Cool Winter Events in London UK

Whether it be on holiday, business or a fancy theatre trip, choosing what to do during your stay in London can be a challenge. During the winter, London comes alive with a whole host of festivals and events to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. These range from the traditional to the quirky, from the old to the very new, and offer something for everyone. Though it is an expensive city, in addition to the cheap hotels in London, there are also plenty of events that can be enjoyed for very little money – or absolutely free!

Winter Wonderland

The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland festival (above) is perhaps the highlight of the winter events in London. Every year Londoners and visitors from all over the world enjoy an exciting, festive experience in one of the capital’s most beautiful parks. The event boasts London’s largest outdoor ice rink, giving visitors the chance to go ice skating late into the night under the festival’s lights. There are also a number of Christmas markets that arrive for the festival, bringing with them amazing food, drink, crafts and gifts that are bound to give you some Christmas inspiration. The German Christmas Market is particularly popular, offering traditional mulled wine, gingerbread, Bavarian beer, roasted nuts, crepes and bratwurst, as well as quirky and traditional gifts such as tin and wooden toys and hand-made jewelry.

Covent Garden Christmas Deluxe

Every year, the piazza in Covent Garden hosts its ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ food market, a special market which invites visitors to come and enjoy an amazing Christmas experience in the heart of the capital. The entire market is specially designed by famous film set designers, who transform the market square into a spectacular winter wonderland, complete with ice and snow. Visitors can buy luxury festive food, have their presents beautifully wrapped by a bespoke wrapping service, and see incredible live theatre and performances, including aerialist performers, theatre troupes and pantomimes. For any foodies, this festival is the perfect place to purchase everything from figgy pudding and roast chestnuts to smoked fish and the finest English cheeses, all in an incredible festive setting.

Taste of Christmas London

This is the ultimate event for anyone who appreciates winter for the delicious and warming food it brings with it. The Taste of Christmas London event brings together Michelin-starred and world-class chefs from around the globe under one roof for incredible festive cuisine. There are plenty of delicious things to try and to buy, plus demonstrations from chefs and lots of ideas for Christmas gifts. Wine tastings will give visitors an opportunity to sample wares from a wide range of producers. Cook offs; special guests and double act cooking specials including chefs such as Jamie Oliver will provide plenty of entertainment. The very best of London’s cafes and restaurants will be represented, offering the opportunity to sample some of their finest dishes without walking all over the city. There are also plenty of non-food gifts, including hand-made jewellery, handbags and more.

Russian Winter Festival

Arriving in January, the Russian Winter Festival is a relatively new addition to the winter festival celebrations in the capital. It takes place every year in Trafalgar Square, and brings a taste of authentic Russian culture to London. As it falls near to the Russian Old New Year’s Day, there are traditional celebrations ranging from sabre twirling to military displays, plus Russian folk music, modern Russian pop, contemporary ballet. Stalls selling Russian food and drink will offer visitors the opportunity to get a taste of Russia, as well as beautiful souvenirs and crafts from the country.

Chocolate Festival at the Southbank Centre

Every year the Southbank is host to one of London’s most delicious festivals, celebrating all the wonderful confectionaries made from the humble cocoa bean. The festival is free to visitors and boasts an astounding array of chocolate products and sweet experiences. There are chocolate making workshops, special themed master-classes, and master chocolatiers from all over the world demonstrating their talents. The festival also offers inspiration for using chocolate as an ingredient in a wide range of dishes, and there are stalls selling hot chocolate, chocolate churros, chocolate cocktail drinks, a chocolate fountain and chocolate snacks.

Gareth

My name is Gareth Leonard, a Marketing Director turned World Traveler with a passion for slow, meaningful travel. I have been traveling the world full-time for the past 9+ years and document it all on Instagram and YouTube. Come join me!