Christmas in London reveals a little of the city’s childish side, one that we don’t often see behind it’s stoic facade. The UK’s capital becomes so maximalist at this time of year that it feels like Charles Dickens himself could burst from behind a Fortnum & Mason hamper.
This unapologetic commitment to festivities is one to admire, and most of all, enjoy. Five-star lobbies are aglow with fairy lights and Champagne towers, Oxford Street’s lights spring on in dazzling garlands, Liberty’s windows become a snow-dusted winter wonderland, Mayfair brings out its carefully curated wreaths, the scent of roasted chestnuts curls through Covent Garden… the list goes on.
Whether you are a Londoner or are visiting for a well-timed weekend, here’s how to make the most of Christmas in London this year.
1. Enjoy drinks at London’s most festive bars
It wouldn’t be the festive season without a sultry date night or an extravagant “drinks do” at one of London’s most coveted spots (maximalist decor encouraged). As usual, Henrietta in the heart of Covent Garden retains the capital’s Christmas crown for doing the very most at this time of year, as the Miracle at Henrietta pop-up delivers America’s kitsch but well-loved festive experience (hand-wrapped and covered in bows) to immerse yourself in the equivalent of a movie set, all topped off with a Snowball Old Fashioned. Take it a step further and do it the quintessentially London way with an ice-cold martini at Claridge’s Bar. While near Mayfair, head down the stairs in one of the best grocery stores for the finest produce (Farm Shop, of course) to find a secret wine bar where you can enjoy glasses of reds served with freshly-plated charcuterie. Hop to Quo Vadis for a few of the menu’s (many) martini iterations, or a glass of fizz served with a UK oyster.
Amelie by Rusne Draz
The new Greek-inspired cocktail bar in Soho, Kamara, has just unveiled a festive cocktail menu of fig brandy and an apricot spiced Manhattan. Over in West London, stop by Amelie for champagne at the bar (and then stay for a few plates of roasted duck with figs and mushroom risotto) followed by a trip to At Sloane‘s speakeasy bar.
Across the river, Enjoy jazz on a Tuesday night under a constellation of chandeliers at Brunswick House restaurant with the Brunswick Milk Punch. In Battersea, Two Drops has launched a menu of winter warmers, from a clementine rum hot chocolate to a mulled Negroni – yes please.
2. DIY your festive decor: wreaths, candles, baubles, and more
Homemade gifts and decorations carry double the love… Channel your inner elf at a winter workshop around London. For wreath-making, learn from the very best with the seasonal blooms at Petersham Nurseries, Richmond’s beautifully festive spot across several dates in November and December. The classes range from a Christmas crackers workshop to a scented fruit garland festive workshop and festive flower arrangement workshop. Shoreditch’s new Sir Devonshire Square hotel will also host a Christmas wreath making evening on 8 December with the talented floral designer, Kuit Design. The same goes for McQueens Flower School, where artisanal tutors will guide you through the steps. The Park Hyatt London River Thames is also offering wreath making (accompanied with a glass of fizz) on 22 and 26 November. Gather Glass in London will host glass-blowing workshops where you’ll learn to make your own baubles (and shop some really sweet ones too). Earl of East has a whole host of winter candle making workshops running across both November and December where you’ll select your own scent profile for winter 2025. A short journey outside of London, Christmas is already lighting up The Grove (in collaboration with Jo Malone, so you can bet it all smells amazing too), where wreath making classes with florists from Raw Bloom are followed by a festive afternoon tea.
3. Shop for stocking fillers and festive treats at these Christmas Markets
Southbank’s Winter Market, where mulled wine flows in plenty, is great for foodies – eat yourself around the world with a stall for all different cuisines, from Himalayan dumplings to Dutch pancakes and Yorkshire Pudding wraps (yes, really). Stroll across Embankment bridge to shop all things festive at Leicester Square market – from drinks to hand-wrapped gifts, you’ll find something for everyone here. Winter Wonderland opens this week (14 November) for lots of sweet treats and Scandi-style bites. London Bridge’s Winter by the River Market also serves hot bites from ski chalet huts with Tower Bridge as the backdrop. While a favourite year-round, Borough Market rings in the winter with lots of mulled drinks and themed gifts at this time of year, just like Chelsea’s Duke of York Square (who have a special 12 Days of Christmas theme leading up to the big day) and take in the festive atmosphere at Covent Garden’s lovely indoor market. Fabrica X has opened in King’s Cross spotlighting a vibrant array of sustainable brands, while HOUSE by County Hall Pottery has opened a curated exhibition and marketplace for contemporary ceramic designers – you’re guaranteed to find a one-of-a-kind gift here – until 21 December 2025. Old Spitalfields Market is also has a packed programme of carol singing (6 December), Father Christmas meet-and-greets, Children’s festive treasure trail, an urban makers Christmas market, and an antique market too.
4. Get your skates on and hit the ice
London’s ice rinks are where the “white Christmas” and “winter wonderland” vibes of the season really cry out. Canary Wharf’s ice rink was one of the first to open this year, followed by Hampton Court (21 November), Battersea Power Station (open), Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland later this week, and next month, on 11 December, Alexandra Palace. For us, Skate Somerset House (opening today, 12 November) takes the crown for the most picturesque setting, framed by the building’s neoclassical wings, and made extra magical by the rink-side, Alpine-inspired dining at The Chalet serving raclette and mince-pie cookies. Back on dry land, Big Penny Social in Walthamstow offers curling sessions to book with friends, accompanied by a selection of festive events, from The Basement Orchestra Christmas Show (7 December) to The Christmas Workshop Bazaar (24 November to 1 December).
5. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to the theatre
The Royal Ballet producton of Symphony in C (1991) choreographed by George Balanchine (1904-1983) to music by George Bizet (1838-1875) with set designs and costume designs by Anthony Dowell. Performed at the Royal Opera House on 21 May 2010. Photo Copyright ©BILL COOPER
A trip to see Christmas’ magical tales on the stage feels like a December rite of passage. Sadler’s Wells will show their double Olivier award-winning ballet (and a seasonal regular) The Red Shoes by Matthew Bourne, which follows the steps of a young girl determined to become a ballerina, as her passion turns into a vice. Family-favourite The Snowman is showing at the Peacock Theatre. Go behind the scenes with The Making of the Nutcracker Tour at the Royal Ballet and Opera for an extra dose of creative magic, before booking tickets to The Nutcracker ballet. Across the river at The Southbank Centre, Ballet Shoes based on the children’s novel by Noel Streatfeild follows three sisters as they grow up and decide who they want to be in the world, and is showing at the National Theatre. The annual favourite A Christmas Carol is on at The Old Vic – scrooge, mince pies, dance, music, and all. While not theatre, classic Christmas movies are playing at the BFI through December.
6. Indulge in a Christmas-themed afternoon tea
The longer evenings are worth celebrating with time spent by the fire, tea brewing, and a festive selection of treats. Cosy up in the ornate parlours, dressed in swathes of velvet and lit only by lamplight, of The Zetter’s sweet Clerkenwell and Marylebone spots. At both, find a selection of classic goodies on the menu, from Norfolk turkey sandwiches to nut roast sliders and cinnamon scones (there’s a whole vegan menu available too). The Dorchester is always a festive favourite; enjoy a specially-themed (and seasonal tradition) afternoon tea at The Promenade with a drink at Vesper bar to follow. The Coral Room will also host an elegant festive afternoon tea this year, under the space’s Murano chandeliers and crackling open fire, where a selection of savouries and sweets (the pistachio Christmas wreath and gingerbread madeleines sound incredible) are served alongside fizz and generous helpings of festive cheer.
7. Sing your heart out at Christmas Carols
…or let the professionals do the singing for you. London gets quite Dickensian – in a very magical way – when set to the tune of choir boys belting Silent Night. The Royal Albert Hall is hosting 15 performances across 14 to 25 December while St Paul’s Cathedral’s famously festive carol service will take place on 23 December, with tickets available via a ballot process. St Martin In The Field church in Charing Cross has a great programme as usual, from candlelight carols to festive family carols and a Baroque Christmas evening. Carols are also taking place at Westminster Cathedral, 17 and 18 December.
8. Stay on the nice list and rent your Christmas tree
As magical as fresh Christmas trees are (the scent of pine is the smell of Christmas) it does seem a shame to cut down healthy trees for the sake of a few weeks every year. These clever companies are meeting us in the middle with rent-your-tree options. London Christmas Tree Rental does just what it says and delivers potted pines with watering instructions to your doorstep, and collects them to replant once the celebrations are over. The same goes for Christmas on the Hill, Good Elf, Green Elf Trees, as well as local growers selling along Columbia Road in East London.
9. Share the festive cheer by volunteering
Giving back to our communities is at the heart of the festive season (and really, year round) – especially as this time of year can be really tricky for lots of people. The Felix Project is London’s largest food redistribution charity, rescuing surplus foods and donating these good-quality ingredients to community centres around the capital. You can help by both donating and by handing out donations. The Soup Kitchen has delivered hot meals to people sleeping rough since 1986, and you can help serve these. The Basket Brigade collects food and wraps them as festive hampers to deliver to addresses across London who would otherwise struggle to put food on the table: help raise funds, make the baskets, and deliver them across London. WrapUp London is opening their drop-off points for winter coats – if you have any spare warm garments head to one of the locations from now to 7 December where they will be sorted and donated to frontline charities and family centres. ShowerBox provides free showers and sanitary products to those facing homelessness, with pop-up locations across London (the next will take place at St Giles in the Fields on 15 November): help out by volunteering as the shower crew, spreading the word, donating products, and via monetary donations. Bookmark Reading is also always looking for volunteers (a DBS check is required) to read children’s stories (and spread some festive cheer) and help with the children’s own reading too, at a Primary School level. Refuge’s work in supporting women and children affected by domestic violence is unfortunately very busy at this time of year, meaning fundraising is key. Donate or join one of the next fundraising event days.
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Lead image credit: Amelie by Rusne Draz
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