Christmas in London: Things to do and festive events during December 2021, from markets to light shows

From markets to light shows and grottoes, there’s plenty going on in London this Christmas

Shrek’s Adventure Christmas Grotto, South Bank

Table of Contents

Gingy, the Three Blind Mice and Three Little Pigs all make cameo appearances at the Christmas grotto at Shrek’s Adventure. Visitors will take a short wander through a snowy scene, then enter the cabin to meet Father Christmas and receive a candy cane before continuing on their adventure into Far Far Away via Drury Lane, the Muffin Man’s house and more.

Borealis, City of London

Swiss artist Dan Acher has brought the Northern Lights to London again, lighting up the night skies over Guildhall Yard. The immersive light installation projects the shape-shifting borealis into the clouds and night sky, in a location you wouldn’t normally expect to see the natural phenomenon.

Battersea Power Station Winter Village

Festive games and attractions in and around the new riverside development include a vintage Ferris wheel, wreath-making workshops, feed the snowman, Santa’s postbox, a 30ft Christmas tree and giant bauble installation. There will also be craft market stalls and festive films.

ALSO READ

10+ Most Magical Things to do at Christmas in London with Kids 2021

Gingerbread City, Belgravia

It’s a Bake-off extravaganza at the Museum of Architecture, where a for a month, a gingerbread city is on display. Created in plots (urban river edge, forest, flood plain, farming, forgotten places) by architects to showcase their creativity and innovation, its theme is nature and the city: rewilding and creating space for biodiversity and balance. Gingerbread house-making workshops will also take place.

Christmas at St Paul’s Cathedral, City of London

As part of a guided tour of Christopher Wren’s masterpiece on Saturday 4 and 11 December, families can hear the Christmas story from a shepherd or make a ceramic tree decoration.

On 23-4 December, at 4pm, a Christmas carol service will be given by the cathedral choir, which is free and unticketed.

Canopy Christmas Market, King’s Cross

Handmade crafts, street food, craft beer, natural wines and gins fill the stalls beneath the West Handyside canopy in King’s Cross, just behind Granary Square. Each weekend brings a special focus: vegan on 3-5 December, workshops and tastings 10-12 December, and last-minute craft 17-19 December.

Lightopia, Crystal Palace Park

The lantern festival, previously held at Chiswick House, has spread its wings for south London. The illuminated trail is draped around Crystal Palace Park, from its “rusty laptop” waterside concert venue to its iconic dinosaurs, along a 2km route.

There are giant Christmas baubles, rainbow walkways, musical stepping stones, illuminated flowers and a replica Crystal Palace, with a location-specific surprise at the end of the trail. A stunning celebration of light brightening the dark winter nights.

Percy the Park Keeper’s winter trail, National Trust properties

At four National Trust properties across the capital (Morden Hall, Rainham Hall, Ham House, Osterley House, Claremont Landscape Garden), Percy the Park Keeper has created winter trails to help him find his equipment needed to complete his winter tasks.