10 Free Things to Do in London Over December Without Spending a Fortune

By Sana Sarwat
December 27, 2025
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Looking for free London December experiences and events? There is no end to the list of free things to do in London, from museums and historical locations, to carols, and markets, this city has so much to offer — and they can all easily be enjoyed when you stay at Crown Group of Hotels.

Are There Free Events and Locations Worth Visiting in London?

A grand, historic building decorated with golden holiday lights and a large illuminated Christmas tree in the center, glowing brightly at night against the dark sky.

There are many free London December events and experiences to look into if you want to fill your days with fun without spending a fortune. From soaking in holiday lights on famous streets and wandering Christmas markets, to spending time in galleries and museums or humming along to carols, there is something for everyone in a city like London.

Festive Lights: What Free Christmas Lights Can I See in London This December?

A festive glow warms London’s cold streets in December, and you can visit all the best setups as you walk around the city. Visit Regent and Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Carnaby, Bond Street, Strand’s Christmas lights, Savile Row, and Trafalgar Square for some of the most incredible holiday lights, and snap some photos while you are there. 

The top spots for Christmas lights London include:

  • Regent and Oxford Street
  • Covent Garden
  • Carnaby
  • Bond Street
  • Strand’s Christmas lights
  • Savile Row
  • Trafalgar Square

Christmas Markets: Where Are the Best Free Festive Markets in London?

London is full of some of the best Christmas markets you could hope for, including the winter market at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, King’s Cross Christmas Market, Old Spitalfields, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and many more. Whether you want to enjoy some festive shopping on the bank of the Thames, or wander around the historic Trafalgar square on your weekend getaway, there is a market for everyone. 

At these markets, you will get to try delicious street food and festive treats, shop for artisan gifts, handmade jewellery, homeware, fashion accessories, and so much more. Just make sure to dress up warm and bring some spending money, because something will definitely catch your eye.

The top Christmas markets to visit in London include:

Museums and Galleries: Which Museums and Galleries are Free to Visit This December?

There are plenty of free museums and galleries to explore year-round in London, including the National Gallery, Tate Modern, the British Museum, and many more. Depending on what you are looking for, why not see what each museum or gallery has on show, and plan a day for free education and entertainment?

Top free galleries and museums London include:

Carols and Music: Where Can I Enjoy Free Carol Singing?

Carols in London take place throughout December, with many of the best happening near Christmas as the year draws to an end. Catch carol services London at All Souls, Trafalgar Square, St, Paul’s Cathedral, and Bloomsbury Baptist Church for fantastic free experiences.

Some of the best carol performances in London include:

Winter Walks: What Free Outdoor Winter Walks Should I Try in Central London?

London is home to beautiful parks and gardens, like Richmond Park, Crystal Palace, Battersea, and many more — all offering unique opportunities to enjoy winter walks throughout December and beyond.

Some stunning winter walks London offers includes:

Wherever you decide to walk, make sure you dress warm and are prepared for weather that could change! Put on a coat and gloves, and bring an umbrella with you.

If you feel like enjoying a longer winter walk in London, consider the following:

  • Ten Bridges Stroll (5-mile walk along the Thames River)
  • Key & Isleworth (6.5-mile circuit)
  • Richmond to Hampton Court (8-mile walk through parks and history)
  • Wandle Trail (12.5-mile that ends at East Croydon Station)

Historical Locations: Where Can You Soak in London’s History for Free?

There are dozens of historical locations across London that will blow you away. While many of them can be experienced or witnessed for free, some will also require tickets if you want to get closer and enjoy a tour. Nonetheless, you can appreciate the view and soak in history from a distance for plenty of top locations.

You can get a glimpse of the following for free, with tickets available if you want to get up close and personal for many locations:

Tips for Planning a Day of Free Experiences in London

Tips for Planning a Day of Free Experiences in London

Planning a day of free London December experiences doesn’t have to be hard, but it does require some thought. With so many free things to do in London, you will need to pick and choose where you want to go and what you want to see by planning ahead, booking free tickets where necessary, and planning transport routes to make your day go as smoothly as possible.

Top tips for planning a day of free London experiences include:

  • Plan ahead – planning ahead and doing your research before your trip is crucial if you want it to be a success. London has a lot to offer, so find guides or ask one of our hotel staff for recommendations and travel plans
  • Book tickets if you need to – many free events will require you to book (free) tickets to ensure that there is enough space and safety is upheld. Check online to see if you need to book a ticket to any events you want to go to, and do any bookings ahead of time to avoid disappointment
  • Dress warm – London gets cold in December, so use those gloves, scarves, hats, and warm layers to keep the chill away
  • Bring an umbrella – rain can come at any time in London, so pack an umbrella wherever you go, just to be safe
  • Use public transport – the city’s public transport is incredible if your location isn’t within reasonable walking distance, so make use of trains, buses, taxis, and even boats wherever possible to make your trip that much more pleasant
  • Stay at one of our hotels – for access to public transport and top locations, stay at one of our hotels, and enjoy everything the city has to offer, right on your doorstep

Where Should You Stay to Make the Most of London’s Festivities?

A busy city street at night features the Harrods department store in London, illuminated with festive lights. Light trails from passing vehicles and people walking along the sidewalk are visible.

To make the most of free London December events and locations, it’s best to be right in the middle of it all. For easy access to public transport to get around the city quickly, as well as be within walking distance of some of the city’s top locations, stay at Crown Group’s hotels — the world will be right on your doorstep.

Stay with us at Mabledon Court Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Arran House Hotel, Hotel Cavendish, Bloomsbury Palace, or Great St. Helen Hotel, and get the most out of your visit. Enjoy cosy rooms, quiet and peaceful nights, and everything you need in the surrounding area, whichever one of our hotels you choose to stay at. 

Stay With Crown Group of Hotels to Create a Magical London Experience

A busy London street at night features a red telephone booth, a 20 mph speed limit sign, and a brightly lit historic building. Cars and a red double-decker bus fill the street.

If you are visiting the UK’s capital for the weekend, a special occasion, or just for fun this winter, consider free London December events and experiences to save money without sacrificing fun. After having your free fun, why not stop by a West End show, go ice skating, or head to some of the city’s incredible bars for something new?

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