Christmas in London should be on everyone’s bucket list to visit at least once for good reason. One of the most festive cities in the world; with magical Christmas light displays and tons of festive activities to get into the Christmas spirit.
This guide contains everything you need to know about where are the christmas markets, light displays and where to stay and eat.
When to visit: Mid-November is the best time since December gets very busy and is London’s most visited month. All of the Christmas decorations and spots are up from early-mid November, making it the best time before the crowds hit in December.
The Christmas lights around London start between the 3rd to the 16th of November; so traveling shortly after this date is ideal to make sure you also don’t miss out on any of the displays. The light displays usually run until the New year.
What to pack: Make sure you bring warm clothes; a thick coat, a hat, scarf and an umbrella for unpredictable British weather.
How to get there: London has 4 airports; the biggest being Heathrow, followed by Gatwick, Stansted and City. The best option from Heathrow is the paddington express which runs direct in 15 mins into the center of London.
Ideal trip length: 3-5 nights; if you’re looking to cover more of London’s attractions as well as the festivities I’d recommend the 5 nights.
Best hotels in London to stay:
The Savoy ($$$$) – Probably the most festive, ultra-luxury stay in London with a perfect location, close to to most of the best christmas spots
The Ritz ($$$$) – 5* ultra-luxury, very conveniently located near to luxury shopping spots
Pan Pacific London ($$$) – 5* stunning property with a stunning indoor pool, near to liverpool street
The Pilgrm ($$) – 4* property, compact but modern, near to Paddington station for easy transfers
One Hundred ($$) – 4* modern and stylish property, located in Shoreditch
The best spots for Christmas light displays and photo spots are:
1. Regent Street
2. Oxford Street
3. New Bond Street
4. Covent Garden
5. Carnby Stree
6. Kew Gardens
7. Trafalgar Square
8. Annabel’s Mayfair
My highly recommended christmas markets not be be missed are:
1. Apple Market at covent Garden
2. Trafalgar Square
3. Winter by the river at London bridge
4. South Bank Center winter market
5. Borough Market
6. Leicester Square
The ultimate christmas activities not to be missed are:
- Ice Skating at Somerset house
- Winter wonderland at Hyde park
- A christmas west-end Theatre show like The Elf or Snowman
The best window shopping displays:
- Fortnum & Mason
- Cartier on New Bond Street
- Chanel & Dior on New Bond Street
- Boodles on New Bond Street
- Burlington Arcade
The Best festive restaurants and bars:
1. 34 Mayfair
This restaurant offers a 2 or 3 course festive set-menu in the incredible Mayfair area; this was the most beautifully decorated restaurant I’d been to and some of the best food too making it the top of my list. The 2 course menu is set at around 34 gbp per person (subject to change).
2. Gaucho Covent garden
This Argentinian restaurant in Covent garden offers a lunch and pre-theatre menu; making it great value for money. It is beautifully decorated from outside and it’s first floor (make sure to avoid the lower floor as it’s not decorated; so i’d advise not coming at a peak time if possible)
3. Clos Maggiore
This is a beautifully decorated french fine dining restaurant located near to covent garden and offers a festive menu. The menu is priced around gbp 35 per person.
4. Churchill Arms
The most decorated and festive pub in London and perhaps anywhere. It is truely beautiful from outside; with thousands of lights. It’s located in Kensington. The pub is very busy so tables are difficult to get; but inside they have a Thai restaurant with 1 hour seating slots.
5. Daphne’s
An Italian restaurant situated between South Kesnington and Chelsea. They don’t offer a set festive menu but you can expect to find lots of upscale italian dishes.
