What to pack for London in December: dark, damp, festive

The story

London in December, and at eight in the morning it’s still dark. It’s 5 °C and damp, not a downpour but a fine drizzle that settles on your coat and your hair. You walk to the Tube, tap in with your phone, and within two stops you’re too warm: the trains are heated, and packed. You open your coat and take off the scarf.

The British Museum is free, and warm. You spend the morning inside, then cross to Covent Garden, where the market has a Christmas tree the height of the building, and the drizzle comes and goes.

By half past three the light is fading, and by four it’s dark. The Christmas lights come on over Regent Street and Oxford Street, and so do the crowds. You walk with your hands in your pockets until you remember the gloves, thin enough to use your phone.

In the evening you go to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. The paths between the rides are muddy after a day of rain, and you’re glad your shoes keep the water out. Afterward, a pub with a fire, and the warmth goes straight to your feet.

You’re staying over Christmas, so you check what runs: on the 25th, there’s no Tube, no buses and no trains, and most things are closed. You plan a walk and a long lunch.

London in December is cold, damp and dark early, but rarely freezing, and bright with lights. Pack a warm, water-resistant coat, layers you can open on the Tube, and waterproof shoes.

What to pack for London in December

Pack for damp cold outside and heated trains and museums inside.

Clothes

A warm coat that stands drizzle, with a hood, or a hat.
Layers: a sweater or fleece over a long-sleeved top, easy to open on the Tube.
Warm trousers or jeans; thermal leggings if you feel the cold.
A scarf and thin gloves you can use your phone in.
Something smarter for a theater, a restaurant or a Christmas dinner.

Shoes

Waterproof boots or shoes with a good sole: pavements are wet most days, and parks are muddy.
Warm socks, and a spare pair for your bag.

For the day

A compact umbrella that can stand some wind.
A small bag that closes, for crowded streets and the Tube.
A power bank: short days mean more maps in the dark.

Documents, money and tech

Passport, and an ETA if your nationality needs one (see below).
A contactless bank card or phone to pay for the Tube and buses.
A UK plug adapter, even if you come from continental Europe: sockets are type G, at 230 V.

Good to know

Weather: December runs from about 3 to 9 °C (37 to 48 °F), with light rain or drizzle on many days. Snow is rare.
Daylight: about eight hours. The sun rises around 8 am and sets before 4 pm.
Christmas: on December 25, the Tube, buses and trains don’t run, and most shops, museums and sights close. December 26 has a reduced service. Plan how you’ll get around.
Getting around: tap in and out with the same contactless card or phone; fares are capped per day.
Plugs: type G, 230 V.
Money: pound sterling (GBP). Contactless payment is accepted almost everywhere, even on market stalls.
Entry: the United Kingdom isn’t in the EU or the Schengen area. Most visitors who don’t need a visa need an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before they travel; check GOV.UK for your nationality. EU citizens need a passport: national ID cards aren’t accepted for most visitors.