It's time to dig out the Santa hats and defrost Mariah Carey - silly season is finally here. Although this time of year is a joyous one, it can also be on the expensive side. And while London has a reputation for not being the cheapest, there are still plenty of affordable Christmas things to do across the city.
Whether you're looking for a delicious meal in an iconic Christmassy pub or fancy a festive stroll along London's Southbank, there's certainly something to fit all budgets this winter. Here are best things to do this Christmas in London for under £20.
Affordable Things To Do In London At Christmas
Challenge Your Friends At Club Curling
Cost: £9 per person
Head down to Coal Drop’s Yard in King’s Cross this festive season and pay a visit to Club Curling. We're sure you can guess, but this pop-up allows you to challenge your friends to a curling match (it’s also a great date night idea for those looking to spice things up). This eco-friendly activity is also ice-free, meaning you won't freeze your socks off when playing the game.
There’s a bar on site where you can nab a steaming hot chocolate or a festive cocktail too. Choose up to six people to play on one lane, putting your curling skills to the ultimate test - and it's only £9 per ticket, which is an absolute steal.
Club Curling in King's Cross makes a change from a classic bowling match.
Wake Up For Sunrise At Sky Garden
Cost: £10.50
If you’re an early riser and love to get a good snap of the morning skies, then Sunrise at Sky Garden will be right up your street. For just £10.50 per person, you can enjoy a freshly baked pastry and a hot drink while looking out onto the city skyline from the 35th floor of the Walkie Talkie Building.
Better yet, Sky Garden are hosting Festive Nights for just £15 a ticket, which includes access to their festive bar, as well as an evening of live music and DJs while gazing over the dazzling city below.
The views from Sky Garden are unmatched.
Visit Dazzling Christmas Light Displays Across The City
Cost: Free
It’s safe to say that London isn’t short of decadent Christmas trees, winter pop-ups and of course, dazzling light displays. It's one of the best free things to do in London at Christmas and makes for the perfect snaps.
Whether you’re after giant bells and baubles in Covent Garden or would love to see Soho lit up to the nines, there’s plenty of incredible light displays to experience. You can even see The Shard lit up in all its festive glory.
The Christmas light displays across London are a sight to behold.
Drink And Dine At The Churchill Arms
Cost: Around £19 for a main and a drink
Known for its incredible Christmas décor, The Churchill Arms is a Notting Hill staple that is a must-visit this festive season. Prepare to be wowed by their insane Christmas light display, which consists of around 22,000 lights and more than 80 Christmas trees. This wonder switched on its lights at 6pm on November 14th 2024.
Their Thai kitchen also serves up some delicious dishes that are
perfect for a cold winter evening. They have everything from
mouth-watering pad Thai noodles to amazing dumplings. Plus, it
won’t break the bank. You can get a £15 curry and £4.50 glass of
wine to keep it under the £20 mark.
This incredible London pub is a must-visit this Christmas.
Explore All The Food Stalls At Vinegar Yard
Cost: Around £17 for food and a drink
With magnificent views of The Shard and iconic food vendors, Vinegar Yard is the perfect place to go on a winter evening. You’ll definitely be able to bag yourself some delicious food for under £20 here.
Choose from the juiciest burgers from Nanny Bills, hearty pizzas from Bad Boy Pizza Society or a packed sarnie from the Untitled Sandwich Shop (to name a few). They also have plenty of pop-ups throughout the festive period, including curling, flea markets and art installations.
This place is the ultimate foodie heaven.
Play In An Adult-Only Ball Pit At Ballie Ballerson
Cost: From £6.50
Transport yourself back to your childhood this Christmas by visiting Ballie Ballerson – the ultimate kid-ulting activity. A ticket is only £6.50 and includes your entry, as well as access to the ball pit all night long. You can indulge in some delicious Christmas bites, including pigs in blankets and a whole range of festive pizzas.
These guys are also known for their fun candy-inspired cocktail menu that hones in nostalgia. With Dip Dab garnishes and candy floss toppings, the drinks menu is definitely worth an explore. There will also be festive sips on offer to celebrate the silly season.
This is one of the best cheap things to do in London this Christmas - and it's so much fun.
Enjoy A Day Out At Winter Wonderland
Cost: £5 for a standard ticket
Winner of the 2024 DesignMyNight Art of Going Out Awards, Winter Wonderland should certainly be on your Christmas list. You can easily lose a day exploring this Hyde Park wonder, whether you’re planning to head to the Bavarian Village for a stein or wish a get the adrenaline pumping by going on all the daring rides.
If you’re wanting to plan an off-peak visit, then the tickets are completely free, with standard tickets starting from just £5. You can bag yourself a Mr Bratwurst sausage and a soft drink in the Bavarian village for £11.50 too. It’s also a great place to go for a hard-earned drink after a day of Christmas shopping down Oxford Street.
It might be a tad cheesy, but it's a London staple.
Play A Game Of Curling With Views Of London Bridge At The Glasshouses
Cost: From £12 per person
This brand-new pop up by London Bridge is set to get everybody talking. The Glasshouses boasts stunning views of the city and you can even play a competitive game of curling that you'll definitely be arguing about over Christmas dinner.
Tickets start from just £12 each and include a lane for up to eight people. You can also grab yourself a drink and some food to keep the energy going. Plus, if you pre-order a jug of beer and two pizzas, you'll get 30% off.
Experience incredible views of London Bridge from this brand-new Christmas pop-up.
Wander Around London’s Christmas Markets
Cost: From free
There’s nothing more festive than a Christmas market, and luckily London is full of them. They’re completely free and make for a great excuse to start your Christmas shopping. Head over to the Covent Garden Christmas market to marvel at their 60 ft tree decorated with more than 30,000 lights, or meander around the 42 stalls at Old Spitalfields market to get some Christmas present inspiration.
You can also wander down to the Southbank for a hot chocolate with a view of the London Eye, or you might choose to venture to Trafalgar Square for some central London madness.
No need to head to another European country when London has some incredible Christmas markets.
Drink Incredible Christmas Cocktails At The Chocolate Cocktail Club
Cost: £10.50 per ticket
If you've got a bit of a sweet tooth and absolutely love delicious sips, then combine the two by visiting The Chocolate Cocktail Club this Christmas. Think cocktails served in chocolate reindeer, chocolate orange delights and drinks garnished with candy canes.
This Farringdon bar was also shortlisted in the DesignMyNight Art of Going Out Awards (that's how good this place is). Tickets are just £10.50 and include a welcome cocktail upon arrival.
Get in the Christmas spirit by sipping chocolate cocktails this festive season.
Explore more Christmas event ideas in London.
