The festivities continue into December in the City of London, making it the perfect time to plan an outing with friends and family. From carol concerts, lantern parades, fascinating lectures and exhibitions, there is so much to explore this month.

Here’s a rundown of some of the best things to do in the City of London this December!

1. Aldgate in Winter is back (6 December)

Kick off the festive season at the Aldgate in Winter Festival, a community favourite returning for its eighth year. Expect an evening filled with live performances from local musicians and dancers on The Aldgate Stage and a fun and mesmerizing Lantern Parade .

See what else is on this festive season in the City of London.

2. Listen to Christmas Carols and Concerts (Various dates in December)

There are over 40 Christmas carols and concerts happening in the City of London this festive season. Whether you're looking for a cosy candlelight concert, Christmas movie soundtracks, family concerts, carols at stunning locations, or a well-deserved mulled wine and mince pie after all that singing, there is so much happening to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Read our round-up of the best (and mostly free) Christmas carols and concerts this season and stay tuned for more details coming up soon.

See what else is on this festive season in the City of London.

3. Last chance to see these two exhibitions

Don’t miss your chance to see these two stunning art exhibitions in the City.

Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum at the Barbican Curve (until 5 January 2025): Sunstrum's first solo exhibition at a major UK institution showcases dynamic works newly commissioned for The Curve.

Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London at Guildhall Art Gallery (Until 12 January): Explore 150 works showcasing London through exquisite wood engravings and collages.

4. Discover these Christmas Markets in the City of London

Leadenhall Market (7 December): On 7 December, head over to the stunning Victorian market, bask in their beautiful Christmas decorations and attend the SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market where you will be able explore an array of Christmas gifts, from uniquely hand-crafted art, jewellery, and home accessories to children’s toys and more.

Paternoster Square and St Pauls (Until 24 December): Find this festive market nestled next to the iconic St Paul's Cathedral, for a selection of artisan food stalls, bespoke jewellery and knitwear, and sizzling street-food. A not to be missed enchanting market where beautifully decorated cabins make for the picture-perfect postcard.

Makers market in New Street Square (4 and 5 December): Whether you're hunting for presents or a treat for yourself, there's plenty of homeware, fashion, and Christmassy crafts to be discovered at this fabulous market in the heart of the Fleet Street Quarter area.

Christmas market in the Crescent (Until 6 January): Moments away from the Tower of London find your cozy spot to enjoy a mug of mulled wine and choose from an assortment of delicious food to get you in the Christmas spirit. From 11am to 9pm you'll find unique gifts, a magical atmosphere, and lots of festive food and drinks to enjoy. There will also be live music.

See what else is on this festive season in the City of London.

Fleet Street Quarter's Makers Market.

5. Explore a new exhibition at Broadworks by Hive Curates (3 to 12 December)

A captivating group exhibition is coming to Broadworks by Hive Curates this month "Hope, Joy, and Divination," showcasing an array of neon artworks by renowned light artists, including Daisy Doig, Jochen Holz, Eve De Haan, Lauren Baker, Tiziano Summo, and Mark Beattie.

Work & Photo by Daisy Doig.

6. Learn something new at one of these fascinating lectures

Women at the Piano: A History through Images (10 December): This free lecture from Gresham College and given by Professor Marina Frolova-Walker explores the emergence of the "femme au piano" genre in 19th and early 20th-century French painting. The lecture will reveal how these paintings offer a window onto the history of women’s music-making and their role in society.

Art and Architecture in the City talk at Temple Bar (4 December): The lecture will explore the dynamic relationship between art and architecture and how they inform, challenge, and enhance one another in the public realm. Tickets from £15.

7. Find fun family activities

Second Saturday (14 December): Guildhall Art Gallery have organised a fun range of activities to celebrate the festive season as part of their regular Second Saturday events. Families are invited to make stained glass inspired decorations and paper-plate Angels! There will also be Christmas storytelling, dress-up costumes and building bricks will also be available throughout the day.

Fleet Street Quarter Penguin Trail: Get into the festive spirit with Fleet Street Quarter’s penguin sculpture trail. In partnership with WWF, 12 uniquely designed penguins will be placed around the Fleet Street area, each offering fun facts and quirky anecdotes via QR codes. Perfect for families to explore and free to all. Pick up a map from the City Information Centre by St Pauls Cathedral.

Family fun at Dr Johnsons House (7 December): Ever wondered what a Slubberdegullion, Jiggumbob or Camelopard is? Find out at this fun family day at Dr Johnson's House! This free drop in morning is split into two one hour slots. Drinks and snacks provided, and it is conveniently located along the free art-trail of wintery Penguin sculptures.

8. Make plans for New Years Eve (31 December)

Whether you're planning to celebrate the New Year with sky-high views or attend a themed party at F1 Arcade, the City of London has got you covered.

If you are planning to come into central London to watch this year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, please DON’T go to Tower Bridge or London Bridge. You won’t see the fireworks due to the bend in the river and tall buildings in the way.

Searcys at The Gherkin.

9. Take a guided walk of the City of London

Take a guided walk of the City and learn about topics covering everything from the Romans, to Charles Dickens to the Great Fire of London. Here are a few to have a look at this month:

Leadenhall Market, Limited Edition Walk: in Celebration of Christmas (Every Wednesdays until 11 December): Join the City's Official Guides for this limited-edition evening walk this December. From its Roman roots to the Victorian Christmas festivities as told by Dickens, to the luckiest and pluckiest goose in The City, the City of London Guides will lead you in exploring Christmas past and present in and around this most ancient of London’s markets.

Secrets and Symbols Guided Walk (Takes place on Wednesdays): Ever wonder why we say ‘at sixes and sevens? What are those badges on the lamps outside the Royal Exchange? Why are there no roads in the City of London? On this tour discover clues to the City’s past in strange marks and curious symbols along the environs of Cheapside, keeping an eye out for honeybees, demi-maidens and sunbursts. And so much more.

Great Fires of London Guided Walk (Takes place on Saturdays): Step back in time to uncover the stories of two monumental periods in London's history. The Great Fire of 1666 began in a bakery on Pudding Lane, quickly engulfing the City in flames. Nearly three centuries later, the Blitz of World War II unleashed another wave of destruction from August 1940 to May 1941. Join a City of London Guide to walk the streets where history unfolded and learn how London rose from the ashes - twice.

Photo Credit: Niki Gorick Photography

10. A new Italian Restaurant has opened and they have a special offer

Penny Squares, a lively new Italian restaurant in East London, has just recently opened and offers an authentic taste of Italy with a contemporary twist. Inspired by the intricate craftsmanship of historic Huguenot weavers, the restaurant’s name and signature square pizzas pay homage to East London’s cultural heritage.

To celebrate the grand opening, Penny Squares is offering guests (tables of up to 6) 25% off their final bill until 31 March 2025. Customers must quote "PIZZALOVE25" when making their reservation to take advantage of this special offer.

Penny Square in East London.

11. Plan a fun day out with your friends or family

F1 Arcade: F1 Arcade have decked the halls, ready for you to come and join them to celebrate the festive season. With all-new festive cocktails and seasonal sharing plates on the menu, plus live DJs playing all your favourite hits.

Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience: Experience a Martian Invasion in London with this interactive adventure packed with sensory moments, VR and AR technology, volumetric holograms and immersive theatre.

Swingers City: Just a stone’s throw away from the Gherkin, plunge into an 1920s English countryside inspired golf club with its elegant clubhouse, rolling greens and first-rate hospitality to discover epic crazy golf, amazing cocktails and delicious street food.

Puttshack Bank: At Puttshack they've thrown out the old rules, paper scorecards, and pencils – replacing them with a seamless tech system. Navigate their crazy, tech-infused mini golf courses and get your game face ready for a perfect outing of friendly competition, drinks and dining.

Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival at the Barbican: The Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival returns to the Barbican Hall this festive season, with Christmas movie soundtracks from John Williams and Hans Zimmer, Christmas Carol singalongs, concerts and more.

© Swingers City

12. Enjoy a festive afternoon tea

For a festive tea and scones experience with a touch of luxury, the City of London offers an array of exceptional options. Indulge in afternoon tea at The Ned, savour innovative fusion menus at Pan Pacific, or enjoy tea with breath-taking sky-high views at Searcys at The Gherkin. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to be delighted!

Afternoon Tea at The Ned.

13. Attend a Lunchtime Concert at the Tallow Chandlers’ Hall (16 December)

City Music Foundation’s Livery Halls Tour continues with brand new 2024 CMF Artists Florian Störtz and Aleksandra Myslek at the Tallow Chandlers’ Hall on 16th December at 1pm, with a programme of European art song, including new discoveries by emigré composer Robert Kahn. Standard tickets are £10.

Benjamin Ealovega - CMF

14. Explore the City’s festive decorations

Wander through the City of London to find beautifully decorated Christmas trees, twinkling lights and festive installations at iconic locations.

See our map to discover beautifully decorated trees, including the tallest sustainable tree in London, as well as spectacular light installations.

Largest sustainable Christmas tree in London located outside Pan Pacific.