Staying at London Backpackers Hendon means you can enjoy these festive evenings without breaking the bank. Take the Northern line to Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road and walk across the West End to see multiple light displays in one evening.

After the crowds, returning to the hostel’s quieter location is a welcome relief.

Tips for the best experience:

Go on weekday evenings to avoid the busiest times.
Take a reusable cup of hot chocolate from one of the cafés and stroll the streets.
Head back to Hendon afterwards to relax and warm up.

The post The Guide to London’s Christmas Lights appeared first on London Backpackers.

This year promises new installations alongside returning favourites, creating a festive evening out that appeals to both locals and travellers.

For guests staying at London Backpackers Hendon, it’s the perfect evening trip. After a day exploring central London, you can take the Northern line to Embankment and change to the district line for Kew Gardens station. The journey takes under an hour and is well worth it for the spectacle.

Once back in Hendon, the hostel’s cosy lounge is a great spot to share photos and unwind with a hot drink.

Tips for visiting:

Tickets cost around £27.50–£34 depending on date and time, so book in advance.
Evening slots after 7 pm tend to be quieter.
Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as the trail takes around 90 minutes to complete.

The post Christmas at Kew Gardens – The Ultimate Light Trail appeared first on London Backpackers.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN LONDON

Below, you can find a full list of the brightest and the best light attractions in England’s capital, just a stone’s throw from the comfort of your hostel!

• Carnaby Christmas Lights (From 2 Nov)

• Regent Street Christmas Lights (From 9 Nov)

• St. Christopher’s Place Christmas Lights (From 14 Nov)

• St. James’s Christmas Lights (From 9 Nov)

• Marylebone Village Christmas Lights (From 9 Nov)

• Belgravia Christmas Lights (From 15 Nov)

• Chelsea Christmas Lights (From 18 Nov)

• Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree (From 7 Dec)

• Oxford Street Christmas Lights ( TBC)

• Covent Garden Christmas Lights (From 8 Nov)

• Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights (From 17 Nov)

• Seven Dials’ 2023 Christmas Lights (From 7 Nov)

• Mayfair Christmas Lights (From 16 Nov)

• Kew Gardens Christmas Lights (From Nov 15th)

While exploring Christmas markets and enjoying the festive lights with easy access, staying with London Backpackers hostel in central London, the city offers a plethora of Christmas and winter-themed activities that will make your holiday season truly magical.

THE MARVELLOUS CHRISTMAS MARKETS!

London’s Christmas markets are a delightful and enchanting tradition that fills the city with festive spirit each holiday season. From the twinkling lights and seasonal decorations to the scent of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine, these markets offer a wondrous escape from the city’s bustling streets. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, savouring holiday treats, or simply immersing yourself in the joyous atmosphere, London’s Christmas markets are a must-visit destination during the most wonderful time of the year.

Southbank Centre Winter Market (Dates TBC)

Located along the Thames, this market offers artisanal gifts, seasonal food, and dazzling lights.

Christmas by the River (Dates TBC)

Set against the backdrop of Tower Bridge, this market features unique gifts, delicious food, and stunning views.

Greenwich Christmas Market (Dates TBC)

Greenwich Market transforms into a festive paradise, offering a wide range of holiday goods and tasty treats.

Christmas at Leicester Square (Dates TBC)

Leicester Square turns into a festive hub with a Christmas market, Santa’s grotto, and entertainment for all ages.

Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays (From Dec 6th)

Columbia Road’s famous flower market adds a touch of Christmas cheer with late-night shopping and live music.

ICE SKATING

Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity, and London boasts some of the most iconic ice rinks in the world:

Somerset House Ice Rink (Dates TBC):

Skating in the stunning courtyard of Somerset House, with its grand neo classical facade, is an unforgettable experience.

Natural History Museum Ice Rink (From Nov 16th):

Glide under the shadow of the magnificent Waterhouse building, home to the Natural History Museum.

Tower of London Ice Rink (Dates TBC):

Skating within the historic walls of the Tower of London offers a unique and atmospheric experience.

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink (Dates TBC):

Visit this royal palace and skate in the grand surroundings of the Tudor courtyard.

Winter Wonderland Attractions (From Nov 18th):

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is not just a market; it’s a winter extravaganza with an array of thrilling attractions:-

Magical Ice Kingdom:

Walk through a mesmerising ice and snow sculpture exhibition.

Big Wheel:

Enjoy breathtaking views of Winter Wonderland from the giant observation wheel.

Circus Shows:

Be entertained by circus performers showcasing their incredible skills.

Zippos Christmas Circus:

A family-friendly circus show that’s perfect for the little ones

20 festive things to do in London

Experience the world of fame at one of London’s most popular attractions!

Visit Leicester Square’s Glittering Christmas Market

Booking a stay at London Backpackers in north London for your Christmas in London is the key to unlocking a truly immersive and budget-friendly festive experience. Our strategically located hostels offer easy access to the city’s enchanting Christmas markets, lights displays, and winter activities. With a warm and festive atmosphere, you’ll feel the holiday spirit as soon as you step inside! Whether you’re a solo traveller or part of a group, you’ll have the chance to make new friends and create lasting memories with like-minded individuals during our holiday events and celebrations. Our staff, often locals, are eager to share their insider tips and recommendations for the best Christmas events and dining options in the city. Plus, our flexible stays, safety, and comfort ensure a worry-free holiday experience. Make the most of your Christmas in London with London Backpackers and embrace the holiday spirit like a local!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in London: Markets, Lights and Everything Nice! appeared first on London Backpackers.

Today, you can expect pop-up stalls selling everything from delicious hot dogs and boozy hot drinks to stocking fillers and baubles. As the UK’s capital, London is home to some incredible markets too — whether you’re looking for a traditional set-up or something a little different. Here, we explore some of the most popular London Xmas markets.

Christmas Markets London

Friends, families, and couples flock to festive markets in London every year and whatever your style or budget, you’re sure to find one to suit.

Leicester Square Christmas Market

From 9th November to 8th January, Leicester Square will be transformed. Expect stalls with seasonal treats as well as a Spiegeltent showcasing winter performances including La Clique. The market itself is free to enter but some activities may have additional fees.

Kingston Christmas Market

Taking place from 18th November to Christmas Eve, Kingston Christmas Market offers European-style stalls, bars, food, and entertainment as well as curling activities. Carol singers, a carousel and live music mean it’s the perfect place to get into the festive spirit and the market itself is free. You can find the entrance on the high street of Kingston-Upon-Thames.

Winter Wonderland

One of London’s largest Christmas markets and situated in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland runs from 18th November to 2nd January. It’s open from 10am to 10pm every day. If you want to visit during peak hours, London Christmas market tickets cost up to £7.50 but are free during off-peak times.

Christmas By the River at London Bridge

Running from 15th November until 2nd January, Christmas by the River boasts a selection of stalls, bars, and festive activities along the banks of the river at London Bridge, which are free to enjoy at your leisure. You can expect outdoor festive films too, which are also completely free. Dubbed one of the prettiest Christmas markets in London, we can’t help but agree.

Selfridges Christmas Market

In its second year, the Selfridges Christmas Market can be found on the Edward Mews from 5th November to 23rd December. With stalls selling everything from sustainably grown Christmas trees to must-have gifts, there’s also plenty of food and drink stalls. Booking isn’t required and you’re free to wander around and explore at your own pace.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Market

Home to one of London’s biggest Christmas trees, Trafalgar Square will also be setting up its first winter market in London. Located in front of the National Gallery, there’ll be around 30 stalls as well as an outdoor dining area. It’s completely free and will be open from November to January.

Southbank Centre’s Winter Market

Situated along Queen’s Walk by the Thames, the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market offers Christmas stalls in London, activities for all ages — and it’s completely free. With traditional Bavarian hot dogs as well as vegan delicacies and hot drinks as well as alpine-style chalets selling gifts, it’s the perfect place to unwind. It’s open from 4th November to 21st December.

Remember, when you’re not busy exploring the Christmas markets in London, you’ll need somewhere to rest your head. Book a accommodation in North London with London Backpackers youth hostel for an unforgettable stay in the UK’s capital during your festive stay.

The post The Best and Most Instagram-Worthy Christmas Markets in London appeared first on London Backpackers.

The DIY Christmas Art Market

When: Sunday December 5th
Where: Truman’s Social Club, 1 Priestley Way E17 6AL
Price: £1 for entry to the market
If you’re looking for unique gifts to give to family and friends then look no further than the DIY Christmas Art Market. The market features more than 100 independent artists setting up stalls selling goods which range from prints and screen-prints to ceramics, tote bags, t-shirts and comics. You can pick up some genuinely different gifts at the same time as supporting local artists and enjoying a mince pie and a warming mulled wine.

Christmas Carols at St Paul’s Cathedral

When: on dates throughout December – see https://www.stpauls.co.uk/christmas-2021
Where: St Paul’s Churchyard, EC4M 8AD
Price: Free of charge and no tickets required
There are few places in London which capture the feel of a traditional Christmas better than the magnificent interior of St Paul’s Cathedral. As if the building itself – complete with Christmas trees – was not enough to create a feeling of wonder, throughout December it is the venue for a series of carol concerts, up to and including Christmas Eve. Events range from classical works such as Messiaen’s ‘La Nativité du Seigneur’ to the family-friendly tradition of Lessons and Carols.

Southbank Centre Winter Market

When: Every day through December up to Christmas Eve
Where: The South Bank, SE1 9PP
Price: Free entry
As well as being a religious festival, a celebration of links with friends and family and a chance to treat your favourite people to some gifts, Christmas is a time of the year which is dominated by delicious food and drink. The Southbank Centre Winter Market is a celebration of this, featuring food stands and pop-up bars gathered along the banks of the Thames. No matter what gets your juices flowing you’ll find it being served deliciously here, from mince pies and pancakes to burgers, toasters and bratwurst, plus loads more. If the weather is too chilly, rest assured there are heated, covered snowglobes and added attractions like a Christmas-themed indoor mini golf course.

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

When: Every day until 16th January (excepting Christmas Day), from 11am to 10pm
Where: The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD
Price: Adults from £12.65, children from £8.80
Every year for the past 16 years the iconic Natural History Museum has been the location for a stunning outdoor ice rink, but this year is the last year that the rink will be located there. If you want to find out what it’s like to skate in the great outdoors with the smell of mulled wine in the air then this is your last chance to find out. Tickets will be in high demand, however, so it’s best to book your session online if you want to avoid having a long wait for an empty slot to come up.

Winter Wonderland

When: Throughout December and on to January 3rd
Where: Hyde Park, W2 2UH
Price: Off-peak tickets are free but standard tickets cost £5 and peak tickets – for most weekend times in December – cost £7.50
One of the biggest and most popular Christmas events in London, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland had to be cancelled last year but now it’s back and bigger than ever. Packed with food and drink stalls, rides, shows and games, it offers hours of entertainment and fun. Major attractions include the Giant Wheel, a real ice slide and an 85 metre drop tower. If that all sounds a bit too scary then rest assured you could spend your visit enjoying delicious street food or taking in live music and DJ sets. Entry has to be booked online with arrival limited to a specific time slot, although once you’re inside you can stay for as long as you like.

Sir John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration

When: December 4, 2025 | 3 PM to 7:30 PM GMT
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
The Sir John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration is a hugely popular and highly anticipated annual concert that serves as a spectacular, grand, and heartwarming start to the Christmas season in London. It is a major fixture in the UK’s festive calendar.

Carols at the Royal Albert Hall

When: December 14 to December 24, 2025 | 11 AM, 3 PM, 7:30 PM GMT
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP 
Carols at the Royal Albert Hall is a traditional, world-class Christmas concert series. It is renowned for transforming the magnificent venue into the ultimate festive destination, offering multiple performances over several days in mid to late December.

Trevor Nelson’s Soul Christmas

When: December 11, 2025 | 7 PM GMT
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
Trevor Nelson’s Soul Christmas is an annual, high-energy concert held at the Royal Albert Hall. DJ Trevor Nelson hosts a party where classic Soul and R&B hits are performed live by special guest singers backed by a full symphony orchestra. It’s a popular, sophisticated Christmas dance party

Hogwarts in the Snow 

When: November 15, 2025 to January 18, 2026 
Where: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR.
Hogwarts in the Snow is the hugely popular annual winter event held at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden (near London). For several weeks over the Christmas and New Year period, the famous studio tour is completely transformed into a magical, festive winter wonderland using authentic film-making techniques.

The post All You Need to Know About Events In London This Christmas appeared first on London Backpackers.

Food, drink and chorus of Auld Lang’s Syne is the traditional London way of greeting a new year, but in case you’re after something a bit different, you can be rest assured there’s plenty going on in London at this time of year:

Peaky Blinder’s New Year

Peaky Blinders is so much more than just a TV show. It’s a cultural phenomenon that’s inspired fashion, haircuts and even men’s grooming products, and now there’s a special New Year’s Eve celebration for fans of the show to enjoy. For one night only the Ship pub in Wandsworth will be transformed into the Garrison from the programme, with delicious food and drink along with non-stop dancing. Fancy dress is advised so throw on your best 1920’s style flat cap and overcoat and party like a long-lost Shelby sibling.

The Bowl Drop

One of the complaints sometimes made about New Year’s Eve parties is that – besides food, drink and dancing – there isn’t actually that much to do while you wait for the chimes of Big ben to strike up at midnight. The Bowl drop, held at the Kingpin Suite in Central London bucks this trend by offering guests the chance to party the night away by partaking in bowling lanes, karaoke, table tennis, foosball and arcade games. Throw into the hot tunes from a trio of resident DJ’s and you’ve got everything needed to be happy until 2020 comes over the horizon.

The Flatmates House Party

Pop along to the Little Blue Door in Fulham for a great night out that feels like a fantastic night in. Confused? There’s really no need. This is a traditional house party thrown in one of the trendiest and most sought-after flats in London. Starting with a four-course dinner and going on to throw a pumping, DJ-led dance party, this is your chance to enjoy the best house party you’ve ever thrown without having to worry about tidying up in the morning.

Burger Bingo

Love burger? Like bingo? Then get yourself down to the Founders Arms in Waterloo to enjoy a high-octane combination of the two. The New Year party thrown here includes prizes, bingo, meat or vegan burgers and live music with the chance to sing-along.

Physic Supper

As one year turns to another it’s inevitable that you’ll start to wonder exactly what the future holds. Well The Mug House in London Bridge hosts a psychic supper where you just might get the chance to find out. The high-class party includes a three-course meal with carefully chosen wine accompaniment, but before that you’ll be given the chance to enjoy a private reading with none other than Psyching Penelope. The meal will be over by 10pm, so you’ve got plenty of time to pop outside and find the best spot from which you can enjoy the famous London New Year’s Eve fireworks.

The post New Year’s Eve Celebration in London appeared first on London Backpackers.

Top Cheap Things To Do in London on New Year’s Eve

The London New Year’s Eve fireworks are famed around the world. This year’s display, based on the banks of the Thames, will feature more than 12,000 fireworks. Although tickets for the display tend to sell out fast, the fireworks themselves are so spectacular that they can be enjoyed from virtually any part of central London, particularly if you’re enjoying New Year’s Eve drinks at one of the many rooftop bars. As a special London treat, the chimes of Big Ben, which have been silent during renovation work, will be allowed to ring to mark the turn of the year.

Every year, during the Christmas period, the iconic Shard building puts on a free Christmas light show. The top 20 storeys of the tower are transformed into a colourful spectacle that lights up the skyline, between 4pm and 1am. On New Year’s Eve, this is accompanied with an extra special light show, and the good news is that it’s all completely free of charge and easy to enjoy from miles around.

For an alternative view of the fireworks and a unique way to welcome the New Year, take an evening cruise along the Thames, and relax as you take in the stunning sight of the whole city lit up like a Christmas tree. There are various types of cruise to choose from, including those which offer live entertainment, and boats serving food and drink as you party on the water. For a high adrenaline alternative, why not take a high-speed powerboat ride along the Thames, with the promise that you’ll have cruised back to the South Bank in time to take in the fireworks.

There are numerous rinks open across the city of London through the Christmas and New Year period, offering the chance to get on the ice whether you’re a seasoned skater or an absolute beginner. The rink at Somerset House, however, goes all out on New Year’s Eve to provide an alternative partying venue with just the right amount of frozen winter chill. Tickets can be purchased just to watch, or to get on the ice yourself, and highlights include dance routines, party music and even a fantastic view of the fireworks from the River Terrace.

There are club nights and events all over London on New Year’s Eve, and many of them are extremely expensive. The good news, if you’re visiting on a budget, is that there are some night clubs which come in at less than £20, while still offering an unforgettable New Year’s partying experience. These include:

• The Goblin Ball at the People’s Park Tavern
  A night of partying based on the theme of the David Bowie film Labyrinth.
• Rock The Belles X Hiphop Hype X New Year’s Eve at Junction House
  An array of superstar DJ’s spinning hip hop, dance music and Afrobeat to have you partying all the way into 2019.
• Ladybird Sci-Fi New Year’s Blast
  Head to the Ladybird bar in North London for a heady mix of cocktails, neon and confetti.
• CarNYEval
  The New Year’s Eve celebrations at Trapeze don’t begin and end with the usual drinking and dancing. As you see the New Year in, you’ll also be able to enjoy circus style performances from the likes of fire-eaters, contortionists and sword swallowers.

Although New Year’s Eve is the focus of many people’s celebrations, the fun doesn’t stop there. If you’ve booked yourself an affordable room in a London Backpacker’s youth hostel, you can spare the time and money to stay around and enjoy the famous London New Year’s Day Parade. It takes place through the West end of London and involves more than 10,000 performers such as dancers, acrobats and marching bands. The parade also includes giant inflatables of London icons like black cabs and red phone boxes, as well as classic cars and brass bands.

The post Affordable Ways to Welcome 2026 New Year in London appeared first on London Backpackers.

Events

In the weeks leading up to Christmas you can gather under the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square to join more than 40 choirs who’ll be singing a selection of Christmas carols old and new. Not only will you get to join in with classics like ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ but you’ll also be helping to raise funds for some very good causes, and it’s all free of charge.

Pop along to the South Bank for ‘Circus 1903’, a contemporary re-imagining of a traditional turn of the century circus. Marvel at the skills of the jugglers, trapeze artists and high wire performers and enjoy animatronic ‘elephants’ created by the team behind the award winning stage play ‘War Horse’.

For an after dark treat go along to ZSL London Zoo in Regent’s Park. A mile long trail has been created which is illuminated by more than 100,000 twinkling lights of every colour and comes complete with Christmas surprise around each corner. You can look out for a glimpse of Santa and his elves, spot giant baubles, shimmering stars and snowflakes, listen to a singing tree and marvel at an 11 metre tall Christmas tree made up of more than 365 sledges.

Markets

The Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival boasts an atmospheric and picturesque location on the banks of the Thames. Visitors can choose between marveling at a traditional circus, enjoying the food and drinks on offer from all around the world or picking up a few gifts at the artisan market stalls.

Greenwich Market is home to more than 150 stalls, selling everything from original works of art and designer fashions to pocket money stocking fillers and hand crafted souvenirs. After exploring the market itself you could take a stroll around Greenwich, taking in the Christmas lights and treating yourself to a snack from one of the many food stalls you’ll find lining the streets.

More than just a market, Clapham Common is home to an entire alternative Christmas Festival known as Winterville. As well as a craft fair and an indoor market packed with local designers selling unique hand-made gifts, you’ll be able to enjoy a maze, a forest cinema, a roller disco and crazy golf.

Shopping

Fortnum and Mason is one of the most beautiful department stores in London, famed for its food and drink more than anything else. If you really want to push the boat out you could treat yourself to a Fortnum and Masons Christmas Hamper, packed with goodies like specialist teas, champagne truffles and fine red and white wines.

Nobody loves Christmas more than children, or even grown-ups who want to act like children, and the good news is that London is home to some of the greatest toy shops in the world. These include the iconic Hamleys, big names like the Harry Potter and Lego stores, and traditional outlets such as Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, which stocks a dazzling range of traditional toys and paper theatres.

Pubs and Restaurants

Christmas is a time for indulging yourself, so why not sip a glass or two of something delicious on one of London’s luxury cocktail bars? The American Bar at the Savoy is regarded by many connoisseurs as being the best cocktail bar in the world. The Sky Lounge at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel allows you to take in stunning views of the London skyline while you sip your drink, and Purl offers cosy traditional alcoves in which to relax.

As the cold bites and the snow (hopefully) falls, you can keep warm by enjoying a drink or two in a cosy, traditional London pub. The Holly Bush in Hampstead has wooden floors, open log fires and an exterior that looks like something off a Christmas card. The Nags Head in Knightsbridge keeps things ultra-traditional by having a ‘no mobile phones’ rule and Ye Olde Mitre, tucked away among the back streets of Holborn, is more than 500 years old and was once frequented by Queen Elizabeth 1^st.

If staying at one of our cheap central London hostels enables you to save plenty of money, you could treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at one of London’s many Michelin starred restaurants. These include Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, The Dining Room at the Goring and The Glasshouse.

Things to Do

Every Christmas, Hyde Parkis home to the Winter Wonderland. This is a huge event packed with attractions for all ages. Highlights include a selection of amazing roller coasters, a Christmas Market, Ice Sculpting Workshops a Winter Wonderland Comedy Club and Christmas food and drink.

There are numerous ice skating rinks across London over the Christmas period. Amongst the most spectacular are the rink in front of the Natural History Museum and one located in the courtyard at Somerset House. At the latter, you can also enjoy shopping at Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade and skate under the stars at a Skate Late club night.

There are almost too many spectacular Christmas lights in London to take in, so why not enjoy the magic of them all in one go with a Christmas Eve open top bus tour? Lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes, the tour takes in all of the festive decorations and lights as well as iconic attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye.

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