I recently got back from an unforgettable Christmas in London trip with my boyfriend Dex and am excited to share all the festive spots we discovered!
At first, we thought about exploring more parts of Europe on this trip, but in the end, we decided to dedicate our time completely to London. There’s just so much to see and do. Honestly, even after spending 9 days in this city, we still feel like there’s a lot more to see.
Visiting in late November turned out to be the perfect timing. Although it was still crowded, this gave us plenty of time to dive deep into the city’s Christmas spirit and capture content before the holidays.
We had a chance to celebrate Christmas twice when we came back to New York in December!
This post includes spots directly from our personal itinerary — think of it as your one-stop guide to the best places to visit to experience all the Christmas cheer.
So, grab a warm drink, get comfy, and let’s get into the ultimate guide to Christmas in London!
The Most Charming Places To Visit For Christmas In London (2024)
The Best Photo Locations In London
- New Bond Street — It felt like a winter wonderland walking through New Bond Street which runs from Oxford Street to Piccadilly. This spot is filled with luxury stores (think: Cartier, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren).
- Oxford Street – Famous for its holiday decor and over 300 shops, including Selfridges, Sandro, MUJI, and Reiss.
- Carnaby Street – Has a rich fashion history, having been the epicenter of the Mod movement in the 1960s. It’s where designers including Vivienne Westwood helped shape London’s counterculture style.
- Regent Street – See the Christmas in London lights with celebrated Georgian architecture all around. It’s also where you can find major high-end retailers like Burberry.
- Somerset House – A popular place where films and TV shows are filmed, Somerset House is an architectural gem. We went ice skating and then dined at the Chalet by Jimmy Garcia next door.
More London Photo Locations
- Covent Garden – This holiday season, Covent Garden is adorned with huge gold bells and disco balls. The area combines an open-air market with a mix of indoor stores and lively outdoor spaces. While you’re there, enjoy a meal at Buns & Buns. Afterward, take a six-minute walk to The Savoy Hotel to capture photos of the festive displays.
- Leadenhall Market — This was the first spot Dex and I visited after arriving from Heathrow Airport. (Fun fact: Harry Potter was filmed there.) We walked around the specialty stores and got coffee and matcha at a Danish café, Hagen.
- Trafalgar Square – We passed by Trafalgar Square when we went to the National Portrait Gallery. I love the open space filled with small markets selling Christmas presents and hot chocolate.
- Kensington Gardens – One of London’s most historic green spaces that ties in natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and royal heritage.
Cozy Neighborhoods to Explore During Christmas In London
- Notting Hill – There are so many shops in Notting Hill (I got a vintage watch and green quilted jacket), cozy cafés (Farm Girl is a must-visit!), and picturesque pastel houses.
P.S. If you like the movie Notting Hill, you need to visit Hugh Grant’s character’s flat. It’s the iconic blue door at 280 Westbourne Park Road.
- Canary Wharf — London’s financial hub with a quieter area to stroll, away from the crowds. We visited the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College (£16.50 ticket price for adult admission) where the Baroque walls and ceilings are such an amazing sight to see.
Another spot to visit in Canary Wharf is the Peter Harrison Planetarium, where we watched The Sky Tonight presented live by a Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer (£12 ticket price for adult admission).
- Mayfair — One of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods filled with stores including Fortnum & Mason, Michelin-star restaurants, and key attractions like Savile Row (known for its bespoke tailoring), Annabel’s social club, and The Connaught Hotel.
Top Restaurants With A Christmas In London Aesthetic
- Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park — We booked a reservation at this magical place for afternoon tea and were blown away by the food, tea, and service. The three-tier tray of scones and sweets is served on a hanging branch!
There’s also a cozy ‘Winterhaus’ Bavarian-inspired pop-up in the hotel lobby around Christmas time where you can relax with a glass of champagne and German-inspired foods. - The Coral Room — Located in the Bloomsbury Hotel, The Coral Room is where you can enjoy a Devil Wears Prada-inspired afternoon tea. It was created in partnership with the Dominion Theatre where the musical launched in October 2024.
Every bite was divine (there’s even a cerulean dessert with Greek yogurt mousse and blueberry as a nod to the iconic scene. IYKYK 💙)
More Must-Try London Restaurants
- Jacuzzi — This Italian restaurant is STUNNING. From the red circular plush seats to the hanging greenery and chandeliers all around. And the pasta is delish!
- Dishoom — We went to the location in Canary Wharf. The comfort dishes pay homage to Bombay and there’s also a great Christmas Feast menu for the whole family. Warm up with their signature house chai spiced tea blend.
- Kiln — We rushed to this Thai restaurant before catching Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre and it ended up being one of our favorite restaurants during this trip. It wasn’t decked in holiday decorations but the food was well done with flavorful clay pots, skewers, and more.
Cafés And Bakeries
- Peggy Porschen — When we were researching Christmas in London before the trip, we found a book with this spot on the cover. I was like, what’s this adorable pink café? Peggy Porschen was everything I pictured it to be: reminiscent of a doll’s dream house filled with festive treats, warm drinks, and Christmas trees.
- Fortitude Bakehouse — On a rainy morning, we got breakfast and coffee at Fortitude Bakehouse. If you go, plan to arrive right when they open because there will likely be a line and not many places to sit. Their signature beignets come out at 11 AM and are sold until they’re sold out (usually quickly).
- Buns From Home – We saw Buns From Home on TikTok and of course had to add it to the itinerary. These freshly hand-rolled croissant buns are delicious!
There are many Buns From Home throughout London — we went to the one in Notting Hill and got the original cinnamon bun and the pistachio bun. Then, right before our flight, we came across another location and got the custard bun. - Prada Caffè — Located in Harrods, this designer café serves the most aesthetically pleasing lattes topped with Prada logos.
The pastel green walls and black and white checkered floors are so exquisitely designed. We passed by right after afternoon tea or else would have loved to dine there. Next time!
Sightseeing: Christmas In London Edition
- Big Ben – A London landmark with a clock tower and bells, this is one of the most recognizable symbols of the United Kingdom.
Just a few steps away, we saw a photographer take photos of people and print them in an old newspaper design. Some photo ops may be touristy, but I think there’s a charming quality about this vintage design, and got ours done for £10. - London Eye — Opposite Big Ben, there’s the London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames. As one of the largest observation wheels in the world, you can see panoramic views of the city.
- Buckingham Palace — The official residence of the Monarch, Buckingham Palace is a special piece of British history. A major tourist attraction is seeing the changing of the guards at the palace gates.
- Westminster Abbey — One of the most significant and historic buildings of London that’s a symbol of the monarchy, serves as a place of worship and is a notable piece of Gothic architecture.
London Transportation
- Walking — Similar to New York, London is a very walkable city. Definitely bring comfortable shoes to stroll around the Christmas markets, museums, and stores.
The only pairs of shoes I brought were these boots and sneakers (similar to these) and alternated between them. - Tube — One common way to get around is by taking the Tube (aka The Underground public transport system) which is fast, reliable, and affordable. The easiest way to pay is by tapping your credit card to enter.
Remember to also tap out as it calculates the price depending on the distance you travel. - Bus — London’s iconic red double-decker buses are everywhere. These are also fast, reliable, and affordable. Sit at the upper level if possible to sightsee around the city while staying warm.
- Uber — Booking an Uber is another convenient way to get around London. One thing I had to adjust to, though, was that drivers sit in the opposite front seat compared to what I’m used to in the States, where they sit on the left. It’s a small difference, but it’s a reminder that you’re in a country with a different driving system!
Also Worth Checking Out
- Visit Poetry Pharmacy (in the Lush store on Oxford Street) to pick up a “prescription” in the form of a poem.
- Stationery store with plenty of Christmas cards: Choosing Keeping.
- Take a photo at the red phone box near Burlington House (home of the Royal Academy of Arts). This phone box is a replica of the original design by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, and one of the few remaining in good condition.
- If we had more days on this trip, we would have visited Battersea Power Station, another great place to see the London Christmas lights this time of year. There are also over 150 shops, bars, and restaurants.
Tips For Visiting London
- London pretty much uses credit cards for everything. There were only a couple of instances where I used cash (I brought £250 GBP) but could have used a card for those transactions anyway or gotten something similar elsewhere.
- Packing-wise, know that around Christmas in London is cold! Bring layers, winter accessories, and comfy walking shoes, ideally versatile boots that also look dressy for day-to-night events. Also, Uniqlo’s Heat Tech tops and tights (which I layered underneath my regular clothes) were such a savior.
- When it comes to packing, prepare for cold and rainy winter weather in London! Layering is key, so bring warm layers, cozy winter accessories, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Versatile boots are a great choice — they’re perfect for both sightseeing during the day and dressing up for evening events.
One of my best discoveries was Uniqlo’s HEATTECH tops and tights, which I layered underneath my regular clothes. They were a total lifesaver, keeping me warm without adding bulk.
Overall Thoughts: Christmas In London
Overall, there’s an incredible amount to explore in London!
From the iconic landmarks like the Big Ben and the London Eye to the hidden gems in neighborhoods like Covent Garden, it truly feels like there’s something for everyone.
By the end of our trip, it felt like we had just scratched the surface. I can’t wait until we come back and explore even more!
More Stories, Right This Way…
- The Best Travel Gifts To Make Trips Easier In 2025
- 11 Glamorous New Year’s Nails To Celebrate 2025
- 8 Mocha Mousse Loafers In Pantone’s Color of 2025
- The Most Cozy Winter Nails To Try This Season
Latest posts by Wendy Sy (see all)
- The Ultimate Guide To Christmas In London (2024) - December 18, 2024
- 11 Glamorous New Year’s Nails To Celebrate 2025 - December 14, 2024
- The Best Travel Gifts To Make Trips Easier In 2025 - December 12, 2024
