack – ideally something that zips and is rain-resistant.
- Reusable water bottle – most museums and attractions have refill stations, and across London there are several refillable stations.
- Small foldable tote – handy for extra layers or Christmas market finds.
Tech & Travel Essentials
- UK plug adapter (Type G) – crucial if you’re visiting from abroad.
- Portable power bank – cold weather drains batteries fast.
- Headphones/earbuds – great for Tube journeys.
- Oyster card / contactless payment card – easiest way to get around.
Weather-Specific Extras
- Lip balm & moisturiser – cold wind + indoor heating = dry skin. Also get hand cream.
- Hand warmers – great for long walks in the parks or watching outdoor events.
- Travel-size tissues – for rainy-day sniffles.
Final top tips for visiting London in Winter
Top Tips for Visiting London in Winter
🚇 Get an Oyster card or use contactless
It’s the easiest and cheapest way to travel on public transport. Fares cap daily, so you’ll never overspend.
📱 Download Citymapper or TfL Go
Both are essential for navigating Tube lines, buses, delays, and disruptions — especially useful in winter when weather can affect services.
⬆️ Stand on the right side of the escalator
A golden rule of London travel. Stand on the right, walk on the left — and you’ll avoid angry sighs from commuters.
⏰ Allow extra journey time
Rain, engineering works, and winter crowd surges (Christmas markets, football matches) can slow things down.
🎫 Book big winter attractions in advance
Winter Wonderland, Christmas at Kew, West End shows, and seasonal exhibitions often sell out early.
🧥 Dress in layers
You’ll constantly switch between cold streets and warm museums, pubs, and shops.
☔ Carry a compact umbrella
London rain is unpredictable — quick showers appear out of nowhere.
💰 Look for midweek deals
January and February often bring hotel discounts, restaurant offers, and cheaper theatre tickets.
🚗 Avoid driving
Congestion charge zones, narrow streets, limited parking, and winter weather make public transport a better choice.
🏛️ Plan indoor backups
Museums, galleries, pubs, and covered markets make excellent alternatives when the weather turns.
🚉 Stay near a Tube station
Shorter days and rain make easy transport access a big advantage.
🎒 Keep valuables zipped away
Winter crowds at markets and events can be busy, and unfortunately pickpockets are common in London, especially in touristy areas. A crossbody bag or zipped backpack helps.
Is London worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely. Winter is one of the most atmospheric times of year — with Christmas lights, cosy pubs, world-class theatre, and quieter attractions in January and February. You’ll get a more local, authentic feel compared to the busy summer months.
How cold does London get in winter?
Temperatures usually range from 2°C to 9°C (36–48°F). It’s rarely freezing, but it can feel chilly due to wind and damp air. Pack layers, a waterproof coat, and warm accessories.
Does it snow in London?
Only occasionally. Snowfall is rare and usually light, and it tends not to settle for long. If it does snow, it’s more likely in January or February.
Are tourist attractions open over Christmas in London?
Most attractions are open throughout December but close on Christmas Day and sometimes have reduced hours or are shut on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day (26 December). Always check ahead.
Does public transport run in London over Winter?
Yes , public transport continues as normal in London over the festive period with a few execeptions:
Christmas Day: Almost all public transport stops.
Christmas Eve & Boxing Day: Limited or early-closing services.
New Year’s Eve: Extended late-night services but very busy.
Are winter days too short for sightseeing?
Days are shorter — sunset can be as early as 3:50pm in December — but this creates great opportunities for night-time activities: theatre, lights displays, river cruises and pubs. And many of London’s top attractions are indoors, unaffected by the Winter weather and early sunsets.
Is winter a cheap time to visit London?
January and February can offer excellent value. Hotels often run winter sales, flights tend to be cheaper, and attractions are quieter. December is beautiful but generally more expensive due to Christmas.
Can you walk around London comfortably in winter?
Definitely — just be prepared for rain, wind and cold. Many days are crisp and clear, and London’s parks (like Hampstead Heath or Richmond Park) are gorgeous in winter sunlight
Is London safe in winter?
Yes, London is generally a very safe city, especially for a city so big. It gets dark early in Winter, but central London is well-lit and busy, even in the off-season. That said, pickpocketing can occur in crowded places such as Oxford Street, Winter Wonderland, and major train stations. Pickpockets often target the most touristy areas.
Winter safety tips:
Stick to well-lit streets after dark (sunset can be as early as 3:50pm in December).
Keep valuables zipped away, especially in crowds.
Watch your footing on wet or icy pavements.
Use licensed black cabs, Uber, or public transport at night.
Check transport schedules during the holidays, as services may end earlier than usual.
Most visitors find London extremely comfortable to navigate in the winter months — just dress warmly, plan ahead, and use common sense.
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