What to do for the festive period in London - 2025

The festive season has arrived, swirling in with all its sparkle, warmth, and excitement. It’s the time for Christmas parties, magical winter experiences, and indulging in seasonal delights,  from buttery mince pies to cups of aromatic, spiced mulled wine. To help you embrace every magical moment, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite festive spots across London to visit.

Weekly Christmas market and live music in Islington Square

Head over to Islington Square every Saturday for a festive market brimming with creativity, character, and Christmas cheer. Discover hands-on craft workshops, browse distinctive independent retailers, and enjoy the glow of sparkling decorations as live music fills the air. With its spacious, welcoming setting, Islington Square is the perfect place to shop, dine, and unwind.

Explore one-of-a-kind gifts, treat yourself to delicious food and drink, and round off your visit with a film or theatre show, all within the same magical destination. This year’s vibrant Christmas market, curated by Urban Food Fest, will feature an exciting mix of local makers and artisan stalls on 6th, 13th, and 20th December. Plus, enjoy live music every Saturday in December as you mooch around, shop and get into the festive mood. 

For more information visit https://www.islingtonsquare.com

The Yards Covent Garden presents open air immersive Christmas music event series 

The Yards Covent Garden is lighting up the season with a magical series of free festive performances, called Lantern Light Nights. The next events take place on 4th December and 11th December, from 5pm–8pm, when The Yards’ open-air shopping and dining quarter will be transformed into a captivating musical wonderland.

4th December – Strings of the Season World-renowned harpist Valeria Clarke fills The Yards with an ethereal festive soundtrack, while ballerinas from Pineapple Dance Studios perform Nutcracker-inspired choreography beneath the glowing lantern installation. A magical, open-air ballet moment and no theatre ticket needed.

11th December – Christmas Céilí: Celebrate the arrival of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery London with an Irish-themed night of music and dance. Enjoy lively Celtic tunes from Blag Band, dazzling step dancing from Pineapple Dance Studios, and a special performance by acclaimed harpist-fiddler Maggie Mae Henegan. From “Whisky in the Jar” to Riverdance-style energy, its heritage meets holiday magic.

For more information, visit https://theyardscoventgarden.co.uk

Marvel at the Christmas lights and pick a free hot chocolate from the Fitzrovia Quarter

A visit to Oxford Street during the festive season to marvel at the Christmas lights is practically a Christmas tradition, a chance to wander beneath its iconic canopy of twinkling lights, each one guiding you from shop to shop with a little extra magic. This year, the West End has become even merrier with a delightfully cosy surprise: free hot chocolate to warm your winter stroll. 

On Wednesday 26 November and 3rd, 10th, and 17th December, from 4–7pm, visitors can stop by the Fitzrovia Quarter mobile bar in Market Place to pick up a complimentary cup of rich, warming hot chocolate before setting off to explore the West End. 

For more information visit https://fitzroviaquarter.co.uk

The Nutcracker Noir 

The Nutcracker Noir is a daring, modern twist on Tchaikovsky’s classic, inviting guests into a world where fantasy, theatre, and dining blend into one unforgettable experience. The story follows Clara, an orphan growing up in a whimsical, surreal realm as she creates her own spirited version of the beloved tale. Guests journey through five immersive spaces, each filled with captivating performances, secret theatrical moments, and extraordinary characters, before entering the grand theatre for the main event. Here, the show unfolds alongside a beautifully curated dining experience.

Food becomes part of the storytelling itself, with an imaginative multi-course menu crafted by immersive dining expert Jenny McNeill of Feast + Fable. Each dish subtly echoes pivotal moments in Clara’s adventure, complemented by a refined wine list, Champagne, and signature cocktails. The Nutcracker Noir runs until 21 December.

The Nutcracker are available now from £48. For further information, visit www.nutcracker-noir.co.uk