Christmas in London: Sparkling Lights, Joy, and Magic Everywhere

If you seek a destination full of festive spirit this season, spending Christmas in London is a great choice! There are a host of things for you to see, do, and eat/drink to feel the holiday cheer. Plus, it has the advantage of not being quite as frigid as some of its mainland Europe counterparts, and is a bit closer for US travelers. Sit back and relax, put on Love Actually, and start planning a trip to one of the most festive cities in the world!

For more Christmas travel ideas, check out:

• Ranking the Best Christmas Markets in Vienna
• 2024 Guide to the Christmas Markets in Munich: Food, What to Wear, and More!
• Ultimate Guide to Salzburg’s Magical Christmas Markets
• What to Pack for the European Christmas Markets

Do a Christmas Lights Tour

The Christmas lights in London are incomparable. You will see some gorgeous sights just walking around aimlessly in Mayfair or Soho (or many other neighborhoods), but why not have a plan? You can choose to do an organized walking tour, take an open-top bus tour, or make your own walking route through various areas! We will go over the pros and cons of each option.

Christmas Lights Guided Walking Tour

Joining a walking tour gives you plenty of time to take in the sights and lights as well as hearing some history and information about what you are seeing. However, it also has the distinct disadvantage of putting you directly in the crowded streets. Try to schedule your tour for a weekday a few weeks before Christmas!

Christmas Lights Bus Tour

We chose this option, knowing we’d already be walking a ton! If you opt for a bus tour, go for one with an open top (and bundle up—it gets chilly up there). Arrive early to snag the best seats—aim for the top level toward the back for an unobstructed view.

A bus tour is a fantastic way to cover a lot of ground quickly, with multiple starting points to keep things convenient. Plus, you’ll not only see the famous light displays but also catch iconic buildings and monuments at their festive best!

The only downside? London traffic. But honestly, if you hit a slow patch, just think of it as bonus time to soak in the Christmas magic!

Self-Guided Christmas Lights Walking Tour

We did this option as well (see Take In the Magical Storefronts below). Before our trip to London, I planned out several walking routes we could enjoy before or after dinner, making sure they were convenient based on our daily itinerary. I’ve listed our favorite routes below.

• Westminster to Mayfair Walk – 1.5 miles – runs from Trafalgar Square to the Ever After Garden
• Soho Walk – .7 miles – from the ice skating rink at Hanover Square through the famous lights of Soho (Regents Street, Oxford Street, and Carnaby Street)
• Marylebone – .6 miles – Marylebone through St Christopher’s Place.
• Marylebone and Mayfair – 2 miles – combo of the best of both Mayfair and Marylebone.
• Tower of London to Borough Market – 1.2 miles – This stroll along the Thames takes you through some tourist must-sees, such as Tower Bridge, Winter by the River, and then you can end your walk with something delicious from Borough Market. If you have the energy for another 1.5 miles, keep walking along the river around to the South Bank Market and back up Westminster Bridge for views of Big Ben and the London Eye.

Drink Mulled Wine at a Pub

Mulled wine (called gluhwein in Germany and vin chaud in France) is a Christmas staple in Europe. When it’s that cold outside, you need strategies to keep warm, and a hot, boozy drink in a cozy pub hits the spot. Nearly every pub we went into offered mulled wine – perfect for keeping the cold at bay as you explore or get your shopping done. The spiced wine flavors really hit the spot this time of the year.

The most famous pub in London at Christmas is the Churchill Arms Pub. As you can see, it is over-the-top decorated both inside and out! The historic Blackfriar Pub has a beautiful interior and some tasty mulled wine starting in November as well. You can also find mulled wine at the Christmas markets, bringing us to our next section!

Check out the Christmas Markets

Many of the main tourist attractions will have Christmas markets nearby from mid-November through December, so they are easy to find and visit. Christmas markets are more of a mainland Europe specialty, but these are fun for a walk-through! If you are looking for high-quality artisan goods and foods, I recommend Greenwich Market for shopping (amazing!) and Borough Market for food (more on that below). Leadenhall Market in the City (the 1 mile square most central part of London) is great to walk through and grab lunch as well!

South Bank Market

The South Bank market is a little more focused on international food, and is worth a walk-through if you are in the area – you also get cool views of the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament all lit up at night. We also visited the markets at Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square – unless you are already in the area, you can give those a pass – they are full of mass-produced goods (some stalls are identical) and you can find much better food elsewhere.

Winter by the River

Our favorite market was “Winter by the River” on the south bank between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. I loved the glassed in area to hang in comfy chairs with drink and food – you never find anywhere to sit at the mainland Europe markets! After we got to the end of the market, I was delighted to walk through Hay’s Galleria – I had no idea it existed, so it was a wonderful surprise. The decor was super cute, and they had some great items for sale.

Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square Markets

You will likely be in these areas anyway, so feel free to stop for a warm drink. I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit these, though – they have the same items for purchase and food booths.

Greenwich Market, Borough Market, and Covent Garden

Luckily, London has plenty of year-round markets that get an extra festive spirit at Christmas, such as Borough Market, Camden Market, and Covent Garden. Don’t miss Greenwich Market – you can get there on the tube, and it had the best selection of handmade artisan goods. I was delighted with my treasures!

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has a “German-style” Christmas market, plus rides, games, festival food, an ice bar, and a themed ice sculpture area. If you have kids, they’ll probably love it. If you don’t? Personally, I wouldn’t go out of my way to spend the money or battle the crowds.

We did check out the ice bar and ice sculpture area—spoiler alert: it was very cold! They give you oversized coats and gloves to wear inside, and your ticket includes a drink of your choice. It was a fun, novelty experience, but not something we’d feel the need to do again.

Winter Wonderland is a massive event that runs for about six weeks, and you can save a bit by pre-purchasing tickets. If you’re curious, go for it—but be prepared for crowds!

Enjoy a Christmas Feast

If you’re in London during the six weeks leading up to Christmas, you’ll find holiday menus popping up at many pubs and restaurants. These set menus typically include a starter, main, and dessert—perfect for revisiting old favorites or trying something new with a festive twist!
A great example is The Ivy restaurant group’s holiday menu, which has all the cozy, indulgent vibes of a classic Sunday Roast—a must-try in London. For one of the best, head to Blacklock Soho. Be sure to book in advance and go for the all-in roast, which includes beef, lamb, and pork—it’s a feast you won’t forget!

Take In the Magical Storefronts + Shopping

This might have been my absolute favorite part of visiting London during the Christmas season! The storefront displays are pure magic—glitzy, creative, and completely over-the-top in the best way. Wandering through Mayfair and Soho, it feels like there’s a dazzling new display around every corner, from the ultra-glam Dior windows to the festive setups at Marks & Spencer.

And let’s talk department stores—London has held onto that classic shopping experience far better than most U.S. cities. Make time to visit one (or all!) of the iconic, often historic, department stores like Harrods, Liberty, or Selfridges. They’re not just great for browsing; they’re also perfect for picking up unique Christmas decorations and gifts.

Go to an Afternoon Christmas Tea

Afternoon tea is already an iconic British experience, and that is even more the case around Christmas! The delicate treats and decor get a festive makeover. Fortnum and Mason along with Claridges are two of the most renowned tea experiences (although you can certainly find more affordable options). For the ultimate Christmas in London goodness, book a table on Bridgit’s Bakery’s Christmas-themed afternoon tea bus! Be sure to book early for the best selection of seats (get the upper deck)!

If you go to Fortnum and Mason for their tea like we did, build in some time to look around! It will likely be crowded when you go, but be sure to peruse the teas, snacks, and their Christmas store on the second floor. This is where I got some of my favorite souvenirs! They are known for their bespoke hampers, and each year they have a fabulous moving display in the center atrium.

See a Festive Show

I cannot recommend this enough—just be sure to book ahead! My top pick? A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic near Waterloo. This historic theater once hosted Charles Dickens himself, which makes it the perfect setting for his classic tale. You can’t beat that kind of connection!

The show is just the right length, with fun interactive elements (no spoilers here!). And as a bonus, you’re welcomed with delicious mince pies when you arrive—because nothing says “festive” like a little holiday treat!

Another fun choice that is distinctly British is a holiday pantomime (panto). They are usually comedic takes on well-known tales that involve music and dance. Some are most definitely adult-only, so be aware of that if you are traveling with little ones!

Go to a Holiday Popup Bar

Themed pop-up bars are becoming quite the trend, and I am here for it! London is no exception – there are plenty of merry bars making sure our spirits stay bright throughout the city. Miracle at Henrietta’s in Covent Garden serves up kitschy Christmas decor, holiday beverages, and munchies.

For more of a classy/cozy vibe, check out one of the apres ski-themed bars, such as Montague at the Gardens Ski Lodge, Fire and Fromage, Apres Bar London Bridge Rooftop, or Lodge d’Argent. As you snuggle in the the chalet-themed surroundings and enjoy some fondue or raclette, you will feel like you are in the Alps!

Explore Outside the City

Don’t forget to check out some surrounding areas that are an easy train ride away! Although there is plenty to do in London, if you are there for several days or more, you have time to expand your search for Christmas merriment and get a different, cozy feel in the smaller cities and suburban towns. I’ve included some day (or half-day) ideas below!

Bath

Bath has a renowned Christmas market—just be sure to check the dates so you don’t miss it like we did! Even if your timing doesn’t line up, the city’s Georgian architecture makes the perfect backdrop for twinkling lights and festive decorations.

If you’re looking for a great meal while you’re there, The Circus Restaurant, a Michelin-recommended spot, serves up some truly delicious dishes. Whether you’re wandering past the iconic Royal Crescent, warming up with mulled wine, or enjoying a leisurely meal, Bath is a magical place to soak in the holiday spirit.

Windsor and/or Richmond

For a festive day trip from London, Windsor and Richmond make a perfect pairing (each on their own would fit into half a day). Start your day in Windsor, where the historic castle looks even more magical adorned with Christmas decorations. Stroll through the charming town, pop into cozy cafés for a warm mince pie, and catch the castle’s grand Christmas tree twinkling in St. George’s Hall.

In the afternoon, head to Richmond (home of the Greyhounds for you Ted Lasso fans!) for a dose of holiday charm along the Thames. The town’s picturesque streets are beautifully decorated, and the inviting pubs are perfect for a cozy winter drink. But the real highlight? Kew Gardens’ Christmas at Kew event. As night falls, the famous botanical gardens transform into a dazzling wonderland of lights, with glowing tunnels, illuminated trees, and festive music filling the air. It’s the perfect way to end a Christmassy day outside the city.

Season of Joy

No matter what you choose to do, it’s impossible not to soak up the festive magic of London during the holiday season. Plan ahead as much as you can to make the most of your time—but don’t forget to leave room for those unexpected holiday surprises!

Wishing you a joyful and merry adventure—Happy Holidays!