Christmas is a magical time of year to be visiting London. There are spectacular decorations everywhere and people are generally in a festive mood. Here are some of our favourite seasonal experiences which are all great reasons to visit London during the Christmas holidays.

Every now and again you come across a truly extraordinary figure who was intimately connected with seismic change in the world. Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the U.S.A., comes into this category. A visit to 36 Craven Street, off the Strand in Westminster, Franklin’s only surviving house on either side of the Atlantic, reveals much about him, and the part that he played not only in the build-up to the American Revolution, but also in an era of major scientific breakthroughs and discoveries.

Discover gifts with a personal touch at London’s Christmas markets, from riverside South Bank stalls to neighbourhood craft fairs and specialist vintage markets. Whether you’re shopping for handmade ceramics, original artwork, festive decorations, or unusual stocking fillers, these seasonal events offer plenty of inspiration—and a chance to support independent makers and traders. Take a break for mulled wine and festive food, enjoy the Christmas lights, and turn your gift shopping into a day out. Our guide to Christmas markets in London for 2026 brings together popular destinations and smaller shopping events across the capital, with updates as more details are announced.