Us Brits love a day trip. Collectively, we took over 1.2-billion-day trips in 2023, with London seeing 23% of all day-trippers across the year[1]. And, 2024 is set to be no different – in fact, possibly more trips despite the cost of living chatter.

Day trippers enjoy London for its shopping, history, and attractions – with the Tower of London topping the list of the top paid for attraction in the UK last year, and the British Museum peaking for the top free attraction[2].

So, with the nation clearly loving a day out in the capital, new data from London Northwestern Railway (LNR) has revealed the most popular weekend to travel to London by train* – along with unveiling the Big Smoke’s in-demand attractions and exclusive tips and tricks to make the most of the trip.

Next stop – Festive Frenzy
So, what will be 2024’s most popular day to travel to London? Well, in 2022, the festive season was extremely popular – with Saturday 3rd December seeing a whopping 32,000 journeys in one day. Similarly in 2023, over 27,000 day-trippers took the line to London on Saturday 9th December*.

So, following the historical trend, LNR is expecting its busiest day to fall on the Saturday of the first full week of December – which will be 7th December 2024. So, if you’re a big fan of Christmas in the city but not so much the rush of tourists, perhaps this date is one to keep in mind when planning this year’s festive trip, opting for an alternative day in the run up to Christmas.

Top trending things to see and do in London
The British capital is a truly magical place in December, with a festive atmosphere that attracts both day-trippers and weekend adventurers. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or it’s your first time in the Big Smoke, there’s no shortage of things to see and do during the holiday season.

So, if you’re planning to join the thousands flocking to the city this December, here are the top five must-see attractions and activities that should be on your ‘nice’ list, according to TikTok…
Explore the Christmas Lights on Oxford Street – 41.2k posts on TikTok
Every year, Oxford Street transforms into a dazzling display of twinkling lights and festive decorations – creating the ultimate Instagrammable photo backdrop. With over a million LED lights illuminating the famous shopping street, it’s truly a sight to behold. So, be sure to take a leisurely stroll down the street at sundown, soaking in the Christmas spirit and maybe even picking up a gift or two.

Skate at the Natural History Museum Ice Rink – 14.3k posts
For a quintessentially British festive experience, lace up your skates and glide around the seasonal ice rink at the Natural History Museum. Set against the stunning backdrop of the museum’s grand architecture, this ice rink is one of London’s most iconic winter attractions. Whether you’re a pro skater or just a beginner, it’s a fun activity for all ages.

Visit the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park – 504k posts
No December trip to London is complete without a visit to Hyde Park’s iconic Winter Wonderland. This festive extravaganza features everything from a traditional Christmas market to thrilling rides and live entertainment. Take a spin on the giant Ferris wheel, sip on mulled wine, and enjoy the jolly atmosphere that has made Winter Wonderland a true London favourite.

Catch a Christmas Show in the West End – 124.4k posts
London’s West End is famous for its world-class theatre productions, and December is the perfect time to catch a festive show to get you in true spirit. This December there is truly something for everyone, with the Christmas-themed West End shows ranging from ‘Christmas with Anton Du Beke’, to ‘The Nutcracker’, to classic festive panto ‘Aladdin’. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as shows tend to sell out quickly during the holiday season.

Wander Through Covent Garden’s Christmas Market – 37.8k posts
Covent Garden is always an interesting place to explore, but in December it becomes even more magical. The piazza is adorned with giant baubles, twinkling lights, and a towering Christmas tree – the ideal spot for a selfie no doubt. Explore the Christmas market stalls, enjoy street performances, and warm up with a hot chocolate from one of the many vendors.

Crowds and Cheer – Navigating London at Christmas
So, if you’re looking to head to London during the festive period, how can you make the most out of your day trip?

Firstly, you should always try to plan your travel ahead of time. Alongside potentially scoring cheaper travel with advance tickets , drawing yourself an organised itinerary will help you achieve so much more during your trip.

If you’re predicting a shopping spree and expect to be carrying a lot of bags home, it’s well worth checking how busy your train will be to ensure a comfortable journey. On LNR’s website, you can use a tool to check how busy your train will be by adding in both your origin and destination stations, along with the time you’re looking to travel and there you have it.