Members get more
BOOK NOW
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
There’s nowhere quite like London in winter. Streets shimmer with lights, lively markets pop up overnight, and every corner offers a reminder that the city comes alive when the temperature drops. At the Thistle London Piccadilly, guests find themselves in the beating heart of it all—steps from the city’s most talked-about winter experiences and festive events. Whether you’re wrapping up for evenings out, business meetings by day, or simply want to embrace the best of winter in London, here’s our essential guide: the eight best winter activities in London, as recommended by sources who know and love this city.
London winter wouldn’t feel complete without a visit to Winter Wonderland, the city’s biggest festive event by far. Set inside bustling Hyde Park, just a stroll from the Thistle Piccadilly Hotel, this sprawling wonderland really does live up to its name (but never its snow report).
Why You’ll Love It
Best tip: Book your entry and ice-skating slots ahead, especially at weekends or near Christmas. It gets lively!
You’ll find all the nitty-gritty and timings on the official event website.
If you want to see where this spectacular event ranks in the London festive calendar, we recommend this seasonal round-up for more ideas: see vibrant highlights at Adventures of Alice.
Every winter, Kew Gardens transforms into a glowing landscape that feels half-forest, half-art gallery. Christmas at Kew is famous across the country for its beautifully lit trails, imaginative light displays, and sweet scent of roasting chestnuts. If you haven’t ticked this off your London winter list, make it the year!
Why You’ll Love It
Practicalities: Tickets for Christmas at Kew are released in autumn and sell fast. Choose a dusk or evening slot for the most dramatic effect. Try to go midweek if you can for easier crowd navigation.
Full event details, parking info, and accessibility news always live here: Kew Gardens.
Don’t just take our word for it – you’ll see this recommended by Visit London, the city’s official guide. Browse their festive event listings at Visit London.
Ice-skating in London is about a lot more than gentle circuits; some rinks feel genuinely magical, none more so than the one at Somerset House. Nestled within a neoclassical courtyard, it’s pure winter romance for both leisure and business travellers—especially after the sun goes down.
Why You’ll Love It
Tickets are best booked online ahead, especially for prime evening and weekend slots. Check session times and skating tips direct: Somerset House.
If you’re hunting for seasonal must-dos, the experts at Jou Jou Travels have more skating ideas: Click through their December picks at Jou Jou Travels.
Take your winter in London up a level by skating beneath the city skyline itself. The Skylight Rooftop Ice Rink in Wapping is London’s only rooftop rink—a favourite for locals, after-work groups, and anyone who loves a new view of Tower Bridge.
Why You’ll Love It
The rink is particularly atmospheric at dusk and after dark. If you fancy trying it on a weekday night, you’ll skip most queues. See what’s on or book your session directly via: Skylight Bars.
This venue is widely praised by lifestyle and travel sources; for more rave reviews and alternatives, have a glance at this insider round-up from the travel pros behind Jou Jou Travels at Jou Jou Travels.
Step into Victorian London (without actually leaving modern comfort) at The Lost Estate’s immersive Dickensian banquet in West Kensington. This is no ordinary meal; it’s dinner, theatre, music, and festive storytelling rolled into one atmospheric night out.
Why You’ll Love It
Best for those keen on something different—a dose of nostalgia and a feast in one go. Costumes not required, but a sense of fun is highly encouraged.
Secure seats (these nights sell out fast) and discover more about the show’s changing themes and menu at: The Lost Estate.
Jou Jou Travels rates this theatrical feast as their number one immersive holiday experience; see their December favourites at Jou Jou Travels.
For a cosier winter adventure, swap the Tube for a stroll and discover London through the eyes (and paws) of one of its most beloved fictional residents: Paddington Bear. This expertly guided walking tour brings Michael Bond’s stories to life, exploring key film locations, hidden arcades, and quirky corners near central London.
Why You’ll Love It
Dress warmly, bring a scarf, and follow your guide for a literary winter’s day out. Tours start from about two hours, so it’s an easy morning or afternoon plan.
You can book tours, review the full route, and see current timetables via: Brit Movie Tours.
This tour is consistently recommended in season-by-season London guides; for the official holidays calendar, see what’s on now at Visit London.
Nothing warms up the London winter quite like a good wander through Borough Market, where the smells of sizzling roast, sweet pastries, and spiced cider practically pull you from stall to stall. A guided food tour helps you find the best bites (and avoids ‘what’s that?’ confusion).
Why You’ll Love It
Great for solo travellers, small groups, and anyone who travels by their taste buds. Tours range from tastings-only to full meals.
Upcoming times, guides, and dietary info are kept right here: Borough Market.
Not sure where to start? Browse hand-picked food and activity recommendations from the experts at Visit London.
When it comes to festive events that feel truly London, few things top seeing The Nutcracker. Held annually across the city’s finest stages, this is the classic Christmas outing—timeless dancing, sparkling sets, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved music filling every corner of the auditorium.
Why You’ll Love It
Booking tip: December tickets can go quickly, so look out for Saturday matinees if evenings are full. Dress codes are relaxed but festive attire is always welcome.
Schedules, ticket releases, and accessibility details are always up to date at: Royal Opera House.
You’ll also find seasonal ballet listings and reviews at Visit London’s Christmas highlights page—find it through their event round-up at Visit London.
Technically just outside the city, but absolutely worth the short train ride, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour gets fully ‘decked out’ for Hogwarts in the Snow each winter. For Harry Potter fans and anyone craving movie magic with their Christmas, this is the ultimate day out.
Why You’ll Love It
Book tickets well in advance—this is a family favourite and one of the most popular Christmas events anywhere near London.
Check travel advice and opening hours here: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
You’ll find this outing on every Top Ten festive list; for a comparison of London’s leading winter nights out, consult this authoritative round-up at Visit London.
Winter in London wouldn’t be the same without the city’s legendary holiday lights. Each November and December, the West End’s famous thoroughfares erupt in a riot of colour, sparkle, and crowds peering skywards. Of all the streets you could wander, Regent Street and Carnaby Street are unmissable.
Why You’ll Love It
No ticket required—breathe it all in for free, any evening. Bundle up warm, grab a friend, and bask in the glow.
If you’ve ever wondered why Londoners wait for the switch-on, you can see past displays and route tips in this handy round-up on Adventures of Alice.
A London winter is made for wandering – and the best hotels place you in the heart of it all. The Thistle London Piccadilly stands tall as the hotel at Piccadilly Circus—close to the lights, the shops, the mulled-wine stalls, and the city’s cosiest winter corners.
Here’s what makes this your ideal base for exploring winter in London:
Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, your schedule stays flexible when you sleep (and warm up) so central. As Thistle Hotel London UK regulars agree, the charm of London winter is yours morning to night, right outside the door.
To see current rooms, deals, and winter packages, visit Thistle London Piccadilly.
Stick to the Tube, especially the Piccadilly and Central lines, which deliver you to key festive events. For ice rinks or venues near Hyde Park, Bond Street and Green Park are your best bets. Buses run late during the festive season, but check for any schedule changes on bank holidays.
Many festive events (Winter Wonderland, Kew’s light trail, major theatre shows) release tickets as early as September or October. Check official sites and set a calendar reminder—some dates, especially prime Fridays and weekends, sell out by November.
Absolutely. Winter events cluster in the West End and central London, convenient from Thistle Piccadilly Hotel. By day, try a morning skate or food tour; by night, walk to the lights or catch a theatre show—all within a few Tube stops, sometimes none at all.
Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Covent Garden all keep their shops open later through December, with gift stalls and seasonal pop-ups offering everything from British chocolates to hand-knitted hats.
Dress in layers—a warm base, jumper, and waterproof jacket are ideal. Most markets and rinks have covered areas and plenty of places for hot drinks. Central London is usually less windy than riverside spots, so city strolls are pleasant with sturdy shoes and a good scarf.
If you’re planning a visit, consult the city’s trusted seasonal events news from the official site: For travel and updates, tap into Visit London.
