Book first: Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland runs Nov. 19, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027, every day except Christmas Day. Everyone, including children, needs a timed entry ticket, so book a slot before you go. Each slot is one hour, and once you are in you can stay until closing at 10 p.m., though last entry is at 9:30 p.m.
Entry costs £1.00 off-peak, £5.50 standard and £8.25 peak, with booking fees included. Rides and attractions are paid separately. Off-peak slots are the green ones when you book, and the £1 slots run Monday to Thursday in November.
- Most days open at 10 a.m.; Nov. 19-20 and Nov. 23-26 open at noon, and Dec. 1 opens at 2 p.m.
- Dec. 28 to Jan. 1 opens at 11 a.m.
- Spending £25 on rides or attractions when you book online unlocks free entry.
Christmas at Kew needs a slot too
Christmas at Kew runs Nov. 13, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027, but not on Nov. 16, Nov. 23, Nov. 28 or Dec. 25. Entry is timed from 4:20 p.m., and the gardens close at 10 p.m. (9 p.m. on Dec. 24).
Adult tickets are £29.50 off-peak and £37 peak. Children 4-15 are £20 or £24. Under-4s are free but still need a ticket. A daytime Kew ticket does not include the trail, and dogs are not allowed.
Kew can have planned track closures on the District line and Overground on some dates, so check TfL before you travel.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, KewThe after-dark light trail; book a timed slot and wrap up warm.
Shows, skating and dinner reservations
West End seats are best booked as soon as your dates are fixed. Check what is playing and arrive about 30 minutes before curtain. Skating at Somerset House is best booked well ahead, as sessions can sell out.
Popular restaurants and afternoon tea fill up too, especially on Sundays. Book a Sunday roast and any afternoon tea as early as you can.
- Theatre Royal Drury LaneGrand historic theatre for an evening show; book tickets early.
- Somerset HouseOpen-air rink under a big tree; book your 45-minute slot.
- The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & MasonClassic afternoon tea that can stand in for dinner; book ahead.
- Blacklock Covent GardenSunday roast platter; reserve well ahead.
Lights and markets you can just walk into
Regent Street's Spirit of Christmas lights return Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. The street is closed to traffic from 5 to 9 p.m. for the switch-on. After that you can walk under the angels without a ticket.
Covent Garden's tree and Carnaby Street's lights are outdoors and easy to stroll past. Go around dusk, then finish on Regent Street, walking south toward Piccadilly Circus for the best view. The Southbank Centre Winter Market and Borough Market are good for lunch, and Borough is quieter before noon.
- The PiazzaThe classic Christmas scene, best as dusk falls.
- Carnaby StreetThemed neon lights once it gets dark.
- Regent StreetGlowing angels overhead; walk toward Piccadilly Circus.
- Southbank Centre Winter MarketRiverside chalets for lunch with Big Ben views.
- Borough MarketFood market stalls; fewer crowds before noon.
The Christmas Day transport catch
TfL's planned-closures list says there is no service on Christmas Day, Friday, Dec. 25, on the Underground, DLR, Elizabeth line, Overground and trams. Services also finish earlier on Dec. 24.
Plan to be where you want to be by the evening of Dec. 24. Check TfL for bus and other options before you travel.
If you are in London on Boxing Day, Winter Wonderland's travel page says the Elizabeth line does not run on Dec. 26. You can still reach Paddington on National Rail and several Tube lines.
Putting it together
Use one contactless card for all Tube and bus taps so you get the daily cap. Book Winter Wonderland, Kew, your show and your skating slot first, then fill the gaps with free lights and markets.
Our day-by-day plan shows one way to fit these together over four days. For more on the city, see our London guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ticket for Winter Wonderland?
Yes. Everyone, including children, needs a pre-booked timed entry ticket. Entry is £1.00 off-peak, £5.50 standard and £8.25 peak. Rides are paid separately.
Is the Tube running on Christmas Day in London?
No. TfL lists no service on Christmas Day on the Underground, DLR, Elizabeth line, Overground and trams. Services finish earlier on Dec. 24.
Is Winter Wonderland open on Christmas Day?
No. It runs Nov. 19, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027, every day except Dec. 25.
Do children need a ticket for Christmas at Kew?
Yes. Under-4s are free but still need a ticket. Children 4-15 pay £20 or £24.
When do the Regent Street lights go on?
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. Regent Street is closed to traffic from 5 to 9 p.m. for the switch-on.
