Everything You Need to Do at Christmas Time in London
London is one of the best cities in the world to visit during Christmas. From over-the-top holiday decorations and festive storefronts to Christmas lights, markets, afternoon tea, and iconic sightseeing, the whole city feels magical during the holiday season.
Whether you’re planning a festive girls’ trip, a romantic winter getaway, or adding London to a larger European Christmas markets itinerary, here are the best things to do in London at Christmas.
Best Christmas Photo Spots in London
Annabel’s: If you want one of the most iconic Christmas photo spots in London, add Annabel’s to your list. This private members’ club is known for going all out with its holiday exterior, and every year the decorations are completely over-the-top. Even if you are not going inside, the outside is worth seeing.
Cartier on New Bond Street: Another must-see Christmas photo spot is the Cartier storefront, especially if you can frame it with the classic red phone booth nearby. It is one of those London Christmas photos that feels instantly recognizable.
Ralph’s Coffee: Ralph’s Coffee is such a cute festive stop for coffee, photos, and that classic polished London holiday feel. It is a great place to add while you’re walking around the decorated shopping streets.
Best Christmas Lights and Festive Streets in London
Oxford Street: Oxford Street is one of the most famous Christmas light displays in London and a great place to start if you want that classic holiday shopping energy.
Regent Street: Regent Street is one of the prettiest places to walk at Christmas, especially when the angel lights are on. This is one of the most iconic holiday views in London.
Carnaby Street: Carnaby Street usually has a more colorful and creative Christmas display, so it is perfect if you want something a little different from the classic lights.
Piccadilly Circus: Piccadilly Circus is a great central stop to add while walking between the Christmas lights, shopping streets, and nearby restaurants.
Covent Garden: Covent Garden is one of the most festive areas in London during Christmas. Expect a giant tree, beautiful decorations, holiday shopping, restaurants, and plenty of photo spots.
Harrods: Harrods is a must during Christmas, even if you’re just going to admire the exterior, browse the food halls, or walk around the holiday displays.
Leadenhall Market: Leadenhall Market is beautiful year-round, but it feels especially festive during Christmas. It is also a great stop if you are a Harry Potter fan, since parts of the area were used for filming.
Visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
If you want the biggest Christmas market-style experience in London, go to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
This is not just a small market. It has Christmas stalls, festive food, rides, games, bars, ice skating, shows, and so much going on that you could easily spend an entire afternoon or evening here.
I would book tickets in advance, especially if you are visiting on a weekend or close to Christmas. Go hungry, dress warm, and plan to stay for a while because there is a lot to see and do.
Festive Restaurant to Book in London
Daphne’s: If you want a festive restaurant reservation, add Daphne’s to your list. This Italian restaurant in Chelsea is known for its beautiful Christmas decor, cozy atmosphere, and upscale holiday feel. It’s a great spot for a festive lunch or dinner, but make reservations early because photo-worthy restaurants in London book up quickly during Christmas season.
Harry Potter Christmas Experiences in London
If you are a Harry Potter fan, London is such a fun place to visit during Christmas.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Harry Potter Studio Tour is always worth it, but during the holiday season it becomes even more magical with “Hogwarts in the Snow.” The sets are decorated for Christmas, including the Great Hall, and it feels like stepping into the movies. Book this as early as possible because tickets can sell out far in advance.
King’s Cross Station: Stop by King’s Cross Station to see Platform 9¾ and the Harry Potter shop. It is touristy, but it is such a fun quick stop if you grew up loving the movies.
Leadenhall Market: Leadenhall Market is another great Harry Potter stop in London and doubles as a festive Christmas spot. It is beautiful for photos, especially during the holiday season.
Millennium Bridge: If you want to add another easy Harry Potter filming location, walk across Millennium Bridge, which appears in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It also gives you great views toward St. Paul’s Cathedral and the river.
Classic London Experiences to Add to Your Trip
Even if you are visiting for Christmas, make time for a few classic London experiences too.
Tower of London: The Tower of London is one of the most iconic historic sites in the city, being home to the Crown Jewels. It is a great way to break up the shopping, lights, and Christmas markets with something more historical.
Tower Bridge: Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in London and is especially pretty to photograph from the riverwalk.
London Eye: For one of the best views over the city, ride the London Eye. I recommend booking the Champagne Experience if you want to make it feel a little more special.
Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Day Tour: If you have an extra day in London, I HIGHLY recommend this tour as it is one of the easiest ways to see more of England without having to plan all the transportation yourself. This tour lets you visit three iconic stops in one day: Stonehenge, the historic city of Bath, and Windsor. It’s a great add-on if you want to mix your Christmas trip with a little more history, countryside, and classic England sightseeing.
Final Tips for Visiting London at Christmas
Book your hotel and major activities early because Christmas is one of the most popular times to visit London.
Make restaurant reservations in advance, especially for festive restaurants, afternoon teas, and popular photo-worthy spots.
Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot, especially if you are hopping between Christmas lights, markets, and shopping streets.
Dress warm and bring layers because most of the best Christmas experiences involve being outside.
Plan your route by neighborhood so you are not wasting time crossing the city back and forth.
If you are doing the Harry Potter Studio Tour or Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, book tickets as early as possible.
London at Christmas is magical, festive, and completely over-the-top in the best way. Between the lights, markets, photo spots, Harry Potter experiences, and classic landmarks, it is one of the best winter city trips in Europe.
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