Guide to Visiting London During the Holidays

London has long been one of my favorite cities. For well over a decade, I’ve jumped at every opportunity to visit, from long weekends and weddings to spur-of-the-moment work trips and extended stays. While autumn is definitely my favorite time of the year in the Big Smoke, the holiday season is a very, very close second. 

From sipping mulled wine as the Bond Street light installations flicker on and tucking into a festive Sunday roast at a neighborhood pub to picking up Christmas crackers at Fortnum & Mason and stopping for a photo in front of the tree in Covent Garden, London is at its most cheerful from late November through the New Year. Ben Malpass, head concierge at The Hari London, describes the atmosphere as “buzzing,” adding that “the city is packed with tourists and locals alike enjoying all the festive events and rushing to finish their Christmas shopping.”

Another local expert, Alan Noone — who serves as the executive head concierge at The Stafford London — says that this period is one where London “feels both classic and contemporary, full of tradition and modernity, inviting all to revel in its holiday magic.” If you’ve always wanted to see the sparkling lights of Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street, admire the decked-out displays at Harrods, or take a turn around the rink at Somerset House, it’s time to make that dream a reality. 

Read on for our guide to visiting London for the holidays — including the best Christmas markets, can’t-miss decorations, and extra-festive hotels. 

Christmas Markets

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

According to Malpass, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is London’s premier festive attraction — “and for a good reason.” Thanks to its “amazing Christmas market, rides, ice skating, food and drink stalls, and much more,” it’s designed to create the “perfect festive day out.” It runs until Jan. 5, so there’s plenty of time to grab a drink at the ice bar, go inside the ski-themed multi-level funhouse, or meet the man himself at Santaland. 

Fulham Palace Christmas Fair

Want the festive experience sans the crowds? Malpass recommends heading to the Fulham Palace Christmas fair. “What makes it special (other than the breathtaking backdrop) is how the market is home to small businesses and local traders. So, any gifts you pick up will definitely be unique,” he says. 

Trafalgar Square Christmas Market

There is no shortage of Christmas markets in Central London, but the one in Trafalgar Square happens to be one of Noone’s favorites. “What I love most about Christmas at Trafalgar Square is the setting,” he says. You’ll get views from Trafalgar Square, down Whitehall, and over to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Southbank Centre’s Winter Market

It’s all about the food at Southbank Centre’s Winter Market, which runs through Dec. 26. Truffle burgers, lobster buns, Dutch pancakes, and chocolate-covered fruit are all options, and you can cozy up in one of the Alpine-style pop-up chalets, mulled wine in hand. 

Christmas in Covent Garden

My personal favorite place to go during the holidays is Covent Garden — but, fair warning, it will be crowded. The Covent Garden Market Building and the cobblestoned piazza turn into an entire world of festive activities — all accented with lights, ribbons, garland, and an impressive 60-foot Christmas tree. Inside the Market Building, you’ll find the year-round Apple Market, where you can shop stalls filled with antiques, art, jewelry, and handmade crafts.

Can’t-miss Holiday Displays

Carnaby, New Bond, and Regent Streets

Even if you’re not in the market for gifts, a trip into Central London should be on your to-do list. On New Bond and Carnaby Streets, Noone says the shops “go all out with their festive displays.” Malpass also recommends popping over to nearby Regent Street, where you’ll find “beautiful festive lights” and Liberty, the iconic Tudor revival building with its famous fourth-floor Christmas shop.

Annabel’s

 “If you have a moment, wander over to Annabel’s in Berkeley Square to see its famously Instagrammable Christmas facade. It’s a sight to remember,” says Noone. This year, the entrance to the club features a gigantic snow globe designed by Tatiana Kharchylava, creative director of The Birley Clubs.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

“One of my favorite holiday traditions is seeing the iconic Trafalgar Square Christmas tree,” says Noone. Typically a Norwegian Spruce gifted from Oslo, the tree stands at over 65 feet and is lit on the first Thursday in December each year. “Adorned with hundreds of white lights, the tree is a stunning sight, and, most evenings, you can enjoy the sound of carols being sung around it,” he adds. 

The Churchill Arms

“Some say it isn’t Christmas in London until Winter Wonderland arrives, but, in my opinion, the festive season arrives when The Churchill Arms’ display is switched on,” says Malpass. “It’s decorated with an outrageous number of 80 Christmas trees and 22,000 fairy lights. Plus, what’s a trip to London without visiting an iconic British pub?” 

Other Festive Things to Do

See a show in the West End.

London’s West End theaters are well known for their range of performances: comedies, dramas, Shakespearean plays, and everything in between. When the holidays arrive, they take it up another notch, adding productions like the Nutcracker and The Snowman to their lineup — “Perfect for a cozy winter night out,” says Noone. 

Enjoy a festive afternoon tea. 

Afternoon tea isn’t just a meal. It’s an experience — especially during the holidays — and most luxury hotels typically have a special Christmas menu. At Althoff St. James’s Hotel & Club, for example, you’ll dine on Santa’s trifle, a chocolate and kirsch cherry yule log, and a Christmas tree chocolate sponge with orange mousse. The Rubens at The Palace has a “Winter Wonderland” afternoon tea that includes a glass of mulled wine to celebrate the season. 

Shop for gifts at Fortnum & Mason and Harrods.

Still have a few loved ones to shop for? There are two iconic London destinations to save in your Google Maps app: Fortnum & Mason and Harrods. “For an authentic British Christmas experience, I highly recommend a visit to Fortnum & Mason,” says Noone. Plus, adds Malpass, “Fortnum’s is famous for being the world’s oldest department store, so if you only have time to see one, this is definitely it,” says Malpass. Just down the road, Harrods also has a Christmas department — outfitted with gifts, ornaments, and all types of baubles. Its Brompton Road facade is covered in an intricate light display, so don’t forget to look up and capture the photo-ready moment.   

Go ice skating at Somerset House.

There’s nothing that signals the holiday season quite like ice skating, and London has more than a handful of rinks to choose from — Hyde Park, Hampton Court Palace, Canary Wharf, and Somerset House, to name a few. The latter, however, is Malpass’ pick.  “While it’s not the biggest rink, it’s one of my absolute favorites in London – the backdrop is simply wonderful,” he says. 

Hotels for a Festive Stay

The Langham, London

The Langham, London goes above and beyond for its guests — but it feels particularly opulent around the holidays. This year, the five-star hotel partnered with the toy store Hamleys to curate a magical family-friendly experience, complete with a festive children’s afternoon tea inspired by historic toys and, as part of the package, a Christmas tree in your suite.

The Stafford London

Hidden in the heart of St. James’s, The Stafford London feels like a secret holiday getaway, one I’ve been dreaming of ever since my stay a couple of Decembers ago. Notably, the hotel transforms into a festive wonderland every year, with over 100 Christmas trees throughout the property. 

NoMad London

From Dec. 2, NoMad London will host its Christmas pop-up, a cheerful event with holiday cocktails — like the Ho, Ho, Hot Chocolate and Gnome Alone — mulled wine and eggnog. The stylish hotel is also just steps from the Covent Garden Christmas Market, putting you in the center of all things festive. 

The Hari London

Fitting in as many holiday activities as possible is easiest if you book somewhere centrally located. The Hari London is right near Chelsea, Kensington, and Knightsbridge — so after you stop by Harrods and explore Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, you can retreat to the hotel for spiced cocktails on the Winter Terrace. 

11 Cadogan Gardens

Located in Chelsea, 11 Cadogan Gardens nailed the balance of festivity with classic comfort with its exclusive festive package. Along with accommodations for two and complimentary breakfasts, guests get festive cocktails, a festive afternoon tea, and a surprise gift upon arrival. 

Related: The Most Festive London Hotels to Visit Around Christmas

Tips for Planning a Holiday Trip to London

Book as early as possible. 

“Prepare yourself for a busy city,” says Malpass. “London is truly magical at this time of year and, as a result, all central areas are bustling. It’s always best to plan ahead and book restaurants and theater and attraction tickets early to avoid disappointment.”

But don’t forget to bake flexibility into your schedule. 

While it’s important to pre-plan a large portion of your holiday trip, you’ll want to leave room for a bit of unscheduled exploring. “Take in the beautiful festive store windows, admire the twinkling Christmas lights, and soak up the magical holiday atmosphere. After all, the best way to experience London is on foot,” says Noone.

Plan Christmas Day accordingly. 

“Keep in mind that Christmas Day is the one day when everything is closed, and there is no public transport,” says Malpass. “Dining is very limited and generally limited to some pubs and hotel restaurants.” So if you’re going to be in London on Dec. 25, either expect to stay in your neighborhood or budget for a taxi or private car service — and double-check your dinner reservations.