Top 5 things to do in London during Christmas as a student

In London during the festive break? Siddhant shares his guide to enjoying the small winter moments that make London feel special over the holidays.

For me, Christmas has always been the best time of year. The cold air, the early sunsets, the smell of chestnuts on street corners, everything about December makes London feel like a different city. There are very few places that celebrate Christmas quite like London does. Whether you’re staying over the holidays or just passing through, there are moments here that feel genuinely special if you slow down and look for them. 

Here are some of my favourite ways to experience London during Christmas, mixing the classics with an underrated gem at the end.

Christmas lights

Sometimes the simplest plans are the best ones. Walking through London in December is a tradition in itself. The Christmas lights are one of the city’s most enchanting sights. Start under the glowing canopy of Oxford Street, wander down Regent Street with its sweeping angel displays, then slip into Covent Garden, where the decorations always feel theatrical and playful.

Every street has its own personality, some elegant and calm, others loud and electric. My recommended route is to start at Trafalgar Square, listen to Christmas carols on the National Gallery steps, walk towards Piccadilly Circus, then head through Carnaby Street and Soho towards Oxford Street, with a small detour to see Regent Street. Watch this video to see what you might witness, but it’s honestly better not to spoil the surprise and see it all for yourself.

Ice skating

There’s something quietly magical about skating in London during winter. Somerset House gives you a grand, old-world backdrop, while the Southbank Centre rink feels lively and open, right by the river. It doesn’t matter if you’re gliding with confidence or clinging to the barrier, it’s one of the purest winter moments you can have in the city.

A standard adult session costs around £28.50. Sessions usually start at 9am and run until about 10pm. Tickets for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve sell out quickly, so it’s worth booking early.

Christmas markets

Christmas is also the season of gifts, and London’s Christmas markets capture that feeling perfectly. The Southbank Centre Winter Market is a favourite. It feels like stepping into a small festive village by the Thames. Wooden stalls glow with fairy lights, the air smells like cinnamon and mulled wine, and everything moves at a slower, softer pace.

Wander more than you plan. Take the long way home. Spend time with people you care about.

You’ll find handmade gifts and comforting winter food, with live music often drifting through the walkway. If you’ve already done your shopping and just want good food, Borough Market is hard to beat. From steaming plates of paella to strawberries dipped in chocolate, it’s one of the most satisfying places to spend a winter afternoon.

Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park transforms completely in December, turning into a huge winter playground. Even a simple walk feels immersive. Lights reflect on icy surfaces, laughter carries across the park, and the sound of distant carols floats in the background. There are big attractions like the Ferris wheel and rollercoasters, but also smaller corners with cosy seating where you can sit and just take it all in.

Winter Wonderland is usually open from 11am to 10pm until early January. Entry costs around £5, and the busiest times are weekend afternoons and evenings.

Something almost nobody talks about

If you’re awake early on Christmas morning, there’s a surprisingly beautiful tradition you can watch. The Peter Pan Cup takes place in the Serpentine in Hyde Park, where members of the Serpentine Swimming Club swim through freezing water in a race that dates back to the 1860s.

The race isn’t open to the public, but it’s free to watch from the lakeside. It usually takes place around 9am and is swum over a 100-yard course. Just remember that there’s no public transport in London on Christmas Day, other than cycle hire.

Sometimes those quiet, ordinary-seeming moments are the ones that stay with you the longest.

If you only do one thing this Christmas, make it a simple one - walk through the lights and end the night with a Basque cheesecake in Soho at La Maritxu. Sometimes those quiet, ordinary-seeming moments are the ones that stay with you the longest.

If you can, try a few of these experiences. Wander more than you plan. Take the long way home. Spend time with people you care about. London during Christmas has a way of softening the city and bringing people a little closer together. I hope this season gives you warmth, small moments of calm, and memories that stay with you well after the lights come down.

Header image credit: Fas Khan via Unsplash