As the festive season approaches, all I find myself thinking about is London! There’s really no place quite like London to immerse yourself in the enchanting magic of Christmas. With its iconic landmarks adorned with twinkling lights, charming Christmas markets, and seasonal activities, London transforms into a winter wonderland that promises an unforgettable holiday experience!
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the Perfect Christmas Weekend in London. Highlighting the must-see attractions, delectable dining options, and heartwarming traditions that will make your holiday weekend truly special. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover the city’s festive charm or a visitor eager to embrace London’s yuletide spirit, this itinerary will make the most of a Christmas Weekend in London.
This guide is designed for weekenders, arriving on Friday Night and departing on Sunday Afternoon. But it could also be incorporated into a more extended schedule. Check out our Ultimate Christmas Guide to London for more ideas! Whether you’re visiting from just down the road or hopping to another European city after your London adventures, this guide is the perfect blend of Christmas activities and iconic London sights.
Upon Arriving in London, the very first thing you want to do is hit the town and soak in the beauty and glamour of London’s Christmas Lights! A walk around central London will allow you to experience the city’s holiday spirit, enjoy beautiful decorations, and immerse yourself in seasonal magic. Don’t forget to bundle up and wear comfortable shoes!
The best place to start is in Trafalgar Square. Trafalgar Square is perhaps the most famous public square in the UK. It is in the centre of Westminster, just steps from many of the most iconic buildings in London. The square was built in the 19th century to honour the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. During this battle, the British navy captured a difficult victory against the Napoleonic off the coast of Cape Trafalgar. Nelson’s Column stands in the centre of the square. It towers over the rest of the courtyard at 169 feet tall and is guarded by four lion statues.
While the column is usually the tallest structure in the square, the colossal Christmas tree installed in the yard gives the column a run for its money. Since 1947, Norway has gifted the city of London with regal Norwegian spruce. The first tree was a gift to thank the British for their support during World War II. They decorate the tree in a simplistic Norwegian style, with only a few lights strung vertically yearly. It is erected 12 days before Christmas and remains in the square until 12 days after Christmas. Making the square even more festive is the fabulous Trafalgar Christmas Market. Over 20 stalls sell everything from Christmas ornaments, jewellery, hand-crafted goods and lots of sweets!
Walking north up Charing Cross Road, stop behind the historic St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, where they host a Winter Courtyard Bar inside a cozy winter lodge. You can sit beside a roaring fire and enjoy Christmas cocktails, mulled wine & cider, hot chocolate, beers, and seasonal snacks. The winter lodge is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout December. This is the perfect way to warm yourself up for the rest of the evening.
Take a stroll along St. Martin’s Lane. St. Martin’s Lane is where many of the most important theatres are located, making it a hub for entertainment and culture. This area is famous for its vibrant nightlife, upscale hotels, and trendy restaurants. The lane is decorated with different Christmas street lights hung above walkways. But all the stylish restaurants in the area go all out with their Christmas displays, adding to the festive environment.
Along St. Martin’s Lane is one of the most quintessential Christmas pubs in the city, Mr. Fogg’s Tavern. This charming and unique tavern was inspired by the fictional character Phileas Fogg from Jules Verne’s “Around the World in Eighty Days.” Mr. Fogg’s Tavern goes all out with Christmas decorations, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Expect to find the space adorned with traditional holiday trimmings, including twinkling lights, wreaths, garlands, and even a few beautifully decorated Christmas trees.
The tavern is designed to transport guests to the Victorian era, and during the Christmas season, this ambiance is enhanced with period-appropriate decorations and details that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Mr. Fogg’s Tavern is known for its creative and themed cocktails, so you can anticipate a special Christmas cocktail menu. These drinks include traditional favourites like mulled wine, spiced cider, or unique concoctions inspired by the holiday season. Be sure to book a reservation in advance, even for a drink, as this place can get very busy!
If you are in the mood for something a little different but still a staunchly Londoner place to eat, head up the road to Dishoom Covent Garden. Dishoom is a series of restaurants known for their homage to the Irani cafés of Bombay. Stepping inside, you’ll be immediately enveloped in nostalgic décor that transports you to the bustling streets of Bombay. At Christmas, the restaurant is adorned in festive decorations, with stars hanging from the ceiling, and a glowing, warm, inviting atmosphere.
Dishoom offers a special Christmas Feast menu for the holiday season. This menu features a blend of traditional Indian flavours with a festive twist. Dishes include Turkey Raan (marinated and slow-cooked turkey leg infused with Indian spices and flavours), tenderstem broccoli, chilli sprouts, spiced cranberry chutney and Mince Pie Kulfi. Indian food is so important to the fabric of London’s food scene, and Dishoom is one of the most iconic locations to try this cuisine.
Make your way north until you reach the infamous Seven Dials intersection. Seven Dials is a circular junction where seven streets converge, giving the area its distinctive name. It’s one of the liveliest parts of London, and at Christmas, their light displays are so dynamic. The central column is surrounded by starry snow globes lighting your entry into the Seven Dials.
Vibrant pink and silver lights hung above the cobblestone streets along the converging streets. I love the modern take on the Christmas lights juxtaposed against the Victorian buildings.
If you’re still looking for something small to eat, head into the Seven Dials Food Market, which is also captivatingly decorated with Christmas lights. This chic multi-level food court is home to dozens of micro-restaurants & bars.
My favourite is the Pick & Cheese Cheese Bar, the world’s first and only cheese conveyor belt restaurant. Here, you can pull up to the bar and admire the array of British cheese pairings swirling around under glass domes on the conveyor belt. Once you find one that catches your fancy, simply pull it off the belt and enjoy! At Christmas, they have specialty pairings that feature everything from Christmas Cheddars, pickled apples, fruit and soaked raisins.
From Seven Dials, make your way to the old Covent Garden Market. This historic marketplace is steeped in centuries of tradition. But at Christmas time, it is one of the most festive centres in London. The market’s elegant piazza, adorned with neoclassical architecture and lively street performances, is brimming with twinkle lights, Christmas trees, oversized wreaths and the smell of mulled wine emanating in the air.
Also, outside the Piazza, you’ll always find some special exhibitions. In years past, there was a special Frozen Christmas Village. And last year, Dolce and Gabanna set up a multicoloured light display that made for awe-inspiring photos!
Covent Garden’s Apple Market dates back to the 17th century when it was a bustling fruit and vegetable market. Today, it houses a crafts and antiques market. Walking inside, you will be overwhelmed by the fantastical giant silver and gold disco ornaments hanging from the ceiling. Creating a kaleidoscope of lights reflecting off every surface. Oversized mistletoe chandeliers also dangle above, inviting romantic Christmas kisses.
You’ll find the mammoth Covent Garden Christmas tree outside the Apple Market! This Christmas tree is the largest hand-picked tree in all of London. In addition to this, the tree was grown at the same tree farm where the Royal family gets their Christmas trees. So it’s perhaps the poshest tree in London as well! It takes organizers over 300 hours to decorate the tree. And they even used a cherry picker to get those baubles to the top.
The area outside near the Christmas Tree is where visitors can get the chance to see “snow” falling in London. The snow falls every hour on the hour, so arrive accordingly. Sure, it might be fake snow made of soap, but how everyone erupts with delights and how magical it makes the space feel is all that matters!
Make your south of the square onto Southhampton Street, which lets you exit onto the famous Strand. This is a historic and prestigious thoroughfare that runs along the northern bank of the River Thames. All along the street, you’ll find famous landmarks and renowned institutions. At Christmas, they hand these beautiful light displays shaped like blue and gold ornaments hanging above the road. One of the best parts of this area is looking at the iconic red double-decker bus driving under the sparkling Christmas lights.
To finish the evening, continue along the Strand, past Landcaster Place, through the Northern arches to enter Somerset House. The Duke of Somerset once owned the property, but today, the building is often used to host events centred around arts and education.
The square is transformed into a giant fairytale-like ice skating rink at Christmas. A massive 40-foot twinkling Christmas tree stands watch over the skaters. At night, the rink is illuminated in multicoloured lights, which create a magical atmosphere and highlight the architectural beauty of the building itself.
If you feel like putting on a pair of skates, this is a great opportunity to enjoy an iconic Christmas activity set in a historic London landmark. The best way to end a perfect evening exploring central London’s Christmas Lights!
Saturday is all about shopping and gazing at sumptuous window displays. London is one of the best cities in the world for shopping. And at Christmas, the shops are made even more magical as they are dripping in baubles, twinkle lights and tinsel! Even if you don’t want to spend big money, many of these shops are attractions in their own right. Simply wandering around inside feels like walking into a festive art gallery.
To start your day in London, let’s find a great English breakfast. The Wolseley is a luxurious and quintessentially British dining experience. It’s known for its grand art deco-inspired interior, impeccable service, and a menu celebrating classic European and British cuisine.
Walking inside, you’re greeted by high ceilings, marble columns, mirrored walls, and sparkling chandeliers. And for the holidays, everything is decorated with twinkling garlands and sparkling decorations. Even an enormous Christmas tree is hung atop the clock in the centre of the cozy dining room. It feels more like having breakfast inside someone’s chic house rather than a restaurant.
The breakfast menu at The Wolseley offers a wide range of options to suit different tastes. You can expect a mix of traditional English breakfast items and continental delights. Given its popularity, making reservations in advance is advisable, especially during the holidays or on weekends.
After filling up on breakfast, it’s time to walk off those calories with a tour around Piccadilly and St. James. The first and most important stop is at Fortnum & Mason, one of the city’s most iconic and historic department stores! Fortnum’s is known for its luxury goods, exquisite Christmas hampers, and gourmet Christmas food.
The store is beautifully decorated at Christmas, with elaborate window displays, twinkling lights, and festive greenery. A giant mistletoe descends like a waterfall down the stairwell making for such an impressive sight as you enter the building.
Fortnum & Mason is famous for its Christmas hampers, which are elegantly packaged and filled with gourmet delights. These hampers make for beautiful gifts but are also great for enjoying yourself. These precious wicker baskets are chocolates, preserves, fine wines, puddings, nibbles, Fortnum’s classic tea blends, and much more.
The store also offers a wide array of luxury gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. You’ll find beautifully crafted and unique items, from high-quality fashion and accessories to home decor and fragrances. Expect to pay a pretty penny, but everything in here is a real treasure.
My favourite gift to buy here are their premium teas, coffees, chocolates, biscuits, jams, and other delectable treats. The Christmas season often brings a special selection of seasonal items like Christmas puddings, mince pies, and spiced preserves.
Just down the street from Fortnum’s is Hatchards, one of London’s oldest and most prestigious bookshops. Established in 1797, the store maintains its historic charm inside its beautifully preserved Georgian building. Over the centuries, Hatchards has hosted numerous famous authors and literary figures, including Charles Dickens, Lord Byron, and Winston Churchill. As a result, the shop has become a beloved institution among bibliophiles. Adding a unique allure to the Christmas shopping experience here.
During the festive season, Hatchards adorns its windows and interior with enchanting Christmas decorations and themed displays. The warm and inviting ambiance encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit while shopping for books. Hatchards boasts an extensive collection of books spanning various genres, from classic literature and contemporary fiction to non-fiction, travel, and children’s books. This makes it an excellent place to find thoughtful and personalized Christmas gifts for special book lovers. I found a gorgeous copy of A Christmas Carol here for my nephews that they will treasure for years to come.
From Hatchards, walk through Princes Arcade, south to Jermyn Street. Jermyn Street is world-famous for its high-quality tailoring and menswear shops. You’ll find a wide selection of impeccably crafted suits, shirts, shoes, and accessories. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a well-dressed man in your life, Jermyn Street is the place to be.
These high-end shops ensure to entertain their customers by decorating their shops in beautifully embellished festive lights and decorations. Creating a magical and joyful atmosphere to window shop and browse. Jermyn Street is also home to several gourmet food and wine shops. Here, you can find a fantastic selection of fine wines, chocolates, cheeses, and other culinary delights. Great additions to your Christmas dinner or for perfect for creating a custom gift hamper.
Walk west along Jermyn Street until you reach St. James’s Street. St. James’s Street has many luxury boutiques and high-end shops, making it an ideal destination for those seeking exquisite and exclusive gifts. The street exudes a timeless and elegant ambiance with its beautiful Georgian architecture. During the Christmas season, the street is decorated with festive lights and decorations. I especially love the real garlands hung on all the wrought iron fences.
My favourite shops to visit are Lock & Co. Hatters and Berry Bros. & Rudd. Lock & Co. Hatters was established in 1676, and it is considered one of the oldest hat shops in the world. Lock & Co. Hatters has been granted several Royal Warrants, including from Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Prince of Wales. This prestigious recognition underscores the shop’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship. At Christmas, they always have such a cheerful display in their window and gorgeous bright red hats to suit the holiday season.
Berry Bros. & Rudd is a prestigious wine and spirits merchant with a rich history dating back to 1698. Their St. James Street shopfront is always adorned with elegant garlands, festive wreaths, and twinkling lights This is the place to come if you’re looking for an array of wines, including vintages and rare bottles, ideal for gifting or enjoying during holiday celebrations.
From St. James Street, walk south onto The Mall until you reach the iconic Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace is one of the most recognizable landmarks in London. Originally known as Buckingham House, it was constructed in 1703 as a private townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham. The palace became the official London residence of the British monarchy during the reign of Queen Victoria in 1837. Since then, it has been the primary residence of reigning monarchs, although it is used for various ceremonial and official functions.
The architectural style of Buckingham Palace is primarily neoclassical and, in my personal opinion, is a little lacklustre. Unfortunately, aside from a few large wreaths hung on the front gates, the palace doesn’t decorate the exterior Christmas season, but it would be a shame if it’s your first time in London not to at least pay this spot a visit.
One place where you can find awash of Christmas decor is inside the Buckingham Palace Shop! This is the official gift shop for the Royal Collection Trust, which means you can find a wide range of items related to the British royal family. If you or your loved ones are interested in British royalty, this shop is a treasure trove of royal-themed gifts.
During the Christmas season, the Buckingham Palace Shop is beautifully adorned with festive decorations. You can shop for elegant and royal-themed Christmas ornaments, holiday cards, and other seasonal decorations to add a touch of regal flair to your holiday celebrations.
Make your way along Buckingham Palace Road to Elizabeth Street in the upscale neighbourhood of Belgravia. Elizabeth Street is lined with beautifully preserved Georgian and Victorian townhouses. During the Christmas season, it is adorned with sumptuous festive decorations. So many flower shops in the area transform their shops and their neighbours into an absolute wonderland of living Christmas decor. But my favourite has got to be the Paddington Bear statue made of Christmas baubles.
Elizabeth Street is home to a variety of high-end boutiques and specialty shops. You’ll find a curated selection of fashion, accessories, home decor, and gifts. These boutiques often offer unique and artisanal products perfect for thoughtful Christmas gifts. Bayley & Sage is a popular gourmet food shop where you can find a range of delectable treats, including chocolates, pastries, cheeses, and fine wines. These make for excellent Christmas gifts or additions to holiday feasts.
Walk along Elizabeth Street towards Eaton Square Garden. From here, turn left onto Cliveden Place, which turns into Symons Street. Continue until you reach the entrance to Pavilion Road. Pavilion Road is a picturesque and vibrant street in the heart of London’s Chelsea neighbourhood. Thanks to its pedestrian-only pathways, it feels like you’ve entered a charming little village.
On either side of the street are historic Georgian and Victorian townhouses, contributing to its timeless and elegant character. Each of the old houses has been transformed into a chic shopfront. Inside you’ll find everything from stationary, cheese, barbers and even my favourite ice creamery (Parlour by the Ice Cream Union). At Christmas, the entire road is decorated in a string of Christmas Lights, and the shops on either side are absolutely brimming with decorations and specialty gifts perfect for everyone on your Christmas list.
Undoubtedly, you’ll be hankering for something to eat by this time of the day. And one of the best places to eat in all of London is at Ottolenghi. Founded by Israeli-British chef Yotam Ottolenghi, Ottolenghi’s restaurants are known for their innovative approach to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The culinary philosophy emphasizes vibrant flavours, fresh ingredients, and creative combinations that celebrate the beauty of vegetables.
Ottolenghi Chelsea is a more casual option with a counter-serve deli that features signature dishes like roasted aubergine with black garlic, saffron and sesame-crusted quail. And, of course, a variety of colourful salads incorporate all the key holiday seasonal ingredients. At Christmas, their food is laid out like a festive wreath with red and green vegetables as the main highlight of many dishes.
For dessert, you’ll want to wander down to Bread Ahead Bakery. Bread Ahead is one of London’s top bakeries specializing in handmade doughnuts. They are often considered some of the best in London. I find their stand in Borough Market to be a little stale, but this smaller shop is where to go for the good stuff! These doughnuts come in various flavours, and at Christmas, you can find gingerbread, Honeycomb, and Blackcurrant.
Make your way north along Pavillion Road and turn right to continue to Knightsbridge along Sloane Street. Sloane Street is an iconic and upscale shopping street popular with luxury designer boutiques and high-end fashion brands. It is home to flagship stores and boutiques of some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses. This includes Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Dior. During the holiday season, Sloane Street comes alive with luxury festive decorations for everyone to enjoy. No purchase necessary.
At the top of Sloane Street, you will reach the lavish entrance to Harvey Nichols. This extravagant and eye-catching luxury department store is brimming with Christmas decorations and creative window displays. These displays often feature intricate designs, unique themes, and attention-grabbing visuals that draw crowds of onlookers.
Just down the road is the place everyone comes to see at Christmas: Harrods. London’s world-famous luxury department store is renowned for its extravagant and opulent Christmas displays and the myriad of wonders inside the exquisite Christmas Food Hall. The exterior of Harrods is illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights and festive decorations, turning the building into a dazzling Christmas spectacle. Last year, the exterior was transformed into a beautiful gingerbread house designed by Christian Dior.
Harrods’ Christmas window displays are a sight to behold. The store unveils a series of meticulously crafted window scenes each year that tell a captivating story. These displays often feature animated characters, intricate set designs, and a touch of whimsy, captivating visitors of all ages.
Inside the store, you’ll find lavish Christmas decorations inside their Christmas department. The Christmas section takes up almost an entire floor in the basement and includes different themes like luxury, tradition, and fantasy. Whatever theme you want to dress up your house for the holidays, you’ll find it here. Just expect to pay those high Harrods prices!
The Christmas Food Hall at Harrods is a gastronomic wonderland offering an extensive selection of gourmet food and beverages for the holiday season. It’s a paradise for food lovers and those looking to create a festive feast. The Food Hall features festive treats, including mince pies, Christmas puddings, yule logs, chocolates, and holiday-themed cookies. I often come here during the week to grab a sandwich or pastry from the food hall as they always have special holiday flavours. This is a real treat, but the quality and uniqueness are worth the splurge.
One of my favourite Christmas displays is hidden away inside one of my favourite restaurants. Daphne’s is located in the heart of Chelsea and is a local favourite for Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The decor changes slightly yearly, but you can always expect an absolute blow-out! Christmas lights and baubles hang from the ceiling, like the most dreamlike forest of decorations. And this isn’t just one of those spots that is all glamour and no substance. The food here is amazing! Their menu changes slightly for each season, highlighting various seasonal ingredients and flavours, all under the umbrella of Italian-inspired Mediterranean dishes.
Be sure to book an early dinner reservation to ensure you get a spot here!
If you took my advice and nabbed an early dinner, you should have enough time in the evening to attend one of the most quintessential Christmas classics, A Christmas Carol. Every year, the Old Vic, a historic theatre in London, stages Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday story. They traditionally find a famed British actor to take on the infamous role of Scrooge. Which always adds a touch of celebrity to the event.
The sets are lovingly created to immerse the audience and allow them to step back in time to Victorian London. Musicians take the stage, and the fresh mince pies are passed out to the guests. Adding to the immersive and enchanting Christmas festivities. With so much good theatre in London, it’s often hard to decide what to see, but this is a no-brainer at Christmas!
Tickets: PwC £10 previews (max. four per person), £12, £20, £30/£35, £40/£45, £55/£57.50, £65/£67.50
Dates: 12 Nov 2022–07 Jan 2023
Our Sunday starts in the Old City of London! As we make our way to breakfast, it would be a shame to come to this area and not stop outside St. Paul’s Cathedral. We won’t step inside on this tour, but it’s worth admiring. St. Paul’s Cathedral, an iconic masterpiece of architecture and a symbol of resilience stands proudly in the heart of London like a majestic guardian of the city’s rich history.
The exterior of St. Paul’s Cathedral is a harmonious blend of classical and baroque styles, with its stunning dome serving as the crowning jewel. Rising 365 feet into the London skyline, this dome is a true marvel, making it one of the tallest in the world and a striking silhouette against the city’s modern skyscrapers. It’s impossible not to be awestruck by its grandeur as you approach. Be sure to walk towards the cathedral via the west front, with its statues of saints, angels, and apostles beckoning visitors with open arms. The sculptures and reliefs tell the story of the Christian faith.
At Christmas, a giant Christmas tree stands in front of the northern doors and greets visitors with cheery twinkle lights, even on a grey winter morning. Be sure to admire the view of the cathedral as we walk along Watling Street which frames this building perfectly under the Christmas lights.
While this area has some of the oldest remnants of London’s history, we are having breakfast at one of the more modern restaurants in the area, Bread Street Kitchen. Bread Street Kitchen is a stylish, contemporary restaurant founded by renowned celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. While Chef Ramsay may not be in the kitchen daily, the restaurant upholds his culinary standards and overall food philosophy. And as Ramsay is such an icon of British cuisine, dining here feels like a quintessential British culinary experience.
Bread Street Kitchen offers a menu of modern British classics with a focus on using locally sourced ingredients. Their classic English breakfast is always my go-to here, as it features all the traditional elements of an English breakfast but with an elevated twist. At Christmas, the restaurant explodes with festive delights, but in that same modern fashion that Bread Street is known for. I don’t know where you can get a more festive place to have brekky.
Host Café
If you’re looking for something more laid-back and budget-friendly for breakfast, you should check out Host Cafe. Host Cafe is located along the charming Watling Street and is set up inside the incredible St. Mary Aldermary Church. The church’s interior is one of the architectural wonders in the area and is an awe-inspiring reservation of the Victorian Gothic style. During the week, the church opens its doors to caffeine seekers with a tiny coffee shop at the back. Visitors can enjoy a fancy latte while admiring the beautiful historic architecture inside. They had even set up a series of larger tables behind the nave where people are clacking away on their laptops, and small groups have hushed meetings.
The original church was built in the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren, the master builder of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The original church features have been preserved through this readaptation of the space. To ensure they last another lifetime. The soaring vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and wooden pews make even a simple drip coffee feel like a special event. This was my favourite spot in the city to come and work or just relax while watching the light stream through those beautiful stained glass windows. A magical place to be. And the perfect escape on a rainy day.
Make your way east along Queen Victoria Street and Cornhill Street towards the picturesque Leadenhall Market. Leadenhall Market is a stunning Victorian-covered market whose history can be traced all the way back to the 14th century! The first market that stood here was primarily for meat, poultry, and game and was opened near the eastern gate of the Roman city of London (Londinium).
By the 15th century, Leadenhall had become a prominent trading center for various goods, including leather, wool, and other commodities. The market’s name, “Leadenhall,” is believed to have been derived from the fact that before this area had a covered roof, individual market stalls employed lead roof tiles to protect shoppers from the rain.
The old market building was demolished in 1881, and architect Sir Horace Jones was employed to design a new ornate structure. This new building, constructed in the opulent Victorian style, is what visitors still see today. The magnificent architecture features wrought iron, glass, and colourful tiles, creating a visually stunning environment for shoppers throughout the year.
At Christmas, the market is adorned with an abundance of sparkling lights and festive garlands which line the walkways and buildings, creating a truly enchanting ambiance. In the centre of the market is the huge Christmas tree, lit every year by the mayor of London. Marking the official start of the Christmas season.
Leadenhall Market has a famous connection to the renowned English novelist Charles Dickens. This market is believed to have been the inspiration for the market where Scrooge sends a boy to purchase a turkey for the Cratchits in A Christmas Carol.
The Tower of London, a historic fortress nestled along the banks of the River Thames, is an enduring symbol of Britain’s medieval grandeur. With a lineage that spans nearly a millennium, this iconic structure has served various roles over the centuries. It was a royal palace, a prison and a treasury guarding the Crown Jewels. Visiting the Tower of London is highly recommended for first-time visitors to London. Stepping through the doors and even approaching its imposing presence is a momentous moment as you are in the same place where many of London’s most important historic events occurred.
Be sure to take a guided tour with the ceremonial Yeoman guards. These guided tours are included in your admission and are filled with historical anecdotes, tales of intrigue, and a touch of humour. You can always find them wandering the grounds, easy to spot in their distinctive red uniforms. They are filled with extensive knowledge about the tower’s history so even if you don’t take a tour, they are on hand to answer all your questions!
Visitors can experience a magical transformation at Christmas with enchanting festive displays throughout the renowned fortress. Beautiful Christmas trees pop up around the perimeter, and traditional decor brings a festive touch to the ancient fortress. As you explore the iconic castle, try to find all the 12 Days of Christmas. But done up in a distinct Tower of London theme. Here, the five gold coins represent the Tower’s original home to the Royal Mint. Find the twelve Yeoman Wardens or the nine rowdy ravens. And, of course, the Seven Wifes of Henry VIII.
Crossing over the iconic Tower Bridge, walk along The Queens Walk, where you’ll find the Christmas By the River Market. This holiday market is nestled along the water’s edge under the glowing lights of Tower Bridge. Winter cabins covered in fairy lights line the riverside. Each one sells hand-crafted items and delicious festive foods.
In addition to shopping and food, there are activities throughout the seasons, such as Christmas carol performances. If you want to grab a drink with some friends, stop into the Riverside Lodge or Bar Reflexion for a festive seasonal cocktail.
Continuing west along the river, be sure to pop into Hay’s Galleria. This building was originally a large warehouse servicing hundreds of ships docked along London’s harbour. In the 1980s, it was redeveloped as a mixed-use building where you can wander through the enormous arched warehouse’s interior. Inside, you’ll find a mix of charming boutiques and high-end restaurants.
But at Christmastime, the galleries are decorated to the nines in festive swag. In the gallery’s centre is one of London’s largest Christmas trees, which towers down over its visitors. The gallery is home to a pop-up of Christmas market stalls selling impressive, unique, high-quality handicrafts.
Continuing along the Southbank, make your way to Borough Market, where you can find some delicious lunch options! Borough Market has operated for over 1,000 years, making it one of London’s oldest markets. It’s a food lover’s paradise. With a wide array of high-quality fresh produce, artisanal goods, street food stalls, and specialty ingredients, all from local British producers. The market’s atmosphere is bustling and lively, and it’s a great place to sample British food and discover unique culinary delights.
We have an entire post dedicated to the best food in the market if you want to dive into everything you can find here. You’ll find everything from fresh oysters to sausage rolls, savoury pies, cheese toasties, pork sandwiches, and (my favourite) custard crumble for dessert. Many vendors add a festive touch to their market stalls at Christmas with seasonal ingredients, Christmas spices and, of course, loads of decorations!
As the afternoon draws to a close, we are nearing the end of the tour. If you have some extra time in the city and want a place to relax and enjoy a pint or a glass of mulled wine by the river, one of the best places to come is the Anchor Bar. The Anchor is one of London’s oldest and most historic pubs, dating back several centuries. It was right here where Samuel Pepys watched the Great Fire of London burn the city away from across the river. Little has changed within this old pub since Pepys’ visit. Aged wooden tables are spread throughout the labyrinth-like building, with intimate nooks tucked away in every.
At Christmas, the ambiance is made even more inviting, with thousands of war twinkle lights and Christmas decorations hung everywhere you look. The pub features special holiday menus with traditional Christmas dishes such as smoked ham, hock pie and roast turkey with all the trimmings! This place makes you feel so at home like you’ve stepped into Christmas morning in the heart of London!
In a city as enchanting as London, creating the perfect Christmas weekend is all about embracing the festive spirit and exploring the multitude of magical experiences this vibrant metropolis has to offer. From the dazzling lights in Covent Garden to the cozy charm of a traditional pub, London truly comes alive during the holiday season. May your Christmas weekend in London be merry, bright, and filled with the warmth and wonder of the season.
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