United Kingdom, Europe

London in December

Christmas London is genuinely lovely: markets, lights, skating rinks. Beware December 25, when even the Tube stops.

GoodCold, highs near 48F (9C), festive everywhere

Tower Bridge over the Thames, London — LondonPhoto: Bob Collowan, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit London. Christmas London is genuinely lovely: markets, lights, skating rinks. Beware December 25, when even the Tube stops.

Weather: Cold, highs near 48F (9C), festive everywhere
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What December is like in London

December is Christmas London, and it is genuinely lovely. Cold days with highs near 48F (9C), festive lights everywhere, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and skating rinks at Somerset House and the Natural History Museum. Crowds and prices rise toward the holidays. On December 25 nearly everything closes, including the whole Tube network.

It suits families and couples who want holiday atmosphere, and shoppers. It is less ideal on a tight budget. If you want the festive feel for less, go in early December, or come in January for the sales.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about London this month.

Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park's holiday fair has rides, food stalls and a skating rink. Weekday daytime visits are calmest.

Skating rinks

Somerset House and the Natural History Museum put up seasonal rinks, and a skate at dusk is a family favorite.

West End at Christmas

The lights on Oxford and Regent Streets, the shop windows and a holiday show make a perfect evening.

What to pack for December

A warm, waterproof winter coat
Gloves, hat and scarf for evening markets
Waterproof shoes with good grip
Layers for heated shops and museums

Our timing tip

Plan December 25 around your hotel and a booked meal, because the Tube is closed and almost everything else shuts too.

Book London for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in London
Opens a hotel search for London in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in London
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in London
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in London for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Christmas season

Mid November through early January

Lights on the shopping streets, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, and skating rinks at Somerset House and the Natural History Museum.

Things to do in London

Full guide

Tower of London

Book online and arrive at opening; go straight to the Crown Jewels before the queue builds. Yeoman Warder tours are free with entry and worth planning around.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

British Museum

Free entry, but book a timed slot in busy months. The Rosetta Stone room is calmest in the first hour.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Westminster Abbey

Closed to tourists on Sundays for services. Verger-led tours are the sleeper upgrade.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Borough Market

Full market runs Wednesday through Saturday; Saturdays are a crush by 11am. Go hungry, early, midweek.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

The South Bank walk

Tate Modern to Tower Bridge along the river is the best free afternoon in London, in any weather.

Tickets and tours →

West End show

The TKTS booth in Leicester Square sells legitimate same-day discounts. Midweek matinees are easiest.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Do the Tower of London at opening or after 3pm; the cruise-excursion and coach-tour wave hits between 10am and 2pm.
The free museums are busiest on weekends and rainy afternoons. A sunny weekday morning at the British Museum feels like a different institution.
Book Westminster Abbey's first entry and you will have the Poets' Corner nearly alone; by late morning it is a slow shuffle.
Ride the London Eye in the last daylight hour instead of midday: shorter lines and better light.

Know before you go

London has no off-season shutdown. Museums, theatre, and restaurants run at full speed all twelve months; winter changes the light and the price, not the access.
December 25 is the one true closure day: nearly everything shuts, including the entire Tube network. December 26 (Boxing Day) still runs reduced hours and transit.
Buckingham Palace's state rooms open to the public only in summer, generally July into September. The rest of the year you are looking at the outside.
Westminster Abbey closes to sightseers on Sundays, and state occasions can close it or the surrounding streets with little notice.

London in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit London?

December is a good month to visit London. Christmas London is genuinely lovely: markets, lights, skating rinks. Beware December 25, when even the Tube stops.

What is the weather like in London in December?

Cold, highs near 48F (9C), festive everywhere.

Is London crowded in December?

London is busy in December, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in London in December?

Christmas season (mid november through early january).