The best things to do for Christmas in London

I will confidently say that London is one of the best places for Christmas in the world. There is just so much to do for all ages and all budgets that the city will always be an all-rounder. I will share all the best things to do for Christmas in London; from lights to shows to decorations to markets, there is something for everyone. 

From September, it feels like there is a race to skip autumn, Halloween and co and jump straight to Christmas season. Shops start to release their advent calendars; Christmas experiences start to sell out and Marks & Spencer even opens their Christmas food shop to order. From the 1st week of November, something snaps and it’s all about the festive season; this lasts all the way to the 1st week in January so there is enough time to savour Christmas in London season.

15 of the best things to do for Christmas in London

1. Visit the Harrods Christmas Shop

There is no shop in London like Harrods. It is the epitome of luxury shopping and dining. Harrods is lush all season, but it turns into a festive wonderland during Christmas. Aside from the decorations, there is a full section on the gifts floor dedicated to Christmas treats. It literally feels like you are in Santa’s workshop once you step in. It is a lovely shopping experience especially and I will be the first to admit that things can be a little overpriced but it’s Harrods, it’s Christmas and who even says you have to buy anything?!

A few years ago, there used to be a Santa’s grotto experience which was open to Rewards members. They seem to have paused it (or maybe it is more exclusive now?! Who knows?) I have no idea if it will ever come back which makes me sad as it was such a lovely experience. However, not to worry as Harrods still does Christmas in the most spectacular fashion.

2. Enjoy the London Christmas Lights 

For the best lights during the festive season, head to Oxford Street, Regent Street and New Bond Street. I call it the trifecta of London Christmas Lights and they are my favourite of all the lights. They stay mostly the same and there is something so traditional about it all. If there is one thing that London does well at Christmas, it is lighting the whole city in the most stunning festive colours. Christmas in London is so colourful thanks to all the lights. From the 1st week in November, the lights start to go up in and around Mayfair.

One of my favourite Christmas light displays is the “The Spirit of Christmas” Angels on Regent Street. They have been up there for the last few years and there is always a rumour that each year is the last year. So far, they have stayed put and I hope they are a permanent fixture. They bring something extra special to Regent street at Christmas and have now become the face of all things Christmas in London.

3. Do the Christmas Lights Open Bus Tour

I always recommend walking in London; however, another fun way to see the lights is via the Open Bus Tour which drives you through the lights. The bus rides on Regent and Oxford streets get really popular during Christmas. If you manage to get the upper deck, you can see the lights even better. However, it gets so busy because it’s a very inexpensive way of seeing the lights. The bus tours are more organised and a family friendly way of seeing the lights. You are away from the Christmas crowds and busy streets while seeing some of the prettiest Christmas lights in London.

4. A Christmas day out: Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

Is there a more Christmassy thing to do in London than Winter Wonderland? I think not. One of the best things to do for Christmas in London is a day out to Winter Wonderland. We have been to Winter Wonderland 4 times and I think I’ve done it to my satisfaction.

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is basically a festive land where everything Christmassy happens. As the name implies, it is in Hyde Park and there are a lot of attractions. From Santa land to an ice-skating rink to park rides to Christmas markets, it has everything in it. I would say it is the perfect Christmas day out in London for families and friends. Winter Wonderland works well for casual dates too; it is the perfect place to take your 1st date to for a festive day of fun.

For most of the attractions, you can pay when you are there. However, a few special ones like the ice-skating rink and Santa land will need to be booked ahead.

Related Blog Post: London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

5. Dine at Christmas themed restaurants

Christmas in London is the best time to visit one of London’s fancy restaurants. I love that restaurants basically outdo themselves year after year. Once the autumn season is done, the autumnal decorations give way to the Christmas decorations. Some restaurants are so OTT like Henrietta’s in Covent Garden and others are more traditional.

Most of them have festive menus well curated to match the season. You get mulled wine and festive cocktails for drinks as well. What I love is that even the restaurants that are not fussy about Christmas will still have a Christmas themed menu. This is one you might need to book in advance since everyone wants a festive menu at this time of the year.

Another exciting type of dining is the Igloos that pop up during Christmas season. Some popular ones are Coppa Club next to Tower bridge and The Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant in the City.

6. Have a mooch in Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum and Mason is one of those quintessentially British heritage shops. It was said to be Queen Elizabeth’s favourite shop and it is one of the shops that holds a Royal license. Fortnum and Mason at Christmas is wonderful. From the street, you can see the giant lit up year which changes every year and the shop usually has a theme. While this is common with most London shops, what makes F&M different is stepping inside. There you will find a full-on Christmas shopping experience and one of the best displays. My favourite installation so far was in 2024, when there were giant puddings casually swinging. My toddler was convinced that the shop was Santa’s workshop LOL – I believed her tbh.

7. Go to one (or more) London Christmas Market

The Christmas markets in London are really good. I have been to some Christmas markets in Brugges and Berlin; I can say that London does hold its own.  I like that in most London Christmas markets, you will find foods from all around the world. There is usually a German stall selling all sorts of sausages and beers, American ones with burgers and of course the pub-like British ones with good ol’ fish and chips.

8. Go Ice Skating

You probably won’t believe me but I did try ice skating once and quickly realised it was not for me. Thankfully, I have the picture to prove that it did happen. One of the best things to do for Christmas in London is to go ice skating. I went to winter wonderland for my experience, and it is still a popular, family friendly place to skate. However, there are a few other places you can ice skate too. There used to be the most stunning one in front of the Natural History Museum but it is sadly closed now.

9. An afternoon of Christmas at Covent Garden

I absolutely adore Covent Garden. It always reminds me of what I’d imagine “old London” to look like. There are lots of quaint shops, pop ups and just a lovely all round vibe. There is a Christmas market which is super festive and well spread out. I also love all the decorations in Covent Garden at Christmas time.

I cannot talk about Christmas in Covent Garden without mentioning the tree which might be the best Christmas tree in London. The decorations are grand and I hope they continue to bring back the Christmas bells and sleigh year after year. In the last few years, there has been “snow fall” on the hour from about noon which makes the square even more magical.

10. Father Christmas/SANTA Experiences

This is a bit of a cheat one because let’s be honest, the big man is not the easiest to see without a reservation, months in advance. I should know; I already reserved our visit to Santa in September.

In 2024, we had the most magical Santa visit at the Ralph Lauren store and the best thing about that experience is that it was for Charity (the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity). I received the email (as a regular shopper, they had my email contact) and thought it was for a brilliant cause. We had the most wonderful time, and it felt intimate.

There are Santa experiences at Hamleys which I know sells out immediately the dates are released. However, if you are lucky to find one in London, don’t hesitate to book.

11. See the Claridge’s Christmas display 

Claridge’s is one of the best hotels in London. Known for being one of the best luxury hotels in London, it is where aesthetics meets tradition meets innovation. Every year, Claridge’s partners with a designer to create its Christmas tree of the season. Everyone waits in anticipation to see what this tree will look like. One I always remember so vividly is when Christian Louboutin had the honours and created a red locomotive “Loubi Express” which was fabulous.

Usually, Claridge’s can be quite exclusive but when the tree is live, the door men allow anyone to come inside for a glimpse. We have had a Christmas breakfast and Afternoon Tea there as well which gave us full access to enjoying the festive air. During the Christmas breakfast, we even had a choir sing which was all so magical. So, no you don’t need to be staying at Claridge’s to have a glimpse of this display.

Related Blog Post: Christmas at Claridge’s

12. Attend a Carol Service or Christmas Concert

I’ve only attended one in Claridge’s a few years ago and it was so beautiful. It was a kids’ choir who came to serenade us at brunch, and I thought it was a nice touch to celebrate the reason for Christmas which tends to get lost in all the festivities. You get to listen to the traditional Christmas carols like Joy to the World and my personal favourite, Drummer Boy. In the last few years, there have been concerts at the V&A museum, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and of course, Royal Albert Hall.

One that I highly recommend is the Christmas by Candlelight show. I attended one of the Candlelight events (the Bridgerton special) in Southwark Cathedral and was so blown away.

13. Admire the Christmas shop displays

Just like the restaurants at Christmas, shops go all out during the festive season. Christmas displays get bigger and bigger each year. I love that each year, more shops and restaurants join in the fun to decorate their fronts with the most outlandish florals and caricatures. 

One of my favourites will always be the private club in Mayfair, Annabel’s. This exclusive club won’t let you in; however, its front always has the most OTT Christmas display there ever was. Each year, all of London is on standby for what Annabel’s display will be. Another highly anticipated shop display is the Cartier one. Red and sparkly each year but always different from the last. I am looking forward to this year’s as usual.

14. Stroll and photograph Christmas Streets

One of the best things to do for Christmas in London is to walk the popular “Christmas streets”. I call them Christmas streets because of how the entire street gets decked out in the festive season. The 3 that I always go back to are Carnaby, Elizabeth street in Belgravia and of course, New Bond street. Carnaby Street always has a theme that is as playful as it is ethical. One year, it was something to do with saving the ocean “project Zero” and it changes every year.

Elizabeth Street in Belgravia takes pride in its street filled with flower shops, restaurants and cafes decked out in their festive decorations. My favourite is always the Jo Loves store that is usually a mix of whimsical and display.

New Bond Street has the likes of Cartier, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Dior and Tiffany’s. It is possibly the most photographed street at Christmas and gets so busy with photo sessions. My tip is to go early; especially on week days, before the shops open and you’ll have it all to yourself.

15. Attend a Christmas show

London’s West End is one of the best places to watch any music production all year round. However, it is even more special at Christmas. The Nutcracker at Real Opera House, Frozen at Drury Lane and The Snowman are some of the popular Christmas shows to watch in London.

Some years, they release newer shows but most years, they stay the same. This means that you are able to plan ahead. I also love that there are a lot of child friendly ones as well like Elf the Musical at Aldwych theatre and Father Christmas needs a wee.

FAQs
When is Christmas in London?

Christmas in London is usually from the 1st week of November until the 1st week of January. Once halloween is over on the 31st of October, the following week is all about the Christmas lights, displays and festive shopping. It carries on until the “12th day of Christmas” which is the 6th of January. So it is a long 2 months of celebrating Christmas in London.

When do the Christmas lights go up in London?

Every year, a list of dates when the lights go up is released. The earliest date I have seen is November 6th for Carnaby street. However, the dates get earlier and earlier each year so I won’t be surprised if we get a 1st of November date soon.

Where to stay in London for Christmas?

The best places are quite central tbh. That is where you will find a concentration of Christmas displays and festivities. Places like Covent Garden, Mayfair and the Soho areas are great at Christmas. However, the City is also a good shout. This is not to say that other parts of London won’t be abuzz with Christmas festivities. 

A few things to note…

Book experiences early

This is very important especially the Santa experiences and restaurants too. During Christmas in London, everything gets booked up really quickly. From September, invites start floating around for Santa experiences and Christmas activities. I always book as soon as I can especially since I always almost need a weekend date.

There is no public transport on Christmas day in London

Everyone always seems to forget that there is no public transportation available on Christmas Day. In fact between 24th to 26th December, trains and the tube services are reduced, taxis may inflate their prices and buses are usually the most reliable transportation. However on Christmas Day itself, there is no train, tube or bus running in London.

The crowds can be overwhelming

When Christmas in London comes around, the crowds can be insane because everyone has the same idea as you. I mean, who does not want to enjoy Christmas in London? So this is something to note. My recommendation is to go during weekday mornings as places are quieter. Or wait until Christmas is over. That week after Christmas but before New Year is usually quite around London. The busiest times are the 2 weeks leading up to Christmas.

The best things to do for Christmas in London

Christmas in London is magical. I have always thought that London is one of the few cities that looks lovely in every season (yes, even when it rains). However, there is something incredibly special about spending a few days of Christmas in London. One thing I love is that a  lot of the experiences are free and don’t need prior booking. So if you ever get the chance, head to London for Christmas and thank me later.

Enjoy London!

Bisous, Bugo x