December can be an expensive month, especially in London.
If you’re looking for ways to save cash and enjoy the festive season on a budget, indulge in these free and festive ideas for things to do in London for Christmas 2026. You won’t have to spend a dime — Merry Thriftmas!
See the London 2026 Christmas lights
London’s array of Christmas illuminations are switched on from early November (see the exact switch-on dates), and they’re all free to admire. Wander round Regent Street, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Carnaby and other areas to witness London at its twinkly best.
Seek out Dennis and Gnasher in Fleet Street
Last year it was Snoopy. Before that, penguins and snowmen. This year it’s Beano characters Dennis the Menace and Gnasher. 12 sculptures of the duo are dotted around the Fleet Street area in a free sculpture trail (18 November 2026-15 January 2027), each one designed by a different artist. This collaboration with Wild in Art marks 75 years of the scruffy-haired cartoon character.
The Elf on the Shelf trail
In addition to the Beano art trail (above), a trail of 12 giant Elf on the Shelf sculptures will be on show in central London (16 November-late December 2026), with Elfie swapping the shelf for a series of London landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Westminster Cathedral.
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Experience a Victorian Christmas at St Katharine Docks
Step into the magic of a Victorian Christmas village at St Katharine Docks this season, complete with festive cabins, twinkling lights and carol singers — all just moments from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
For a fantastically festive day out, head to Marble Quay, overlooking the water by the storied Dickens Inn. Wander through a charming Victorian-inspired setting and enjoy traditional decorations, festive lighting and live performances. The costumed carol singers are a particular highlight.
While enjoying the atmosphere of the historic dockside, browse unique gifts, artisan products and seasonal treats — all supporting independent businesses offering something a little different from your usual festive shopping experience.
Victorian Christmas Village is at St Katharine Docks, 7 November 2026-3 January 2027, open 11am-8pm daily. Entry is free.
Wander around London’s Christmas markets
London has numerous Christmas markets and fairs, and many offer free admission — although you will have to part with your pennies if something tempts you, or if you fancy warming up with a mulled wine.
Top of the list is Southbank Centre’s Winter Market (until 3 January 2027), a collection of wooden chalets decked in sparkling lights, next to the river. It’s free to stroll along, soaking up the festive atmosphere, though it gets busy at weekends. While you’re there, check out…
Southbank Centre’s Winter Light
London’s packed with light trails and festivals this time of year, but some are pricey to get into. Not so with Winter Light at Southbank Centre (24 November 2026-31 January 2027), which is free to admire, and consists of a series of outdoor artworks by a dozen artists, colourfully illuminated at night. You could combine it with a visit to the Southbank Centre Winter Market (above).
Admire the Ever After Garden in Duke of York Square
Over 30,000 glowing roses light up London again this winter, as the Ever After Garden (5 November-21 December 2026) returns to Chelsea’s Duke of York Square. It provides somewhere for Londoners to remember absent loved ones in the run-up to Christmas, and there’s the option to dedicate a rose, for a minimum donation of £15 to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
It’s free to visit, but as it’s for charity, do consider donating a couple of quid if you can.
Wander through the Firefly Festive Forest
New for Christmas 2026 is Chelsea’s Firefly Festive Forest (12 November-1 December 2026), a free outdoor art trail of 30+ Christmas tree sculptures wending its way down Sloane Street. Artists including Alison Jackson, Charlotte Colbert and Tom Faulkner each created their own tree, and they’ll all be auctioned off in December to raise money for the Quintessentially Foundation. Until then, they’re free to view. Why not pair this with a visit to the nearby Ever After Garden (above).
Sing your heart out at a carol concert
If you wanted, you could go to a carol concert every evening in December, and still barely scratch the surface. Particularly popular — and free — are carols at All Souls Langham Place, which has three concerts on each of eight days this year (phew!), and Carols by Candlelight at Union Chapel, which is free, though a £10 donation is encouraged if you can afford it.
Free choir performances at Winter by the River
Seasonal festival Winter by the River returns to the area surrounding Hay’s Galleria (10 November 2026-3 January 2027), complete with a free-entry market, pop-up bars and curling. Though there’s a charge for much of the entertainment, you can get your fill of Christmas spirit for free at pop-up choir performances. Gather round the beautifully-decorated Christmas tree inside Hay’s Galleria on selected lunchtimes, afternoons and evenings throughout December and treat your ears to different musical groups performing seasonal tunes.
Watch the Peter Pan Cup on Christmas Day
What’ll you be doing at 9am on Christmas Day? One hardy group of swimmers takes to the frigid waters of the Serpentine in Hyde Park for the Peter Pan Cup, a traditional race dating back to the 1860s under different names. The race itself isn’t open to the general public — so you’re off the hook for a chilly festive dip — but it is free to watch, with spectators gathering at the lake’s edge. Just remember there’s no public transport (except cycle hire) in London on Christmas Day.
