Top 10 Things to Do in London in Winter

There are also many attractive benefits to a winter vacation, such as cheaper airfares and hotels, fewer crowds, and many winter destinations with their unique charm. So, are you looking for things to do in London in winter?   

London has a unique charm in winter, whether Christmas lights or various festivals, adding unforgettable memories to your trip. If lucky enough, you can see many beautiful parks and winter attractions covered in snow.

Electricity is far more critical outdoors, whether camping in parks in London or setting up Christmas market stalls. Consider a Jackery Portable Power Station to charge essential electronics or appliances in winter.         

What Is Winter Like in London? 

London, with its long history, rich culture and changeable weather, gently welcomes the arrival of every season. London's winter is not only shivering wet and cold weather but also full of joy and a warm festive atmosphere.

Climate Characteristics of London's Winter

First, the winter temperature in London is relatively mild. Its average temperature is usually around 6°C, occasionally dropping below 0°C.

Secondly, due to the humid air and low temperature, London'ss winter is often shrouded in fog, especially in the early morning and evening.

Finally, London's winter daylight hours are short. It is entirely dark around 4 pm, and the daily light hours are only about eight hours.

What Is Life Like for Londoners in Winter?

London's foggy weather and short daylight hours add a sense of mystery and gloom, while the occasional snowfall makes the city particularly beautiful. In addition, it has a warm and romantic festival atmosphere and colourful festival activities.

In winter, many tourist attractions in London will shorten their opening hours or temporarily close. However, some indoor attractions, such as museums and art galleries, are still open to the public. In addition, during Christmas and New Year, the streets and alleys of London will be decorated particularly beautifully, and various festivals and markets will also add a lot of excitement and joy to the city.

Is London Worth Visiting in Winter? 

London attracts countless tourists in spring, summer and autumn and has a unique charm in winter. Here are some reasons for you to visit London in winter:

Avoid Crowds: Winter is the off-season for tourism in London, with relatively few tourists, so you can visit major museums, art galleries and historical sites more leisurely (basically without queuing).

Enjoy the Unique Winter Snow Scenery: Although London's winter is not very cold, the occasional snowfall gives the city a layer of silver. Strolling along the Thames or standing on the Tower Bridge to enjoy the snow scenery is a unique experience.

Full of Festive Atmosphere: London's winter is usually full of a festive atmosphere. The winter carnival in Hyde Park and the Christmas market in Covent Garden are good places to experience the festive atmosphere of London. Here, you can taste a variety of local delicacies and buy exquisite handicrafts.

Rich Cultural and Artistic Activities: London, in winter, is also excellent for its culture and art. Major theatres, concert halls and art galleries will launch a rich program ranging from classic Shakespeare plays to modern concerts.

Enjoy Skiing: Winter in London also provides a great place for skiing enthusiasts. Outdoor ski resorts such as the Lake District Ski Resort and Yad Moss Ski Resort allow you to experience the fun of skiing in northern England.

Shopping Paradise: At the end of the year, London is a world-famous shopping paradise. Shopping districts such as Oxford Street and Regent Street will launch various winter discounts, attracting countless shopping enthusiasts.

In short, whether you want to experience the sedimentation of history and culture or pursue the prosperity of a modern city, London in winter can meet your expectations.

Top 10 Things to Do in London in Winter

Winter in London is a truly magical experience, with the city transformed into a festive wonderland filled with glittering lights, festive markets, ice skating rinks and seasonal events. Whether you're here for the holidays or to enjoy the crisp air for the New Year, there's no shortage of exciting things to do. Here are our top 10 things to do in London this winter.

1. Visit Winter Wonderland

Where: Hyde Park

When: 21 November - 5 January 2025

Top Tip: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is always very popular, so book beforehand.

Winter Wonderland is one of London's most iconic winter events, held in Hyde Park from mid-November to early January. It is London's massive Christmas celebration, featuring a traditional Christmas market, thrilling rides, live entertainment and an ice skating rink. Visitors can also stroll through the twinkling lights, enjoy mulled wine and explore themed attractions such as the Magical Ice Kingdom and the Bavarian Village.

2. Christmas at Kew

Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

When: 13 November - 5 January 2025

Top Tip: Book your tickets in advance for lower prices and book them off-peak for cheaper prices.

Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with a walk through a world of plants in all their seasonal glory. From 13 November to 5 January 2025, Kew will light up for the festive season. Explore 3km of enchanting light shows with over 20 dazzling installations, including some much-loved installations and exciting new displays.

3. Hogwarts in the Snow

Where: Warner Bros. Studio London

When: 16 November - 19 January 2025

Top Tip: Book your tickets in advance for lower prices and book them off-peak for cheaper prices.

Warner Bros. Studios London hosts Hogwarts in the snow every year. As Hogwarts snows, the Great Hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be decorated in festive splendour to recreate the Christmas scene from the first Harry Potter film. Eight 5-meter-high Christmas trees will be decorated with ornaments using the same craftsmanship as in the original movie. At the end of the Great Hall, a 6-meter-high tree will tower over a long dining table decorated with traditional British Christmas foods.

4. Ice Skating at London Ice Rinks

Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity in London. That's why, during the colder months, several scenic ice skating rinks pop up all over London. Some historic castles or palaces even have makeshift rinks. Some of the most popular rinks include:

• Somerset House
• Natural History Museum
• Canary Wharf Ice Rink
• Hampton House

5. Visit London's Christmas Markets

London's Christmas markets are perfect for shopping for unique gifts, sampling festive treats, and getting in the Christmas spirit. Some of the best Christmas markets to visit include:

• Southbank Centre Winter Market
• Leicester Square Christmas Market
• Greenwich Christmas Market
• Covent Garden

6. Visit London's Famous Museums and Galleries

London is home to many world-class museums. While London's winter weather is cold, museums are warm and cosy, making them a great place to learn about human history and culture.

Tate Modern: Admire contemporary art at one of the world's leading modern art galleries.

The Victoria and Albert Museum: This museum always has interesting seasonal exhibitions, perfect for art, design, and fashion lovers.

7. Enjoy a Shopping Spree at Harrods

Winter London is a shopping paradise, and Harrods is the best. Harrods may be one of the cheapest stores in London, but it is the most popular store to visit during the winter, especially during the Christmas run-up. It is home to top brands worldwide, and everything from luxury goods to everyday items can be found here.

8. Experience a West End Show

The West End of London attracts visitors from all over the world with festive shows and classic musicals. Classic plays such as Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera are performed here year-round. Stunning light shows and Christmas decorations in nearby Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus often accompany winter shows. Popular winter shows include:

• The Nutcracker
• A Christmas Carol
• The Moulin Rouge

9. Enjoy Afternoon Tea

A winter afternoon in London is complete with a classic afternoon tea. Many hotels and restaurants also offer festive afternoon teas during the holiday season, including seasonal flavours and Christmas-themed pastries.

Claridge's is known for its luxurious afternoon teas, enhanced with a festive touch during winter, with mince pies and champagne.

The Ritz is one of London's most famous hotels and is acclaimed for its traditional English afternoon tea. In the warm hotel, enjoy delicious desserts and champagne and feel the elegance of British high society.

10. Warm Up in a Cosy London Pub

Winter in London is a great time to relax in a traditional pub. With crackling fires, hearty food and festive decorations, London'ss pubs are the perfect refuge from the cold weather. Some famous pubs include:

• The Churchill Arms
• The Spanish Inn

Tips for Visiting London in Winter

London in winter is rich in history and culture and has a unique festive atmosphere that you can experience. However, there are a few things to pay attention to when visiting London in winter to ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable.

Attractions and Activities

London has many must-see attractions during the winter, such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the British Museum and the National Gallery. However, many attractions may close early, so knowing the opening hours is recommended. In addition, some winter-specific activities, such as Christmas markets and ice skating rinks, are to be noticed.

Transportation

Public transportation in London is significantly developed, and you can choose from many modes of transportation.

Culture and Etiquette

The British are polite and orderly, so you should consider local customs when visiting. In London, queuing is basic social etiquette. It would help if you abode by the queuing rules for public transportation, restaurants, or attractions. In addition, you may need to take off your hat to enter some churches and museums, so be careful to respect local customs.

Pay Attention to Safety

First of all, the roads in London may be slippery in winter, so be careful when driving. You should also pay attention to anti-slip when walking, especially on riverbanks and park trails. Secondly, keep your belongings in public places and tourist attractions in London, and only stay in crowded places for a short time. Finally, the emergency number in London is 999, so you can ask for help if needed.

Health and Emergency

Winter is the peak season for influenza, so it is recommended to carry common medicines, such as cold medicines.

In addition, for tourists who like hiking or camping, some natural scenic spots and suburbs around London provide a wealth of outdoor activity options. Portable power stations, like Jackery Portable Power Stations, can promote your outdoor experience. 

Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained

A portable power station is essential in winter as it is a backup power source during potential outages caused by inclement weather. It enables the operation of vital appliances, the use of heating devices for warmth, the charging of electronics, and the maintenance of necessities such as lighting, mainly when grid electricity is inaccessible due to storms or extreme cold.      

Jackery Portable Power Stations are famous for their portability, compact size, and ease of use. You can use them in winter to charge your electric warming equipment or as a backup power supply for power outages or outdoor activities. We all know the importance of electricity in winter. Here, we recommend Jackery Explorer 100 Plus and 300 Plus for winter outings in London.

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus is the smallest portable power station so far. It weighs only 965 grams and perfectly fits in your palm. The most important thing is that this small piece can be taken on a flight so you can take this compact power supply anywhere, even for skiing.

• Compact Portable Power Supply: The Explorer 100 Plus is a portable power station featuring a 128W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter and a capacity of 99Wh. It can charge three devices concurrently, featuring a 100WDual PD Output and one USB-A output. Furthermore, it is sufficiently lightweight and small for transport, allowing for onboard aeroplane carriage.
• Longer Lifespan: The Explorer 100 Plus features a resilient LFP (LiFePO4) battery, enhanced by a proprietary BMS (Battery Management System) that provides additional protection. Despite 2,000charge cycles, the battery retains 80% capacity, guaranteeing an outstanding 8-year longevity, even with regular charging.
• Fully Upgraded BMS Protections: The Explorer 100 Plus is constructed from UL 94V-0-rated flame-retardant material, possesses Class 9 impact resistance, adheres to UL safety regulations, and is safeguarded against drops (three drops from a height of 0.9 meters). This device is UL Certified and features high-temperature protection at 60°C.  

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station is a lightweight and efficient power source with a 288Wh capacity that fulfils energy requirements for diverse scenarios, including camping, hiking, biking, power outages, and more.  

• Multiple Outputs to Charge Devices: The Explorer 300 Plus is a portable power station featuring a 300WAC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (600W Surge Peak) and a capacity 288Wh. Its 1 AC, 1 USB-A, and 1 USB-C output can charge four devices simultaneously, making it quick and easy to charge multiple appliances.
• Superior Safety Technology: This power station features a distinctive Battery Management System (BMS). The gadget incorporates 52safety measures and 12 BMS algorithms that collaboratively provide the utmost safety for both the device and any connected appliances. It includes four types of physical security to guarantee the safety of all individuals.
• Compact and Innovative Power Supply: This model is distinguished by its sophisticated app control feature, which enables users to manage the battery efficiently via WiFi or Bluetooth. This renders it more contemporary and user-friendly. Weighing merely 27 pounds, it is an exceptional option for individuals frequently engaged in outdoor adventures or extreme weather conditions.

How to Stay Warm When Visiting London in Winter?

Although London is not as cold in winter as in Northern Europe, the damp and chilly climate and frequent rainfall still make people feel the biting cold. How to keep warm is a problem everyone who lives or travels in London must face.

Tip 1: Choice of Clothing

Dressing in multiple layers can effectively lock in body temperature and cope with the changeable weather in London.

Basic insulation layer: High-quality wool or cashmere underwear can provide good insulation without being too heavy.

Middle layer: A turtleneck sweater or a thick sweater can be used as a middle layer, which is both warm and layered.

Coat: A long down jacket or a thick coat can cover more parts of the body and prevent the cold wind from invading.

Pants: Please try to choose thick pants, such as jeans.

Tip 2: Choice of Accessories

The head, hands and feet are some of the fastest parts of the human body to dissipate heat, so please take some degree of warming measures.

Hat: Choose a warm hat, preferably one that covers the ears.

Gloves: A pair of thick gloves can effectively prevent heat loss.

Scarf: A soft scarf can add a sense of fashion and protect your neck from the cold wind.

Warm shoes and socks: Martin boots or high-top hiking shoes are good choices. They can keep you warm and prevent rain from wetting the uppers. Socks with good thermal insulation can prevent your feet from getting cold.

Tip 3: Other Warming Tips

In addition to dressing suggestions, you can also use some other warming tips to cope with the cold in London in winter.

• Eat more warm foods.
• Proper exercise can promote blood circulation and increase body temperature.
• Avoid staying outdoors for a long time.
• Carry some hot packs, which can be attached to the inside of clothes when cold to provide heat quickly.

With the above warming tips, you can stay warm and comfortable when visiting London in winter and enjoy a pleasant travel experience.

Things to Do in London in Winter FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the things to do in London in winter:

1. How cold is London in winter?

London winters are rainy and cold, with typical temperatures ranging from 1 - 7°C. However, cold weather and snowfall are not uncommon in London. Fewer tourists visit in winter, so this is a great time to visit without too many tourists.

2. What other festivals are held in London in the winter?

What else is celebrated in London in winter besides Christmas? In addition to Christmas, London in winter also has the following events:

• London NewYear'ss Eve Fireworks (fireworks display on NewYear'ss Eve)
• London NewYear'ss Day Parade (the perfect way for London to welcome 2024)
• Celebrate Chinese New Year

3. Is it expensive to visit London in winter?

Winter is usually the cheapest time to visit London, as the city has the most tourists in the summer. However, whether visiting London in winter is expensive depends on your budget and what you plan to do in London. However, there are many other more affordable things to do in London. For example, you can visit Christmas markets, sing carols, or visit Hyde Park or the Modern Gallery for free.

Final Thoughts

Winter in London is a truly magical experience, with the city transformed into a festive wonderland filled with glittering lights, festive markets, ice skating rinks and seasonal events. Whether you're here for a holiday or to enjoy the crisp New Year air, there's no shortage of exciting things to do.