Christmas in London is nothing short of magical. During this special time of year, families reconnect and individuals take stock of the year past. As a destination, London offers a wealth of experiences and opportunities for those wishing to make the most of the Festive Season.
With a Christmas tree in every shop window and Christmas lights adding wonder and beauty to the streets, few who have experienced a London Christmas could wish for a more fulfilling way to spend the holidays.
For us, Christmas in London means long walks with mittens and hot flasks of mulled wine, wandering through Christmas markets and marvelling at Christmas decorations. While Christmas carols fill us with nostalgia, calling up childhood memories of the festive season spent with friends and family.
Whether your Christmas shopping at Harrods or Covent Garden, taking in nature’s beauty at Kew Gardens or planning an afternoon tea overlooking the Thames London has it all.
Maybe your just thinking about the best places to have Breakfast In London before heading out to Hyde Park or Somerset House, this article is the best place to gather expertly curated advice on how to have the most beautiful and typically British Christmas in London.
Selfridges, Oxford Street
You’ll want to start on Oxford Street, head towards Selfridges and gawk at their incredible Christmas decorations. Each year, this infamous department store decorates their windows at Christmas and with time, they just seem to get better and better. Pop up to the top floor and check out the Christmas floor – cafe, Santa’s grotto, the lot! Then, if you’re still in the mood for a little walk down one of London’s loveliest and most famous streets, head over to Marylebone High Street and check out the Christmas lights and stop by any of the many little cafés along the way for mince pies and a multitude of festive things. The Conran Shop is a personal favourite…

Liberty, Regent Street
A little further down, just off Regents Street, lies the old and elegant Liberty. Known to some as the British Fashion Mecca and established in 1875, this incredible building is the home to all kinds of menswear, womenswear, perfume and accessories galore. Around Christmas, it becomes even more beautiful, with frosted windows, wintery floral garlands and Christmas decorations dotted around the six floors of the store. Be sure to take Father Christmas along just in case you run into a must-own item of clothing. Take your time wandering through the different departments and reach out to any of the staff for questions. They are all lovely!
Just around the corner, on Kingly Street is the highly-rated Dishoom – known throughout London for its delicious Indian cuisine, stunning décor and warm, cosy atmosphere. Dishoom is a wonderful place all year round but there’s something about curling up in their art deco booths and eating a bowl of warming curry during the festive season.

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
After Regent Street, head over to Hyde Park and check out the glorious Winter Wonderland. Located in the heart of the capital, just around the corner from our Aparthotel in London, people gather from all over the world to check out their Christmas Events.
Spread across November and December, Winter Wonderland is a perfect place for the whole family, a bunch of friends, or even to go alone! The event is free for all and is filled with fun houses, fairground rides, ice skating rinks, German beer tents and markets and much more. The best part of Winter Wonderland is, it’s just on your doorstep! Head back home in the evening for a mug of hot chocolate and a movie in your pj’s.

More of Our Favourite Christmas Festivities in London
Hopefully, this guide has already got you picturing a perfect stay in London throughout the winter months. If you aren’t quite sold yet, we’ve included some of our favourite things to do in London at Christmas as a little bonus:
- Make Christmas Eve extra special – Take a wander down Carnaby Street to take in one of the cities most dazzling displays of Christmas lights.
- Experience a pantomime – Another famous British tradition over the festive season in London is pantomime. These Christmas Shows are put on at theatres all over the city and catching A Christmas Carol is one of the most Christmassy activities possible.
- Famous Ice Skating destinations abound – Visit the rink at The Natural History Museum, Hampton Court Palace or Tower of London to spend some fun time skating.
- Step back in time – St Pauls offers a Christmas Eve Service that will not disappoint.
- Christmas Markets – Leicester Square, Southbank and London Bridge are world-class Christmas Market destinations. And even though Christmas time may draw large crowds, the best Christmas markets will not disappoint shoppers or those wishing to immerse themselves in the Christmas Spirit.
- Have a sing along – We highly recommend a visit to Trafalgar Square where the more fair voiced can sing along to Christmas carols. London would not be the same if the city was not reverberating to the sound of angelic voices ushering in the Christmas spirit.
- Christmas at Hogwarts – A must-attend show for all the Harry Potter fans. This show is a landmark event at the Warner Brothers Studio in London. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
- Track down the best Christmas tree – What would Christmas in London be without beautifully decorated Christmas Trees at every turn? Ever since the spruce made its way from Norway, this humble tree found its way into homes and shops alike to keep guard over gifts and presents until Christmas Day.Visit Covent Garden and Trafalgar square to treat the family to some of London’s most lovingly decorated Christmas trees.
So there you have it. Christmas in London is truly an experience you will never forget and we hope this guide has gone some way to helping you plan the trip, or perhaps sustainable staycation of a lifetime.