December in London is a treasure trove of magical lights, spectacular Christmas trees, and festive dinners, alongside a lineup of world-class cultural events.. With its world-class venues and cutting-edge performances, the city promises an unforgettable season of entertainment.
Our handpicked guide highlights standout events and exhibitions, backed by years of expertise in bringing you the best of London. Read on to discover how you can make the most of this magical month in the capital.
Top Things to Do in London in December
Starlight Express
Dates: Until October 2025
Venue: Troubadour, Wembley Park
As a child’s train set magically comes to life and the engines race to become the fastest in the world, Rusty the steam train has little hope of winning until he is inspired by the legend of the ‘Starlight Express’. Seen by over 20 million people across the world, this impressive returning show fully immerses audiences of all ages inside a world of speed, song and storytelling.
Book your tickets at Starlight Express London
Cyrano
Dates: 11 December-11 January
Venue: Park Theatre
Scooping a Fringe First award, this gender-flipping reimagining of Cyrano de Bergerac is a big-hearted, irreverent rom-com for our times packed with music, wit and aching romance. A love letter to hope, to overcoming loneliness, to language and desire; to the irrepressible magic of theatre.
Get tickets at the Park Theatre
Circa’s Duck Pond
Dates: 11 December-11 January
Venue: Southbank Centre
Award-winning Australian circus company Circa bring their exuberant reimagining of Swan Lake to London. Duck Pond is a thrilling and enchanting extravaganza that blends spectacular circus and dazzling performance.
The World of Tim Burton
Dates: Until April 2025
Venue: Design Museum
A journey through five remarkable decades of creativity, from Tim Burton’s earliest unrealised projects to his most recent film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Highlights include hundreds of Burton’s expressionistic sketches and drawings, alongside props, set designs, and costumes. The exhibition comes to London after a hugely successful decade-long world tour that has seen it visit 14 cities in 11 countries since 2014.
Get your tickets at the Design Museum
Ballet Shoes
Dates: Until 22 February 2025
Venue: Olivier Theatre
In a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters – Pauline, Petrova and Posy – are learning who they are and what they want to be. Under the watchful eyes and guidance of their guardian Sylvia, Nana, and some unlikely lodgers, they fight to pursue their individual passions. But in a world that wasn’t built for women with big ambitions, can they forge a future, keep their family together, and even learn a dance or two along the way?.
Anastasia Samoylova-Adaptation
Dates: Until 20 January
Venue: Saatchi Gallery
The first major survey of contemporary American photographer Anastasia Samoylova. Curated by Taous Dahmani, this exhibition will present works from five of Samoylova’s most significant series: Floridas, FloodZone, Landscape Sublime, Image Cities, and Breakfasts. A modern-day flâneuse with a camera in hand, Anastasia Samoylova observes the everyday to reveal its absurdities and challenge our societal constraints.
Book tickets at Saatchi Gallery
How Absolutely Picks the Best for You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
