What to book in advance for Christmas in London (2026)

Christmas in London: let’s talk logistics. Not everything needs booking months ahead. But some Christmas experiences sell out fast, some only have a few good slots, and some you can simply turn up to and enjoy. Christmas at Kew, for example, has timed entry and limited capacity. The Christmas lights, the festive window displays and most markets (especially the indie ones) don’t need booking at all. This guide is updated for Christmas 2026. It covers what’s worth booking now, how early you need to think about it, what happens if you leave it late, and what you can happily leave until you’re here. If you’re still deciding what to do in the first place, start with my best Christmas experiences in London. The short version: what to book first Wherever you are in your planning, here’s what I’d prioritise: Book now, if it matters to you: Christmas at Kew, Dennis Severs’ House, Hogwarts in the Snow, your Christmas Day meal or cruise, prime-time skating at Somerset House, and any particular…