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What to Pack for London at Christmas
London during the Christmas season is pure holiday magic: world-famous light displays on Regent Street, ice skating at Somerset House, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and cozy traditional pub lunches. However, damp 40°F (5°C) winter air, frequent drizzle, and 4:00 PM sunsets require warm, rainproof walking gear.
Updated August 2026
Quick answer
For a 5-day London Christmas family vacation, expect 38–48°F (3–9°C) with damp drizzle and early 4:00 PM sunsets. Pack a waterproof hooded winter coat, warm wool or fleece mid-layers, waterproof leather walking boots (expect 15,000+ steps on wet cobblestones), touchscreen gloves, a compact windproof umbrella, and contactless credit cards or phone wallets for the London Underground.
At a glance
- Avg Daytime Temp:
- 42–48°F (6–9°C) with damp chill
- Sunset Time:
- 3:55 PM in late December
- Kids Transit Fare:
- Children under 11 ride Tube & buses 100% free
- Electrical Plug:
- Type G (3-prong UK standard, 230V)
- Currency:
- British Pound (GBP) — cashless preferred
Sample checklist preview
5 days · 2 adults · 2 childrenWhat the generator starts with for this trip type — you can edit everything in the next step.
- Jacket×1
- Coats×1
- Sweaters×1
- Gloves×1
- Dress Shirts×1
- Dresses×1
- T-shirts×2
- Pants×1
- Shorts×2
- Socks×3
- Underwear×3
- Sleepwear×1
The full generator adjusts these for weather, laundry, travelers, and destination.
What actually matters in London at Christmas
- •London winter weather is damp and chilly: 42°F (6°C) in London feels much colder than 42°F in dry climates due to high humidity off the Thames. A knee-length, insulated waterproof parka with a fleece-lined hood is the single most valuable garment you can pack.
- •Footwear: You will walk 6 to 10 miles (12,000–20,000 steps) daily between Tube stops, museums, and Christmas markets. Pack waterproof leather boots (like Blundstone or Ecco) with cushioned wool socks; soggy sneakers on wet sidewalks will freeze your feet.
- •London Underground stroller reality: Most central Underground stations (over 65%) lack elevators and have long, steep escalators and stairs. Bring a lightweight, compact stroller that you can fold one-handed while holding your child.
- •Contactless transit payment: You do not need Oyster cards. Every adult can simply tap their contactless credit card or Apple Pay / Google Pay at Tube and bus fare gates (children under 11 travel completely free on the Tube with a fare-paying adult).
- •Pre-book festive events early: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland entry tickets, ice skating at Somerset House, and Christmas pantomime shows (like the London Palladium) sell out months in advance for December weekends.
- •Daylight is short: The sun rises at 8:00 AM and sets at 3:55 PM in late December. Plan outdoor Christmas lights walks (Carnaby Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden) from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Typical weather by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov | 11°C / 52°F | 5°C / 41°F | 10 |
| Dec | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 38°F | 10 |
| Jan | 8°C / 47°F | 3°C / 37°F | 11 |
Typical monthly averages for planning. Check a forecast closer to your trip.
Seasonal things to plan around
- Dec 25 (Christmas Day)100% of London public transit (Tube, buses, Overground) is completely shut down. Plan a walking day around your hotel.
- Dec 24 & 26Reduced public transit schedules (Boxing Day bank holiday). Check TfL.gov.uk.
Common London Christmas packing mistakes
- •Bringing cheap $5 umbrellas that immediately invert and snap in London's gusty city wind tunnels. Invest in a windproof travel umbrella (like Blunt or Repel) or rely on hooded raincoats.
- •Overdressing kids in bulky one-piece snowsuits. London museums, department stores (Selfridges, Harrods), and Tube trains are strongly heated; dress kids in layers they can easily unzip.
- •Carrying heavy cash: London is virtually 100% cashless. Black cabs, market stalls, and food trucks all prefer contactless cards.
- •Forgetting a UK Type G plug adapter (3 rectangular prongs, 230V).
FAQ
Is London cold enough for snow at Christmas?
True snow in London is rare in December; expect damp, cold drizzle with temperatures in the 40s°F. Real snow is more common in Scotland or the north of England.
Do kids need Oyster cards in London?
No. Children under 11 travel completely free on all London Underground, Overground, DLR, and bus services when accompanying an adult. Just use the wider family accessible fare gates.
What should we wear to London Christmas markets?
Wear warm insulated waterproof boots, a hooded rainproof coat, wool beanie, scarf, and warm gloves. Standing outdoors for hours at food stalls requires good core warmth.
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