London during the holidays is an enchanting blend of twinkling lights, festive cheer, and timeless elegance. The city has the kind of magic that makes you feel like a kid again. The window displays are showstopping, each neighborhood is personalized with decorations, and the pubs are decked out in Christmas cheer. The city center is busy and full of tourists and locals alike enjoying all the fabulous light displays and shopping for the perfect presents. A trip to London during the holidays is fantastical, magical, and fabulous. Continue reading for all the must-see light displays, stores, and festive experiences the city has to offer!
Christmas Lights & Displays
During the holidays, London’s famous landmarks and shopping streets transform into glittering wonderlands. Iconic streets, like Oxford Street and Regent Street, dazzle with their massive light displays, while Covent Garden— a grand shopping and entertainment plaza— is decorated with giant ornaments and a towering Christmas tree.
London’s Must-See Christmas Lights & Displays:
Bond Street: Luxury displays light up London’s posh designer stores.
Regent Street: Large, illuminated angels stretch across the street, creating a magical scene.
Covent Garden: Giant ornaments and a towering Christmas tree decorate one of London’s busiest plazas.
Oxford Street: Shop under thousands of twinkling stars on one of London’s most iconic streets.
Carnaby Street: Located in the heart of Soho, Carnaby Street boasts colorful, creative, and bold Christmas displays.
Festive Experiences
Winter Wonderland
It’s silly, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect place for your inner child to roam free. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is one of the city’s most iconic Christmas attractions. Running from late November to early January, it’s a celebration of festive cheer, offering something for everyone: lights displays, thrilling rides, live entertainment, shopping markets, and delicious seasonal treats. The circus show is a must-see fun experience. I also recommend getting tickets for the Magical Ice Kingdom, which is a walkthrough attraction of intricate ice sculptures.
Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew is a magical, immersive experience held annually at Kew Gardens, just outside central London (don’t worry, it’s a simple tube ride to Kew Gardens Station). The already beautiful gardens transform into a glittering winter wonderland unlike anything else in the city. At the heart of Christmas at Kew is the 2.7-kilometer illuminated trail winding through the gardens. The botanical displays are taken to another level with stunning light installations that transport you to a naturalistic winter wonderland.
Ice Skating at Somerset House
Set against the backdrop of a stunning 18th-century neoclassical building, the Somerset House ice rink is one of the best ice skating rinks in London. This classic Christmas experience is especially magical at Somerset House given the beautiful, grand setting. In addition, Fortnum & Mason has a pop-up lounge with cozy drinks like hot chocolate, mulled wine, or festive cocktails. You can also pop into WatchHouse right next door for your coffee and pastry fix.
Christmas Markets
London’s Christmas markets are a hallmark of the holiday season, offering a mix of shopping, food, and entertainment. Yes, you’ll be freezing your t*tties off, but it’s all in the spirit of holiday magic, right?
Southbank Centre Winter Market
At the Southbank Centre Winter Market, dozens of wooden chalets sell handmade crafts, unique gifts, and holiday decorations. Located along the Thames, this market combines the charm of traditional Christmas markets with the vibrant energy of one of London’s most iconic areas.
Winter by the River Market
Set against the backdrop of Tower Bridge, this Christmas market creates a perfectly magical atmosphere for strolling, shopping, and eating. Make sure to eat the wood-fired pizza and stop for a festive cocktail at one of the riverside bars.
Leicester Square Market
Nestled in the bustling heart of the West End, this market is a theatrical celebration of all things crazy Christmas. Beware: it is busy and a tad overwhelming to navigate the big crowds. Indulge in crepes, churros, hot drinks, and lots of lots of ornament shopping.
Festive Pub Crawl & The Churchill Arms Pub
London’s pubs are decked out in festive cheer throughout the city. On your holiday pub crawl, make sure to visit London’s most festive pub. Renowned for its over-the-top floral displays throughout the year, the pub takes holiday decorations to a new level. The pub’s exterior is famously draped in thousands of lights and glowing ornaments, making it look like something out of a Christmas movie.
Attend a Christmas Concert
Christmas concerts in London are a tradition, offering everything from grand performances in historic venues to intimate candlelit recitals. The Royal Albert Hall is the city’s epicenter of Christmas music. Popular highlights include Carols at the Royal Albert Hall. St. Paul’s Cathedral is also known for its Christmas concerts. Events at St. Paul’s, like A Celebration of Christmas, include traditional carols by their spectacular choir.
Where to Shop
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason is my version of holiday heaven. Located on busy Piccadilly, this department store has been a London icon since 1707, known for its high-quality goods and beautifully curated displays. During Christmas, Fortnum & Mason transforms into a winter wonderland. It’s the perfect environment to get some decor and wrapping inspiration for the holidays.
As soon as I walk through the door, I indulge in all the tea, biscuits, chocolates, and truffles to my heart’s content. Visit the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon for a traditional Christmas afternoon tea with champagne, finger sandwiches, and mince pies.
Liberty London
Walking into Liberty at Christmas feels like stepping into a magical world. The store’s warm, wooden interiors are adorned with glittering fairy lights and festive garlands. Located on the top floor is Liberty’s Christmas Shop. This shop is a treasure trove of ornaments, decorations, and wreaths. Liberty London is a quintessential stop for anyone visiting the city during Christmas.
Harrods
Need I say more? London’s most iconic department store is a no-brainer at Christmas time. From the store’s lit-up exterior to the fabulous display windows and Christmas Shop, Harrods is positively perfectly festive. Make sure to pop into the food hall for an indulgent snack of artisanal cheeses and chocolates.
