Our top tips for Christmas in London
A guide to the most festive experiences the British capital has to offer.
Light installations at Kew Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens at Kew in West London are transformed into a real winter wonderland at Christmas—even if the snow usually fails to appear. With the help of large, imaginative light installations, Kew is transformed into a colorful and magical world. It’s the perfect outing for all ages and a chance for beautiful, fun Christmas photos of yourself and the whole family.
Ice skating at Battersea Power Station
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Are you a fan of Pink Floyd? How about skating below the iconic Battersea Power Station building, featured on the cover of their classic 1977 album Animals? Glide Battersea offers three interconnected skating rinks and views of the Thames, as well as a huge Christmas tree. When you can’t skate anymore, just sit in The Glass House, a glass-walled bar and café where you can continue to soak in the surroundings.
London’s best Christmas hamper
Fortnum & Mason
A classic Christmas gift in many British homes is a Christmas hamper, preferably from Fortnum & Mason—the department store was opened in 1707 and sits a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus. Christmas hampers come in different sizes and price ranges, and if you don’t feel you can take home the whole basket, there are delicious teas, jams, cakes, and other delicacies on offer. Don’t miss the ever-spectacular Christmas window displays either.
Oxford Circus Christmas decorations
Oxford Circus
The light displays in central London are legendary and a must-see for anyone who wants to soak up the British Christmas spirit. Take a stroll along Regent Street and Oxford Street, or check out the storefront decorations from luxury brands on New Bond Street. Finish with a visit to Selfridges or Liberty for their creative Christmas window displays.
Christmas pop-up with a retro feel
Miracle at The Henrietta
Christmas pop-up company Miracle has taken the concept introduced in New York and adapted it to other parts of the world. In London, the pop-up is housed in the Henrietta Hotel with a space inspired by a festively decorated house from the 1970’s. Make a reservation, order a Christmapolitan and soak in the Christmas spirit!
The pub with the most Christmas cheer
The Churchill Arms
London’s most photographed pub at Christmas time is The Churchill Arms in Kensington. It’s not hard to see why, as the facade is covered with up to 90 Christmas trees and around 22,000 festive lights. Step inside and drink some warm mulled wine or eggnog, but only after you’ve immortalized yourself in a photo in front of London’s most Christmassy pub.
Charity run in Victoria Park
Santa Run London
On December 10, 2023, the Santa Run will take place in Victoria Park in East London. Thousands of Santas will run 5k or 10k to raise money for cancer research—and you could be one of them! For just £25, you can join in the race, which is open to anyone over the age of eight and includes a free Santa suit.
Christmas-themed afternoon tea
Claridge’s
Afternoon tea is a British tradition any time of the year, but around Christmas time, just about every hotel worth its salt will offer a festive version. We recommend upping the ante with a visit to Claridge’s, not just for its magical pastries, but also to check out the hotel’s imaginative Christmas tree, made by different fashion designers each year (from Karl Lagerfeld to Dolce & Gabbana).
Igloo dinner on the Thames
Coppa Club Tower Bridge
Enjoy a romantic outdoor (but at the same time indoor) winter dinner at Coppa Club, Tower. Eat and drink in a kind of see-through igloo overlooking the South Bank and The Shard. The restaurant also provides blankets, but in really cold weather, you’ll want to wear extra clothes.
Three Christmas movies set in London
Love Actually (2003)
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Text by Daniel Björk