Visiting London in December – The definitive guide

London is more than just a city; it is an experience that has been growing with its myths and tales for over centuries now. A city with as many palaces and palatial houses as modern skyscrapers, it is a bubbling pot of cultures. As a tourist you will be welcomed and be amazed by everything it has to offer. Visit the iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Parliament House, Buckingham Palace and learn about the history of the great nation that not only impacted Europe but all of the world! London in December is shrouded under a veil of clouds but that does not dampen its holiday spirit. Here is a guide on how to enjoy the Christmas festivities in the city and make the best of your visit to London in December.

What makes London in December special?

London in December: Weather

Winter settles in London during the month of December and the weather is cold and wet. You will mostly experience overcast days with occasional rain, however there won’t be any storms or heavy downpours. The average daytime temperature hovers around 9°C and goes down to 5°C during the night.

London in December: Things to do

London in December: Events to look out for

London in December: 5-day itineray

London in December: Essentials

Where to stay in London during December?

London is generally an expensive city and during the holidays the rates of accommodation can shoot up. There is however a variety of accommodations you can choose from depending on your budget. Some of the great neighbourhoods for tourists to stay in are South Bank, Bankside, SoHo, Covent Garden, South Kensington, Marylebone, Mayfair and Leicester Square. Here are our favorite hotels to stay in London –

• Luxury Hotels - The Milestone Hotel & Residences , The Beaumont, The Savoy
• Moderate Hotels - The Chilworth, The Stratford, The Hide London
• Budget Hotels - London House Hostel, Travelodge London Excel, Sohostel

What to pack for London in December?

Be prepared for unexpected weather changes and temperature to feel colder than the numbers say, in London in December. Pack layers which can be worn depending on outdoor and indoor activities. A raincoat, jacket or parka is a must item on your list, add a warm fleece jacket and thermals for those extreme condition days. If you are out on town on holidays, pack dress clothes, especially for fancy restaurants. Don’t forget to pack full length sleeved clothes for visiting churches and places of worship.

Getting around London in December

London is a great city to walk around but the cold and rain in December can make it a tough task for newcomers to the city. The best way to explore the city as a tourist remains the Hop on Hop on bus that has a set route that covers all the landmarks and attractions. The public transportation is cheap and convenient and covers all the 32 boroughs of the city. You can buy Oyster Travel Card to get access to all modes of public transportation including Underground (Tube), Bus, and Tram. You can read all about the various travel options in the city here.

London in December: Seasonal delicacies

London in December: Visiting tips

• The Christmas Tree lighting ceremony takes place in Trafalgar Square on 5th December, it is followed by Christmas Carols starting from 9th December until 24th December. The entire square is a lively and electric place during the entire month of December.
• Ice Skating is a popular activity in London in December and some of the best places to go ice skating are Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Natural History Museum, Somerset House, and Alexandra Palace.
• Christmas Markets pop up all across London in December and you have multiple things to do in these markets, ranging from concerts to food and shopping stalls. Some of the best Christmas Markets in London are at Leicester Square, Westfield London, Greenwich, Kingston and Christmas By the River at London Bridge City.
• Christmas Shows are a great way to bring in the festivities. You have a wide range of choice like A Christmas Carol (Old Vic Theatre), Goldilocks and the Three Bears (London Palladium), Nutcracker English National Ballet (Coliseum), The Snowman (Peacock Theatre), and Cinderella (Trafalgar Studios).
• The London Eye New Year’s Eve fireworks are the most spectacular shows worldwide and the best places to watch the London fireworks are from Victoria Embankment, South Bank, Westminster Bridge, Cannon Street, Tower Bridge, and Parliament Hill.
• Shopping sales in London start right from Boxing Day which falls on 26th December and go on until January. Several high-street stores offer deep discounts on all categories of merchandise.

Explore London through the year