Top 10 Festive Places to visit in London in 2024

During the festive season, London’s built environment takes on a whole new identity, blending the city’s architectural heritage with the magic of Christmas. From historic landmarks adorned with sparkling lights to modern spaces transformed into festive hubs, the capital becomes a showcase of how design and festivities can intertwine to create memorable experiences.

Iconic locations and hidden corners are reimagined as winter wonderlands, featuring everything from ice rinks nestled within grand courtyards to towering Christmas trees enhancing public squares. The interplay of architecture, light, and seasonal décor highlights the creativity that shapes London’s urban landscape.

To celebrate this transformation, we’ve put together a list of festive destinations that showcase the city’s built environment at its most enchanting.

1. Brixton Dreamland

This winter, Brixton is buzzing with festive energy as its town centre hosts a series of events, from unique gift shopping to live performances. The centrepiece of this year’s celebrations is Winter Wonder Lights, 48 bespoke installations crafted from recycled plastic bottles.

In collaboration with local architects Squire & Partners, the lamppost lights continue the legacy of the Winter Windows project, which has spotlighted young local talent since 2017. This initiative beautifully intertwines sustainability, community, and design.

2. Christmas in Southbank

Southbank’s riverside transforms into a haven of festive joy, hosting Winter Light, a collection of contemporary light installations illuminating the Thames daily from 4 pm to 11 pm until 2nd February.

For seasonal treats and unique gifts, wander through the Southbank Centre’s festive market (until 26th December) or the Solo Craft Fair Christmas Market (until 22nd December). Perfect for combining a cultural stroll with holiday shopping.

3. Christmas in the West End

The West End dazzles with over 103,000 festive lights stretching from Piccadilly through Leicester Square and St. Martin’s Lane, lighting up the theatre district until 7th January 2025.

Alongside the iconic displays, Leicester Square transforms into a Christmas market featuring outdoor bars, food stalls, and traditional crafts, thanks to Heart of London Business Alliances collaboration with Westminster City Council.

4. Christmas at Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station is at the heart of holiday festivities, featuring its Festive Trail until 8th January. Highlights include a giant red bauble installation, the Glide ice rink with a 30ft Christmas tree, and the 40ft Grand Christmas Tree adorned with 1,500 baubles.

Explore the beautifully lit Turbine Halls A and B, home to workshops, food huts, and seasonal markets, making this a day-long festive destination.
You can also catch a stop motion display from the iconic British duo Wallace & Gromit, nightly from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Animation studio Aardman has teamed up with Apple for the short animation shot on eight iPhone 16 Pro Max devices.

5. Fleet Street Quarter - Penguin Parade Sculpture Trail

Discover 12 whimsical penguin sculptures, each uniquely designed by local artists, as part of Fleet Street Quarter’s Penguin Parade. Standing at 1.6 metres tall, the sculptures, supported by eco-friendly plinths, can be found in spots like Chancery Lane and Ludgate Circus until 5th January.

Complementing the parade, Fleet Street features festive lights and hosts workshops, markets, and lectures to embrace the season’s spirit.

6. London’s tallest Christmas tree at Eastern City

Eastern City BID welcomes the season with London’s tallest Christmas tree, a 67-foot spectacle at One Bishopsgate Plaza adorned with 65,000 lights and 800 red and gold baubles.

Part of the Festival of Light winter programme, the district also features stunning light installations by Hive Curates, adding colour and creativity to the Eastern City streets.

7. Gingerbread City by Museum of Architecture

One of our favourite events of the festive calendar is back again this year! The Gingerbread City, put together by the Museum of Architecture, runs until the 29th December at The Gaumont in Chelsea. The museum has challenged top architects and designers to think about how existing buildings and places could be transformed into something new and exciting for their “Recycled City” theme.
This exhibition is not only gingerbread metropolis, offering sweet ginger smells, but allows architects and designers to share how they can help solve some of the world’s most pressing problems through the medium of gingerbread.

8. Winter By The River by London Bridge City

Winter By The River is back, bringing festive cheer to the iconic banks of the River Thames until 5th January. This enchanting riverside escape caters to all ages, offering a maze of bustling market stalls filled with artisanal crafts, one-of-a-kind gifts, seasonal treats, and luxurious bespoke items. Don’t miss the Glasshouse and Little Glasshouse pop-up bars, where you can take in stunning panoramic views while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

For those seeking a more hands-on experience, the event boasts an exciting calendar of workshops, including paint-and-sip sessions, wreath-making, cocktail masterclasses, gingerbread decorating, and Christmas ornament crafting. Or, if you’re in the mood for some entertainment, join their lineup of festive activities, from trivia nights and singalongs to wine-tasting sessions.

9. Fluorescence at Kings Cross

Granary Square’s latest winter installation, Fluorescence, is a bold celebration of colour and light by award-winning artist Liz West. Standing 10.7 metres tall, the neon structure represents the spirit of the season and serves as a vibrant focal point until March 2025.

10. Wicked Christmas Tree at St. Pancras

St Pancras International has unveiled a dazzling 11-metre Wicked-themed Christmas tree in collaboration with Universal Pictures UK. Inspired by the Emerald City, the striking green and gold tree features illuminated towers, immersive booths, and intricate details celebrating the world of Wicked.

A festive landmark that complements St Pancras’s stunning architecture, this tree is a must-see for design and theatre enthusiasts alike.

We wish you merry ramblings as you explore these festive places in our beloved city.

If you enjoyed this article, check out the other articles on our blog on related topics such as placemaking, branding, marketing and storytelling in the Built Environment.