December is one of the best months to visit London to witness the city come alive with magical decorations and whimsical Christmas light displays. Think ice skating, mulled wine, carol singing, festive markets and so many fun activities to check out.

As a London local, I notice that most of the decorations usually go up from mid-November. However, I recommend visiting London from the first week of December to ensure you don’t miss out any of the festive fun.

At the end of this post, I’ve made a Google map with all locations pinned so you can easily navigate your way through London and find my recommendations.

Here is my guide on the best Christmas things to do in London in 2024.

POST NAVIGATION

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS LOCATIONS
ice skating rinks
Christmas markets
BEST LONDON HOTELS
festivals & events
window displays & shops
FESTIVE DINING
AFTERNOON TEAS
christmas ACTIVITIES
CHRISTMAS TREE LOCATIONS
WINTER IGLOO LOCATIONS
PHOTO LOCATIONS

  • This image shows a festive holiday display on Regent Street in London during the Christmas season. Illuminated angel-shaped decorations with golden wings span across the street, creating a warm glow against the dusk sky. The street is lined with grand buildings, also adorned with lights, as cars and pedestrians move through the scene below.
    Regent Street Christmas Lights
  • This image shows a person with long hair and a large white bow standing in front of the Covent Garden Market in London, which is decorated for Christmas. The entrance is adorned with a large wreath and a red bow, and several Christmas trees with red and gold ornaments line the path. The cobblestone street and festive atmosphere highlight the holiday spirit.
    Christmas Trees at Covent Garden

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London’s Christmas Lights

Regent Street
Oxford Street
Carnaby
Seven Dials

Belgravia
Bond Street⁣⁣
Covent Garden
Battersea Power Station

London Ice Skating Rinks

Somerset House
Battersea Power Station Glide Ice Rink
Queen’s House
Hampton Court Palace
Canary Wharf Ice Rink⁣⁣

Winter Wonderland @ Hyde Park
Skylight Ice Rink @ Tobacco Dock
Westfield London
Skate West End in Hanover Square
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

London Christmas Markets

South Bank Centre Winter Market
Apple Market at Covent Garden
Leicester Square
Greenwich

Trafalgar Square
King’s Cross Canopy Market
Borough⁣⁣ Market
Spitalfields Christmas Markets

London Christmas Light Festivals

Christmas at Kew Gardens
Kenwood House Lights Trail 
London Wetland Centre’s Illuminature

Enchanted Eltham at Eltham Palace
Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park (TBC)

  • This image captures the festive facade of the Fortnum & Mason building in London, decorated as a giant advent calendar for the Christmas season. Each window is framed with garlands and numbered, with numbers 1 through 24 spread across the building. A red double-decker bus with an advertisement for "Love Actually" passes in front, and a person in a beige coat walks across the street, adding a dynamic element to the scene. The iconic Fortnum & Mason clock is visible above the entrance.
    Fortnum & Mason
  • This image shows the festive interior of the Miracle Christmas Bar at the Henrietta Hotel, decorated with vibrant holiday colors. The ceiling is adorned with shimmering tinsel, stars, and ornaments, creating a dazzling overhead display. The bar area features mini Christmas trees and garlands, while the tables are covered with colorful, holiday-patterned cloths. A silver Christmas tree and various holiday decorations fill the cozy space, enhancing the warm, celebratory atmosphere.
    Miracle Christmas Bar at Henrietta Hotel

Christmas Window Displays & Shops

Fortnum & Mason
Harrods
Liberty

Selfridges⁣⁣
Burlington Arcade
The Royal Arcade

  • This image depicts Oxford Street in London at night, beautifully illuminated with Christmas lights. Hanging above the bustling street are strings of glowing stars and icicle-like lights, casting a festive glow over the scene. Red double-decker buses and black taxis move along the street, with shoppers visible along the brightly lit storefronts. The vibrant decorations create a magical holiday atmosphere in one of London’s most famous shopping districts.
    Oxford Street Christmas Lights
  • This image shows the festive exterior of KOYN restaurant, adorned with large holiday decorations. Two candy cane pillars wrapped with a giant red ribbon and bow frame the entrance. A red vintage car, covered with greenery and stacked with presents on the roof, is parked outside, adding to the seasonal charm. A woman in a beige coat and crossbody bag walks past the display, which is surrounded by small Christmas trees and greenery, creating a joyful holiday scene.
    KOYN

Best London Christmas Restaurants

34 Mayfair
Sketch
Clos Maggiore
Daphne’s
Dalloway Terrace
Scott’s

The Ivy Chelsea Garden
Duck & Waffle
Annabel’s⁣⁣
Churchill Arms
Brasserie of Light
Fifty Cheyne

  • This image captures a beautifully festive dining room at Daphne's Restaurant in London, decorated for the Christmas season. The ceiling is adorned with a vibrant arrangement of hanging ornaments in shades of pink, gold, green, and red, creating a striking overhead display. The round tables are elegantly set with white tablecloths, glassware, and folded napkins, surrounded by wooden chairs with woven backs. A cozy fireplace, flanked by decorative greenery and festive accents, adds to the warm and inviting atmosphere of this holiday setting.
    Daphne’s London
  • This image features the festive bar area of Daphne's Restaurant in London, lavishly decorated for Christmas. The ceiling is densely covered with a vibrant array of hanging ornaments in pink, gold, green, and red, creating a dazzling display of holiday cheer. The bar itself is elegant, with red patterned chairs, table settings, and soft glowing lamps adding warmth. The space is set for service, with neatly arranged glassware and cutlery, inviting guests to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
    Bar at Daphne’s London

London Christmas Afternoon Teas

Fortnum & Mason
The Lanesborough
The Ritz
The Langham
Claridge’s
Ting at Shangri-La Hotel

Four Seasons Park Lane
Marriott County Hall
Petersham Nurseries
The Savoy
Sofitel St James
Pan Pacific

Christmas Activities in London

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
Christmas Lights Bus Tour
Kingdom of Winter at ExCel London
Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros Studio (more info)
Christmas cookie decorating classes at Biscuiteers
Carols At The Hall at Royal Albert Hall
Neverland’s Winterland
Rivoli Pop Up Cinema
Miracle Christmas Bar at Henrietta Hotel
Christmas at Backyard Cinema

  • This image features a festive holiday display in Covent Garden, London, showcasing a decorated sleigh surrounded by Christmas trees adorned with lights and presents. Above the scene, large golden bells with red bows, oversized red ornaments, and glittering decorations hang from the ceiling of the market hall. The sleigh, with a sign that reads "Santa's gone shopping," adds to the cheerful, whimsical atmosphere of this Christmas setup.
  • This image features a large Christmas tree in Covent Garden, London, beautifully decorated with silver ornaments. The tree is placed in a large wooden barrel adorned with a bright red bow, adding to the festive display. The scene is set on a cobblestone square, with buildings and outdoor seating areas visible in the background, bathed in natural daylight, creating a classic holiday ambiance.

Best London Christmas Trees

St Pancras International
Covent Garden
Trafalgar Square
Somerset House
Shangri-La The Shard

Leadenhall Market
Claridges
The Ritz
Coal Drops Yard
The Connaught in Mayfair

London Winter Igloos

Coppa Club Tower Bridge
Aviary
Bar Elba
Vinegar Yard

Jimmy’s Pop Up
Wagtail Rooftop Bar
The Secret Garden, Kensington
The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan

  • This image shows the Cartier store on Old Bond Street in London, decorated for Christmas with a massive red ribbon wrapped around the building, resembling a gift. The iconic Cartier logo is displayed as a large wax seal at the center of the ribbon. Gold ornaments and festive decorations are scattered across the facade, while the storefront is adorned with red awnings and holiday lights, creating a luxurious holiday atmosphere. The scene is framed by greenery, adding to the festive charm of the street.
    Cartier Old Bond Street
  • This image captures a festive outdoor scene at Ralph's Coffee on New Bond Street in London. A small green table is set with pastries, including a croissant, muffin, and cookie, alongside two cups of coffee. The table is adorned with a small bouquet of red roses and greenery, complementing the holiday decor. Surrounding the seating area are twinkling Christmas lights on lush evergreen garlands and trees, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for enjoying a warm treat during the holiday season.
    Ralph’s Coffee at New Bond Street

Festive Photo Locations

While every location mentioned in this post is photo-worthy, here are a few extra recommendations for a perfect festive snap!

Cartier Old Bond Street
Tiffany & Co Old Bond Street
Ralph’s Coffee at New Bond Street
Annabel’s

Peggy Porschen
KOYN
The Boltons in Kensington
Carlyle Square in Chelsea

Best Hotels in London

££
The Hoxton
The Mondrian
The Pilgrm
Locke
The Stratford
The Lost Poet
TRIBE
One Hundred

£££
NoMad
Pan Pacific
Treehouse
Kimpton Fitzroy
Sea Containers
The Prince Akatoki
The Londoner

££££
Shangri-La
Nobu
The Mandrake
The BoTree
Raffles London
The Langham
The Peninsula

Christmas in London Map

Here’s a map of all the places mentioned in this post. 

Recommended post London Travel Guide

Looking for more London recommendations? Check out my ultimate London Travel Guide where you’ll find over 50 of the best things to do in London + info on the best time to visit & how to get around.

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6 Comments

  1. Absolutely Fabulous THANKYOU!! X
    Myself, my Husband & 3 teenage children are travelling to London for a festive family holiday in November and this is the best guide ever! Can’t wait to print and make a plan

    Reply

      1. Thank you so much you’ve saved me
        Hours of searching. I have my grandson visiting from
        Spain for the the first time to go to London at Christmas and can’t wait to show him round. He’s 7 so perfect age and will be so excited. Thank you 😊 xx

        Reply

        1. Aw I’m sure he will have an amazing time, keeping my fingers crossed it might snow in December, if not take him to see the snow at Covent Garden

          Reply

  2. Thank you Kelsey! 🎄
    I love London at Christmas time, so great to look at your guide and not get too overwhelmed when planning, really handy having it all to see and do an itinery. 😉

    Reply

    1. you’re very welcome Harriet! There’s so many amazing things to do & see. I’ll keep my guide update weekly as I found out about any new pop-ups or events for this year but so far it’s up to date.

      Reply

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