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10 Things to do in London on Christmas Eve

The night before Christmas can be tricky. Understandably, not a great deal is going on – at least in comparison to the big influx of festive plans taking place during the rest of the season. However, there is still plenty of fun to be had on Christmas Eve as London doesn’t stop just because Santa is about to have the busiest night of the year.

If you find yourself with a couple of hours to spare, there’s some festive entertainment waiting for you today. From shopping to shows. From markets to skating. And from carols to church services. If you know where to look, you’ll still be able to enjoy Christmas Eve in style.

I’ve put together a list of plans and activities to do on the 24th and the time when these activities finish. Hint: early. Make this night before Christmas the best one yet and take a look at these top picks for things to do on Christmas Eve.

1. Make a final trip to see Santa

Santa’s Grotto Winter Wonderland – Image sourced from their website

Father Christmas will be very busy at night but magically he’ll be up for last-minute inquiries. You can visit him while he ends up writing his list and checks it twice so be sure to get your name down in time. Several of London’s grottos still welcome visitors on Christmas Eve, so it’s not too late to share what’s on your wishlist.

Scheduling in an appointment with ol’ Saint Nick would still be possible at:

• : Hyde Park, W2 2UH ()
• : 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER ()
• : 188-196, Regent St, Soho, London W1B 5BT ()
• : Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY ()

2. Go Ice Skating

Tower of London Ice Rink – Image sourced from their website

Whether you dance on ice or scramble around like most mortals, London’s outdoor ice rinks are some of the most magical locations you’ll see all season. It’s always better to book your skating session before the rinks pack up for the year. Most of the major ones still open on Christmas Eve.

• : Guests can put on their skates on dates including Christmas Eve and Boxing Day as well as New Year’s Eve and into the New Year when it closes on January 12. From 10am-5pm, £12.65
• : They open daily from 16th November to 5th January excluding Christmas Day. From 10am-9pm, £15
• : This is perhaps London’s most popular ice rink and there are crowds at all times, even on Christmas Eve. From 10am-5pm, £9.50

3. Have a last stroll at London’s Christmas Markets

Leicester Square – Image sourced from their website

If you’re still looking for stuff to fill your stockings or even stuff yourself with mulled wine and cider, Christmas markets are also great places to scoff (and buy) festive foodstuffs. Craft beer, fine cheeses, and mince pies line the stalls at the capital’s best Christmas fairs. The markets that are still doing a roaring trade on Christmas Eve include the following:

• : Hyde Park, W2 2UH ()
• : Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LU ()
• : Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX ()

4. Catch a Christmas Carol

Westminster Abbey Christmas – Image sourced from their website

An evening of Christmas carols is a brilliant way to get into the festive mood. If by Christmas Eve you’re still feeling more like the Grinch than Santa (hopefully not), head to one of London’s carol services for candlelight, music and as many Christmas songs as you can handle. Stretching your voice up and down at some of the capital’s most iconic venues has never been so charming. There are services at the grandest of venues:

• : 4-5pm, From £20
• : 11am & 4pm, From £20
• : 4-5pm, free and unticketed (early arrival is recommended).
• : until 7.30pm, free and unticketed (the church is often full and you are advised to arrive in plenty of time to be certain of a seat).

5.

It’s a Wonderful Life – Work in the public domain

The legendary Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square screens ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, the 1946 classic by Frank Capra. The movie is about an angel sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. This will help you to warm the cockles of your heart before it receives its annual cholesterol punishment during Christmas lunch.

When: December 24. 12.30 & 6pm
Where: Prince Charles Cinema, 7 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BY ()
Price: £9 per person

6. Do some last-minute shopping

Liberty – Image sourced from their website

Whether you like to get your Christmas shopping done early or you leave it till the last minute, in London, you are sure to find what you are looking for to make Christmas a dream this year. From small boutique stores in big shopping areas like Bond Street to the huge establishments such as Harrods or Liberty, shopping can be a delightful winter activity. The shops that open until 5.30pm include:

• : 87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL ()
• : 400 Oxford Street London W1A 1AB ()
• : Regent St, Soho, London W1B 5AH ()

Note: Winter sales begin on Boxing Day (26 December).

7.

Dickensian Christmas – Image sourced from their website

The Charles Dickens Museum is only open to those with special event tickets today. Book ahead to see the author’s former family home brought to life with scenes from A Christmas Carol, set in the year 2019. Find out how London has changed since Dickens’ time and how relevant its themes still are today. As you wander and explore, the museum will come alive with for a theatrical event as we bring Dickens’s home to life with scenes from A Christmas Carol. After the performance, stay behind to see the rest of the house in its festive finery, along with the current exhibition.

Where: Charles Dickens Museum, 48-49 Doughty St, Holborn, London WC1N 2LX ()
When: 24 December,10am-6pm
Price: Adults £25, Children £14 (Tickets include a drink and mince pie)

8.

Five Go Jiving – Image sourced from their website

Bandleader John Bayley, along with a glittering line-up of musicians and dancers, presents a mixture of jive, jazz, jump, dance and humour. Jump, jive and wail at a free festive swing dance class and party to start your holiday in style. Join a free swing dance class with Simon and Anna from Swingdance UK from 12 noon to learn the basics before the band starts.

Where: Royal Festival Hall, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2 ()
When: 24 December,12pm
Price: Free

Note: Southbank Centre is also hosting , a party through the decades in one unforgettable night, with a front-row seat to London’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks. 7pm, From £115. .

9. Check out London’s loveliest Christmas trees

Annabel’s Christmas Tree – Image sourced from their Instagram

London is all dressed up for Christmas, with festive lights hanging on almost every street and Christmas trees on every corner. Get in the festive spirit by gazing at these lovely firs and pines. From the traditional Norwegian spruce in Trafalgar Square to Claridge’s dazzling designer display, fill your Instagram feed with some of the best Christmas trees in London over the festive season. From towering British-grown pine trees to avant-garde installations – there’s a huge range of trees to visit around the capital this winter.

Here’s a list of the 10 Best Christmas Trees to Visit in London

10. Check out London’s Christmas lights

Bond Street – Image sourced from their website

Staring in awe at the city’s twinkling lights is a must. If you’re visiting the Oxford Street sparklers, make time for Carnaby Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. Other superb locations include Covent Garden, Seven Dials and Kew Gardens (this one requires booking). The best? They’ll be shining all night and giving London that special allure while Santa delivers all the presents.

Find London’s best Christmas Lights here.

Does the Tube run on Christmas Day?

As usual, no TfL services run on Christmas Day. That’s buses, tubes, trains, Overground, DLR, river boats, the works. Some transport will also finish early on Christmas Eve, so don’t get caught out by that. On the plus side, Santander Cycles are still available to hire. Here are the rest of the details as to what’s closed between Christmas and New Year (keep an eye on TfL’s Christmas page for updates as they’re announced).

I hope you enjoyed this list and are able to visit some of these wonderful Christmas Eve plans across London. Make sure you check other Christmas events, shows and activities in London:

• Top 7 Christmas Markets in London
• Where to see the best Christmas lights in London
• Where To Go Ice Skating In London This Winter
• 10 Christmas Carols Not To Miss In London This December
• The 7 Best Shopping Areas in London for Christmas
• Top 10 Shows to Watch This Christmas in London
• 10 Best Christmas Trees to Visit in London
• Top 10 Themed Afternoon Teas to Try This Christmas in London
• 10 things to do in London for Christmas