What's On in London This Winter | The Londoner Hotel

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What’s On
in London

Your Guide to London This Winter

Winter looks good on London; twinkling fairy lights trail from district to district, the West End comes alive with festive shows and matinees, Christmas markets fill the air with the smell of mulled wine. London is a city like no other as the darker nights set in and the buzz of the city turn inwards. 

Here is our guide to the most memorable things happening across London this winter, from world-class ballet at the Royal Opera House to the city's biggest ice rinks and Christmas markets – many just steps from The Londoner in Leicester Square. Whether you're new to the city or you’re a Londoner through-and-through, there has never been a better time to wrap up and experience the most magical season of the year. 

Leicester Square Christmas Market

Leicester Square | November – January 

Right outside The Londoner's doors, Leicester Square swaps its usual buzz for wooden chalets, handmade crafts and an open-air ice rink in the heart of the West End. One of the most popular German-style Christmas markets on offer in London, enjoy a festive afternoon wander before warming up in Whitcomb’s with an indulgent Mediterranean dinner, just a stone’s throw away. It's about as Christmassy as it gets and lies steps from the comfort of your room or suite. 

Open-air Ice Rink at Somerset House

Somerset House, Strand | 11th November – 10th January 

One of London's most photographed winter rituals, the rink at Somerset House sits within the building’s floodlit courtyard, just along the Strand and moments from the River Thames. Take to the ice surrounded by a magnificent Georgian-era building, before warming up with hot chocolate at the rink side café. Fun, festive and an entirely one-of-a-kind winter staple in the city that simply can’t be skipped. 

Christmas at Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew | 13th November – 3rd January 

A mile-long trail of light winds through the Royal Botanic Gardens after dark, transforming ancient trees and glasshouses into a glowing winter landscape. Interactive installations and seasonal music make for romantic date nights and festive family outings alike, plus adult-only evenings on 3rd and 9th December offer a quieter, more grown-up way to experience the trail this year. 

Winter Wonderland
at Hyde Park

Hyde Park | 19th November – 3rd January 

The UK's largest winter event returns to Hyde Park for six weeks of festive theatre on an epic scale. Featuring the UK's biggest open-air ice rink and a bar sculpted entirely from ice, Winter Wonderland brings a Christmas spectacle unlike anything else to the city. Wrap up warm and wander past stalls of roasting chestnuts and hot chocolate, and through an array of fair rides and attractions, all beneath the illuminated observation wheel. 

Regent Street adorned with enchanting Christmas lights and a large angel decoration near The Londoner

Regent Street Christmas Lights

Regent Street | Mid-November – Early January 

London's most iconic Christmas lights display returns to Regent Street, where more than 300,000 fairy lights form the sweeping 'Spirits of Christmas' canopy above Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus. The lights glow daily from sunset until midnight, turning one of the world's great shopping streets into a festive spectacle after dark. A short walk from The Londoner, it makes for an easy addition to an evening of Christmas shopping, dining, or simply exploring the West End. 

The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House, Covent Garden | 3rd December – 13th January 

A Covent Garden institution and the surest sign that Christmas has arrived in London: The Royal Ballet's staging of Tchaikovsky's beloved The Nutcracker brings Clara's midnight adventure to life beneath the Royal Opera House's gilded ceiling. Pair it with a pre-theatre dinner at Whitcomb's, just a short walk from the Opera House, for the quintessential festive evening out. 

Carols by Candlelight at St Martin-in-the-Fields

St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square | Select dates in December 

Just around the corner from The Londoner, St Martin-in-the-Fields hosts an evening of carols sung by candlelight beneath the church's soaring ceiling. St Martin's Voices and St Martin's Strings perform seasonal favourites throughout December, including a special candlelit service on the night Trafalgar Square's Norwegian Christmas tree is lit. Start with Afternoon Tea at The Stage before making your way over to enjoy an evening steeped in history and festivity. 

Iconic Big Ben and the London Eye illuminated by spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks near The Londoner

New Year's Eve Fireworks
on the Thames

The Thames | 31st December 

Don’t miss out on London's spectacular send-off to 2026 – a dazzling New Years Eve fireworks display launched from the London Eye, watched by tens of thousands along the riverbank, and millions more at home. Tickets for riverside viewing areas sell out well in advance, so it’s worth securing yours early if you want a spot at the biggest New Year’s Eve event in the country. Start the night with an early sitting at 8 at The Londoner before joining in on the celebrations on the Thames - the perfect finale to a winter well spent in London. 

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