If you wish to expertise the very best of Christmas magic, lights, decor, and sheer vacation spirit, you completely want to go to London at Christmas! From bustling markets to jaw-dropping vacation lights, London pulls out all of the stops, making each nook of the town appear to be it stepped out of a vacation card.
I have been to Christmas in London many, many instances and it is at all times a sight to behold! On this information, I will share the greatest locations for Christmas in London for 2024 in addition to a full itinerary on your Christmas in London journey!
I wandered round with my jaw dropped for days, in awe of all of the festive touches and lavish shows. When you’re prepared to take in the season, listed here are the very best locations for Christmas in London. Seize a glass of wine (you’ll really feel such as you’re strolling these streets with me!), and prepare to plan the vacation journey of your goals.
One thing to notice: I am keen on Christmas in London, however the markets are missing compared to Germany or France. For a real Christmas Market expertise, take a look at my full guides right here.
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Dates For Christmas in London
London yearly “switches the lights on” in early November annually. For the 2024 Christmas season Oxford goes first, on November fifth, 2024. Regent Road with the angels occurs on November seventh, 2024 in addition to Carnaby avenue. Covent Backyard is November 12, 2024. Marylebone village Christmas lights begin November thirteenth, 2024. The Previous Spitalfields Christmas lights begin on November thirteenth, 2024. Each the Shard and Leadenhall Market are November 14, 2024. Chelsea Christmas Lights swap on November 16, 2024. Belgravia in London switches on November seventeenth. The final bit is the Trafalgar Christmas tree is December fifth, 2024.
Greatest Locations for Christmas in London
Regent Road: Angels
The ICONIC angels are one in every of my all time favourite Christmas mild shows on the planet. They’re so stunning. They’re known as the “Spirit of Chrsitmas” Angels. However the custom is much more iconic!!!
The custom of “switching on Christmas lights” started on regent avenue in 1954 to draw buyer after the battle. Oxford avenue adopted in 1959 and others did too!
Christmas candles had been used to brighten houses in Germany first and the custom unfold. Then, in 1882, Thomas Edison’s companion Edward H. Johnson hand wired coloured electrical bulbs in a string to brighten his Christmas tree, however electrical Christmas lights didn’t turn out to be reasonably priced to the general public till the Nineteen Twenties.
Again in Britain, London’s famend division retailer Selfridge’s placed on a lighted Christmas show as early as 1935. In 1954, Christmas lights went up alongside the size of Regent Road for the primary time, and a practice was born!
Notice, it could get VERY crowded. A good way to see them from above is to take a VERY low cost bus experience! Take the 139 in the direction of Waterloo!
2024 dates for Regent Road in London for Christmas: November 7, 2024!
Oxford Road: The Final Christmas Mild Present
For traditional London Christmas lights, Oxford Road is a must-see. You’ll discover twinkling paper lanterns floating above the road, casting a phenomenal glow by day and glowing even brighter at evening. I walked up and down this avenue too many instances to rely, simply attempting to seize all of it! These shows are the right mixture of cheerful and stylish, and annually brings a brand new theme. The close by streets like Regent Road and Bond Road additionally go all out, with all the pieces from angel lights to wreaths that mild up the evening.
Oxford Road London Christmas 2024 dates: November fifth.
Bond Road
Close by Bond Road is the epitome of festive glamour, with dazzling vacation shows in luxurious boutiques and alongside the long-lasting storefronts. In the course of the Christmas season, Bond Road is adorned with elegant garlands, twinkling lights, and opulent decorations that make it really feel as festive as it’s luxurious.
Covent Backyard
Covent Backyard is at all times a deal with, however throughout Christmas, it’s on one other stage. Your complete sq. is remodeled right into a wonderland, from the large Christmas tree to the INSANE silver ornaments that make the entire space really feel like a vacation film set. Stroll round and discover the unbelievable lights, garlands, and decorations that cowl each store, restaurant, and archway. Don’t miss the floral Christmas shows, which change yearly and produce a contemporary tackle conventional vacation decor. Seize a festive sizzling chocolate and take all of it in – that is London’s vacation spirit at its best.
Covent Backyard London Christmas 2024 dates: November twelfth.
It snows each hour on the hour in December in Covent Backyard!
The Iconic Harrods and Selfridges Window Shows
A visit to Harrods and Selfridges throughout Christmas is non-negotiable. Harrods’ complete exterior is printed with basic vacation lights, turning the constructing itself into a vacation masterpiece. Inside, you’ll discover much more festive decor within the well-known Harrods meals halls, plus their particular Christmas items and vacation meals. Only a quick stroll away, Selfridges at all times has the quirkiest, most ingenious vacation window shows, from a glittering Santa to whimsical winter scenes. Plan to spend a while right here – you’ll need to seize each single show.
The Churchill Arms: London’s Most Festive Pub
The Churchill Arms in Kensington isn’t only a pub; it’s a vacation expertise. Recognized for its famously elaborate decorations, The Churchill Arms covers each inch of its facade in festive cheer, from garlands to baubles to twinkling lights. Seize a pint and snap an image as a result of this pub doesn’t maintain again on vacation spirit – it’s like strolling into Christmas itself.
Fortnum & Mason: A Christmas Wonderland
Fortnum & Mason is an absolute should throughout the vacation season. Recognized for its stunning decorations and iconic hampers, this historic retailer turns into a Christmas wonderland in December. Each ground is stuffed with festive goodies, from handmade ornaments to seasonal treats and items. The well-known window shows are a real murals, celebrating the vacation season with intricate particulars and wealthy colours that draw crowds yearly.
The Tower of London and Tower Bridge
There’s nothing fairly like seeing Tower Bridge lit up throughout Christmas or the close by Tower of London with its fairly little ice-skating rink set in opposition to a historic backdrop. Whether or not you’re skating or simply watching the twinkling lights round you, the magic of London’s Christmas attraction is throughout. When you’re fortunate, you may even catch a phenomenal sundown reflecting on the Thames, including much more sparkle to the surroundings.
The Royal Arcades: Christmas Luxe at its Greatest
London’s Royal Arcades are attractive year-round, however throughout Christmas, they’re on a unique stage. With garlands, lights, and embellished storefronts, The Burlington Arcade and Royal Arcade are each decked out for the season. You’ll discover iconic manufacturers, small boutiques, and a number of the metropolis’s most luxurious decorations. And when you’re after that basic English vacation spirit, the Arcades are the place to be – each element is completely festive and stylish.
Annabelle’s
Christmas at The Ritz and Claridge’s
For luxurious Christmas decor, head to The Ritz and Claridge’s in Mayfair. Each motels are recognized for his or her unbelievable vacation shows, from fantastically embellished Christmas bushes to grand seasonal preparations that look straight out of a storybook. Whether or not you’re splurging on afternoon tea or simply admiring the decor, these are a few of London’s most dazzling vacation spots. Annually, Claridge’s groups up with a well-known designer to create a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree, so don’t miss it when you love a contact of opulence.
Carnaby Road: London’s Most Artistic Vacation Lights
Carnaby Road by no means disappoints with its quirky, colourful tackle Christmas lights. Annually brings a unique, imaginative theme, from outsized mistletoe to vibrant neon indicators celebrating peace and love. Strolling down Carnaby throughout Christmas seems like stepping right into a pop-art vacation wonderland. With its distinctive boutiques and enjoyable decorations, Carnaby is an ideal spot for pictures and looking for eclectic, one-of-a-kind items.
King’s Cross/ St Pancras
King’s Cross does Christmas with its personal fashionable twist, that includes seasonal markets, pop-up retailers, and a number of the coolest modern decorations in London. Coal Drops Yard is the guts of the vacation motion, the place you’ll discover a distinctive Christmas tree set up and loads of quirky vacation occasions and buying choices. Seize a sizzling drink and discover the energetic, festive scene, which contrasts fantastically with the historic structure across the station. St Pancras at all times does a show contained in the station which is exclusive and beautiful!
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
I’m going to inform y’all… Christmas in Hyde Park is a bit tacky. Nevertheless it’s enjoyable! Think about an enormous fairground full of vacation markets, ice skating, rides, and countless meals stalls serving all the pieces from mulled wine to churros. It’s among the best locations to take in festive enjoyable in London. When you’re searching for the final word London Christmas expertise, a go to here’s a should. It may get crowded, so go early if you wish to benefit from the house earlier than the night crowds.
Belgravia: A Hidden Gem of Christmas Decor
For a captivating neighborhood expertise, head to Belgravia. Recognized for its stunning townhouses and boutique retailers, Belgravia goes all out for Christmas. Elizabeth Road, specifically, is lined with festive storefronts and vacation shows, whereas cafes and eating places create cozy, welcoming areas with twinkling lights and garlands. It’s a bit off the overwhelmed path however nicely well worth the journey for individuals who need to see a extra intimate aspect of London’s vacation decor.
Southbank Centre Winter Market: Riverside Christmas Attraction
For a riverside Christmas expertise, the Southbank Centre Winter Market is a must-visit. With its picket chalets, festive meals, and breathtaking views of the Thames, this market has a fascinating environment. The market options all kinds of meals stalls, promoting all the pieces from bratwurst to churros, and has cozy fireplace pits the place you possibly can heat up whereas having fun with a mulled wine. It’s a phenomenal spot for a vacation stroll with the beautiful backdrop of the London skyline.
Trafalgar Sq. Christmas Market: London’s Iconic Vacation Gathering Spot
Within the coronary heart of the town, Trafalgar Sq. transforms right into a festive haven with its personal charming Christmas market. This iconic location hosts a fantastically embellished Christmas tree, a present from Norway to London annually since 1947, symbolizing friendship and unity. Surrounding the tree, you’ll discover stalls brimming with artisan items, handmade ornaments, and scrumptious treats like mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Choirs typically carry out carols right here, including to the festive ambiance, and the entire space sparkles with lights that completely complement the majestic Nationwide Gallery backdrop. When you’re in central London, Trafalgar Sq. is a must-see for a real style of the town’s vacation spirit.
Liberty London: Christmas Class Meets English Attraction
Liberty London is an iconic spot year-round, nevertheless it takes on a particular magic throughout Christmas. The historic Tudor-style constructing is adorned with a Christmas show on the entrance, whereas the within is stuffed with fantastically curated vacation decor and items. Liberty’s Christmas store is a spotlight, that includes distinctive ornaments, handmade wreaths, and loads of British vacation attraction. The within at all times has a cool show!
Annabel’s London: Extravagant Christmas Decor Like No Different
Annabel’s non-public members membership in Mayfair transforms into an over-the-top festive fantasy every Christmas, with decorations which can be something however odd. From large nutcrackers and glowing garlands to grand entrances designed to wow, the outside alone is value a go to to admire the spectacle. Though Annabel’s is unique to members, the lavish vacation shows may be loved from exterior, making it one of the crucial glamorous and festive stops in Mayfair.
Christmas at Kew Gardens: A Festive Botanical Spectacle
One of the vital magical Christmas experiences in London is Christmas at Kew Gardens. This annual occasion transforms Kew’s beautiful gardens right into a wonderland of lights, with immersive mild shows, sculptures, and a glittering tunnel of lights. Stroll alongside the mile-long illuminated path by way of the gardens and luxuriate in seasonal treats alongside the way in which. It’s a panoramic expertise that mixes pure magnificence with vacation magic, making it good for households, {couples}, and anybody who loves the festive season.
Different Should-See Spots: Cartier, York Road, and Kensington Palace
Round London, you’ll discover much more magical vacation decor, from Cartier’s storefront to the candlelit tree at Kensington Palace. A stroll down York Road in Marylebone reveals attractive vacation shows in basic townhouses, particularly when you’re searching for that cozy, neighborhood attraction. And belief me, when you’re a fan of festive decor, your digital camera roll goes to be FULL.
Christmas in London Itinerary
Here is a video itinerary for London at Christmas, however I will share extra particulars beneath!
In case you have simply at some point to expertise Christmas in London, right here’s an ideal itinerary to take advantage of the town’s festive sights.
I made you a map that follows a brief 4 mile loop route!
Begin in Covent Backyard to see the decorations and benefit from the vacation cheer. Covent Backyard is very magical within the daytime, with its festive stalls and dazzling Christmas tree. From there, head to Borough Market for a chew of seasonal treats and to soak up the colourful market environment. Subsequent, make your approach over to Tower Bridge for a scenic stroll with views of the Thames, and, if time permits, go to the close by Tower of London for some historic vacation attraction.
Because the afternoon begins to fade, head to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for vacation rides, market stalls, and loads of festive food and drinks. From there, stroll by way of Mayfair to admire the dazzling shows exterior Annabel’s and different fantastically embellished storefronts. Lastly, make your solution to Bond Road and Regent Road for the final word nighttime Christmas lights expertise. Stroll underneath the twinkling lights, benefit from the glowing window shows, and soak within the festive magic as you finish your good day in Christmas-lit London.
In fact, you should go to Harrods for the beautiful show!
In case you have extra time to discover London’s Christmas magic, there’s much more to take pleasure in! Begin by spending slightly longer in Covent Backyard to browse the retailers or take pleasure in a comfy espresso at one of many close by cafes. Then head to Kew Gardens for the enchanting Christmas at Kew mild path—a mile-long path of beautiful illuminated installations in a panoramic botanical setting.
It’s also possible to make your solution to Southbank Centre Winter Market for a riverside vacation expertise with cozy meals stalls, distinctive artisan items, and picturesque views alongside the Thames. Don’t miss the possibility to go to Trafalgar Sq. to see the well-known Christmas tree and luxuriate in carolers singing underneath the celebs. Lastly, finish the evening by exploring Belgravia or King’s Cross, each recognized for his or her elegant shows and comfortable vacation attraction, good for rounding out a multi-day Christmas tour in London.
Christmas Markets in London
Whereas London’s Christmas markets could not have fairly the old-world attraction and scale of these in France or Germany, they’re festive and distinctive in their very own approach, including an additional sparkle to the town’s vacation season. Listed here are the highest Christmas markets in London for 2024, full with dates:
- Southbank Centre Winter Market (my private favourite)
- Stroll alongside the Thames because the Southbank transforms right into a winter wonderland of worldwide delicacies and crafts. Dates: Nov 1 – Dec 26
- Battersea Christmas Market
- With a skating rink and small market you could find a lot of nice photograph opportunties! Dates: November 8, 2024 – January fifth 2024.
- Covent Backyard Christmas Markets
- Benefit from the glowing lights and festive decor whereas shopping for items in one in every of London’s most magical spots. From Nov 12
- Leicester Sq. Christmas Market
- Discover festive stalls and benefit from the Belgian Spiegeltent’s vacation reveals within the coronary heart of Leicester Sq.. From Nov 6
- Trafalgar Sq. Christmas Market
- Sip sizzling chocolate and browse picket chalets whereas carolers sing underneath London’s iconic Christmas tree. Dates TBC
- Winter by the River at London Bridge Metropolis
- Soak in views of Tower Bridge whereas shopping for items and sampling festive meals. Dates: Nov 14 – Jan 5
- Spitalfields Christmas Market
- Discover distinctive items amongst meals stalls, jewellery, and artwork within the fashionable Spitalfields space. From Nov 13
- Greenwich Christmas Market
- Tick off your buying listing whereas exploring Greenwich’s historic and festively lit market. From Nov 20
- Kingston Christmas Market
- Head to the riverside city of Kingston for handmade items, vacation treats, and comfortable cabins. Dates: Nov 14 – Jan 5
- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
- London’s greatest Christmas market with items, rides, and the UK’s largest out of doors ice rink. Dates: Nov 21 – Jan 5
- King’s Cross Christmas Markets
- Take pleasure in reside music and festive treats whereas exploring King’s Cross’s eclectic vacation markets. Dates TBC
- Borough Market at Christmas
- Uncover seasonal meals and festive decor underneath the historic arches of Borough Market. Dates TBC
Whereas these markets could not transport you to a fairytale-like German village, they every carry a bit of vacation magic to London, making the town come alive with festive cheer throughout the Christmas season.
Issues to Do in London At Christmas
In addition to seeing the lights, there are many issues to do in London at Christmas! My prime tip is to go see a play. London theater is the very best on the planet. You’ll be able to see one thing basic like Mamma Mia or Mary Poppins, or you possibly can see a Christmas-themed present! We noticed Elf final yr!
Go ice skating! My favourite is at Somerset home! However you may also go to Hampton Courtroom Palace. Sadly, the one exterior of the Museum of Pure Historical past is now not. However that brings me to my subsequent level.
Go to a museum! Museums in London are sometimes free! And there are such a lot of fantastic museums.
Go to a meals market! I personally love Seven Dials they usually at all times add a festive contact. There’s additionally a rotating cheese board in order that’s enjoyable.
Simply stroll round! London at Christmas is so festive, it is really easy to come upon one thing magical!
Resort Suggestions
I personally like staying in Covent Backyard since you’re actually within the coronary heart of London. Plus you can stroll to many places and capable of stroll to the theater!
One Aldwych (Covent Backyard) $$$$
For an expensive keep, One Aldwych affords fashionable rooms and distinctive service within the coronary heart of Covent Backyard. Company can take pleasure in a refreshing swim within the chlorine-free pool, calm down within the on-site spa, and indulge at their award-winning restaurant. Its central location places you simply steps away from theaters, buying, and the festive buzz of Covent Backyard.
Strand Palace (Covent Backyard) $$$
With over a century of hospitality, the Strand Palace blends fashionable consolation with historic attraction. Situated simply minutes from Covent Backyard and the Thames, the resort affords modern rooms and glorious eating choices, making it good for exploring London’s cultural landmarks.
Z Resort Covent Backyard (Funds Choice) $$
An awesome budget-friendly alternative, Z Resort in Covent Backyard supplies clear, comfy rooms at an inexpensive worth. It’s a perfect base for exploring London’s West Finish, with sights, eating places, and transport hyperlinks proper in your doorstep.
Outdoors Covent Backyard: The Hoxton, Holborn $$$
Situated a brief stroll from Covent Backyard, The Hoxton, Holborn is a stylish choice providing fashionable rooms, a buzzing foyer bar, and glorious eating. This boutique resort combines consolation and funky, with easy accessibility to each the West Finish and vibrant Holborn space.
London at Christmas is solely unmatched. From the bustling streets of Oxford Road to the comfortable pubs and grand motels, each a part of the town is drenched in vacation spirit. So when you’re seeking to get into the Christmas temper, London is the place to be. Go, take all of it in, and put together to be amazed – I promise you’ll depart with a digital camera stuffed with pictures and a coronary heart stuffed with vacation cheer!
