10 Places to Enjoy Christmas in London

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park offers one of London’s most extravagant Christmas experiences. It features an array of fun, family-friendly events and activities, from circus shows and carousels to ice skating and ice-sculpting workshops.

Highlights include the Giant Observation Wheel which offers a bird’s eye view of the city drenched in twinkling lights and the Magical Ice Kingdom with its impressive ice sculptures and ice slides. Pick up a souvenir to commemorate your visit – you’ll find plenty of local vendors selling artisanal items and unusual trinkets. Winter Wonderland takes place from mid-November to early January. Entry is free during off-peak times but be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.

In winter, Southbank hosts 4 major Christmas markets: The Southbank Center Christmas Market, Urban Spoon Tudor Market, Christmas By the River Market and Borough Market. You can visit all these vibrant spots in just a single day.

Expect to find stalls selling all sorts of handcrafted pieces and festive items. Sample a truffle burger from the street food vendors at Southbank Center. Peruse stunning Moroccan lamps at the Tudor Market. Wrap up with a new scarf from the Christmas by the River Market. Finally, warm up with some mulled wine or hot chocolate at the Borough Market. Don’t forget to savor some hearty treats like mince pies, fondue or Dutch pancakes against the stunning backdrop of the River Thames.

With 3 interconnecting rinks embellished with glittering lights, Glade Ice Rinks offers an unparalleled ice skating experience. Glide carefree under the shadow of an enormous Christmas tree and enjoy stunning views of the River Thames.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the Glass House Bar to refuel. As the name suggests, this eatery is encased in glass, affording panoramic views of the surroundings. Live music, fairground rides, igloos and pop-up gift shops add to the festive atmosphere. Glide Ice Rink is open from early November to early January.

Shimmering Christmas illuminations transform London into a magical place, and the lights on Oxford Street are among the most iconic. Located in the heart of London, Oxford Street is the capital’s premier shopping destination. It’s framed by thousands of glittering Christmas lights and decorations throughout the winter season.

Snap some commemorative photos with friends or family in front of the dazzling display after a day of shopping on Oxford Street. While you’re in the area, keep your eyes out for creative Christmas-themed storefront displays.

Housed in an enormous 19th-century building, Harrod’s department store is a London landmark. This luxury shopping mall encompasses an incredible collection of retailers and eateries. It’s a must-visit during the Christmas season for its gorgeous displays and ornate Christmas trees.

You’ll have an abundance of festive gift options, from advent calendars to Christmas hampers stuffed teas and sweet treats. After your shopping spree, treat yourself to a sumptuous afternoon tea at one of the onsite tea rooms.

Head to Covent Garden to feast your eyes on one of London’s biggest Christmas trees. Every year, an enormous tree is handpicked from the same farm that supplies the Royal Family’s Christmas tree and adorned with thousands of twinkling lights.

The tree may be the centerpiece, but that’s not all there is to see in Covent Garden. Immaculately decorated with giant baubles, mistletoe, lights and mirror balls, this spot hosts an array of shopping and dining events. Snap a picture on a sled, sample some mulled wine and pick up some stocking fillers during your visit.

Celebrate Christmas in style at the iconic Savoy Hotel. Festooned with exquisite decorations, this spot offers a medley of events and courses throughout the festive season.

Don’t miss the special afternoon tea, where you will be served sumptuous seasonal treats such as warm mince pies and gingerbread accompanied by mulled wine and exclusive teas. Note that this package is extremely popular so be sure to make advanced reservations. Alternately, enjoy a romantic Christmas dinner or take home their signature Christmas pudding, made with spices, dried fruits, vanilla and brandy butter.

This botanical garden is taken over by dreamy jewel-coloured illuminations and elaborate projections when it gets dark. Visitors can bask under the glow of lit-up heritage trees and see the garden’s incredible collection of flora in a new light as they wander the 2.7-km trail that winds through the pristine grounds.

Along the route, you will find food vendors offering hearty treats and hot chocolate to keep you warm. After soaking in the mesmerizing sights, relish an exquisite Christmas dinner at the Botanical Brasserie. This event tends to sell out fast, so be sure to book your place well in advance.

Head to 34 Mayfair for an unforgettable dining experience. This snazzy eatery is known for its extravagant and extremely photogenic Christmas-themed decorations. In the past, it has been adorned with a whopping 14,000 ornaments and baubles.

Enjoy a pleasant brunch or romantic dinner in a fabulous setting. Among the signature dishes are lobster mac ‘n’ cheese and charcoal-grilled steak, all served from a bustling open kitchen. Live jazz events take place regularly to heighten the mood. 34 Mayfair is located near Berkeley Square.

Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to Trafalgar Square. Here you’ll find dozens of carol groups performing under a Christmas tree to spread cheer and raise money for charity. Carol performances usually take place between 4 pm and 8 pm on weekdays and between 2 pm and 6 pm on vacations. Entry is free.

Take some time to admire the enormous Norway spruce that crowns the square. This spot also hosts a Christmas market where you can pick up street food and cute trinkets to take home.