Christmas in London

London might be one of my absolute favourite places to be at Christmas. There's a certain magical atmosphere here that conjures up the ghosts of Christmas past: I've always laughed at how London is portrayed in movies as this quaint, ever-so-British place, but at Christmas the clichés really do come to life! The city really takes pride in its traditional Britishness around the festive season: from the historic arcades and department stores with their Victorian-era window displays to a life-size scene from 'A Christmas Carol' carved entirely out of ice, London has everything you could possibly need to evoke the magic of Christmas.

You've seen the photos, but where exactly can you find the most photogenic festive spots in London? Well, in no particular order, let me tell you!

Hays Galleria

Hays Galleria is tucked away by the banks of the Thames near London Bridge. Its tasteful tree is framed beautifully by an ornate glass ceiling. Once you've enjoyed the Christmas tree, continuing along the river brings you to the Christmas By the River market, with a wide selection of festive treats and a great view down the river to Tower Bridge.

Nearest tube station: London Bridge

The Leadenhall Market

One of the few places in London that are quieter at the weekends than during the week, the Leadenhall Market caters to the Monday to Friday business crowd, with many of its stores actually closing on the weekends due to lack of customers. Whenever we visit we find it empty, all the better for soaking up its old-world atmosphere and its stunning blue starry dome, with a Christmas tree right underneath it! If it looks familiar, that's because a scene from 'Harry Potter' was filmed here!

Nearest tube station: Monument

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is known for its gigantic tree that sits out in the square, but my favourite spot is the bustling Apple Market, where traders sell antiques beneath hundreds of gigantic baubles! The cafes and restaurants around Covent Garden serve all kinds of festive specials, too.

Nearest tube station: Covent Garden

Fortnum and Mason

Fortnum and Mason is one of the quaintest department stores in London, and its elaborate window displays are legendary. Considering that the store was opened in 1707, the displays usually hark back to British traditions while also being extremely fun: last time we visited, a full animatronic display of mice making Christmassy items such as crackers and puddings spanned one entire side of the store. We watched it for far too long, considering it was raining at the time! Even though it's not for the budget shopper, going inside and ogling all the sickeningly festive food and gifts on offer is all part of the experience. The entire building was lit up to resemble an advent calendar, too!

Nearest tube stop: Piccadilly Circus

Regent Street

Regent Street, which intersects with the very bustling Oxford Street, is famous for its glittering angels that soar along between the regal buildings on either side. Go at dusk to see the angels lit up, but before the harsh glare of headlights from passing buses makes it harder to get a good shot! I'd also recommend a visit to Whittards of Chelsea further down the street, for their festive hot chocolate and coffee flavours...they're very generous with their free samples!

Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly, or Green Park

The Royal Arcade

Located off a very upmarket shopping street in Mayfair, the Royal Arcade is beautiful and colourful all year round with its soft pink and orange hues. At Christmas, its subtle decorations only enhance its natural beauty!

Nearest tube stop: Green Park, or Bond Street

Cartier

Located on Bond Street and surrounded by the street's signature silver peacock feather Christmas lights, the Cartier flagship store wraps itself up like an expensive gift for the Christmas season! There's also a matching Christmas tree and classic red telephone box that work well in the foreground of pictures of the store!

Nearest tube stop: Bond Street

Tiffany & Co.

Just a few steps down Bond Street from Cartier is the ever-festively decorated Tiffany flagship store.

Nearest tube stop: Bond Street

Burlington Arcade

I certainly felt scruffy walking down this stunningly beautiful arcade housing stores I didn't dare enter. Burlington Arcade is famous for its bizarre rule that dates back to the 19th century: you're not allowed to whistle inside it! Apparently, the rule originates from a time when the upper floors were used as brothels, and coded whistling would be used as a signal to the workers that the police were on the way! In 2019, a giant golden ribbon wound its way through the entire arcade.

Nearest tube stop: Green Park

Liberty London

Department store Liberty won our prize for quirkiest Christmas tree, with the whimsical blue and bright pink fairytale tree you see below. The store itself is beautiful to gaze upon at any time of year, with its floors looking out over a central gallery panelled with dark wood. Aside from its main entrance, you can find a quieter way in tucked away at the end of Carnaby Street, which you'll definitely also need to put on your Christmas sightseeing list...

Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street is known for its independent stores and free-spirited atmosphere, and its Christmas decorations are no different. The theme changes each year: in 2018 the theme was Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody', and in 2019 'Project Zero' saw ocean-themed decorations made from 100% recycled materials.

Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus

St Pancras International

The beautiful domed hall of St Pancras Station glitters with lights and features a different (and often quirky) Christmas tree every year.

Nearest tube station: King's Cross St Pancras

Festive afternoon teas

Afternoon tea in London is a must-do at any time of year, but at Christmas it's hard to resist the festive spin on a great British tradition. Any number of restaurant, hotels, department stores and bakeries offer their own take on afternoon tea. Some of the most popular include:

-Fortnum and Mason (department store)

-Aqua Shard (restaurant at the top of the Shard, with great views!)

-The Connaught (hotel)

-The Ritz (iconic hotel)

-The Langham (hotel)

-The Savoy (another iconic hotel)

-Sketch (quirky restaurant and bar)

-Biscuiteers (bakery with intricately decorated Christmas cookies)

-Petersham Nurseries Covent Garden (a restaurant set amongst foliage)

-Peggy Porschen (the Insta-favourite pink bakery)

-Claridges (department store)

Festive doors of London

Wander around London hunting for festively decked-out doors! Some of the best areas to explore are the more affluent ones, as residents go all-out and keep it tasteful! Try these rather upmarket areas:

-Kensington

-Chelsea

-Notting Hill

-Mayfair

-Belgravia

-Primrose Hill

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is not for the faint of heart. For one, it's absolutely vast, and it gets predictably busy as Christmas approaches. However, visiting has been a tradition for us for one reason and one reason only: the Magical Ice Kingdom. Once you step inside a giant tent you find yourself in a freezing cold but magical world made of ice. The theme is different every year: we've seen a medieval castle complete with ice slide, a fantasy world full of trolls and wizards and, most recently, the story of 'A Christmas Carol' come to life, complete with a Victorian street full of shops made completely from ice, such as the bookshop below!

Nearest tube stop: It's best to get off at Green Park and then walk, as the Hyde Park station is usually clogged up with visitors

Carols at the Royal Albert Hall

I'd never been inside London's iconic classical music venue until Christmas 2021, when we booked one of the season's daily carol services. Despite the grandeur of the venue, this isn't a stuffy affair: it combines classic carols with popular Christmas songs, performed by a full orchestra and choir, and the MC knows how to get the audience singing! Dressing in festive jumpers and tinsel is very much encouraged! Once the show is over, you can take pictures with the Christmas tree outside the hall, too.

Nearest tube stop: South Kensington

Backyard Cinema

Based in Wandsworth (which you may know as the home of Natalie the Prime Minister's personal assistant in iconic Christmas movie 'Love Actually'), Backyard Cinema plays classic festive films throughout late November and December, with an interactive pre-show experience. Wander through a winter grotto or get a photo outside Scrooge's house before grabbing some locally-made food and singing along to 'A Muppet Christmas Carol' or booing Harry and Lloyd in 'Home Alone'!

Nearest train station: Wandsworth Town (connect from the tube at Waterloo or Clapham Junction)

Now I don't have the photos to prove it, but here are even more festive spots that are worth a visit!

Christmas at Kew Gardens

The royal botanical gardens at Kew are stunning no matter when you visit, but at Christmas they're turned into a glittering winter wonderland. You follow a set route through the gardens and are treated to a series of festive light shows as you explore. It's most popular for its stunning light tunnel, though.

Harrods

This upmarket department store gets a suitably classy Christmas makeover ever year, featuring perfect window displays and tasteful lights.

Southbank Christmas Market

A great range of festive snacks, hot mulled wine, and handicrafts are on sale at this market by the Thames. At the Southbank Centre there are also free performances from musicians and comedians every day.

Somerset House Ice Rink

Another stately London building, and another festive ice rink!

Tower of London Ice Rink

The last ice rink on the list, this on boasts a view of the iconic Tower of London.

Coppa Club Igloos

Situated on the banks of the Thames with views towards Tower Bridge, this restaurant and bar offers dining in transparent igloos. The seats are draped with furs to create a cosy little bubble for you and your loved ones.

Annabel's of Mayfair

This members-only club is known for its over-the-top Christmas decor that spans the entire building.

Find this view at the Christmas by the River market

Now all that's left to say is: have a merry (very British) Christmas!