LONDON, ENGLAND: CHRISTMAS IN THE UK’S MOST FESTIVE CITY
London is Christmas season on steroids. And it’s amazing. This is one of the most festive holiday destinations in Europe that literally lights up from mid-November through late December. The city is filled with Christmas markets, holiday decor, over-the-top light displays and outdoor ice rinks that create the ultimate festive setting. Below is my complete holiday guide to London including the best Christmas markets, light displays, hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and more.
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The prettiest phone booth in London is located between Ralph’s Coffee and Cartier on New Bond Street.
WHEN IS CHRISTMAS SEASON IN LONDON?
Christmas season in London is generally early November through Christmas. It’s the most festive time of the year when the city is adorned with sparkling lights, holiday decor, baubles, cozy wood chalets, Christmas markets, festive restaurants and more.
The decor at Ralph’s Coffee and Cartier is ultra festive.
HOW MANY DAYS IN LONDON?
If the goal is to focus on all-things holiday in London, I recommend a solid week to pack in the festive sights and experiences. This is the ideal amount of time to get a good dose of Christmas, eat at the most festive restaurants and squeeze in a bit of holiday shopping.
I love this view of Big Ben from across The Thames. OUTFIT DETAILS: Abercrombie trench coat, linked here.
TRAVEL TIPS
- CURRENCY – The official currency of the UK is the British pound. It’s always handy to have cash, but I didn’t use any cash during my entire trip. Everywhere took card.
- CHRISTMAS MARKETS – London excels when it comes to holiday lights, decor, shopping, festive restaurants, etc. But it is lacking when it comes to Christmas markets. They are small, commercial and not very creative in terms of design, compared to the other market destinations in Europe.
- RESERVATIONS – London is very busy during the holiday season – book tickets and make restaurant reservations well in advance.
- STAY CONNECTED – Most hotels and most restaurants have free wifi, but for 24/7 connection I recommend purchasing an eSIM before flying to United Kingdom. I use Holafly – it’s affordable, and only take a few seconds to install. The eSIM United Kingdom plans are linked here (use code BUCKETLISTBUMS for 5% off).
Outdoor ice skating at Somerset House.
LONDON CHRISTMAS MARKETS
CHRISTMAS IN LEICESTER SQUARE
An annual event near London’s West End transforms the historic Leicester Square into a festive European-style Christmas market. The charming setting is filled with wood alpine stalls lit by dazzling light installations that sell holiday gifts, artisan crafts, delicious treats and warm seasonal drinks. Leicester Square is also home to the La Clique variety show. And new for 2025, Leicester Square will have an outdoor ice rink.
Christmas in Leicester Square Dates: November 8, 2025 to January 7, 2026
Christmas in Leicester Square Times: 12 PM-10 PM (Monday to Friday) and 10 AM-10 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
GREENWICH CHRISTMAS MARKET
Popular covered Christmas market that takes over the historic Greenwich Market with more than 200 stalls selling handmade crafts, Christmas ornaments, clothing, jewelry and seasonal gifts. The endless options of drinks and treats include mulled wine, mince pies, gingerbread, artisan chocolates, seasonal donuts and more.
Greenwich Christmas Market Dates: November 19, 2025 to January 23, 2026
Greenwich Christmas Market Hours: 10 AM-5:30 PM (daily)
HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a truly massive extravaganza that takes over Hyde Park and transforms it into a winter carnival. The festivities include the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, rides, carnival games, a Christmas circus, fire pits, a traditional Christmas market, live music, food and more. It’s really charming, and I loved the decor and design of everything for the holidays. An entry ticket is required (admission is usually free if you enter during off-peak hours)
Hyde Park Wonderland Dates: November 14, 2025 to January 1, 2026
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Hours: 10 AM-10 PM (daily)
SOUTHBANK CENTRE WINTER MARKET
This festive Christmas market is located along the Queen’s Walk on the banks of the River Thames with fabulous views of the London Eye. The string of bustling alpine wood chalets are known for street food, and sell a selection of international eats including chicken wings, hot dogs, Himalayan dumplings, Dutch pancakes, Po’Boy sandwiches, Yorkshire pudding wraps, churros and more. There is also mulled wine, hot cocoa and artisan gifts.
Southbank Centre Winter Market Dates: November 3, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Southbank Centre Winter Market Hours: 11 AM-10 PM (Sunday to Thursday) and 11 AM-11 PM (Friday and Saturday)
TRAFALGAR SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET
For seven festive weeks, the historic Trafalgar Square is filled with a bustling Christmas market, set in front of the National Gallery. The square is filled end to end with wood chalets selling Raclette baguettes, bratwurst, hot cider, mulled wine, hot cocoa and more. A giant Norwegian Spruce Christmas Tree sits in the middle of the square with frequent carolers performing for visitors.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market Dates: November 9, 2025 to January 2, 2026
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market Hours: 10 AM-10 PM (daily)
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS VILLAGE AT ST. KATHERINE’S DOCK
A very small, but charming Christmas market located along the water, in front of Tower Bridge. A handful of vendors sell crafts, hot cider, mulled wine, desserts, etc.
Victorian Christmas Village Dates: November 13, 2025 to January 6, 2026
Victorian Christmas Village Hours: 11 AM-8 PM (closed Christmas Day)
WINTER BY THE RIVER
Another festive Christmas market that lights up the River Thames, this one between Tower Bridge and Hayes Galleria at London Bridge City. Visitors walk the merry banks lined with little wood chalets that sell mulled wine, hot chocolate and holiday treats, as well as artisan gifts and handmade crafts.
Winter by the River Dates: November 13, 2025 to Janaury 4, 2026
Winter by the River Hours: 11 AM-10 PM (daily)
The Leicester Square Christmas Market was my favorite of the holiday markets in London.
CHRISTMAS SIGHTS IN LONDON
ANNABEL’S
This exclusive private club in Mayfair is worth a stop just to see the incredible, over-the-top Christmas decor of the famous exterior facade. The design changes year to year, but usually features thousands of twinkling lights, whimsical decor and sparkling crystals.
CARTIER
Every year, the Cartier on New Bond Street is wrapped like a gift box with a big red bow. The facade is adorned with a giant ribbon, sparkling lights and festive decor. A classic Christmas stop in Mayfair.
FORTNUM & MASON
Every holiday season, the Piccadilly flagship location morphs into a Christmas extravaganza bursting with incredible store window holiday displays, whimsical holiday themes and an epic facade transformation. Fortnum & Mason is also an amazing place to shop for Christmas including signature advent calendars, hand crafted baubles, puddings and cakes, gifts and more.
HARRODS
The terracotta facade of Harrods is a gem during the holiday season. Thousands of sparkling lights wrap the iconic department store, and the store windows are an absolute marvel. And as spectacular as the outside is, it’s worth popping inside to experience holiday shopping at Harrods. The Christmas Shop is famous – browse thousands of holiday ornaments, collectibles, baubles, Christmas food and the iconic Christmas Bear.
KOYN
Outside of the restaurant Koyn London is where you’ll find the iconic red Mini Cooper, usually filled with wrapped presents and a Christmas tree. This a popular photo location in Mayfair.
LEADENHALL MARKET
This spectacular covered market is gorgeous any time of the year, but feels particularly magical during the holiday season. The 14th century Victorian building is a soaring arcade that boasts ceilings that rival a cathedral. For Christmas season, the market’s wrought iron roof is draped in twinkling lights, shopfronts are decked out with baubles and garland, there’s an alpine pop-up bar and an 18-foot tree fills the atrium. And twice a day there is “snowfall” to create the ultimate winter wonderland.
SANTA’S GROTTO AT THE QUEEN’S HOUSE
Popular Christmas attraction in the Orangery section of the Queen’s House where visitors enjoy an immersive experience, themed lands, an outdoor ice rink and live performances.
The Sherlock Holmes pub is a charming spot for drinks.
ICE RINKS
- BUSSEY ROOFTOP BAY ICE RINK – Opens November 17, 2025
- GLIDE AT BATTERSEA POWER STATION.– Opens November 7, 2025
- HAMPTON COURT PALACE – Opens November 22, 2025
- HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND ICE RINK – Opens November 14, 2025
- ICE RINK CANARY WHARF – Opens October 25, 2025
- QUEEN’S HOUSE ICE RINK – Opens November 21, 2025
- SKATE LEICESTER SQUARE – Opens November 1, 2025
The Apple Market in Covent Garden is bursting with festivity during the holiday season.
STREETS WITH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
- BOND STREET – Lights switch on November 12, 2025
- CARNABY STREET – Lights switch on November 6, 2025
- MARYLEBONE VILLAGE – Lights switch on November 12, 2025
- OXFORD STREET – Lights switch on November 3, 2025
- REGENT STREET – Lights switch on November 6, 2025
Four Seasons Tower Bridge is located in the former Port of London Authority. The building has so much history – a gorgeous place to stay.
BEST LONDON HOTELS
1 Hotel is a solid upscale brand that sits in a beautiful urban space in the heart of Mayfair. The hotel prides itself on its eco-conscious design, a retreat composed of natural materials, reclaimed woods, elemental stone and living green walls. There are 181 rooms including 52 suites that are bright, airy and beautifully designed. The Mayfair location across from Green Park is fabulous, and a short walk from some of the city’s best shopping.
This five-star property is located in Kensington, across from Hyde Park. The mix of Victorian architecture and Italian design cues can be seen across the hotel’s 67 rooms and suites. The plush rooms are steeped in black, gold and neutral tones with both parquet and wood flooring. The vibe is contemporary Italian.
BANKSIDE HOTEL, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
In a city filled with expensive, five-star properties, the Bankside Hotel offers a slightly more moderate price tag. The property has the feel of a posh art school with interiors designed by Dayna Lee, a former film set art director. Rooms are very spacious with a residential feel that feature floor to ceiling windows, contemporary furniture, high ceilings and plush bedding. This is a great hotel option in London.
Another luxury property in London’s Mayfair district that has all the feels of a glamorous roaring 20s New York hotel. There are 101 rooms, suites and studios at the Beaumont designed with a mix of Art deco and contemporary cues – walnut paneling, velvet furniture, black & white marble bathrooms, round shapes, bronze trims and bespoke room elements.
This Belmond property is a beauty. It’s comprised of 54 rooms and suites spread across five red brick townhomes. The building’s historic 1887 facade looks very Old World London. Like all Belmond hotels, the rooms feel very high-end with rich finishes including woods, velvets, wall molding and even in-room libraries.
Yet another timeless luxury stay in Mayfair. Claridge’s dates back to the 1850s, home to famous bars, afternoon tea and a glamorous roaring 20s lobby. The five-star hotel offers a selection of rooms and suites, some Art Deco, while others a bit more elegant English. But all very upscale and richly designed.
Flemings Mayfair is another fabulous five-star hotel. It’s a series of interconnected 18th century townhouses that have been converted into 129 rooms, suites and apartments that are elegantly appointed with beautiful Georgian opulence and Art Deco glam. There is also a Michelin-star restaurant on site.
Park Lane is one of two Four Seasons properties in London, this one located in Mayfair. The property houses 196 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, elegant terraces, marble bathrooms, walnut paneling and the always plush Four Seasons beds. Four Seasons Park Lane sits between three Royal Parks, walking distance to fabulous restaurants and close to Bond Street.
Four Seasons Tower Bridge is the brand’s second London location, set in the former Port of London Authority headquarters. The Grade II building has been converted into a swank five-star hotel dripping with neo-classical interiors, a historic UN ballroom, a Michelin starred restaurant and full-service spa. There are rooms, suites and multi-bedroom residences that feature high ceilings, wood paneling, deep soak tubs, heated floors and marble bathrooms. Some rooms boast sweeping views of the city, Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
This luxury hotel sits in a grand mansion in Knightsbridge, overlooking Hyde Park. Lanesborough is home to 93 beautiful rooms and suites that ooze with 19th century details that feel very classic London. Location is ideal, just a short walk from Harrods and Harvey Nichols. If you’re looking to splurge, this is the place to do it.
Also located in the Knightsbridge district, Mandarin Oriental sits in an Edwardian building sandwiched between Hyde Park and Harrods. Not a bad location. There are 191 elegant rooms that are modern and spacious with hints of Oriental design. Room layouts are unique with spaces that boast bespoke furniture, marble bathrooms, wall molding and floor-to-ceiling drapes.
The sophisticated Park Hyatt London is a fine hotel choice located on the River Thames. Rooms are bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking views of the river. The rooms feel very high-end thanks to the tall ceilings, white wall molding, walk-in rainfall showers, deep soaking tubs, double vanities, marble bathrooms and a muted color palette.
The Shangri-La occupies floors 34 to 52 of The Shard, a 72-floor skyscraper on the south bank of the River Thames. The views from the property are unmatched boasting sweeping panoramas of the London skyline. Every room at the hotel has a view! There is a spectacular indoor infinity pool on floor 52. Hotel is walking distance from the famous Borough Market.
St. Pancras London sits in a High Victorian Gothic building that is part of the larger St. Pancras railway complex, and it might be the grandest hotel setting in London. The building dates back to 1873, originally the Midland Grand Hotel. The facade’s deep red brickwork is iconic with stunning Gothic details including pinnacles, turrets, gables, pointed arches and a clocktower. The inside of St. Pancras where the Grand Staircase resides is a must-see. It spans three stories and 83 marble steps, surrounded by deep red walls with gold accents that are incredibly dramatic.
This mid-range Hilton property was recently renovated, and sits in a fabulous location across from Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. It’s the perfect home base for exploring London with Buckingham Palace, Picadilly Circus, West End and Covent Garden all within walking distance. The Trafalgar St. James feels ultra contemporary with modern rooms, and a rooftop bar that overlooks sweeping views of the city.
The Victorian Christmas Village is a festive little market at St Katherine Docks, a five-minute stroll from the Four Seasons Tower Bridge.
FESTIVE LONDON BARS & RESTAURANTS
- 34 MAYFAIR
- BALTHAZAR
- CARLOTTA
- CHURCHILL ARMS
- CIRCOLO POPLARE
- CLOS MAGGIORE
- COPPA CLUB
- DALLOWAY TERRACE
- DAPHNE’S
- THE IVY
- MONTAGUE ON THE GARDENS
- MR. FOGGS
- SKETCH
Hot cocoa at the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market.
GET AROUND LONDON
- BLACK TAXIS – The iconic black taxis around London are officially known as Hackney Carriages, and they are the only taxis allowed to be hailed on the street in the city.
- RENTAL CAR – There are rental car outposts for all major brands at the airports, but within London a car is more of a hassle than helpful. It’s easier to move around via the Tube, taxi and on foot.
- UNDERGROUND – This is the quickest and most affordable way to move around the city. Stations are typically a short walk from most major tourist sites throughout London.
- UBER – The ride share app is a popular way to get around London.
- WALK – London is a pedestrian-friendly city, and the neighborhoods are easily explored on foot.
GET TO LONDON
- PLANE – Sounds incredible, but there are six public airports that service London including London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW), London Stansted Airport (STN), London Luton Airport (LTN), London City Airport (LCY) and London Southend Airport (SEN). Heathrow is the largest, busiest airport, and where most major international visitors land and depart.
- TRAIN – London is connected to mainland Europe via the Eurostar, a high-speed train that travels from the UK to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Travel time takes anywhere from two to four hours.
The beautiful Leadenhall Market was a shooting location for Harry Potter.
