London in winter is chaotic, cosy and very much magical

As a student, you’re in a pretty sweet spot to enjoy all the festive stuff without completely wrecking your bank balance. Here’s how to soak up the Christmas vibes around the city, student-budget style.

1. Winter Wonderland… but maybe just walk through it

Let’s get this one out of the way (though we don't recommend it simply based on the crazy price).

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the big name, and if you’ve never been, it can be fun to wander through once with your housemates. But the rides, food and drink add up fast, and it’s very easy to blink and realise you’ve dropped half your loan on a hot dog and a rollercoaster.

If you do go:

• Stick to a quick walk around to see the lights and atmosphere.
• Set a spend limit before you get there.
• Eat before you go so you’re not tempted by every £10 bratwurst in sight.

Then save your proper festive plans for the free (or nearly free) stuff.

2. Trafalgar Square: classic London Christmas vibes

Trafalgar Square is an easy win, especially if you’re already around campus or in central.

In December, you’ll usually find:

• The huge Christmas tree gifted by Norway each year
• Carol singing from different choirs in the evenings
• Smaller festive stalls or markets some years

It’s free, it’s very “London at Christmas,” and you can pair it with:

• A wander into Covent Garden to see the lights
• A quick loop down to the Southbank
• A cheap gallery visit at the National Gallery or Portrait Gallery

Perfect for a low-pressure evening after lectures.

3. Regent Street lights and a late-night wander

Regent Street is where you’ll find some of the most famous Christmas lights in the whole city.

A simple, very student-friendly night:

1. Head to Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus.
2. Walk down Regent Street under the lights.
3. Loop into Carnaby Street for even more (often quirkier) displays.
4. End in Soho or Chinatown for cheaper food options.

Cost: basically just your travel and whatever eat/drink at the end of the night. Great for a midweek Christmas treat.

4. Senate House: Christmas markets on your doorstep

One of the perks of being at the University of London: you’re right by Senate House.

They usually host Christmas markets, which makes it ridiculously easy to get into the festive mood between lectures rather than trekking across the city. Expect things like:

• Stalls with gifts, crafts and festive bits
• Easy access to hot drinks and snacks
• A nice atmosphere without having to commit to a whole “day out”

Keep an eye on uni comms and posters around campus so you don’t miss the dates – it’s the most low-effort, low-cost way to feel Christmassy as a UoL student.

5. Free(ish) festive walks you can do any evening

If you don’t fancy paying for events, London itself is basically a giant free light display. A few simple walking routes:

Southbank stroll: Walk from Waterloo along the Southbank towards London Bridge. You’ll usually find:

• Festive pop-up stalls and food cabins
• Views of Big Ben, the London Eye and the Thames lit up
• Plenty of spots to sit with a hot chocolate and people-watch

Covent Garden loop: Start in Covent Garden and just wander. At Christmas, you’ll often see:

• A massive Christmas tree
• Live performers and buskers
• Lights, decorations and pop-up stalls

Again, totally free unless you choose to buy food or gifts.

You absolutely don’t need a Winter Wonderland ticket, a fancy Christmas experience or a massive budget to enjoy London in December. Use what’s already on your doorstep: Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Senate House markets and all the random little pockets of lights and music you stumble across just by walking.