Hello festive fans, it’s Christmas Claire and the City reporting for duty with a brand-new festive guide to one of London’s most magical neighbourhoods: Covent Garden at Christmas.

I’m Claire, a tulle-wearing girl who creates Love Letters to London and shares the most photogenic spots around the city. And today, I’m taking you with me to explore Covent Garden Market, the Royal Opera House Christmas tree, and one of the most iconic festive bars in the city: Miracle on Henrietta Street.

Whether you’re planning a London Christmas weekend, searching for Instagrammable Christmas places, or simply love festive London content, this one is for you.
Let’s get into it. ✨

---

🎁 Covent Garden Market: The Heart of the Magic

Covent Garden Market keeps its classic Christmas look each year — and honestly, I love that about it. It’s cosy, nostalgic, and instantly recognisable.

If it looks familiar, you may even recognise it from the London Christmas movie Last Christmas with Emilia Clarke (aka Daenerys Targaryen). You could absolutely watch it after reading this blog to keep the festive vibes flowing.

✨ The West Piazza

At the main entrance, the West Piazza, Covent Garden have installed two life-size LEGO sculptures of Santa and Rudolph this year. They call it a “photo moment,” and while I do miss the classic Christmas sleigh from previous years, this is definitely fun and very family-friendly.

Pro tip:
If you want clean photos here, arrive early — around 9am is perfect to avoid the crowds.

✨ The Iconic Bells & Baubles

Inside the market hall, the signature oversized bells make a sparkling return. Since 2023, these huge silver bells have become the Covent Garden Christmas moment — there are 40 bells, 12 giant baubles, and 8 spinning mirror balls. Because it rained on my visit this year, being able to enjoy the displays indoors was actually a blessing.

🎄 The Covent Garden Christmas Tree

Outside, you’ll find the lovely 55ft Christmas Tree, wrapped in red ribbons and twinkling lights. It wasn’t switched on during my visit (classic London rain!), so I’ve included previous year’s photos but it’s always an essential Covent Garden moment.

---

💫 Festive Photo Spots & Pop-Ups

Covent Garden always has brilliant little pop-ups tucked around the piazza, and Christmas is no exception.

This year you’ll find:

• A festive champagne bar serving bubbly, mulled wine and hot chocolate

• A limited-time LEGO pop-up until the end of November

• The semi-circle of decorated trees under the Covent Garden sign — one of my favourite annual photo moments

• The Jubilee Market dressed up with seasonal garlands and stalls

All perfect for mooching, sipping, and grabbing festive snaps.

---

🍽️ Christmassy Restaurants & Displays Around Covent Garden

There are some must-see decorated restaurants around the area this year, and they each bring something different:

✨ The Ivy, Covent Garden

A gorgeous green festive train sits outside the entrance, surrounded by twinkling lights — a fabulous photo spot and one of the most charming displays this year.

✨ Gaucho

Near Covent Garden tube, Gaucho is completely covered in rainbow decorations. It’s bold, bright, and such a fun surprise in the middle of winter.

✨ Clos Maggiore

This romantic restaurant continues its tradition of going all-out for Christmas, with an icy polar-bear-themed display at the entrance. I’ve never been inside, but I hear it’s magical.

---

🎭 A Christmassy Visit to the Royal Opera House

Now for one of my absolute favourite parts of the day – the festive transformation of the Royal Opera House.

This year, the main foyer features a floating silver tree and beautiful gift displays. But the star of the show is the Christmas tree designed by Sir Paul Smith.

🎄 The Paul Smith Christmas Tree

This tree is a charming blend of:

• Behind-the-scenes magic (think ladders, music books, candlesticks)

• Eccentric British touches

• Classic theatre details: violins, fans, ribbons, trumpets, scrolls

• Modern pops of shiny baubles

It feels like someone has decorated it using treasures found in the Royal Opera House attic – traditional with a playful twist.

If you’re visiting the ROH this season, I also have a full Royal Opera House Christmas video you can watch.

🌟 Bar Cicoria – Newly Renovated

We headed up to the rooftop Bar Cicoria, which has had a beautiful refurb. It’s warm, welcoming and the perfect escape from the Covent Garden crowds. Expect:

• Cosy seating

• A mix of indoor and outdoor spots

• Christmassy star décor

• Lovely views over the piazza

• A new expanded menu (we tried the Cacio e Pepe arancini!)

A dreamy mid-afternoon stop.

---

⛸️ Somerset House Ice Rink (Honourable Mention!)

Just a short walk away, Somerset House transforms into a magical winter rink every year. There’s a gorgeous 40ft tree, and even if you don’t skate, it’s worth visiting for the atmosphere alone. I didn’t make it this year due to the weather but highly recommend it.

---

🎅 Ending the Day at Miracle on Henrietta Street

And now… the main event: Miracle Bar.

Last year, it was tiny. This year, it has doubled in size – and doubled in festive chaos (in the best possible way). We pre-booked, and I’d recommend doing the same.

Inside, imagine:

• An 80s Christmas explosion

• Life-size Santas

• Mini Santas

• Flashing Santas

• A retro living room with classic holiday movies playing

• Candy canes, wreaths, and colourful lametta streamers

• A white Christmas tree

• Tinsel everywhere

• Cosy throws and snow globes on the tables

It’s joyful, kitschy, chaotic and completely Instagrammable.

The cocktail menu is small but themed – expect fancy glasses and festive flavours. I ordered a Christma-politan and Fatinah had popcorn chicken. Our bill came to £48, and then we gave up our table to the next lucky pair.

One of my favourite hidden gems?
The golden lametta corridor on the way to the bathroom – go with a friend, take the photo.

---

🎄 Final Thoughts

Covent Garden at Christmas is always a classic – festive, nostalgic, and packed with decorations, displays and places to explore. Whether you’re here for photos, food, shopping, or simply soaking up the magic, it’s one of the most Christmassy neighbourhoods in London.

I really hope you enjoyed coming along with me on this sparkly afternoon.
If you’d like more festive London videos, make sure you subscribe over on YouTube — and I’ll see you in my next festive adventure! ✨