Christmas in London: Things to Do & 3 Day Itinerary (2025)
Christmas in London is purely magical. The city transforms into a winter wonderland as it’s adorned with fairy lights, shop windows sparkle with festive displays, and the entire city is soaked in the holiday spirit.
We spent an amazing 3 nights in London in December last year. Now remember that London is a very large city, and there’s honestly an endless amount of activities to do during the festive season. Although 3 days is not nearly enough time to experience everything that London has to offer, I’ll guide you though some of the best things to do in London during the holiday season, and a 3 day itinerary to make the most of your time.
You’ll find all the places mentioned in this post in a Google Map at the end of the blog post.
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London Travel Tips:
Best time to visit: End of November to early January for Christmas season
Weather: Around 5–10°C (41-50°F). Bring warm layers, a good coat, and waterproof shoes because it can rain quite a bit.
How to get around:
- Tube – London’s underground metro system. You can use your contactless credit card or even your tap-to-pay device like Apple Pay on your phone to ride.
- Buses – London’s iconic red buses are one of the best ways to get around. You can also use your contactless card or Apple Pay to ride these. Tap when you get on.
- Taxi – You can hail down the traditional Black Cab taxis in London. I did find them more expensive compared to the ride-share options below, but I enjoyed the experience.
- Ride-shares – There are several ride-share options including Uber, Bolt, and Freenow to name a few.
- Walking – London is a huge city, but still very much a walking city. We used public transportation or taxis for longer distances but walked a ton.
Where to Stay in London:
Let’s face it. London is incredible during Christmas period, but it’s an expensive city to begin with and that means hotel prices during this time of year are going to be absurdly expensive.
If you can, I recommend staying in central London since most of the attractions in this guide will be in close proximity and relatively easy to get to. Here are the areas that are the best:
Covent Garden
Areas near Covent Garden are very central to all the festive action.
Mayfair & Soho
Mayfair and Soho are smack in the middle of all the festive spirit, but also some of the the most expensive areas.
Southwark
If staying near Covent Garden, Mayfair, or Soho is out of your budget, consider taking a look at Southwark. This is where we chose to stay to save some $$, especially because we booked pretty last minute and prices were not kind on our wallets.
This area is still pretty central, with quick connections to the most popular festive sites by the tube.
We spent 3 nights at the cozy Hoxton in Southwark. I loved all the design elements in the rooms and the lobby. We used our Amex Platinum to book which gave us $100 credit to use at the hotel towards food and drinks.
Things to do in London at Christmas
Festive Afternoon Tea
I’m absolutely obsessed with the British tradition of afternoon tea. Delicious finger sandwiches, delicate scones with cream and jam, and dainty cakes… who can resist? Certainly not me. But now add some festive cheer to the whole thing and it becomes extra special.
There are many popular places to have a festive afternoon tea, but they do tend to fill up quickly. My first 3 choices were all full by the time we tried to book, so definitely make that booking fast!
These afternoon tea experiences, while totally worth it, can be quite pricey. Keep that in mind so you’re not caught by surprise.
Here’s a list of some of the most iconic festive afternoon tea spots:
- The Ritz
- Claridge’s
- Fortnum & Mason
- The Lanesborough (Festive Bridgerton Afternoon Tea)
- The Dorchester
- The Savoy
- Pan Pacific
- Ting at Shangri-La
- Marriott County Hall
- Sketch
We experienced a festive afternoon tea at The Chinoiserie at the Carlton Tower Jumeirah.
There were SO many tea choices, well sorted out on the menu by types of tea and with descriptions. Our server also recommended some options based on our preferences, which was helpful.
Tea was unlimited so we got to try several different ones. The sandwiches were delicious, scones were warm and perfect paired with the different jams and cream served together. Finally we got the tiered desserts and honestly we were so full we ended up sharing one of each kind, and taking the rest back to our hotel.
It’s a lot of calories, but I consider this time of the year to be my cheat period so there was zero guilt in consuming these delicious sweets!
Christmas Lights
The city streets in London will be lit up with different light installations from usually mid-November.
Here’s a list of London’s Christmas lights:
- Regent Street
- Oxford Street
- Carnaby Street
- Covent Garden
- Seven Dials
- Marylebone Village Christmas lights
- Christmas at Kew (Kew Gardens)
- Ever After Garden (Duke of York Square)
- Belgravia
- Bond Street
You can walk around to enjoy these lights, or take a tour on a bus.
Christmas Markets
In all honesty, London doesn’t have the best Christmas markets I’ve seen. For that you should check out my Strasbourg, Vienna or Prague Christmas markets guides.
But there are a number of markets dotted around the city, including the below:
- Leicester Square – 1 Nov to 4 Jan
- Apple Market at Covent Garden – From 12 Nov
- Trafalgar Square – TBD
- Southbank Centre near the London Eye – 3 Nov to 4 Jan
- King’s Cross Christmas Market – TBD
- Winter by the River at London Bridge City – TBD
- Old Spitalfields Christmas Market – From 12 Nov
- Kingston Christmas Market – 13 Nov to 28 Dec
- Winter Wonderland – 14 Nov to 1 Jan
- Greenwich Markets – From 19 Nov
- Borough Market – 1 Dec to 31 Dec
- Camden Market – From 6 Dec
Ice Skating
Skating in London is a popular event in the festive season.
- Somerset House – 12 Nov to 11 Jan
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink – 14 Nov to 1 Jan
- Hampton Court Palace – 21 Nov to 4 Jan
- Skate Leicester Square – 1 Nov to 4 Jan
- Battersea Power Station – 7 Nov to 4 Jan
- Canary Wharf – 25 Oct to 22 Feb
- Queen’s House – 21 Nov to 4 Jan
- Westfield London – TBD
- Winter Funland London at London Olympia – 12 Dec to 4 Jan (indoor)
Festive Decorations & Window Displays
Nowhere does festive window displays and shopfront decorations like London. Even if you’re not actually shopping at these places, they’re incredible photo spots.
Christmas decorations will likely vary each year, but here’s last year’s displays to give you an idea.
Fortnum & Mason
The entire store facade was a giant advent calendar. It truly doesn’t get better than this! It’s also a great place to do some Christmas shopping as the teas and snacks here make great gifts.
Harrods
Last year the entire Brompton Road façade was covered in gold glowy lights.
Selfridges
Probably has the best department store window displays. Last year they had spinning trees and fountains of perfume bottles, all decked out in bold splashes of color.
Cartier’s, Chanel, Dior on Old and New Bond Street
Pretty much the entire Bond Street is decked out for the festive period. Other stores to mention included Tiffany & Co and Van Cleef & Arpel with beautiful decorations.
Ralph’s Coffee at New Bond Street
I wasn’t particularly a fan of the coffee here, but you have to admit the decorations are super cute.
Annabel’s Mayfair
Annabel’s is an elegant and exclusive private member’s club, so most of us likely won’t get to see the inside, but do go to admire the facade. Last year they had a magical bird in a snow globe and it was beautiful.
Burlington Arcade, Royal Arcade
These classic shopping arcades will have a festive atmosphere during the season.
Borough Market
The historic Borough Market is one of London’s famous food markets, located near London Bridge. It has been in place for over 1000 years, although the current buildings were built in the 19th century.
You’ll find all sorts of products like fruits, vegetables, meats amongst others, but I love visiting for the food. My favorite was the sandwiches from the Black Pig. I think the actual sandwich was called “The Best One.”
Other than that, the Wild Mushroom Risotto was good, and John and I can’t pass up chocolate covered strawberries although they were quite expensive. We also had some fresh oysters and sampled the humongous paella.
The Borough Market will have some Christmas market stalls, so definitely check these out while you’re there.
Festive Dining
Enjoy festive cocktails and dining in Christmas spirit.
- 34 Mayfair
- Daphne’s
- Clos Maggiore
- Sketch
- Miracle Bar at Henrietta – reservations fill up so fast here. They do take some walk-ins.
- The Ivy (Chelsea Garden location)
- Dalloway Terrace
Covent Garden
This year, Covent Garden will switch on its world-famous Christmas lights on Wednesday 12th November.
The much-loved gold bells in the Market building will be back this year, as well as the iconic 55ft British-grown Christmas tree.
I would try to visit early or on weekdays, because this was one of the crowded places we visited mid-day.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
This is London’s most famous Christmas attraction, and meant for all ages. Click here for more information and tickets.
You’ll find Christmas markets, thrilling rides, carnival games, an ice rink, live music, cozy bars serving mulled wine and pretzels, and all sorts of festive things here. Make sure to check out the Bavarian Village with hearty meals and festive brews!
14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026
Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros Studio
Technically the Warner Bros Studio is not in London, but about an hour away.
During the winter months, you can experience Christmas at Hogwarts as the iconic sets of the Harry Potter films get a wintery makeover and I highly recommend this as a day trip!
Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom
From 15 November 2025 to 18 January 2026
Ticket price: £56 for adults and £45 for children (ages 5-15), and free entry for children 4 and under.
Book tickets in advance, because this popular attraction can sell out. In fact, tickets were sold out on the official website for our dates but we were able to book this exact tour which included round trip bus ride from London to the studio, and around 4.5 hours of time to explore. Tickets do cost more through 3rd party booking platforms, but since it includes convenient transfer, I think it was reasonable.
If you snag tickets from the official website and want to use public transport: Take a direct train from London Euston station to Watford Junction, followed by a quick shuttle bus to the studio.
Once inside, you’ll step into the world of filmmaking magic. The tour takes you through the iconic sets, from the grand Hogwarts Great Hall to Diagon Alley’s charming streets. You’ll explore the Gryffindor common room, the Forbidden Forest, and even the Hogwarts Express, all recreated perfectly to immerse you in the films. There’s also real costumes and props from the movies.
🍺 Make sure to try butterbeer!!
If you’re not a fan of large buses or public transport, then this tour includes a private transfer from London!
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London Christmas 3 Day Itinerary
Here’s a sample itinerary that you can use. Feel free to modify it based on your preferences and how much you want to pack in for each day.
I made this based on my actual visit to London during the holiday season last year, but it’s not exactly the same. I’ve rearranged a few things to create the most efficient and enjoyable route. This is how I would do it if I were to do it again.
A few notes about this 3 day London Christmas itinerary:
- This itinerary is based on 3 full days in the city, meaning you’ve arrived the day or night before and you’re ready to start early in the morning of day 1.
- I tried to group attractions by their proximity to minimize time spent going back and forth but some places you’ll revisit later in the day to experience it at night. On my actual trip I visited a lot of areas twice, once during the day and once at night because the atmosphere is completely different.
- The itinerary focuses on Christmas and holiday-themed things to do. If this is your first time to London, or you just want to add other non-holiday related attractions, you’ll need to add more days. Remember that London is a giant city with a lot to do even when it’s not Christmas.
- Use my Google Maps to plan out your actual itinerary so you don’t walk back and forth too much.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1 – Mayfair, Soho, Winter Wonderland
New Bond Street – Ralph’s Coffee – Burlington/Piccadilly/Royal Arcades – Fortnum & Mason – Lunch – Annabel’s – Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park – Night lights
Day 2 – Covent Garden, Christmas Markets, Afternoon Tea
Covent Garden – Apple Market – Lunch – Borough Market – Somerset House ice skating – Christmas markets – Afternoon Tea
Day 3 – Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros Studio
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Day 1
We’re going to start in Mayfair and Soho area, some of the most festive areas of the city and where many of the attractions are located on this list. There’s no better place to kick off your Christmas in London!
Start your first festive morning in Mayfair, where the elegant streets of New Bond Street and Old Bond Street are transformed into one of the most dazzling displays in London. The luxury boutiques here will go all out from Christmas, each with a different theme, but all together making this street feel like an open-air gallery of holiday art.
Honestly I don’t love the coffee from Ralph’s Coffee but I couldn’t resist a photo with the signature green and navy cups and their storefront decked out in twinkling lights and greenery… maybe next time I’ll try the hot chocolate or a matcha latte.
Literally a minute away from Ralph’s is the Royal Arcade, and a short distance from there is the Burlington Arcade and Piccadilly Arcade. All of these historic shopping galleries will be adorned with garlands, lights and gold accents that gives them a Victorian Christmas card vibe.
Now across the street you’ll find Fortnum & Mason. You can admire the facade and perhaps stop by to shop for some gifts.
By this time you’ve worked up an appetite I’m sure, so you can head to Sketch or 34 Mayfair for lunch. I would make reservations if possible. For Sketch, they have multiple rooms and although this one was not the most Christmassy, I chose to dine at the Glade. I mean… look at it, it simply looks UNREAL!
After lunch, head to Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. But before that, make sure to take a peek at Annabel’s fancy decorations.
Spend a few hours at Winter Wonderland. There’s so much to do from visiting food stalls, rides, an ice sculpture exhibition, and the Bavarian Village. Remember to buy tickets prior to going!
Now for the night, you’ll head back to see the night lights. You can wander New Bond Street, Regent Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street as well the Fortnum & Mason lit up at night on your own, or you can do a Christmas Lights Bus Tour. Also remember to stop by Selfridge’s to see their extravagant window displays!
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Day 2
Today you’ll start at Covent Garden, another perfect place to enjoy the Christmas spirit in London. Take photos with Santa’s sled, see the giant bells hanging, and take photos by the massive Christmas tree by the Apple market.
Right around the corner you can grab lunch at Clos Maggiore, or pop into Miracle at Henrietta for some festive drinks. Alternatively if you have Borough Market on your want-to-go list, you can take the Tube or an Uber ride to Borough Market for lunch.
Next head back towards Covent Garden to get your skates on and glide over the ice rink at Somerset House.
After skating, let’s check out some Christmas markets in the city. It’s a short 15 minute walk from Somerset House to Leicester Square market, and nearby you’ll also find Trafalgar Square market. Just across the River Thames from here you’ll find Southbank Centre markets (9 minutes by Tube from Trafalgar Square, or 15 minute walking).
Now after browsing the stalls at the markets, it’s time to enjoy a festive afternoon tea. Choose any from the list but remember to make reservations early, and depending on your choice you may have to travel a bit.
We were honestly stuffed after our afternoon tea experience, so we actually revisited some spots to see them in the dark, popped back into the stores to do some shopping (we didn’t want to carry too many things around all day so we hadn’t bought a lot earlier) and to burn off some calories.
For dinner we had Dishoom, a place I had on my list for a while. Yes, it isn’t the most Christmassy restaurant, but we absolutely loved our meal here!
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Day 3
For day 3 we had booked ourselves a ticket to Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros Studio, and I highly recommend this for you as well if you like Harry Potter.
We booked this specific tour through Getyourguide because the entrance tickets on the official website were sold out. I actually really liked this because there was round trip transportation in a comfy bus, and for the time at the studio we were free to roam on our own.
Our bus from London departed at 11:15 am, arrived at the Warner Bros Studio Tour in about an hour. We had about 4.5 hours of free time before hopping back on our bus to return to London.
We grabbed dinner at one of the Flat Iron restaurants, and got cozy at Mr. Fogg’s Tavern before heading back to our hotel.
There you have it! Of course, seeing everything in London over a 3 day period is absolutely impossible, but I’ve tried to include the best places to make your trip incredible. Whether you follow this itinerary exactly or simply use it for inspiration, I hope it helps you plan a magical winter getaway. Since the decorations change each year, I can’t wait to have another Christmas in London some time soon!
Google Maps
As promised, here is a Google Map with all of the locations mentioned on this post.
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USE MY CHECKLIST TO PLAN YOUR TRIP!
- Flights
- Search for the best flights on Skyscanner to get to your destination
- Search for the best flights on Skyscanner to get to your destination
- Hotels
- I use Booking.com for most accommodations
- For Asia, I prefer Agoda as they have the most competitive prices. I also compare prices on Klook (you can use my code MINYWANDER for a discount so see if that’s a better deal)
- For vacation rentals, especially for larger families, consider VRBO
- Transportation
- Trains & Ferries – book on Omio
- Rental Cars – I usually book on DiscoverCars
- For reliable airport pickups, use Welcome Pickups
- For Asia I use Klook (code MINYWANDER for a discount) – Japan trains for example
- Activities & Tours
- GetYourGuide and Viator are my go to’s.
- For Asia, I prefer Klook as there are more options – use code MINYWANDER
- E-sim
- Stay connected with Airalo E-sims.
