In London, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. These are London’s top Christmas spots.
At Citizen Femme, it seems the entire team has fallen under the Christmas spell. It’s a time when London twinkles in spectacular festive lights , trees line up one after another, decorating the doors of restaurants and stores, and season-related events crop up city wide. And, is it us, or is everyone also a tad more friendly this time of year?
Feeling festive, or keen to get into the mood? These are the places we’re heading this month to channel the season.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
The German Market at Winter Wonderland
I absolutely love Christmas and all the trimmings. To get into the spirit this month, I’m heading straight to the German market at Winter Wonderland. I’ll ignore all the rides, making a beeline for just the market instead. It’s an authentic Bavarian market, and a wonderful place to pick up some small, Christmassy trinkets, as well as some great food. As the big day gets closer, we always book a show (musical or pantomime) followed by glass of champagne at The Ritz. It’s a wonderful annual tradition.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Contributing Fashion Editor
Skate at Somerset House
After living in the Middle East for many years, this will be my first proper Christmas spent in London (the last two were covid dominated), and I want to do all the cliché Christmas activities – ice skating being one of them. The striking neo-classical courtyard at Somerset House will be spectacularly transformed into the ultimate winter destination, with a dazzling 40ft Christmas tree to skate next to. I’ve booked a weekday, evening slot in mid-December as they’re already booking up fast. I’m hoping my ballet background will assist me in staying upright!
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Lucy Halfhead, Content & Partnerships Director
The Bishop at The Berkeley
It’s going to be a very merry Christmas, as one of my favourite London hotels opens its very own gastropub this winter. The Bishop at The Berkeley is the latest in a line of foodie pop-ups at the Belgravia property. Book a table in the cosy dining room, where rustic wooden tables are lit by flickering candles, or simply walk in for drinks and nibbles in the bar. Either way you’ll find a menu of warming classics; from crispy pork scratchings and Welsh ‘Rare-bites’, to more hearty dishes including homemade Angus beef burgers topped with truffle, and the fluffiest sticky toffee pudding. The Bishop will also be serving up daily specials including ‘Wellington Wednesday’ and Saturday’s rabbit and prawn pie, so becoming a regular seems inevitable.
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Katie Silcox, Deputy Editor
Petersham Nurseries in Richmond is always a wonderful place to visit for lunch and a browse, but it’s at Christmas time that it really comes to life. The entire place is decorated to the nines and there are seasonal supper clubs by candlelight, plus a festive menu across all four restaurants (don’t miss the pumpkin gnocchi or panna cotta with citrus compote at La Goccia). Afternoon tea in the winter-like garden is always worthwhile, or join in with an array of festive workshops including wreath-making and tablescaping.
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Morag Turner, Contributing Editor Citizen Enfants
NSPCC Carol Service
Every Christmas my husband and I go to a charity carol service with friends. As a mum of three I’m always drawn to children’s charities, and this year we will be supporting the NSPCC and attending their wonderful festive concert. I’m so looking forward to it. Afterwards we’ll head to Daphne’s in Chelsea which is my absolute favourite restaurant in London at Christmas time. I love their amazing decorations – the ceiling is covered with beautiful baubles – and you won’t find a better Italian menu anywhere.
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Alexandra Carello, PR Director
Martinis at The Connaught Coburg Bar has become a family Christmas tradition. You could visit any time during December, but we like to visit on Christmas Day; spending the morning by the tree, followed by an afternoon stroll through Hyde Park, and finishing at the Connaught for a Martini and canapes. It’s chic, festive, and one of the only places open on Christmas Day itself. Whenever you visit, secure a place by the window to look out onto the Christmas tree on Carlos Place. This year it’s decked in dogs, designed by @suzymurphylondon
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Lucrezia Motta, Editorial Assistant
Hot Chocolate at Italian Bear Chocolate in Soho
Christmas time is synonymous with hot drinks and a cosy atmosphere for me. After a long afternoon doing my holiday shopping, I like to stop by the Italian Bear Chocolate shop in Soho for a cup of hot chocolate and some sweets. This homely shop has been open since 2012, and creates original recipes with locally-produced ingredients that are a treat for the eyes and the mouth alike. They are most famous for their Triple Chocolate Hot Chocolate, but if you’re looking for something less overwhelming, I have a soft spot for the Gianduia Hot Chocolate.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?