Stage 6 ยท London after dark

Christmas in London

Christmas in London means street lights, ice skating, Kew's light trail and festive markets, and most of the best bits need booking early.

Part 3 of 23 2 mins read Published Nov. 26

Written by the Escorts Love team, who arrange bookings across London.

The short answer

Christmas in London is best enjoyed from mid-November to early January, when the West End lights are up, the ice rinks open and the big light trails run. The most popular events sell out, especially on weekends in December, so book the headline things first and leave the wandering for later.

The big festive events

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is listed for 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with rides, bars and shows. Christmas at Kew is listed for selected dates from 13 November to 3 January, and has advertised adults-only evenings, which are worth looking for if you want a calmer trail. Skate at Somerset House is listed for 11 November to 10 January, and the courtyard is one of the prettiest places in London to fall over. Check every date and ticket price with the organiser, as details can change.

Lights and markets

Regent Street's overhead lights, listed to switch on in early November, and the displays around Carnaby, Covent Garden and Oxford Street cost nothing to enjoy, and they are at their best after dark on a weeknight. A walk from Oxford Circus down to Piccadilly and on towards Covent Garden takes in most of them, with plenty of places to stop for a warming drink along the way. For a mulled wine and a browse, the Winter Market at the Southbank Centre has the river beside it. Weekends can get very crowded, so go early in the evening if you can.

Eating, drinking and the day itself

December is the hardest month to book in London. Hotel afternoon teas, festive set menus and good restaurants fill up weeks ahead, so see our afternoon tea guide and plan early. On Christmas Day itself, much of London closes and public transport is very limited, so check with Transport for London and confirm your restaurant's plans well in advance.

If you are in town for work or on your own over the season, a dinner date with one of our ladies is one more option for a festive evening.

Common questions

When do the Christmas lights go on in London?

Regent Street's overhead lights are listed to switch on in early November, and the West End lights stay up into early January. Details can change, so check before you travel.

What is open in London on Christmas Day?

Not much, as much of London closes and public transport is very limited. Check with Transport for London and confirm your restaurant's plans well in advance.

Where are the best Christmas lights in London?

Regent Street, Carnaby, Covent Garden and Oxford Street have the main displays, and they cost nothing to enjoy. A walk from Oxford Circus down to Piccadilly and on towards Covent Garden takes in most of them, and they are at their best after dark on a weeknight.

What is there to do in London at Christmas?

The headline events are Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Christmas at Kew and Skate at Somerset House, alongside the street lights and festive markets. The most popular events sell out, especially on December weekends, so book them first and check dates with the organiser.

Where can you find a Christmas market in London?

The Winter Market at the Southbank Centre is a good choice for a mulled wine and a browse, with the river beside it. Weekends can get very crowded, so go early in the evening if you can.

All guides

Keep reading

14 date night ideas in LondonThe best date night ideas in London mix one memorable activity with good food, from Soho jazz and river cruises to hidden bars. Romantic restaurants in LondonThe most romantic restaurants in London include Clos Maggiore, Andrew Edmunds and Sessions Arts Club, plus classic dining rooms and tables with a view. Michelin star restaurants in LondonLondon's Michelin star restaurants in the 2026 guide include six three-star rooms, among them Core and The Ledbury, plus many two-star and one-star tables.

Stage 6: London after dark

Where to go together: romantic and Michelin starred restaurants, afternoon tea, rooftop and hidden bars, hotels and the best of London at night.

  1. Best bars in London
  2. Best clubs in London
  3. Christmas in LondonYou are here
  4. New Year's Eve in London
  5. 14 date night ideas in London
  6. Romantic restaurants in London
  7. Michelin star restaurants in London
  8. Afternoon tea in London
  9. Rooftop bars in London
  10. Speakeasy bars in London
  11. Casinos and private members' clubs in London
  12. Best hotels in London by area
  13. Things to do in London at night
  14. Valentine's Day in London
  15. Stag do ideas in London
  16. Strip clubs in London
  17. Bottomless brunch in London
  18. Best restaurants in London by occasion
  19. Cocktail bars in London
  20. London shows, choosing one and making an evening of it
  21. Brunch in London
  22. Sunday roast in London
  23. Spa days in London

See the full road map

Book by phone

Ready when you are

Call us with the name you like and the time you would like, and we will check she is free.

Call 020 7846 3480