Things to do in London at Christmas 2023
Things to do at Christmas in London 2023
Christmas in London is really wonderful. Stunning christmas lights on many of the busiest streets, festive events, christmas markets with treats, gifts and delicious seasonal food - and of course lots of places to hang out with friends and family to soak up the atmosphere. This site covers all the best things to do during Christmas in London 2023.
We have organised the site into (hopefully) helpful sections, with the most popular pages including christmas markets, christmas hotels and things to do with kids at xmas. If you are looking for something a little different to do over the festive season, take a look at the cryptically titled unusual. It's all about what to do at Christmas in London (mainly November and December).
The Heart of Christmas
Trafalgar Square is generally considered not just to be the heart of London, but the focus of the whole of London at Christmas - every year a tree is gifted by Norway to the UK.
Trafalgar Square has also become a huge focus for New Year's Eve where thousands of people celebrate at midnight. Last year was crazy, and
we imagine 2023 will be exactly the same.
In recent years the area has become more pedestrianised so it's much better to walk around, and if you do find yourself there during the day, we recommend visiting the wonderful National Portrait Gallery on the North side.
Key Dates for Christmas 2023
Christmas Eve 2023 is on a Sunday (December 24th)
Christmas Day 2023 is on a Monday (December 25th)
Boxing Day 2023 is on a Tuesday (December 26th)
New Year's Eve 2023 is on a Sunday (December 31st)
New Year's Day, January 1st, 2024 is on a Monday
Christmas Insights
William the Conqueror was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066 at Westminster Abbey in London. What many people don't know is that the famous invasion that same year was actually blessed by Pope Alexander II.
Jingle Bells was originally a song for Thanksgiving (not Christmas) in America in 1857. Called "One Horse Open Sleigh" it was eventually renamed to the catchier title and went on to become a xmas classic.
If you're interested in seeing some sport at Christmas in London, Boxing Day (26th December) always has Premiership and League football games - the biggest London clubs are Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspurs and West Ham United, but there are many others in the lower divisions where ticket prices will be less.
London and Christmas go hand in hand. The beauty of the Christmas lights, great shopping for those amazing gifts and the fun of walking around the the world's greatest city soaking up the festive atmosphere. England is a perfect place to spend a christmas holiday - you get all the tradition and the appropriate weather.
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You May Not Know
Charles Dickens wrote 'A Christmas Carol' in just six weeks. It's not clear whether Ebenezer Scrooge was based on a real character, but his transformation from miserable miser is echoed in the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life'.