Christmas Events and Festive Things to do Near King’s Cross London

Things to do at Christmas in Bloomsbury & King’s Cross

We’re lucky here in Bloomsbury to be within earshot of so many festive things to do in London.

We all know Oxford Street and Regent Street for their seasonal shopping and famous lights, but our Christmas lights here in Bloomsbury are just as spectacular (and definitely not as crowded). And with all the family-friendly events, live shows and candlelit carol services, we’ve pretty much got Christmas covered.

So, here’s my round-up of Christmas events in King’s Cross and surrounds. Note that many of them will need booking in advance, so don’t leave it till the last minute if you see something that takes your fancy.

Live Festive Entertainment and Christmas Lights in Bloomsbury and King’s Cross

King’s Cross and Bloomsbury at Christmas have loads to offer, from the 60-foot traditional Christmas tree in Granary Square to the slightly smaller 50-foot tree in Coal Drops Yard, and Liliane Lijn’s ‘Temenos’ geometric winter light installation in Lewis Cubitt Square.

There are more than 100 shops (my top picks here), loads of festive markets, dozens of restaurants and pubs, a fantastic nightlife scene, and plenty of green spaces if you feel you need to jump off the treadmill and take a breather.

And if you love a bit of live entertainment – whether it’s a carol singalong, a festive show or a classical play – you’ll not be disappointed. Have a look at these.

Enchanted Bloomsbury Christmas

Brunswick Centre
Unit 57, Bernard Street, London WC1N 1BS
3 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website

This festive evening takes place every year around the second week of November (12 November for 2025), usually running from 5-8pm following the switching on of our very own Bloomsbury Christmas Lights.

It’s a free community event that kicks off the season with live performances and festive fun for all ages. You’ll see choirs, Disney characters – and maybe even Santa himself ;)

Once the Bloomsbury lights are switched on at Russell Square around 5.30pm, there’s a candlelit choir procession leading back to the Brunswick Centre, where the celebrations continue throughout the evening. It’s a free event and an amazing family experience.

The Shaw Theatre

100-110 Euston Road, London NW1 2AJ
5 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
What’s on Listings

The Shaw Theatre is an intimate venue with just 450 seats, known for showing quite an unusual range of dramas, comedy and musicals. They lay on loads of Christmas shows every year, from musical concerts to ballets. Be sure to book in advance as you can’t just show up and buy tickets at the venue. Use the link above to see what’s on and make your booking.

Christmas at the Charles Dickens Museum

48-49 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX
14 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website

The Charles Dickens Museum is home to the world’s most notable collection of Charles Dickens paraphernalia, and at Christmas there’s a range of special festive events.

For 2025, A Christmas Carol Live invites you to step into the former home of Dickens and watch West End stage and TV actor James Swanton bring the enchanting story to life. Book tickets in advance and you’ll get free entry to the museum included.

Christmas Eve at the Charles Dickens Museum also looks good. The house is traditionally decorated in Victorian style so you get that proper Dickensian Christmas feel, and there are mince pies and mulled wine for all, plus you get to watch adaptations of A Christmas Carol throughout the day.

Book tickets in advance or you can email for info at events@dickensmuseum.com.

King’s Cross Christmas Lights from the Regent’s Canal

London Canal Museum
12-13 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT
19 minute walk from the hotel
Website

Over the Christmas season, King’s Cross comes alive with festive lighting, so what better way to take it all in than from the winding waterways of the Regent’s Canal?

Honestly it’s one of the most enchanting experiences, great for couples and families. Just head to the London Canal Museum website (link above) and look for the King’s Cross Lights by Water tours. They run every Tuesday in December.

You can book your trip here.

Kings Place

90 York Way, London N1 9AG
19 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Programme and tickets

Kings Place is a music and arts venue on a mission to inspire local community and promote arts in society. Every year they lay on a programme of seasonal shows with variety performances and music of all kinds, from classical to soul.

Use the link above to see what’s on and book your tickets in advance.

Christmas Carol Services in Bloomsbury and King’s Cross

The London Canal Museum (details above) lays on a candle-lit carol concert called Carols and Ices around the second week of December, along with an Edwardian ice cream making demonstration, free mince pies and short boat trips on the canal to see the King’s Cross Christmas lights.

You’ve also got the Bloomsbury Carol Celebration around a week before Christmas at the Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church — an evening of carols, classical music and choir performances accompanied by a traditional pipe organ. Tickets are free but need to be booked in advance (book here).

King’s Cross Church (KXC) hosts a variety of carol concerts and other events throughout the festive season, including a Beers and Carols evening at Two Tribes Brewery, and early December weekend carol services at the Ethiopian Church (reserve your free tickets here).

There’s usually a kids’ Christmas party held at the same time as the Saturday carol service along the road at King’s House. Children aged 3-10 get to enjoy bouncy castles, games, biscuit decorating and more, while the adults indulge in the carols.

KXC also hosts a Student Ball, a Youth Christmas Bash, a family Christmas service and carols by candlelight later in the month. Full event listings here.

Christmas Markets in King’s Cross

If you love a Christmas market, you won’t be disappointed in King’s Cross and Bloomsbury. Running from around the third week of November up until just before the big day, you’ll find a huge variety of stalls, showcasing everything from fashion and homewares to beauty, arts and crafts and food from all around the world.

Wine Car Boot Christmas Edition

West Handyside Canopy
2 Granary Square, N1C 4BH
20 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website

If you fancy picking up a few bottles for the festive season, or just want an excuse to sip wine, the Wine Car Boot at Canopy Market is worth a look. It’s free to enter and packed with London’s top indie wine shops offering tastings, gift ideas and plenty to take home.

For 2025 it’s on Thursday 27 November, 12–9pm — perfect for a pre-Christmas catch-up with friends.

Christmas under the Canopy Market

West Handyside Canopy
2 Granary Square, N1C 4BH
20 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website

Christmas under the Canopy at Canopy Market is a festive treat offering mulled wine, hot chai, live music and a canopy of lights while you shop.

From mid-November to just before Christmas, the market extends its opening hours and is packed with independent traders, handmade gifts, artisan food and drink, and presents for your pets. There’s usually live music on Friday nights too, from jazz and blues to folk and Irish sessions – it’s a lovely place to wander and soak up the atmosphere.

Lower Stable Street Christmas Market

Coal Drop Kiosks, Lower Stable Street, London N1C
20 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website

If you’re after eco-friendly gifts, try Lower Stable Street Christmas Market. Usually running from late November to just before Christmas, it’s packed with independent traders selling everything from books and homeware to street food and sustainable fashion.

It’s ideal if you want to avoid the high street chaos and pick up something a bit different – and you can feel good knowing it’s all ethical businesses.

The Big Woof: Christmas Market Edition

The Crossing, 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AA
18 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website

If you’re visiting with your dog – or on the lookout for pet-themed goodies – The Big Woof is a brilliant Christmas market for pups and their people. Usually held for one day only in late November at The Crossing in Granary Square, it features around 40 stalls from independent dog brands, artists and makers.

There’s everything from treats and toys to accessories and artwork, with plenty of chances to spoil your four-legged friend. There’s even a festive photo backdrop and a pop-up studio if you fancy snapping a special seasonal shot.

The Christmas Charity Super.Mkt

Coal Drops Yard, Stable Street, London N1C 4LW
20 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website

For a feel-good festive shopping spree, the Christmas Charity Super.Mkt in Coal Drops Yard is a must. Usually popping up over the first weekend of December, it brings together top charity retailers with a curated mix of quality pre-loved fashion, accessories and more.

Look out for the “Repair Shop” too, where you can give old favourites a new lease of life – all while supporting a great cause.

Crafty Fox Christmas Market

The Crossing, 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AA
18 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website

If you love finding unique, handmade gifts at Christmas, the Crafty Fox Market in King’s Cross is a festive favourite. Held across selected weekends in December, it showcases work by over 100 talented designers and makers — from art prints and jewellery to homeware and seasonal treats.

It’s free to enter, accessible and dog-friendly, so you can browse with no pressure.

Mexican Christmas Market

Coal Drops Yard, Stable Street, London N1C 4LW
20 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website

Hosted in partnership with restaurant El Pastor, this lively market brings together traditional piñatas, Mariachi music, dance performances and an array of handcrafted gifts. Expect everything from artisan ornaments to embroidered clothing, all created by independent Mexican designers.

It usually runs over a weekend in late November — and while you’re there, be sure to pop into El Pastor for tacos and tequila to round off your visit.

Shōtengai pan-Asian Christmas Market

Coal Drops Yard, Lower Stable Street, London N1C 4LW
20 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website

This festive Japanese-style street market is inspired by the traditional Shōtengai found across Japan. The seasonal edition brings Lower Stable Street to life with pan-Asian homeware, gifts, and street food — all from small businesses and independent makers.

The Christmas edition usually takes place over a long weekend in mid to late December, with extended opening hours. Expect a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and plenty of unique finds.

Illustrators’ Festive Fair

The Crossing, 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AA
18 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website

London’s biggest illustration fair is back in King’s Cross for one day only this festive season. Expect over 120 hand-picked artists and collectives showcasing everything from limited edition prints and ceramics to zines, cards and illustrated gifts.

For 2025 it’s on from 11am-5pm on Saturday 6^th December, with free entry and plenty of opportunity to meet the artists, browse their work and pick up something original.

Other Christmas Events in King’s Cross

Fancy something different? Here are a few ideas for unique festive experiences in and around King’s Cross.

Floating mulled wine pop-up on Regent’s Canal

The Copper Quay, Granary Square, London N1C 4AA
17 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Book tickets

The Copper Quay is transformed into a floating mulled wine bar for the festive season, moored by the green steps at Granary Square. Grab a warm drink, something to eat, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Mince pie boat trips

London Canal Museum
12-13 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT
19 minute walk from the hotel
Book tickets

Hop on the narrowboat Long Tom for a cosy canal cruise through London’s longest tunnel. You’ll get a warm fruit punch (or tea/coffee), a locally made mince pie with cream, and a bit of guided history along the way.

Cruises last around an hour and run on selected dates in December, setting off from the London Canal Museum and heading through Islington Tunnel before looping back via St Pancras. It’s a lovely way to slow down and see a quieter side of the city.

Christmas at The Postal Museum

15-20 Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DA
17 minute walk from the hotel
Book tickets

A brilliant day out for all ages, The Postal Museum is full of festive touches this time of year. You can ride Mail Rail – London’s hidden underground postal railway – with a seasonal twist, explore interactive galleries, and learn all about how the postal system helped bring people together at Christmas through letters, parcels and cards.

Keep an eye out for the world’s first Christmas card on display, and don’t miss the Christmas-themed display case in the Archive, featuring stamps, Santa letters and a rare Victorian postcard.

On selected evenings during November and December, you can also take part in a Festive Tunnel Walk, where you get to step off the train tracks and explore parts of the Mail Rail network that are normally closed to the public.

It’s a fascinating glimpse into a hidden world beneath London – with a bit of Christmas cheer thrown in. (You’ll need to book separately for this, as it’s not included in the main museum ticket.)

Festive Things to do Further Afield in London

Skate at Somerset House

Strand, London WC2R 1LA
28 minute walk or 9 minute taxi ride from the Mentone Hotel
12 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
Website
Book tickets

Whether you take to the ice or just fancy soaking up the atmosphere from the side-lines, Skate at Somerset House is a proper seasonal treat. This is one of London’s most popular festive events, so book well in advance, especially if you have particular dates or times in mind.

Even if you’re not skating, it’s worth a visit just to observe. The courtyard is free to enter and fully accessible. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, and DJs playing rink-side sets under the lights.

Skate Leicester Square

Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LU
30 minute walk or 20 minute taxi ride from the Mentone Hotel
1 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Open 10am to 10pm
Website
Book tickets

Leicester Square is set to come alive this festive season courtesy of Skate Leicester Square, a festive circular ice rink set up to raise money for the Angel Child Fund.

After your skating session you can grab a hot chocolate, mulled wine or something sparkling from the seasonal bar, and then wander through the Christmas market stalls and browse all the traditional treats.

As with all these festive attractions, pre-booking is essential (link above).

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park

Louisa Duckworth Walk, London W1K 7AN
15 minute taxi ride from the Mentone Hotel
14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026
Website
Book tickets

Family favourite Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park runs for six weeks from mid-November. There’s loads to see and do, from fairground rides, carnival games and ice skating to live shows, food stalls and festive fire pit bars.

Be warned – it can get very busy – especially in the evenings and at weekends, so it’s worth booking ahead (and preparing yourself for the queues at the rides) – especially if you want to visit one of the shows or bigger attractions.

Eating out for Christmas in Bloomsbury and King’s Cross

I’ve written lots of recommendation posts for eating and drinking in King’s Cross and Bloomsbury and they’ll all have their own festive menus you can look up.

What I will say is that if you want to secure a table near the big day or for larger parties, you’ll need to get your skates on.

Tip: Coal Drops Yard has its own dedicated restaurant booking platform – select a time and date and you’ll see which restaurants in the complex have availability, then you can book direct.

By way of a few highlights, Barrafina, the Spanish tapas bar in Coal Drops Yard, is offering a special festive menu for £115 per person.

One of my favourites, Dishoom, is offering a selection of festive treats, including Turkey Raan, Cranberry Jewelled naans and more. Check out their Christmas feast menu and book for groups of 4+ from 17 November to 24 December.

German Gymnasium, another favourite of mine, is offering a 3-course Christmas Day dinner, featuring German-inspired seasonal classics with a modern twist. Granary Square Brasserie also has a range of festive menus available from 12 November until 31 December. And Parrillan is offering a festive menu for £80 per person.

Make the most of your family time during the Christmas holidays

The Christmas break is a great time to switch off and spend some proper time together as a family. Whether you’re visiting London or live locally, King’s Cross is packed with fun ways to make the most of the season.

Have a look at these guides packed with family-friendly activities, free days out, and a few hidden gems:

Top things to do with kids near King’s Cross
Free things to do near King’s Cross
King’s Cross Hidden Gems

Visiting  King’s Cross this Festive Season? Book Your Stay at the Mentone Hotel!

Situated in walking distance of a host of attractions, restaurants, pubs, cafés and coffee shops, parks, museums and retail outlets, the Grade II listed Mentone Hotel can be found in the heart of peaceful Cartwright Gardens in historical Bloomsbury.

We offer 40 rooms, free WiFi, luggage storage, and tickets for all the top London attractions. You’ll also enjoy a 10% discount if you book directly, plus an unlimited complimentary breakfast – perfect fuel for all those Christmas activities!

Please get in touch to check availability. And we will of course be happy to point you towards the best festive things to do in London!

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