A List of the Most Exciting Christmas Events in the United Kingdom for 2025

The holiday season in the United Kingdom is a magical time, filled with twinkling lights, festive markets, and joyful celebrations that bring families and friends together. As 2025 approaches, the UK is gearing up to host some of its most exciting Christmas events yet.

From iconic winter wonderlands and enchanting light trails to charming street markets and interactive holiday experiences, there’s something to delight everyone. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for fairground rides and games or someone who enjoys the cosy charm of seasonal markets, the UK’s festive calendar promises unforgettable memories. For those who love a little extra fun, many events also offer games and hire-style attractions that bring the excitement of a carnival straight to the heart of the city.

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland (London)

Every year, the iconic Hyde Park is transformed into a massive Christmas funfair — and 2025 is no exception. Winter Wonderland returns mid-November and runs through early January, bringing dazzling lights, fairground rides, ice-skating, festive markets, and a magical “Ice Kingdom” sculpted from hundreds of tonnes of ice.

Expect cosy Bavarian-style bars and chalet stalls selling gifts, seasonal food, and winter treats. For families and groups of friends, there are rides, rollercoasters, a giant wheel, and performances — perfect if you want that full-on festive extravaganza. If you’re into games hire or want funfair-style attractions: many of the carnival rides and games in Winter Wonderland resemble the kind of entertainment you’d get when hiring games (especially games at Expoplay.co.uk) — so you get the “games hire vibe” without needing to plan or organise anything extra.

Christmas at Kew (Kew Gardens, London)

Want something less raucous, more magical, and walk-through? Christmas at Kew offers a spectacular illuminated trail through the botanical gardens. Think light tunnels, glowing trees, water-and-light shows, fire gardens, and atmospheric paths perfect for evening strolls. This is ideal for couples or families who want a more relaxed vibe — less about rides or shopping, more about ambience, lights, and that winter magic. Great for wrapping up a chilly evening with a warm drink, a calming walk, and respite from city bustle.

Cosy Markets & Street Festivities — City-wide Charm

If your idea of Christmas fun includes shopping, mulled wine, crafts, and live entertainment, the UK does not disappoint. Covent Garden’s Holly Jolly Holiday Market brings together festive decorations, food stalls, live music, a giant Christmas tree, and even horse-and-carriage rides — classic holiday charm in the heart of the city.

King’s Cross Christmas Market and surrounding pop-ups offer independent crafters, unique gifts, fashion, and art — perfect for gift shopping or browsing. Elsewhere, the 2025 slate includes additional festive markets and small-scale events across different UK towns and cities — so you don’t have to be in London to get in the Christmas spirit. Markets offer community atmosphere — mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, street food, lights, and seasonal cheer — making them a great companion or alternative to the big flashy events.

If you prefer something more curated but still fun, look out for immersive pop-ups and smaller festive bars or pubs that mix live music, games, and holiday theatrics. For 2025, there are a few pop-up Christmas-themed venues in London offering creative takes on holiday entertainment — combining drinks, interactive games, cabaret, and seasonal cheer.