This is December 2025, and you can safely say winter is upon us. It hits us hard with cold spells, shorter days, dry air and dormant plants with shedding leaves. Despite the harsh realities of the colder time of year, there are always winter-friendly activities in London that students can participate in to make their time during the dark and colder months more enjoyable and exciting.These activities can be tailored to the personality and tastes of each student.

Winter-based activities for students

Exploring London’s iconic winter lights: London is not short of iconic lights during the festive period. Be prepared for your eyes to be greeted with the iconic 300,000 energy-efficient LED stars. The Oxford Street lights are usually switched on on November 3rd and radiate through the fashion street until early January. The Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is the official charity partner and the best part is that it’s free. If Oxford Street feels a bit overwhelming, you could consider the festive lights at Regent Street, Bond Street, Carnaby Street, Piccadilly Circus and the South Bank.

Christmas Markets:Christmas markets are a strong feature during the festive period. These markets are temporary villages with wooden stalls that often sell crafts, unique gifts and street food. Popular Christmas markets in London include Winter Wonderland, King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard, Greenwich Market and Trafalgar Garden. Some of these markets include late-evening shopping, pop-up themed bars and historic backdrops.

Budget-friendly ice skating locations in London:Winter Wonderland has a temporary ice rink for people to showcase their skating skills or work on them to make them better. There are also other ice-skating facilities in Canary Wharf, Hampton Court and Somerset House.

Free or affordable winter events:If you’re at the point where winter lights feel like a “been there, seen that, done that” situation, Christmas markets aren’t your cup of tea, or maybe the ice rink just reminds you of that embarrassing fall a few years ago, there are plenty of other winter activities and events you can attend in the capital to make your time during the colder months more enjoyable. The London Short Film Festival is usually scheduled for January, offering a unique opportunity to watch independent films from around the world at affordable prices.

Are you an art lover? There is a contemporary art event held in Islington with affordable prices that suit a student’s budget. There are a host of other winter activities in the capital that will make your time during this season more eventful.

Still looking for more activities this winter? Why not check out some theatre shows like Les Misérables, Oliver!, Hadestown, Woman in Mind, Elf the Musical and Into the Woods.London is an active city that never sleeps, and there is always something adventurous, creative, entertaining or novel to do despite the colder temperatures and shorter days. Go and have fun in the UK’s capital city!