The best Christmas activities in London

Most guides to Christmas activities in London recommend the same markets, lights and ice rinks without explaining whether they work for groups, what happens when it rains or how easy they are to organise.

We are The Curling Club, so we have an obvious interest in one of the options. Rather than hiding that, this guide looks honestly at the main Christmas activities in London, including the advantages and drawbacks of ice-free curling.

What do Britons actually do at Christmas?

Christmas markets are popular, but they are not the universal festive tradition many guides suggest. YouGov’s Big Survey on Christmas, which polled 4,243 British adults between 19 and 24 November 2025, found that over four in ten typically take part in traditions such as opening an advent calendar, wearing a Christmas jumper or visiting a Christmas market. Fewer take part in organised group outings: 33% see a Christmas light display, 30% attend a Christmas party, 24% drink mulled wine and 13% watch a pantomime.

Christmas parties are therefore almost as common as visiting light displays and more than twice as common as attending a pantomime. Yet most guides give markets and lights far more attention than activities designed for groups.

How should you choose a Christmas activity?

A good Christmas activity in London should work after dark and preferably under cover. Met Office long-term averages for Greenwich (1991 to 2020) show that London receives around 50 hours of sunshine during December and experiences roughly 10 days with at least 1mm of rain. Any evening activity should therefore be suitable for dark, cold and potentially wet conditions.

You should also consider whether everyone can participate, whether the venue accepts group bookings at a fixed price per person, whether food and drink are available and whether the activity requires previous experience. These questions matter much more when organising for twelve people than when planning an evening for two.

A fixed price is particularly useful for work parties because it avoids everyone paying separately throughout the evening. Having food, drinks and the activity in one venue also prevents the group from splitting up or having to find somewhere to eat later.

Ice-free curling

Ice-free curling, sometimes called floor curling, uses a smooth playing surface rather than ice. Players push the stones towards a target, so there are no freezing temperatures, slippery surfaces or complicated techniques to learn. You can read more about the experience itself.

An “end” is a round in which both teams play their stones, while a “sheet” is the lane they play along. That is most of the terminology beginners need to know.

The Curling Club operates at Vinegar Yard near London Bridge, returning for its third season there in November 2026, and at Chelsea Winter Illuminations. Curling is available alongside street food, drinks and music, with packages combining the activity and refreshments in the same place.

We are also an Official Partner of the Team GB Foundation, working with Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead. In February 2026 we partnered with World Curling to host the inaugural UK Floor Curling Championships in Manchester, timed to coincide with the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

The main drawback is availability. Peak Friday and Saturday evenings during early December tend to fill first. Groups tied to a particular Saturday may need to consider a weekday, afternoon or alternative week.

Bookings for the 2026 season are open now. Each venue welcomes groups from 6 people upward, with exclusive venue hire available for larger celebrations. Packages are built around the activity, food and drinks together: see Christmas parties at The Curling Club for the full lineup.

Christmas markets

Christmas markets offer plenty of atmosphere and usually require no booking. They work particularly well for small groups that want the freedom to arrive, browse and leave whenever they choose.

They are more difficult for larger groups because tables and spaces are rarely reserved. People quickly separate between stalls, costs are unpredictable and everyone purchases food and drinks individually. They are best suited to informal plans rather than structured work parties.

Ice skating

London’s seasonal ice rinks provide a classic Christmas setting, often against some of the city’s best-known buildings.

The drawback is that enjoyment depends heavily on confidence and ability. Experienced skaters may have a great time, while beginners can spend most of the session holding the barrier or watching from the side. This can make skating less inclusive for mixed groups.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland offers rides, food, drinks and festive entertainment in one large destination. It can accommodate almost any group size and allows people to choose what they want to do.

However, most of the experience is not organised as a single group booking. Everyone pays separately for different attractions, making the overall cost difficult to predict. Groups may also separate as people choose different rides, bars and stalls.

Christmas light trails

Christmas light trails are visually impressive and can work well for families and groups containing different ages. Everyone can take part without needing any particular ability.

They are still outdoor walking experiences, usually with limited seating and little protection from bad weather. The best-known trails can also sell out several months ahead, particularly for popular December dates.

Pantomimes and West End shows

A pantomime or West End show provides a warm, seated and weatherproof evening at a clear ticket price.

The limitation for a work party is that the group spends most of the evening watching rather than speaking or interacting. Shows are excellent entertainment but may be less effective when the purpose of the event is team socialising.

Craft workshops

Festive craft workshops usually offer a clear price per person and allow guests to create something to take home. They can be particularly effective for small teams and groups that prefer a quieter activity.

Capacity is the main restriction. Larger groups may need to divide across different sessions, tables or venues, which can undermine the purpose of bringing everyone together.

Festive dinners and afternoon teas

A festive meal is one of the easiest Christmas events to organise, particularly when accommodating dietary requirements. It offers reserved seating, a predictable price and plenty of time to talk.

However, it remains a meal rather than a shared activity. It works well for groups that already know one another but can feel less engaging when colleagues need help starting conversations.

What works for a work Christmas party?

For a London work Christmas party, the most important considerations are capacity, price and convenience. Before booking, confirm the total price per person, what the package includes, the minimum and maximum group size and whether the space will be private or shared.

You should also ask when dietary requirements must be confirmed, what happens if guest numbers change and whether any part of the event takes place outdoors.

The Curling Club hosts small team events and larger company parties, with two packages built around the activity, food and drinks together. The House runs for three hours and includes a welcome drink, a small plate from the street food traders and an hour of curling. Curls of Wisdom runs for four hours with a festive drink plus two more drinks, a main meal, an hour of curling and a tabletop curling game to keep the competition going afterwards. Both are available for groups of 6 and upward, and dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free can be catered with advance notice. Enquire about a work party.

Christmas activities for families and mixed ages

The strongest family activities allow children, parents and grandparents to participate together. Light trails and markets work because everyone can explore at their own pace, although they remain exposed to the weather.

Shows keep the family together but provide little interaction, while ice skating may divide the group by ability.

Ice-free curling works differently because the stones are pushed rather than lifted and there is no ice to fall on. The pace allows different ages and abilities to play together, meaning a grandparent can compete directly with a teenager.

Which activity is best?

No Christmas activity wins in every situation. Markets and light trails provide atmosphere but offer limited protection from the weather and fewer options for structured group bookings. Shows are comfortable and bookable but provide little opportunity to socialise. Workshops and dinners handle reservations well but may be limited by capacity or interaction.

Ice-free curling works particularly well for groups that want a reserved activity, food and drinks in one place and something that beginners can join immediately. Its main weakness is that the most popular December dates sell out early.

A small group that wants atmosphere, flexibility and no commitment may still be better suited to a Christmas market. Curling becomes more valuable for groups that need one booking, one time slot and an activity that includes everyone.

The Curling Club can also bring ice-free curling to private venues elsewhere in the UK through Rent 2 Curl.

Book a Pay and Play session or enquire about a group package for your Christmas party.

When should you book?

September or October is generally the best time to book a venue-based Christmas activity in London. Friday and Saturday evenings during the first few weeks of December tend to fill first, while weekday evenings and afternoons often remain available for longer.

Major light trails may need to be booked during the summer. Restaurants usually begin filling their Christmas group dates during October, while smaller craft workshops may require four to six weeks’ notice. Christmas markets generally require no booking.

The Curling Club is already open for 2026 bookings, and peak Friday and Saturday evenings in late November and December tend to go first. Check availability and book early if you are set on a particular date.

Choose your preferred date before becoming attached to a particular venue. For most groups, the date becomes the main restriction once the busiest December slots start disappearing.

Making your decision

Before committing to an activity, ask whether it works in dark or wet weather, whether everyone can participate, whether there is a fixed group price, whether food and drinks are included and whether anyone is likely to spend the evening watching from the side.

For groups looking for an interactive Christmas event in London, explore The Curling Club’s festive packages or get in touch with your preferred dates and guest numbers.

Frequently asked questions

What can you do in London at Christmas besides visiting markets?

Alternative Christmas activities include light trails, ice skating, pantomimes, West End shows, craft workshops, festive dinners and ice-free curling. The best choice depends on whether you want a structured group booking or an informal activity you can visit without planning ahead.

What are the best Christmas activities in London for groups?

Activities with a fixed price per person, reserved space and food and drinks on site are usually easiest to organise. Ice-free curling, craft workshops and private dining can meet these requirements, while markets, light trails and Winter Wonderland tend to offer less control over seating, schedules and spending.

Do you need experience to try ice-free curling?

No. Ice-free curling is designed for beginners, and the rules are explained before the session starts. Players push the stones along a smooth surface rather than throwing them across ice.

When should you book Christmas activities in London?

Book most venue-based activities in September or October. The largest light trails may need to be booked during the summer, while peak Friday and Saturday evenings in December usually sell out first.

What are the best indoor Christmas activities when it rains?

Craft workshops, pantomimes, West End shows, festive dinners and ice-free curling all provide indoor or covered options. Markets, light trails, outdoor ice rinks and Winter Wonderland are more exposed to cold and wet weather.

Are Christmas activities in London suitable for children?

Many activities suit children, although it is worth checking whether they can participate or will mainly be watching. Markets, light trails and ice-free curling can work well across different ages because families can experience them together.

How much do Christmas activities in London cost?

Costs vary by activity and change year to year, so always check current pricing before booking. Christmas markets are usually free to enter, though food, drink and gifts are paid for individually. For the 2025/26 season, London ice rinks ranged from around £11 to £15 at off-peak times up to around £26 to £28.50 for peak weekend slots. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is free to enter, but rides, games and most food and drink are paid for separately. Pantomimes, West End shows, craft workshops and festive dinners vary by venue, typically starting from around £20 per person.