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LUXURY CHRISTMAS DEPARTMENT STORES
For the perfect Christmas experience, make sure you check out the iconic and historic festive shops in London.
- Fortnum & Mason
- Liberty London
- Selfridges
- Harvey Nichols
- Harrods
The ‘Christmas Shops’ can open as early as August and September (wow!). Decorations on the buildings and windows will follow later in November.
They will always be busy so make sure you are very patient, and take a look online before you go so you know which gifts you want to buy. Think festive teddy bears, London inspired Christmas ornaments and sweet treats like chocolates bars and tins of biscuits.
LONDON CHRISTMAS TREES
Oversize Christmas trees are a vibe in London!
I love the different versions from classic green trees trimmed with traditional decorations to super modern designer interpretations full of bright colours.
My favourite luxury Christmas trees in London:
- Ralph Lauren Bond Street
- Pan Pacific Hotel
- Covent Garden
- Royal Opera House
- Kings Cross
- St Pancras
- Claridge’s
- Hays Galleria
- Somerset House
- Royal Exchange
- The Ritz
- Leadenhall Market
- Old Spitalfields Market
- The Clermont
- Koyn (pictured right was lovely but now closed)
LUXE CHRISTMAS HOTELS
If you’re lucky to be visiting London at Christmas, you’re in for a festive treat!
Just look at the beautiful Lanesborough (pictured left) for how beautifully decorated hotels are at Christmas.
Even if you’re not staying in a hotel, I always recommend popping in for a boujee hot chocolate for that little bit of luxury away from the hectic streets outside.
Take a note of Claridge’s for their Christmas tree which is decorated each year by a famous designer.
My favourite London Christmas hotels include:
- The Savoy
- Claridge’s
- The Ritz
- 11 Cadogan Gardens
- The Connaught
- The Lanesborough
- The Botree
- The Broadwick
- Hilton Park Lane
- One Aldwych
- The Rosewood
- The Cadogan
CHRISTMAS IN MAYFAIR
My absolute favourite decorations which are the biggest, brightest and most expensive are on Bond Street. The jewel in the crown has got to be Cartier which always goes all out with red and gold decor.
Nearby sparkling displays from Tiffany and Boodles make the most delightful corner. All anchored by Ralph Lauren complete with a huge classic Christmas tree and Ralph’s Coffee.
My favourites in Mayfair:
- Cartier
- Ralph Lauren / Ralph’s Coffee
- Dior
- Chanel
- Tiffany
- Boodles
- Louis Vuitton
- Burlington Arcade
- Royal Arcade
- 34 Mayfair
- Harry’s
- The Connaught
- Annabel’s
- Neill Strain
- Marchesi
- Scott’s
- Christian Louboutin
LONDON CHRISTMAS PUBS, CAFES & RESTAURANTS
If you love festive decor as much as I do, these are the most Instagrammable places:
Miracle Christmas Bar, Covent Garden – a full 80s festive fever dream serving Christmas cocktails and bar snacks
Churchill Arms, Kensington – an Insta-famous Christmas tree filled pub. Insanely busy but worth it for the decor alone
Daphnes Restaurant, Chelsea – a bauble filled luxury neighbourhood restaurant
Peggy Porschen, a pink parlour in Belgravia. Think cute cupcakes and Instagrammable brunches
Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden – the decor is always so fun and the insides match too!
34 Mayfair, a bauble filled explosion in this super luxury restaurant near Mount Street
The Audley Pub, Mount Street – filled with Christmas trees this posh but down to earth pub is one of my regular haunts
Mari Vanna, Knightsbridge – a Russian restaurant with frosty ice queen interiors
Dalloway Terrace, Holborn – a covered outdoor terrace with seasonal decor
CHRISTMAS POP UPS
Christmas is a very creative time in London and every year it attracts brands to set up temporary pop up shops and cafes for the festive period
– Ralph Lauren Christmas pop up in Sloane Square for 2025 which had an incredible festive red truck and giant Christmas Tree
– Covent Garden is the master of the pop ups, we’ve had Lego, Laduree, Chanel and many more!
– Cafe Ciel’s Gingerbread house pop up at Raffles was so cute in 2025 and a fab spot for a hot chocolate
Cafe Ciel
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & DECORATIONS
Christmas lights in London are beautiful and if you want to get the best of both worlds, go to see them when the sun is setting.
- Regent’s Street Christmas Angels
- Bond Street Christmas Lights
- Covent Garden Christmas Lights
- Carnaby Street Christmas Lights
- Marylebone Christmas Lights
- Belgravia Christmas Lights
- Oxford Street Christmas Lights
- Chelsea Christmas Lights
- Jermyn Street Christmas Lights
- St James Christmas Lights
- Piccadilly Christmas Lights
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Christmas markets can be very romantic on a cold and frosty day.
You’ll find a mixture of food stalls serving traditional hot dogs, burgers and chips.
Choose from drinks ranging from hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows to warm glasses of mulled wine.
There’s always stalls full of gifts and accessories like cosy hats and scarves.
WINTER WONDERLAND HYDE PARK
I’ve included Winter Wonderland in this list, of course it is MUCH more than just a Christmas Market including ice skating, an Ice Kingdon, Santa Land, beer tents and loads of rides. Read more about Winter Wonderland here.
Dates for London Christmas Markets:
- Victorian Christmas Market at St Katharine’s Docks next to Tower Bridge 7 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 (Closed Christmas Day)
- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park from 19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
- Southbank London Christmas Market
- Winter by the River – London and Tower Bridge
- Old Spitalfields Christmas Market
- Covent Garden Christmas Market
- Leicester Square Christmas Market
- King’s Cross Christmas Market
- Leadenhall Market
LONDON CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Festive events and Christmas light trails are really popular so book well in advance.
Light Trails in London:
- Christmas at Kew Gardens – 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Glow at RHS Wisley (outside London) 20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
- Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations 25th Nov – 28th Dec 26
Harry Potter at Christmas:
The Harry Potter Winter at Hogwarts is a calendar highlight which is outside London and find more about that here (or click the picture left).
LONDON CHRISTMAS WALKS
East London Christmas Walk
All the way from snow filled Leadenhall Market, festive Royal Exchange via the Victorian Market at St Katherine’s Dock before finishing at Southbank Christmas Markets. Click here.
Belgravia to Chelsea Christmas Walk
A lovely gentle walk from the picturesque streets of Belgravia and Motcomb Street to Sloane Square, King’s Road and finishing at Harrods in Knightsbridge. Click here.
Bond Street and Mayfair Christmas Walk
All the bright lights and designer shopping of Bond Street with Burlington and Royal Arcade followed by Annabel’s and Mount Street. Finish off with Selfridges of Marylebone. Click here.
Covent Garden Christmas Walk
Covent Garden with the Instagrammable red sleigh and oversize bells is a dream to explore at Christmas time with festive bars and restaurants plus Royal Opera House. Finish off at Somerset House Skate. Click here.
Southbank to Marylebone Christmas Walk
Starting at Big Ben this ambitious walk goes through Somerset House, stops off at Trafalgar Square and National Gallery, Harry Potter’s House of Minalima, Broadwick Hotel, Wallace Collection and Marylebone. Phew! Click here.
Claire & The City Blog
My Christmas London Diary
I’m a storyteller and you can read my latest blogs on London, fashion, travel and content creator tips here.
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