In December London turns into something close to a fairy tale: the streets are hung with lights, ice rinks and funfairs appear in the parks, pubs fill with the smell of mulled wine, and the year ends with fireworks bursting over the Thames. New Year in London is an unforgettable experience for anyone who wants both the Christmas atmosphere and the chance to see in the new year at one of the world’s most famous celebrations. This guide covers everything from the Christmas lights and firework tickets to the Christmas Day transport warning and the best areas to stay.
London weather in December
Daytime temperatures in London in December are usually between 7 and 9°C, falling to 2–4°C at night. Snow is rare; fine rain and grey skies are much more common. The days are very short, with the sun setting at around four in the afternoon. The most enjoyable approach is to plan museums for daylight hours and the lights and markets for after dark. Pack a waterproof coat, comfortable waterproof shoes, a scarf and gloves.
Christmas lights and shop windows
London’s Christmas lights are usually switched on in mid-November and stay on until early January. Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street have the best-known displays, and the giant decorations suspended above Regent Street are especially magical in the evening. The huge Christmas tree and decorations in Covent Garden, the luxury shop windows of Bond Street and Mayfair, and the illuminated façade of Harrods are also unmissable. A classic Christmas walk starts at Oxford Circus in the early evening, follows Regent Street down to Piccadilly Circus and carries on to Covent Garden.
Winter Wonderland and Christmas markets
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a vast winter festival that runs from mid-November to early January, with funfair rides, an ice rink, circus and ice sculpture shows, and Bavarian-style bars and food stalls. Entry requires a timed ticket bought in advance; weekends are very busy, so aim for a weekday daytime visit.
The Southbank Centre’s winter market on the Thames, the Christmas market in Leicester Square and the streets around Covent Garden are favourites for mulled wine, street food and handmade gifts. The ice rink in the courtyard of Somerset House is one of London’s most elegant skating experiences, and in some years a rink also opens in the moat of the Tower of London.
Christmas week: the 25 and 26 December warning
If you are spending Christmas in London, there is one important detail to know: on 25 December almost all Underground, bus and rail services stop. Most shops, museums and many restaurants close too. Plan Christmas lunch at your hotel or at a restaurant you have booked in advance, and enjoy the parks within walking distance. On 26 December, Boxing Day, transport runs a reduced service but the biggest sales of the year begin in the large stores, and Oxford Street and the Westfield shopping centres get extremely busy.
New Year’s Eve fireworks
London’s New Year fireworks are launched over the Thames around the London Eye and are among the most watched celebrations in the world. The official riverside viewing areas are ticketed; tickets usually go on sale in the autumn and sell out quickly. If you cannot get a ticket, alternatives include watching from a distance from high points such as Primrose Hill or Parliament Hill, or joining an evening at a restaurant or hotel with river views. The Underground usually runs through the night on New Year’s Eve, but stations close to the river may be shut because of the crowds, so plan your route home in advance. On 1 January a colourful New Year’s Day parade winds through central London.
Where to stay for New Year in London
New Year week is one of the busiest times of year for London hotels. When choosing where to stay, think about two things: being in an area you can explore on foot, since there is no transport on Christmas Day, and being able to get back to your hotel easily through the New Year’s Eve crowds.
- West End (Piccadilly, Soho, Covent Garden): the lights, theatres and markets are on your doorstep. The Piccadilly London West End sits right in the middle of the Christmas walk.
- Kensington: close to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and the museums, calmer and elegant. Royal Garden Hotel, overlooking Kensington Gardens, is a good choice for families.
- South Bank and London Bridge: near the riverside markets and the fireworks; The LaLit London, close to Tower Bridge, offers a different kind of stay in a historic building.
You can see flight and transfer packages for these hotels on the The Piccadilly London West End 3 nights, Royal Garden Hotel 3 nights and The LaLit London 3 nights pages. For a wider comparison of districts, read our guide to where to stay in London, and to see every hotel for your dates, search the London hotels page.
More things to do over the festive season
- Museums: the permanent collections of the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are free and perfect on a cold day.
- Pantomime and musicals: West End theatres stage festive shows and classic musicals throughout December.
- Christmas at Kew: an illuminated evening trail winds through the botanic gardens.
- Afternoon tea: many hotels serve Christmas-themed afternoon teas, which need booking early.
- Carol services: Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and many smaller churches hold carol services; some need tickets.
For guided city tours and museum visits, see our London tours page.
Practical tips
- Book firework tickets, Winter Wonderland entry and Christmas meals early; most fill up in November.
- Use a contactless bank card or an Oyster card on public transport.
- Arrange your airport transfer in advance for an easy arrival; you can choose a vehicle on the Heathrow transfer page.
- Early and mid-December are calmer than Christmas and New Year week and usually better value for accommodation.
- Check opening hours over the holidays; many attractions close on 24, 25 and 26 December and some keep reduced hours until early January.
Conclusion
New Year in London, with its lit-up streets, winter markets, cosy pubs and fireworks over the Thames, is one of the most spectacular ways to end the year. Choose a hotel in the right area within walking distance of the sights, plan the key events ahead, and your Christmas and New Year break will be smooth and magical.
