London Over Christmas: An Art-Led Guide to the Season

As winter settles over the city, London becomes a place of soft lights, crisp evenings and beautifully atmospheric interiors. December has a natural way of slowing things down with the perfect moment to step indoors and immerse yourself in art, design and spaces that reward taking your time.

From contemporary exhibitions to art-filled restaurants and festive installations, here’s our Electric Gallery curated guide to the most inspiring things to see (and do) in London this Christmas.

Contemporary Exhibitions to See This December

Hayward Gallery - Gilbert & George: 21st Century Pictures

Running until 11 January 2026
The Hayward is always a landmark for bold contemporary work, and this winter’s headline exhibition is no exception. 21st Century Pictures brings together a major selection of works by Gilbert & George, offering a vivid, provocative and unmistakably 21st-century look at modern life.
Expect colour, intensity and their signature mix of humour and confrontation. Perfect for anyone who enjoys art that sparks conversation.

Find more details on Hayward Gallery ->

Saatchi Gallery - Priest: Paper Cuts

Free entry · Running until 18 January 2026
This exhibition by Priest offers a meticulous, visually captivating world built entirely from paper. The precision and imagination behind the paper-cut works make the whole show feel almost sculptural.
It’s quietly mesmerising, and being one of Saatchi’s free exhibitions, it’s an easy and rewarding addition to a December day in Chelsea.

Find more details on Saatchi Gallery ->

Unit London - Stacey Gillian Abe: Garden of Blue Whispers

Running until 31 January 2026
Unit London’s winter exhibition is a beautiful, introspective and emotionally rich show from Stacey Gillian Abe. Garden of Blue Whispers explores memory, identity and inner landscapes through immersive portraits and atmospheric tones. This is a perfect match for those who love contemporary art with depth, calmness and strong visual storytelling, and one of the strongest exhibitions in London this season.

Find out more on Unit London ->

White Cube (Mason’s Yard) - Beatriz Milhazes: Além do Horizonte

Running until 17 January 2026
Milhazes’ work brings rhythm, colour and intricate pattern to White Cube’s minimalist galleries. Além do Horizonte (“Beyond the Horizon”) is a burst of energy in the middle of winter vibrant, layered and full of movement.
A beautiful contrast between the clean architecture of the space and the maximalism of her paintings.

Explore more details on White Cube ->

Somerset House - Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots

Running until 4 January 2026
A powerful photography exhibition exploring Black British identity, culture and community. Baptiste’s portraits feel intimate, stylish and rooted in music and self-expression, making this a standout winter show. Combine it with a wander through the festive courtyard for the full Somerset House experience.

Find more details on Somerset House ->

Restaurants Where Art is Part of the Experience

Mount St. Restaurant & Rooms, Mayfair

The walls of Mount St. Restaurant & Rooms are a museum in themselves. Over 200 artworks line the space, including:

• Lucian Freud’s Head of a Girl (1962) and A Plate of Prawns (1958)
• Andy Warhol’s Lobster (1982)
• Giorgio Morandi’s Natura morta (1946)
• Keith Tyson’s Still Life with White Carbs (2011)

The result is a dining room that feels more like a private collection, where exceptional food meets equally exceptional art. A must for anyone who wants their festive dinner to feel cultural, refined and atmospheric.

Sketch, Mayfair - The Art of Après

Until 5 January 2026
Sketch has transformed its iconic interiors into a winter après-ski fantasy, blending art, design and seasonal atmosphere. The playful, immersive world-building makes this a perfect December outing. It ties beautifully with the mood of Slim Aarons’ winter photography - that glamorous slope-side energy, translated into interiors, colour and texture. A great choice for brunch, afternoon tea or a late-afternoon drink surrounded by creativity.

Brasserie of Light - Damien Hirst’s Crystal Pegasus

Inside Selfridges’ most glamorous dining room sits the centrepiece: Hirst’s 24-ft crystal-encrusted Pegasus, suspended mid-air. It’s dramatic, beautifully lit and undeniably festive - especially if you're pairing it with an afternoon of West End shopping.

Festive Art Experiences & Winter Cultural Moments

Southbank Winter Lights

The Southbank is one of the most atmospheric places in London during December. Glowing installations, reflections across the Thames and an easy pairing with the Hayward Gallery exhibition. Ideal for an art-plus-winter-walk evening.

Somerset House Ice Rink

One of London’s most iconic festive scenes. Whether you skate or watch from the sidelines, the combination of lights, architecture and seasonal energy makes it worth the trip - especially if combined with the Jennie Baptiste exhibition.

Shoreditch Street Art Walk

If you prefer your art outdoors, East London’s murals offer colour, texture and discovery even in winter light. Layer up, grab a coffee and wander - it’s a simple, inspiring way to spend a December morning or afternoon.

A Season Made for Art

There’s a unique atmosphere to London in December. The light softens, the pace slows, and the city’s cultural spaces feel more intimate. Whether you’re exploring a contemporary exhibition, discovering a new artist or dining somewhere where art is woven into the experience, this season is full of opportunities to pause, look and reconnect with creativity.

If you find yourself visiting any of these places this month - enjoy the moment. And let the season’s atmosphere do the rest.