London Bridge Hotel

Christmas in London Bridge

Posted on 09/11/2025 by London Bridge Hotel

The air is crisp, the streets are bustling, and the spirit of Christmas 2026 fills every nook and cranny of London Bridge. As the city gears up for the most wonderful time of the year, there’s no better place to soak in the festive cheer than this historic and vibrant area of the capital. From enchanting markets to mesmerising lights, and delightful shopping experiences to mouth-watering eats, London Bridge and the surrounding areas are a treasure trove of festive delights.

If you are looking for Christmassy ideas to do in London Bridge and the surrounding areas, read on, and we’re sure ‘yule‘ get plenty of inspiration for a ‘tree-mendous’ Christmas in London Bridge day out!

London Bridge Christmas Lights

Nothing says Christmas is coming like the turning on of the yearly Christmas lights. There are lots of wonderful Christmas light switch-on displays across the city. Here are a couple around the London Bridge area. If you miss the turn-on, it’s okay—you can still enjoy them throughout the festive season!

The Shard Christmas lights

It’s not your traditional Christmas light affair, but it’s still something to see! In early December, the top of The Shard lights up with some Christmassy colours. Why not head up there to enjoy the colours up close while admiring the views across the capital?

South Bank Christmas lights

Southbank Centre has lots of fantastic Christmas events going on (more on that later). But taking a walk along the South Bank when all the Christmas lights are lit up is an absolute must if you want to get in the Christmas spirit!

London Eye Christmas lights

Every year the London Eye and surrounding areas get a Christmas makeover with some festive lights. The London Eye is right next door to the South Bank, so after you enjoy the light switch on, you can take a walk through the South Bank Christmas market.

London Bridge Christmas Markets

If you are looking for a Christmas market to get into the festive spirit, London is the place to be. You’ll find Christmas markets all over the capital, but if you are looking for Christmas Markets near London Bridge, there’s plenty to choose from.

Winter by the River at London Bridge City

The closest Christmas market to London Bridge is Winter by the River, one of London’s most popular Christmas markets. Previously called ‘Christmas by the River’, this market is set along the riverbank, you’ll find winter cabins selling Christmas crafts, gifts, snacks, delicious food stalls and pop-up bars.

It’s a wonderful market to soak up the Christmas atmosphere whilst admiring the views of Tower Bridge and the Thames.

Christmas at Borough Market

Borough Market is one of London’s most popular destinations and it is a must-visit during the Christmas season. You’ll find all your favourite vendors offering street food, and crafts plus there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from if you want to get in from the cold and have a bite to eat or a warm mulled wine!

Southbank Centre Winter Market

If you are looking for the whole Christmas package all wrapped up in one place, then a visit to the Southbank Centre is a must. Take a Christmassy stroll along The Thames from London Bridge, west and you’ll reach the Southbank Centre in no time – well, in about 30 minutes!

The winter market along the South Bank has wonderful places to eat and shop, all in cute Christmas market-style huts. You can get your hands on some delicious Christmas street food, crafty gifts, sweet treats and some hot drinks to warm your cockles.

Christmas Shopping in London

It’s not just the various Christmas markets where you can do some festive shopping. London is a shoppers’ paradise and this is no different at Christmas!

Here are some of the best places to visit if you want to do some Christmas shopping.

Fortum and Mason

If you’re looking for a Christmas shopping experience like no other, then a trip to Fortum and Mason is a must. The store’s six floors are decked out with festive decorations and the festive window displays are something to check out.

You’ll find a range of luxury goods, including their famous hampers, and there is a floor filled with hand-made festive treats if you just want to leave with something small!

Oxford Street

Oxford Street has everything you need for your Christmas shopping, including shops, restaurants, and cafés. If you only have time for one area for your Christmas shopping, Oxford Street is the place to visit. As you can expect, it is a very popular destination for shoppers, so be prepared for the crowds!

Carnaby Street

Tucked away near Oxford Street is Carnaby Street; home to a wide range of designer brands. It’s the perfect spot if you are looking for a perfect Christmas clothing treat for someone special. There are also plenty of bars and amazing restaurants where you can recharge for your shopping trip.

Liberty London

Liberty London is located in an old Tudor building, so is a must-visit for those interested in history. It’s home to a host of fashion brands but is a particular delight at Christmas. The whole store is decorated to the nines in festive decorations and there is a special Christmas shop on the 4th floor where you’ll find unique Christmas-themed gifts.

Ice Skating near London Bridge

Wrap up warm and get your skates on for a fun and festive activity. There are a few popular places to choose from to practise your ice-skating skills, here are a couple of notable places to try.

Somerset House

The closest ice-skating to London Bridge is Somerset House. This is one of the most popular places for ice skating in the capital. The courtyard gets a Christmas makeover, so it’s a wonderful place to visit if you want to feel Christmassy.

It’s not just ice skating you’ll find at Somerset House, there will be music, delicious food and tasty drinks to enjoy as well. There is also a skate school for the young ones or ice-skating newbies!

Winter Wonderland

If you do fancy going further afield, the ice skating at Winter Wonderland is a place you should try. The ice rink is built around a Victorian bandstand and is adorned with twinkle lights to give the area an authentic Christmas feel.

It’s not just ice skating you can do at Winter Wonderland, there are attractions, shows, food and drink stalls and more to keep you busy!

See a Christmas show

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without seeing a show! There are plenty of shows in London to see, but if you are looking for something close to London Bridge, then The Globe Theatre is a great place to visit. This festive season, you can immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Hansel and Gretel and enjoy The Globe in the winter!

Tower of London at Christmas

Just over the Thames from London Bridge is the Tower of London, a must-see tourist destination for locals and tourists alike. This is no different at Christmas; the towers get a bit of a festive makeover and you can step back in time and have a Victorian Christmas experience like no other. Definitely worth the trip across the river!

Christmas at London Bridge Hotel

We hope these Christmas in London Bridge suggestions help you to plan a festive day out. If you don’t want the festivities to end, why don’t you book yourself a room at the London Bridge Hotel? We have elegant and comfortable rooms to suit all.

The hotel has a wonderful on-site bar which will be decorated to the nines with Christmas decorations, so you can sit with a Christmas cocktail or have a bite to eat whilst soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.

Looking for private Christmas parties in London Bridge? We are hosting Christmas parties throughout the festive season, perfect for work get-togethers or for family and friends.