The best things to do in London at Christmas
Christmas in London 2023
Christmas in London really is the most wonderful time of the year, in this guide to the best things to do in London at Christmas you’ll find London’s best Christmas instagram spots & prettiest festive places to visit.
The most instagrammable places in London at Christmas
If you’re looking for the best London Christmas instagram locations this guide has you covered – below you’ll find all my favourite places to capture in London at Christmas.
London Christmas lights 2023
When can you see the Christmas Lights in London in 2023? The exact dates for the London Christmas lights in London are currently still tbc, but in 2022 you could see the Christmas lights and festive displays in London between 9th November and 3rd January, so you can expect the London Christmas lights dates to be similar this year.
London Christmas markets
There are lots of different magical Christmas markets to choose from in London. Some of the most famous London Christmas markets to visit are on the South Bank by the River Thames, at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and in Leicester Square.
London Christmas market opening dates
The Winter Wonderland Christmas market will be open 17th November 2023 – 1st January 2024, other London Christmas market dates currently tbc.
London Christmas weather forecast
The weather in London at Christmas is usually cold – with just a teeny chance of a white Christmas – and you can expect average temperatures of around 6 degrees celsius. You should definitely bring warm cosy clothes to layer up in, as well as an umbrella!
24 of the best things to do in London at Christmas
1. Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of the prettiest festive places to visit in London at Christmas. You’ll find a giant Christmas tree just outside the Covent Garden Piazza as well as lots more festive decorations + cosy mulled wine stands inside.
Covent Garden address: Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8HD
Nearest tube station to Covent Garden: Covent Garden
2. Somerset House
Somerset House is one of the best places to visit in London at Christmas. From the middle of November to mid January Somerset House is home to a ice skating rink and beautiful Christmas tree.
Somerset House address: Somerset House, London, WC2R 1LA
Nearest tube station to Somerset House: Temple
3. Cartier
The perfect London Christmas instagram spot – Cartier on New Bond Street in Mayfair looks extra special at Christmas. You can get the best photos standing opposite by the Christmas tree outside Ralph Lauren.
Cartier London address: Cartier, 175-177 New Bond Street, London, W1S 4RN
Nearest tube station to Cartier – Green Park
4. Ralph’s Coffee
The best place to get a festive drink in London! Pick up a cosy hot chocolate coffee from Ralph’s Coffee in New Bond Street before going off to explore London’s best Christmas decorations.
Ralph’s Coffee London address: Ralph’s Coffee, 1 New Bond Street, London, W1S 3LU
Nearest tube station to Ralph’s Coffee – Green Park
5. Annabel’s
The iconic private members club – Annabel’s – is home to some of the most hotly anticipated Christmas displays in London.
Annabel’s London address: Annabel’s, 46 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 5AT
Nearest tube station to Annabel’s – Green Park
6. Koyn
Outside Koyn – a Japanese restaurant in Mayfair – you’ll find one of London’s most instagrammable Christmas displays. If you’ve been wondering where to find the London Christmas decorations with the red Mini – Koyn in Grosvenor Street is the place to go!
Koyn restaurant address: Koyn, 38 Grosvenor Street, W1K 4QA
Nearest tube station to Koyn – Bond Street
7. Leadenhall Market
This beautiful Victorian covered market in the City of London looks extra magical at Christmas.
Leadenhall Market address: Gracechurch St, London, EC3V 1LT
Leadenhall Market nearest tube station – Monument
8. Peggy Porschen
Another one of London’s best Christmas instagram spots – Peggy Porschen London has 2 pastel pink cupcake cafes, one in Belgravia and one in Chelsea. Both Peggy Porschen cafes are always beautifully decorated for Christmas, but Peggy Porschen Belgravia is easier to take photos of as it’s on a much quieter street.
Peggy Porschen Belgravia address: 116 Ebury St, London SW1W 9QQ
Peggy Porschen Belgravia nearest station – Victoria
9. Fortnum & Mason
One of London’s most iconic department stores – Fortnum and Mason has been a London shopping destination since 1707. Fortnum and Mason – on London’s Piccadilly – always has some of the best Christmas displays in London, so make sure to stop by and admire them if you’re visiting London at Christmas.
Fortnum & Mason address: 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
Fortnum & Mason nearest tube station – Green Park
10. Harrods
Speaking of famous London department stores – they don’t get much more iconic than Harrods. London’s best known department store is another must visit place for its stunning Christmas displays.
Harrods address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL
Harrods nearest tube station – Knightsbridge
11. Clos Maggiore
Clos Maggiore is an award winning modern French restaurant in Covent Garden in London’s West End. As well as going to see there super cosy Christmas decorations, Clos Maggiore is also well worth a visit for its delicious food and wine!
Harrods address: 33 King St, London WC2E 8JD
Harrods nearest tube station – Covent Garden
12. South Bank
If you’re looking for a lovely festive walk in London – the South Bank is perfect. Lining the south side of London’s River Thames, the South Bank is especially lovely at Christmas.
The Southbank Winter Festival takes places from beginning of November to end of December and includes a a traditional alpine style Christmas market selling delicious street food and mulled wine.
South Bank nearest tube stations – Waterloo and Blackfriars
13. Pickering Place
This tiny courtyard in London’s St James is a great hidden gem of a London Christmas spot. You can find Pickering Place and it’s lovely Christmas tree on St James Street through a gateway with the number “3” above its entrance, squeezed between two old 16th century shops.
Pickering Place address: Pickering Place, London, SW1A 1EA
Pickering Place nearest tube station – Green Park
14. Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour
Mr Fogg’s is an Iconic London bar with a plethora of gins, tonics and botanicals on offer. It gets extra cosy and inviting during the festive season and it’s a perfect place to enjoy a Christmas soirée.
Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour address: 1 New Row, London WC2N 4EA
Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour nearest tube station – Leicester Square
15. Berry Bros & Rudd
This London wine & spirit merchants in St James is home to some of the cosiest looking festive window displays each Christmas.
Berry Bros & Rudd address: 63 Pall Mall, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5HZ
Berry Bros & Rudd nearest tube station – Green Park
16. The Connaught Hotel
One of the best London hotels to visit at Christmas. The Connaught is full cosy elegance and cocooning warmth during the festive season, with crackling fires and flickering candlelight.
The Connaught Hotel address: The Connaught, 16 Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL
The Connaught Hotel nearest tube station – Bond Street & Green Park
17. Mari Deli & Dining
If you’re looking for the vintage car with Christmas decorations in London, Mari Deli & Dining is where to find it. You can find this lovely little Italian deli & restaurant by the river in Chiswick.
Mari Deli & Dining address: 1a Eyot Gardens, London W6 9TN
Mari Del & Dining nearest tube station – Stamford Brook
18. Wilton Crescent
You can find this very festive Christmas bow house in Wilton Crescent in Belgravia, not far from Victoria station
Wilton Crescent address: Wilton Crescent, London, SW1X 8RN
Wilton Crescent nearest tube station – Victoria
19. Motcomb Street
Motcomb Street is a pretty shopping street in Belgravia (home to Kitsune cafe.) It’s a great place to stop if you’re looking for London’s best Christmas displays – you can find the best festive displays here just to the right of Waitrose supermarket.
Motcomb Street address: Motcomb Street, London, SW1X 8LA
Motcomb Street nearest tube station – Victoria
20. Hedonism Wines
Hedonism Wines is a fine wines & spirits shop in Mayfair, their fun & festive seasonal displays are always worth a visit.
Hedonism Wine address: 3-7 Davies St, London W1K 3DJ
Hedonism Wines nearest tube station – Green Park
21. Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station has had a major makeover in the last few years and is now one of the best shopping destinations in London. At Christmas it comes alive with festive decorations and a winter ice rink.
Battersea Power Station address: Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD
Battersea Power Station nearest tube station – Battersea Power Station
22. The Edgerton House Hotel
One of London’s most festive hotels! Visit Egerton House Hotel in Kensington for their super festive outside displays
The Egerton House Hotel address: 17-19 Egerton Terrace, London SW3 2BX
The Egerton House Hotel nearest tube station – Knightsbridge & South Kensington
23. The Ivy Chelsea Garden
The Ivy in Kings Road Chelsea is another great spot to visit for the best Christmas decorations in London
The Egerton House Hotel address: 197 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EQ
The Egerton House Hotel nearest tube station – South Kensington
24. Middle Temple
Another London hidden gem, you can find Middle Temple tucked away off the Victoria Embankment. It’s only open Monday-Friday, but it’s worth making the time to go and see this lovely London Christmas tree.
Middle Temple address: Middle Temple Ln, Temple, London EC4Y 9BT
Middle Temple nearest tube station – Temple
London Christmas restaurants
A few of the best London restaurants to visit at Christmas are –
Daphne’s – an Italian restaurant that’s always beautifully decorated for Christmas
Jimmy’s Winter Lodge – a super cosy Alpine pop-up restaurant on the South Bank
Pergola Paddington – West London’s largest alfresco bar will have a Deck The Halls theme in Christmas 2023 and will be serving up super festive food including Cheese Fondue, Bratwurst Rolls, Tarte Flambée and Pigs In Blanket.
London Christmas Day lunch
You can find a guide to the best London restaurants open on Christmas day here
Best London hotels for Christmas
The Connaught London – a five star luxury hotel in Mayfair famed for its beautiful Christmas tree
The Langham London – a magical hotel in Marylebone that goes all out for Christmas
The Henrietta Hotel London – a lovely hotel in Covent Garden with a special Chrismtas themed bar.
London hotels Christmas deals
To find the best London hotel Christmas deals you can compare prices for London hotels at Christmas here.
More best of London travel guides
The best autumn places to visit in London
The most instagrammable hotels in London
The ultimate London aesthetic 3 day itinerary
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