How to enjoy Christmas in London on a student budget

Development Studies student Ereza takes us on a journey around London to explore her favourite festive activities that won’t use up that all-important Christmas present budget.   

Christmas in London is a magical time of year, especially for students, but we all know that sightseeing around London can come with a hefty price tag. However, a little planning goes a long way, as London offers plenty of free events and activities, as well as student discounts, to help you enjoy the festive season without breaking the bank.  

Here are some of my top ways to make the most of Christmas in London while keeping your wallet happy.

Take in the festive lights 

London’s Christmas lights are a winter must-see and a free festive way to enjoy the holiday spirit.  Located within walking distance of SOAS, I recommend starting your festive walk from Oxford Street down to Regent Street and marvelling at the stunning Christmas-themed shopping displays.  

Carnaby Street is popular for its unique decorations, while nearby Covent Garden offers grand illuminations and a huge Christmas tree perfect for Instagram snaps.    

Wander around Christmas markets 

London’s Christmas markets are bursting with holiday spirit – with free entry and a range of festive stalls, this is one of my favourite ways to indulge in the Christmas feeling without spending a fortune. Leicester Square market, close to SOAS, and Southbank’s winter market are my two favourite options.

I love strolling around and soaking up the festive, cosy atmosphere.

I love strolling around and soaking up the festive, cosy atmosphere. There are also plenty of budget-friendly food and drink options to keep you warm while you wander. 

Ice skating deals 

There’s nothing more festive than ice skating in London during winter. Whether you’re an ice pro or just looking for something fun to do in the cold, it’s the perfect seasonal activity. Luckily for us students, many ice rinks offer discounted student rates on tickets.

My top picks are Somerset House and Westfield ice rinks – both offer 20% off for students, making it a budget-friendly way to enjoy some winter magic.

Winter popups: festive freebies and fun 

Everyone loves a free pop-up, so what better time to indulge in different brands and samples than during winter? London in winter is packed with free seasonal events that can be found with a simple search on Eventbrite, TimeOut or TikTok. Covent Garden and Shoreditch are two notable hubs for festive pop-ups, often featuring well-known brands with interactive activities.  

Festive film nights 

There’s nothing better than cosying up with some popcorn and a Christmas movie to get into the holiday spirit, and many cinemas are screening Christmas classics this winter.

Whether it's exploring lights, markets or ice skating, there’s so much festive fun to experience in London during the Christmas season.

Picturehouse Cinemas stands out with student discounts and perks like free tickets and cheaper entry for members. If you’re with Vodafone or O2, you can grab two Vue or Odeon tickets weekly for under £10 using their rewards programme. It’s the perfect budget-friendly way to enjoy movies and embrace the festive season.  

Whether it's exploring lights, markets or ice skating, there’s so much festive fun to experience in London during the Christmas season. I hope these ideas inspire you to enjoy the magic city this season while keeping your student budget in check. Happy holidays!

Header image credit: Russ Martin via Unsplash.