how to spend Christmas in London

Get into the holiday spirit with this guide to Christmas in London. From festive markets to ice skating rinks and dazzling light displays, this guide has everything you need to experience the magic of Christmas in the city.

Christmas is the most magical time of the year in London. Yes, it’s cold and the freezing weather tends to scare people away, but between the lights and the hot chocolates, London really pulls out all the stops in the winter. The window displays are exquisite and the holiday cheer is palpable. In order to fully appreciate just how much there is to see and do in my most recent “home”, it’s only right to show you around the delights of London during the holidays.

At the bottom of this post, you’ll find a few items I haven’t made it to/haven’t gotten tickets for. They’ve been disclosed clearly, but I’ve slapped them on here so that a) I remember to book in advance next year and b) any of you who didn’t know they existed might add them to your calendar for next year like I have so that we may all review them together.

Read on for the most festive places in London during the holiday season!

Please note: this post was written and first published in 2019, pre-COVID.

fun things to do in London at Christmas ↴

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is essentially a mix between a Christmas Market and a fair. There are plenty of rides and carnival-type prizes to be won at booths all across Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, though the cost is a bit outrageous compared to similar festivities in parts of Europe. Still, Winter Wonderland is sure to put you in the holiday spirits with its funky music. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear?

WHEN IT’S ON: November 21, 2019, through January 5, 2020

WHERE TO FIND IT: Hyde Park, London

HOW TO GET THERE: Depending on where you are coming from, the closest tube station is either Knightsbridge or Hyde Park Corner

Ice Skating at the Natural History Museum

Possibly the most quintessential London holiday activity is ice skating around the giant Chrismas tree outside of the Natural History Museum. The entire ice rink is dripping with fairy lights against the backdrop of classic South Kensington, a place close to my heart that always bubbles up nostalgia. If you’re in London in the wintertime, you need to GET HERE!

WHEN IT’S ON: October 19, 2019, through January 12, 2020 {it’s closed on Christmas Day}

WHERE TO FIND IT: The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

HOW TO GET THERE: The closest tube station is South Kensington Station {ohh the memories}

Christmas Film Screenings

Backyard Cinema in London always insures a damn good time, but their Secret Snow Kingdom is particularly festive. Movies like Elf and Love Actually {yasssss please} play at various times throughout the holiday season.

WHEN IT’S ON: Film screening locations and times vary, check their website here

St. Jame’s Christmas Market

St. Jame’s Market is just off of Regent Street and is known for its diverse world cuisine offerings. You’ll find everything from brunch to Michelin star restaurants in this area, and for Christmas the lights make the area extra magical. St. Jame’s Christmas Market is a more traditional market than Winter Wonderland {if you can even really count that}, with stalls that sell handicrafts and indulgent artisanal foods.

WHEN IT’S ON: Saturday, December 7, 2019- starts at noon

WHERE TO FIND IT: Regent Street, London, SW1Y 4AH

HOW TO GET THERE: Hop off the tube at Piccadilly Circus

Christmas at Kew

This one requires an advanced online booking, and spaces sell out nearly as soon as they go on sale. I thought I mention this simply because it’s SO worth being ahead of the game to see the light shows and LED installations that turn Kew into a twinkling, sparkling, winter paradise.

WHEN IT’S ON: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 through Sunday, January 5, 2020

WHERE TO FIND IT: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the tube to Kew Gardens Station on the District Line

where to see Christmas lights in London ↴

Carnaby Street

Not far from Regent Street is Carnaby Street, known for its great shopping and hidden-away bars and eateries {they also have free WiFi in this area, if you’re looking}. This year the holiday decor theme is “Zero Waste” in collaboration with Project Zero. The installations are always a knockout and, this time, they’re hitting with a more responsible message to evoke thoughtfulness around our holiday consumption.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the tube to Oxford Circus

Somerset House

Somerset House boasts one of the best ice rinks in London, complete with a 40 foot Christmas tree that’s currently covered with Fortnum + Mason decorations. My recommendation is to enjoy a Bailey’s hot chocolate and do a few laps around the ice rink while it’s up in all its holiday glory.

WHERE TO FIND IT: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

HOW TO GET THERE: Temple Station on the Circle and District Lines will get your within a 5-minute walk of Somerset

Leadenhall Market

The classic Leadenhall Market with its ornately decorated 20ft Christmas tree and Victorian passageways really makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Harry Potter book page. And, actually, you might recognize this place as it was featured as an entrance to Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Hagrid and Harry walk through the market to get to the Leaky Cauldron Pub {you’re welcome}. Cobblestone streets lead you down the narrow lane filled with boutique shops, cafés, and pubs. Leadenhall is typically a tad bit quieter during the day, so sneak off here for some festive photos.

WHERE TO FIND IT: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch St, Langbourn, London, EC3V 1LT

HOW TO GET THERE: 5-minute walk from Bank Station or Monument Station on the tube {depending on the line}

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is, on its own, a spectacular area bit of London. Seven Dials, for instance, is a must-see. Around the winter holidays though, it feels like a real jump back in time thanks to the Apple Market. The Apple Market combines handmade crafts, locally designed jewellery, and plenty of specialty items to tick everything off your gift list. Covent Garden is also where you can feast your eyes on the largest hand-picked tree in the city, lit up with over 30,000 Christmas lights in the main square. You’ll likely find buskers or carolers here as well.

WHERE TO FIND IT: The Apple Market, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RD

HOW TO GET THERE: Grab the tube to Covent Garden Station on the Piccadilly Line

Annabel’s

Annabel’s is known for being one of the most elegant nightclubs in the world. It’s a members-only club with a famous powder room {I promise you, you’ve seen it on Instagram}. At Christmas time, Annabel’s puts up a tree unlike any in London. 42ft. tree with elaborate gold ornaments.

WHERE TO FIND IT: 46 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 5AT

HOW TO GET THERE: Green Park tube station is only a 3-5-minute walk away

Oxford Street

Oxford Street’s light display never disappoints! In the many years my family lived in England, this street in the heart of the shopping district was always one of my favourites and, even still as an adult who has returned, it’s installation makes me marvel. This year, Oxford Street has jumped on the eco bandwagon {yay! all aboard, please}, and has opted for energy-efficient LED screens as decoration in place of traditional lights.

HOW TO GET THERE: Pop out of the tube at Oxford Circus station

Sketch London

Having worked in collaboration with sketch London on various events, I know I come across bias. However, the interior of sketch is one of my top recommendations for anyone visiting London at any time of the year, especially for high tea. At Christmas, as is a common theme with this list, sketch ups a gear and its insides are so artfully decorated it seems ethereal. Do not miss the Glade if you can help it— that’s where you’ll be seriously “wowed”.

WHERE TO FIND IT: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2XG

HOW TO GET THERE: I’ve found the closest tube station seems to always be Oxford Circus, but I know some people find Piccadilly Circus Station closer

Cartier

Cartier’s high-class reputation is put on full display at Christmas time. The building in Mayfair is wrapped in red bows like a present. If you’re walking around this swanky section of London, I highly recommend bringing your camera in tow.

WHERE TO FIND IT: 175-177, New Bond St, Mayfair, London, W1S 4RN

HOW TO GET THERE: The nearest tube stations are Green Park or Piccadilly Circus {depending on your line}

Harrods

Harrods is a London department store that is a staple for shoppers at Christmas time. However, rather than contribute to rampant consumerism, I suggest you stop by to check out the window displays or snap a photo.

WHERE TO FIND IT: 87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL

HOW TO GET THERE: Knightsbridge station is just a short walk away from Harrods

the most festive places in London at during the holidays

things on my london christmas bucket list ↴

Christmas Dinner at Hogwarts

Potterheads, let’s meet up and head here next year, k? Apparently, starting this year, the Harry Potter Studios are decking out the Hogwarts Great Hall to look like it did for the Yule Ball. I know. Can you even imagine?! You’ll have to purchase tickets online, and I’m sure they’ll be sucked up fast {and expensive}, so plan ahead. And, hey, if you go this year let me know how it is so I can get even more excited for next year!

FriendsFest

Every year starting in November, the 90s TV show Friends is celebrated at FriendsFest. My friend, Hanisha, went here a few years ago and the envy I felt was unmeasurable. Photo ops inside Central Perk with friends, food, and drink are all part of the Friends celebration. Marking this on my calendar for next year and will report back! This year, it’s running until December 21st, so there’s still a chance you can nab a ticket!