How to Visit London During the Holidays—Christmas Markets and Decked-out Hotels Included

London is one of my favourite cities. Since well over a ten years, I have taken every chance to visit London, whether it was for long weekends, weddings, or spontaneous work trips. Although autumn is undoubtedly my favorite season to visit the Big Smoke in the UK, the Christmas period is very close behind. 

Sipping mulled wine as the Bond Street light installations flicker on, tucking into a festive Sunday roast at a neighborhood pub, picking up Christmas crackers at Fortnum & Mason, and stopping for a photo in front of the tree in Covent Garden are all quintessential holiday experiences. From late November until the New Year, the British capital is its most festive. Ben Malpass, former Head Concierge at The Hari London, and currently managing director of Liberty Rock Concierge describes the mood as “buzzing.” “The city is full of tourists and locals enjoying all the festive activities and rushing to complete their holiday shopping,” he says.

Another local expert, Alan Noone—who serves as the executive head concierge at The Stafford London—says that this period is one where London “feels both classic and contemporary, full of tradition and modernity, inviting all to revel in its holiday magic.” It’s now possible to live out your dreams of visiting Piccadilly Circus or Regent Street to admire the decorated displays at Harrods and Somerset House to take a spin on the ice rink. 

Here’s our guide on visiting London during the holiday season, which includes the best Christmas markets and decorations you can’t miss, as well as festive hotels. 

Christmas Markets

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

According to Malpass Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is London’s premier festive attraction—”and for a good reason.” The “perfect festive day” is created by its “amazing market, rides, food and beverage stalls and more.” The event runs until January 1. There’s still plenty of time for you to enjoy the ice bar or the multi-level ski themed funhouse. Or, meet Santa at Santaland. 

Fulham Palace Christmas Fair

Want the holiday experience without the crowds and the hassle? Malpass recommends that you head to the Fulham Palace Christmas fair. “What makes the market special (apart from the stunning backdrop) is that it is home to local traders and small businesses. “Any gifts you choose will be one-of-a kind,” says he. 

Trafalgar Square Holiday Market

Central London has many Christmas markets, but this one is the best. Trafalgar Square Noone loves this song. He says, “What I like most about Christmas in Trafalgar Square’s setting is the atmosphere.” Trafalgar Square offers views of Whitehall and Big Ben, as well as the Houses of Parliament.

Winter Market at Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre is all about food Winter MarketThis event will run until January 4, 2019. The pop-up chalets are decorated in Alpine style and offer truffle burgers. They also serve lobster buns and Dutch pancakes. 

Christmas in Covent Garden

It is my personal favorite holiday destination. Covent Garden—but, fair warning, it will be crowded. The Covent Garden Market Building and the cobblestoned piazza turn into an entire world of festive activities—all accented with lights, ribbons, garlands, and an impressive 60-foot Christmas tree. Apple Market – a year round market – is located inside the Market Building. Here you can browse stalls with antiques and art, as well jewelry and handmade crafts.

Don’t miss Holiday Displays

Carnaby Streets, New Bond Streets, and Regent Streets

Central London is worth a visit, even if you are not looking for presents. Noone claims that shops on New Bond and Carnaby Streets “go all-out with their festive displays.” Malpass recommends visiting nearby Regent Street to see “beautiful Christmas lights” as well as Liberty, the iconic department shop housed in an historic Tudor Revival-style building and its famous fourth floor Christmas shop.

Annabel’s

 “If you have a moment, wander over to Annabel’s In Berkeley Square, you can see the famously Instagrammable facade of Christmas. Noone: “It is a sight that will be remembered.” Tatiana Kharchylava designed the giant snow globe that adorned the entrance to The Birley Clubs in 2024.

Trafalgar Square Tree Christmas Tree

Noone says that seeing the Trafalgar square Christmas tree is one of her favorite holiday traditions. The tree is usually a Norwegian Spruce gifted by Oslo. It stands over 65 feet tall and is lit every year on the first of December. “The tree is beautiful, with its hundreds of white lights. You can listen to carols around it most evenings,” says Mr. He. 

The Churchill Arms

The festive season in London begins, according to me, when Winter Wonderland opens. The Churchill Arms’ “The display has been switched on,” Malpass says. It is decorated with a staggering 80 Christmas trees, and 22,000 fairies lights. What’s a London trip without a visit to an iconic British pub? 

Additional Festive Activities

Watch a West End show.

London’s West End theaters are well known for their range of performances: comedies, dramas, Shakespearean plays, and everything in between. Then, when the holidays come, they step it up a notch and add productions such as the “Nutcracker” You can also find out more about the following: “The Snowman” to their lineup—”Perfect for a cozy winter night out,” says Noone. 

Enjoy an afternoon tea with a festive feel. 

Afternoon tea doesn’t have to be a meal. It’s an experience—especially during the holidays—and most luxury hotels typically have a special Christmas menu. At Althoff St. James’s Hotel & ClubFor example, you can enjoy Santa’s trifle and a chocolate and cherry yule-log, or a Christmas tree with chocolate sponge and orange mousse. The Rubens at The Palace Have a “Winter Wonderland,” afternoon tea with a glass or two of mulled wines to celebrate the holiday season. 

Shop for gifts at Fortnum & Mason and Harrods.

You still have some loved ones you need to buy for? Two London locations are worth saving in your Google Maps: Fortnum & Mason You can also find out more about the following: Harrods. “For an authentic British Christmas experience, I highly recommend a visit to Fortnum & Mason,” says Noone. Malpass adds that Fortnum’s has the distinction of being the oldest department store in the world. If you have only time to visit one, then this is it. A short bus or Tube ride away, Harrods also has a Christmas department—outfitted with gifts, ornaments, and all types of baubles. Take a look at the intricate lighting on its Brompton Road façade.   

Go ice skating at Somerset House.

There’s nothing that signals the holiday season quite like ice skating, and London has more than a handful of rinks to choose from—Hyde Park, Hampton Court Palace, Canary Wharf, and Somerset House, to name a few. Malpass, however, prefers the latter.  “While it’s not the biggest rink, it’s one of my absolute favorites in London—the backdrop is simply wonderful,” he says. 

Hotels for a Festive Getaway

The Langham London

The Langham, London goes above and beyond for its guests—but it feels particularly opulent around the holidays. The hotel has partnered with Hamleys, the famous toy store, to create a magical experience for families. This includes a children’s afternoon snack inspired by historical toys, and a Christmas tree placed in each suite.

The Stafford London

St. James’s is a hidden gem in the middle of St. James’s. The Stafford London It feels like an exclusive holiday, and I have been dreaming about it ever since my last visit in December. The hotel is transformed into a Christmas wonderland each year with more than 100 trees scattered throughout the property. 

NoMad London

NoMad London The hotel is located just a few steps away from the Covent Garden Christmas Market. This puts you right in the middle of everything festive. In the past, the hotel has hosted a Christmas pop-up, a cheerful event with holiday cocktails—like the Ho, Ho, Hot Chocolate and Gnome Alone—mulled wine and eggnog.

The Hari London

If you choose a centrally-located hotel, it’s easier to squeeze in as many activities during your holiday as possible. The Hari London is right near Chelsea, Kensington, and Knightsbridge—so after you stop by Harrods and explore Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, you can retreat to the hotel for spiced cocktails on the Garden Terrace. 

11 Cadogan Gardens

Chelsea, New York is the location of this hotel. 11 Cadogan Gardens The perfect balance between comfort and festivity with its exclusive Christmas package. Along with complimentary breakfast and accommodations for two, guests receive festive cocktails, an afternoon tea and a gift on arrival. 

Tips on Planning a London Holiday

Book as early as you can. 

Malpass advises, “Be prepared for a busy and crowded city.” London is magical this time of the year, and all central areas will be crowded. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book early for restaurants, theater tickets and attractions.

Don’t forget flexibility when planning your schedule. 

You’ll still want to allow some time for unscheduled exploration. Take in the festive storefronts, marvel at the twinkling lights of Christmas, and enjoy the holiday spirit. Noone says that walking is the best way to explore London.

Plan Christmas Day in advance. 

Malpass warns: “Christmas Day, the only day of the year when all businesses are closed and public transport is not available,” is one example. The dining options are limited and usually limited to pubs or hotel restaurants. If you are going to be in London for the 25th of December, either plan to stay in your own neighborhood or budget to hire a taxi or private vehicle and double-check all your dinner reservations.