Last Updated on April 1, 2023 by Tia
Plan your Christmas Holidays in London with me!
In this article, I am sharing all about the irresistible things there are to do in London during the Christmas Holidays.
Sparkling lights, mulled wine, exceptional food, and a crisp winter vibe to boot!
Street decorations, concerts, ice rings, and Xmas markets… get ready to lose yourself in festive magic in gorgeous London!
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London is my second home
Before my travel blogger days, I used to be a professional ballet and contemporary dancer in London.
This chaotic, often grey but always fascinating city was my home for 11 years!
But it took much less than that to fall in love with it.
London is grey and mysterious in the winter, bright and cheerful in the summer, and irresistible during spring.
But when the city really comes alive, is during Christmas.
There is something about the crisp winter air, and the incredible Christmas lights the city is decked out in. Or the busy Xmas markets and festive caroling, that simply screams…winter wonderland.
There is no Xmas like London Christmas and below, I tell you all about it.
The Best Things To Do In London During The Christmas Holidays
Without further ado, our yourselves a glass of wine, and let’s go straight into it. Here come the best things to do in London during the Christmas Holidays!
Witness the switching on of the Christmas Lights
Nothing signifies the approach of Christmas more than the glow of seasonal street lights.
And the London Xmas Lights are simply too gorgeous to pass by!
The ignition of the famous Xmas Lights happens in various parts of London at different times and they are all accompanied by events, so keep reading!
Below, I am listing my favorite Christmas Lights ceremonies in Central London.
Regent Street – 14th November
Considered one of London’s most dazzling Xmas light displays, Regent Street is not one to miss!
The world-famous shopping street is closed to traffic from 4 pm-9 pm for the official illuminating ceremony when those iconic ‘Spirit of Christmas’ angels will be switched on for the festive season.
The street is also filled with events, famous performers, and hosts.
The performers for each year are announced a few months in advance, so check this page closer to the time!
Oxford Circus – November
There is not a single tourist in London that doesn’t pass through this iconic street.
Oxford Circus is the epitome of all things London so it is no wonder it hosts 9 million visitors per year. It is Busy, chaotic, gorgeous.
The Oxford Street Christmas lights are usually London’s first to be switched on. In 2021, they were turned on by the mayor on November 19th.
Expect street parties, shopping, carols, celebrities, and all things festive, It is magic!
Trafalgar Square – 5th December
The Mayor of Westminster, Norwegian Ambassador, and governing Mayor of Oslo switch on the lights on the Trafalgar Square tree on the first Thursday in December.
Did you know that The huge tree is a present from Norway?
They have donated a tree to London since 1947, in gratitude for Britain’s support for Norway during World War II.
Covent Garden – November
The world-famous Piazza is illuminating and ignited by over 115,000 glistening lights and it is so magical! In 2021, it happened on the 9th of November.
The 20m Christmas tree, looks unreal, and there are dozens of activities, along with all things festive!
Carnaby Street – 4th November
Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights are usually pretty damn special.
Not only are the decorations one of the prettiest in London. but 2021’s installations were created to raise awareness for Choose Love, a shop set up by the charity Help Refugees, that supports and raises money for refugees all over the world.
2021’s show, which was named Carnaby Kaleidoscope, presented over 600 3D and 2D butterflies fluttering around the area, each one hand-decorated with shining wings and eye-popping neon patterns.
The shop – Choose Love, at 3 Carnaby Street – was filled with gifts for refugees and used over 80 humanitarian organizations to send off the gifts bought by the public all over the world.
The other shops pitched into the Christmas magic too, offering 20% discounts for the public, free drinks, goodie bags, and street parties.
The busy street that is very close to Oxford Circus and Picadilly is gorgeous all year round. But it is clear that it is certainly not one to miss during Christmas for sure!
Christmas Holidays – Shop at Harrods
Harrods is, of course, the world-famous luxurious department store the world knows and loves.
And Harrods thrives on Christmas!
The entire Department Store is illuminated by thousands of lights, and the window displays are a work of art!
Inside the department store, you can shop all things Christmas!
Whether you’re searching for a show-stopping dress, twinkling tree decorations, or extra-special stocking fillers – you’ll find everything at Harrods.
And even if you don’t want to shop at all, you will feel an extra twinkling of Xmas magic just by walking around this utterly iconic store in the heart of South Kensington!
Try Ice Skating with views Of London
I love a bit of Ice skating during Christmas Holidays!
And London does not disappoint.
So look no further than the fabulous ice skating rink outside of the Natural History Museum.
There is something so magical about skating alongside centuries of history…and what better place to do it than in one of the chicest districts in London.
The Natural History Museum is located in South Kensington
Book an Igloo with views of Tower Bridge
Quite possibly the most Instagram – worthy activity in London during the Christmas Holidays!
The Cuppa Club is back this year with the most beautiful luxurious igloos that you can rent for that true Xmas feeling!
Grab your favorite people and head on down to one of this festive igloo for fine food, great drinks, and getting cozy.
Tip: These igloos sell out so fast, so hurry!
Explore The Xmas Markets – Christmas Holidays In London
Christmas Markets, are hands down the best thing about this festive holiday.
There are many European countries with fantastic Xmas markets and London is one of them!
Outdoor markets, Christmas carols, and mulled wine…Furthermore, festive presents, ice rings, street food, gooorgeous street food!
Below find the best Xmas Markets in London
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Open from 4th November until the 21st of December 2021.
Fun-filled family shows, markets, and shopping, twinkling lights, comedy, and cabaret… Southbank Centre in winter is truly magical!
Experience the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-the-century circus at Circus 1903, returning with new acts for 2019 including the Brazilian Wheel of Death.
Saddle up for the five-star retelling of Black Beauty. Blending storytelling, music, and puppetry, it’s a must!
Additionally, a new photographic exhibition London Is Love and New Year’s Eve Spectacular, and a front-row seat to London’s iconic fireworks.
Address: The Queen’s Walk, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX, United Kingdom
Borough Christmas Market
Open from the 13th of December up to the 9th of January. (closed Dec 25th and 26th)
The Market’s historic arches will be decked out in beautiful decorations, once again, alongside Christmas carols, the scent of mulled wine, and a plethora of exceptional products to choose from!
Check the website here for the numerous events and demonstrations taking place throughout the month.
Address: Borough Market, 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Opens 21st November- 5th of January
An absolute must! This is London’s biggest Christmas Market, with over 100 spectacular rides, attractions, and thrilling shows.
Furthermore, there is Santa Land (a whole area dedicated to children) restaurants, cafes, and themed bars for all.
Winter Wonderland is really THE biggest, most extravagant Xmas Market in London!
And yes, it gets very busy! Mornings are great for families where you can enjoy Winter Wonderland at a leisurely pace.
At night, Hyde Park is transformed by thousands of sparkling lights, and a HUGE amount of visitors who enjoy a mulled wine or beer and join in the festivities.
The entrance is free, and the list of activities is endless. Definitely worth a visit, for the WOW factor alone!
Address: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
Leicester Square Glittering Xmas Market
12th November – 9th January in 2021.
Christmas in Leicester Square transforms the center of bustling London into a wonderland.
Here, you’ll find hand-crafted goods and delicious food and drinks, a Santa’s Grotto, and a whole host of fantastic shows in one of the most beautiful streets in the city.
Entrance is free, with tickets available for shows and the Santas Grotto.
For a full list of shows and online bookings click here.
Address: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LU, United Kingdom
Sip Cocktails with Rooftop London Views
The Rooftop at St James is one of the best rooftop bars in London with views off Trafalgar Square.
The Rooftop is a space for sipping individually crafted cocktails, sampling small plates, and drinking in the inimitable city view.
Outdoor heaters and blanket selections provide warmth through the Christmas Holidays, making this bar a lovely sophisticated outing.
Tip: Opt to sit at the Gallery, for the most breathtaking views over London.
Discover exceptional Wine at Gordons Wine Bar
Wine lovers rejoice!
Gordon’s is London’s oldest wine bar – dating back to 1890 and it is very much a family business passed on from generation to generation!
The bar is loved by old and young alike due to the totally unique atmosphere in which time seems to have stood still.
As you enter the bar you find yourself in a room with old wooden walls covered in historical newspaper cuttings and memorabilia faded with age.
Make your way to the cellar and you need to stoop to get to your rickety candlelit table – it really feels like you have stepped into a different era!
The award-winning wine list is varied and full of interesting wines at very reasonable prices.
Sherries and ports are served from the barrel.
Food comes in proper portions ranging from homemade pies to wonderfully mature cheeses. The cheeses are something they particularly excel in!
Address: 47 Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6NE
Take A Day Trip from London – Windsor
Windsor is only a one hours direct train ride from Waterloo and holds many Christmas wonders.
Queen Elizabeth likes to spend a lot of her time there, and it is where Prince Harry and Megan Markle held their royal wedding last year.
Things to do in Windsor during the Christmas Holidays
There are Christmas carols outside Windsor castle around the statue of Queen Victoria. Mulled wine is available in the Horse and Groom, which is on the same small street.
There are also Christmas carols and Mulled wine at The Two Brewers. This happens in Park street too, so coats are definitely needed!
Tip: They only take cash outside! The Two Brewers also does the best roast dinner in Windsor by far!
Tip: You 100% need to book as they never have room for walk-ins.
This place also happens to be at the end of The Long Walk, which runs through the great park.
During Royal Ascot, the queen uses this path to get to the races!
The Long Walk is beautiful and you can walk from The Two Brewers to the statue of King George at the other end.
No bikes/cars/rollerblades etc allowed.
If you fancy spending time on or looking at the Thames then there are boat trips up to the lock!
You can watch the world go by from the grounds of Oakley Court.
Windsor is joined by a footbridge to Eton where you will find the world-famous Eton College.
I hope you have enjoyed this article, which is filled with ideas on spending the best Christmas Holidays in London!
Use this guide to enjoy this magical city to the max!
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Love, Tia x
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5 comments
Amazing Tia x
Thank you Maria! I know you love London just as much as me 🙂
Just beautiful!! We’re trying to decide whether we want to go to London as part of our holiday trip, but the lights are making a compelling case!! It looks beautiful!
Im so sorry for the late reply! I hope you made it there this Christmas 🙂
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