Table of Contents
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Best Christmas Hotels in London
The Ned is the hotel that instantly makes you feel like you’re stepping into a grand festive celebration the moment you walk through the doors. The lobby is huge with a soaring ceiling, chandeliers, and the kind of Christmas tree that makes everyone stop and take a photo. There’s live music in the evenings which adds a bit of magic and makes it feel like a proper festive experience. The hotel has multiple restaurants and bars under one roof, which means you can spend hours hopping from space to space without ever leaving. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth visiting for the decorations and energy alone.
One Aldwych has a slightly more understated approach to Christmas, which I actually prefer. The decorations are elegant and sophisticated without being over the top, making it feel cosy but still luxurious. The hotel is tucked away near Covent Garden, so you can easily combine a festive hotel stop with a stroll to the markets and lights. Staying here feels like the perfect balance between style and comfort, especially if you want a quieter Christmas experience. You can easily spend the morning exploring nearby markets and return for a hot chocolate or festive cocktail before heading out again.
Best Budget Friendly Hotels in London
Other Hotels in London
Best Christmas Lights in London
Covent Garden Christmas Lights
Regent Street Christmas Lights
Carnaby Street Christmas Lights
Oxford Street Christmas Lights
Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights
Covent Garden is one of the most Christmassy places in the whole city. The piazza is filled with giant baubles, fairy lights and trees, and this year features two amazing LEGO culptures of Santa and Rudolph to the West Piazza. It’s also one of the best photo spots in London at Christmas because every corner is decorated. And there’s always something happening with live music, mini pop ups or themed displays. For me personally it’s always the the perfect starting point for a festive day out because everything is so close together.
Regent Street is known for its giant “Spirit of Christmas” angel lights that run all the way down the road. Seeing them in person feels magical because the whole street lights up, and the angels glow above you as far as you can see. It’s always busy in December, but it’s worth it especially in the evenings when the lights look their best (and when I recommend visiting). The area is also filled with shops and restaurants, so it’s easy to turn this into a longer stop. I always think this is the prettiest shopping street in London at Christmas during the night.
Carnaby Street is known for having the most creative Christmas lights in the city. The theme changes every year and it’s always something bold, fun or colourful which makes it completely different to the more traditional displays. This year’s theme is ‘All is Bright’ which features giant crackers and illuminated stars. There’s so much to do in the area too with lots of boutiques, restaurants and independent shops you don’t see everywhere else. It’s one of the best places to explore with friends because you can wander the side streets and always find something unexpected. The decorations make great photos, and it’s one of those places where you feel like you’ve found a “cooler” side of London at Christmas.
Oxford Street’s Christmas lights are classic, simple and instantly recognisable. The whole street sparkles at night and because it’s so long you feel surrounded by lights no matter where you stand. It’s ALWAYS busy, but the energy makes it feel exciting rather than stressful. This area is great if your group wants to pair Christmas lights with shopping, as nearly every store goes big with festive displays. It’s ideal for a quick walk through on your way to dinner or a market. Seeing Oxford Street lit up is basically a December tradition and worth doing at least once each year.
The Victorian architecture, warm lighting and giant tree make this one of the most beautiful festive spots in the city. It’s always quieter than places like Covent Garden, which makes it perfect for photos (although it’s been getting a lot of love and attention on social media so it might not stay quiet for too long). To make it easy special, there’s daily snowfall twice a day at 12pm and 6pm!
Best Christmas Markets in London
Winter Wonderland
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Southbank Centre Winter Market
King’s Cross Christmas Market
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Covent Garden Christmas Market
Leicester Square transforms into a cosy festive market right in the middle of one of London’s busiest areas. The wooden huts make it feel more traditional and you’ll find mulled wine, chocolates, ornaments and lots of little handmade gifts. The square lights up beautifully at night, so it’s a great place to start or end an evening in the West End.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
The Southbank Winter Market is one of the best spots for food lovers during December. The riverside huts stretch along the Thames, and the whole area glows with fairy lights reflected on the water. You’ll find everything from mulled wine to toasted marshmallows, fondue, raclette and all kinds of international street food. It’s a great place to visit with the girls because you can pick different foods and then sit together overlooking the river. I also love walking from here to the London Eye or Westminster because the whole stretch feels extra Christmassy in the evenings.
King’s Cross Christmas Market
Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross looks beautiful in December with its lights, trees and decorations all styled in a more contemporary way. You’ll find independent brands, boutique stalls, artisan gifts and really good food and drink options. It’s quieter than some of the busier markets which makes it perfect if you prefer something more relaxed. The neighbourhood has so many cosy bars and restaurants so it’s easy to turn this into a full evening out. If you are travelling from and /or to Kings Cross this is definitely a stop you can add as soon as you arrive to London or your way out of the city.
Trafalgar Square feels like classic London during Christmas. The giant Christmas tree (which is actually a gift from Norway every year) stands at the centre, and the market stalls wrap around it with cosy decorations and twinkling lights. You’ll also find choir performances happen throughout December which adds to the festive atmosphere in a way you rarely find elsewhere. It’s smaller than other markets but that’s part of what makes it feel so charming. It’s easy to combine with a walk towards Covent Garden or down Whitehall for more Christmas moments.
Best Festive Displays in London
Annabels
Cartier
Dior
Liberty London
Selfridges
Tiffany & Co
Ralph Lauren (Bond Street)
Fortnum and Masons
Churchill Arms
Harrods
Best Festive Pop Ups in London
The Ralph Lauren Holiday Experience (Sloane Square)
Jimmy’s Pop-Up (Somerset House)
Miracle at Henrietta (off Covent Garden Market)
Humbug Santa’s Christmas Dive Bar Experience (Launcelot Street)
The Gingerbread City (Coal Drops Yard)
Best Festive Restaurants in London
Daphne’s
Clos Maggiore
Coppa Club
34 Mayfair
1864 Rooftop Bar
Duck and Waffle
Best Ice Rinks in London
Skate at Somerset House
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Skate Leicester Square
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Bussey Rooftop Bar Ice Rink
3 Day Itinerary to London in December
Day 1 in London
1 hour walking in total:
Covent Garden
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Oxford Street
Liberty London
Regent Street
Mayfair
Carnaby Street
Bond Street (+ New Bond Street)
Burlington Arcade
Fortnum & Mason
15 min tube from Green Park to Knightsbridge:
Harrods
15 min walk to:
Sloane Square for the Ralph Lauren Holiday Experience
Day 2 in London
Somerset House Ice Rink
Jimmy’s Pop Up
5 min walk to:
The Savoy
13 min walk to:
Southbank Centre Winter Market
3 min walk to:
London Eye
Day 3 in London
Horizon 22 or Sky Garden – FREE observatory but need to book tickets in advance
4 min walk to:
Leadenhall Market
6 min walk to:
The Royal Exchange
3 min walk to:
The Ned London
6 min walk to:
One New Change – head to the 6th floor for FREE rooftop terrace
6 min tube to:
Kings Cross – check out Christmas Markets and Harry Potter Christmas Tree (located in Kings Cross Station)
14 min tube to:
Winter Wonderland
