Winter date ideas in London for every budget: Christmas lights, the Sky Garden, ice skating, Kew’s light trail and a show.
Winter date ideas in London, from free to a bit special
Winter is a good time for a date in London. It’s dark early, the lights are up from November, and there’s a lot to do that’s warm, cosy, or both. Here are ideas for every budget.
Free
- Walk the Christmas lights through the West End. Our Christmas lights walk takes about 90 minutes
- The Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street: free, but book a slot online in advance
- Sunset from Primrose Hill, then dinner in Primrose Hill or Camden
- A late evening at a museum: several big museums open late on Fridays
Under £30
- Ice skating at Somerset House, Battersea Power Station or Leicester Square. Prices and dates in our ice skating guide
- The Southbank Winter Market, 2 November to 4 January, for mulled wine by the river. Free to walk in, open until 10pm
A bigger night out
- Christmas at Kew, the light trail at Kew Gardens. See Christmas at Kew 2026
- A show: A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic or Cirque Alice on the South Bank. See Christmas shows in London
- Christmas afternoon tea. See our afternoon tea guide
Tips
Book Christmas-season evenings early, especially Fridays and Saturdays in December. Weeknights in November are quieter and often cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
What are good winter date ideas in London?
Ice skating, the Christmas lights, the Sky Garden, Christmas at Kew and the Southbank Winter Market.
What are free date ideas in London?
Walking the Christmas lights, the Sky Garden with a free booking, and sunset from Primrose Hill.
Sources
- South Bank: Winter Market
- London Lately: ice skating 2026 (with official sources)
- London Lately: Christmas at Kew 2026
Last checked: 27 October 2026. Image: Colin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
