What to do in London at Christmas? London is magical during Christmas with its sparkling lights, festive markets, and holiday cheer. London’s rich history blends beautifully with seasonal cheer, perfect for shopping, dining, and celebrating. Therefore, plan a stunning London Christmas Itinerary with this helpful blog on celebrating Christmas in London.
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London Christmas Itinerary – London during Christmas Time
Here’s a detailed London Christmas itinerary with a complete list of what to do in London at Christmas for a delightful three-day Christmas in London.
Day 1: Arrival and Christmas Lights Tour
Where to stay in London for Christmas: Z Hotel Holborn is a mid-budget hotel with stylish rooms located centrally, perfect for accessing London’s festive attractions. Or you can stay near St. Paul’s Cathedral for amazing festive vibes and close to Tower Bridge at Club Quarters St Pauls, London.
Oxford Street and Regent Street Christmas Lights
These iconic streets transform into a festive wonderland adorned with thousands of twinkling lights.
Things to Do:
- Take a leisurely walk under the canopy of lights.
- Visit flagship stores like Selfridges and John Lewis for Christmas displays and shopping.
Carnaby Street Christmas Display is known for its quirky and unique festive themes each year.
Things to Do:
- Snap photos of the themed decorations.
- Explore boutique shops and cafes.
Dine in Covent Garden is beautifully decorated with giant baubles, lights, and a Christmas tree.
Things to Do:
- Dine at The Ivy Market Grill, which offers festive menus.
- Watch live performances or carol singers in the square.
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Day 2: Festive Markets and Ice Skating
Visit Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is the ultimate Christmas destination with rides, markets, and festive food stalls.
Things to Do:
- Explore the Bavarian Village for mulled wine and bratwurst.
- Shop for unique gifts at the Christmas market.
- Ice skate at the largest outdoor rink in the UK.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Southbank Winter Market is a riverside market offering crafts, festive food, and drinks. It is a lovely place to chill out during Christmas in London.
Things to Do:
- Try seasonal treats like mince pies or mulled cider.
- Shop for handcrafted gifts from local artisans.
- Enjoy the views of the Thames and festive decorations.
Tower Bridge and More London Christmas by the River
A scenic market near the iconic Tower Bridge with stunning city lights views.
Things to Do:
- Browse wooden chalets selling gifts and food.
- Take photos with Tower Bridge illuminated in the background.
- Warm up with hot chocolate or festive cocktails.
Day 3: Royal Attractions and Christmas Decor
Explore Kensington Palace Gardens
This Palace gardens are serene and beautiful, often decorated for the holidays.
Things to Do:
- Stroll through the grounds.
- Visit the palace if open during your visit.
Visit Harrods and Knightsbridge
Harrods’ extravagant Christmas window displays are a must-see as it is world famous for magical Christmas decorations.
Things to Do:
- Admire the elaborate decorations.
- Shop for luxurious Christmas gifts and souvenirs.
Lunch at The Churchill Arms—This pub is famous for its over-the-top Christmas decorations. Enjoy a festive British meal and take Instagram-worthy photos of the pub’s façade.
Visit Fortnum & Mason – This iconic department store is a Christmas paradise.
Things to Do:
- Shop for gourmet hampers, tea, and festive treats.
- Admire the opulent decorations inside the store.
Attend a Christmas Show or Concert
London has incredible seasonal performances, from “The Nutcracker” ballet to Christmas carol concerts at Royal Albert Hall—book tickets for your preferred event in advance.
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Festive Decorated Streets – London for Christmas
- Oxford Street: London’s most famous shopping street transforms into a dazzling display of lights every Christmas. The entire stretch is adorned with sparkling decorations, and many stores have intricate festive window displays. It’s a must-visit for a quintessential London Christmas vibe.
- Bond Street has luxury stores with stunning window displays and lights. It is perfect for high-end shopping and capturing Instagram-worthy photos.
- King’s Road: A quieter yet equally festive spot in Chelsea, King’s Road is lined with chic boutiques and beautiful lights that exude elegance.
- Seven Dials: This cozy area is draped in twinkling lights and has a quaint, village-like feel. It’s perfect for wandering and finding unique gifts in its boutique stores.
Useful Tips
- Book in Advance: Hotels, restaurants, and events sell out quickly during Christmas.
- Layer Up: London can be chilly; bring warm clothing for outdoor activities.
- Use Public Transport: The Tube and buses are the easiest way to get around.
- Timing for Markets: Visit markets early in the day or mid-week to avoid crowds.
- Check Opening Hours: Some attractions have reduced hours around Christmas.
Massive Discounts and Deals in London During Christmas Time
London runs fantastic discounts and deals during Christmas, especially around Boxing Day (December 26th) and the weeks leading up to Christmas. Here are some tips on how to avail of these offers
Boxing Day Sales – This is one of the biggest shopping days in the UK, perfect for snagging post-Christmas deals.
Up to 70% off is available in major department stores like Harrods, Selfridges, and Liberty and high-street retailers such as Zara, H&M, and Marks & Spencer.
Pre-Christmas Discounts – Many shops begin their sales in mid-December, offering discounts on clothing, electronics, and gifts to attract holiday shoppers.
Where: Stores along Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Westfield London malls often have exciting bargain offers.
Christmas Market Deals—Markets like Winter Wonderland and Southbank Centre often offer discounts on handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and festive treats closer to closing.
Theatre Ticket Discounts – Discounted tickets for West End shows are often available via websites like TodayTix or at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. Experience world-class Christmas performances like The Nutcracker or holiday specials for less.
Pro Tip – To maximize savings, plan your shopping and activities around these sales and use apps or websites like VoucherCodes.co.uk or VisitLondon.com to find the latest deals.
London during Christmas time is a magical experience filled with twinkling lights, festive cheer, and unforgettable moments. Enjoy the blend of historic charm and modern festivities during Christmas in London.
Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro
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