The vast amount of things to do in London at Christmas draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year – and tempts residents out to pastures unexplored in search of festive fun. Typically, chilled-out shopping streets and squares across the city transform into sprawling Christmas markets scented by roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, where vendors rustle up other sweet treats and crafty souls sell their wares. Some big-hitters – see Camden Market, Winter Wonderland and the South Bank – are bucket list London attractions for good reason. Still, you’ll benefit from visiting off-peak once yuletide mania truly hits the city. Otherwise, there are plenty of Christmas events in London’s leafier suburbs, from wholesome markets to ceramic workshops. Here, we list the events and attractions the editors at Condé Nast Traveller have their eye on.
What is Christmas in London like?
Christmas in London is one of the busiest times of the year for all the right reasons. Shopfronts dazzle with spectacular window displays, glittering lights illuminate iconic streets, and the capital's restaurants, bars, hotels, and entertainment venues host a diverse range of shows and events. If you're visiting from out of town, planning your itinerary is essential. Everything from theatre shows to restaurant tables and afternoon teas book up far in advance, especially the glitzy bucket-list spots, so arriving with a list of priorities and travel plans is the key to experiencing the best of the city's festivities.
Where to stay in London for Christmas?
Where to stay in London at Christmas all depends on what you’ve packed into your itinerary. To be in the tourist heart of the capital, near events and attractions such as the bright lights of Covent Garden and South Bank’s market, you can’t beat a stay at The Savoy, one of the city’s most historic properties. For easy access to Winter Wonderland and the chic pop-ups that take over Mayfair, check into The Lanesborough or Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. For more inspiration, see our complete guide to London’s best Christmas stays.
Are the tubes running on Christmas Day?
Tubes do not operate on Christmas Day. According to TFL, “The only transport running on Christmas Day will be taxi and private hire services, Santander Cycles, electric scooter rental trials (in some boroughs), coaches, Dial-a-Ride (for registered members only) and some bus routes run by other operators.”
In addition, there are no night tube or night overground services on Boxing Day. Rail works aside, normal service resumes on Saturday 27 December.
Do pubs open during Christmas?
Many London pubs open on Christmas Day, although many only welcome punters for a few hours. With no London Underground service, pubs in the capital’s suburbs are more inclined to open their doors. While some open their doors in the afternoon for those craving a festive pint, others go the whole hog, serving multi-course Christmas lunches that require booking well in advance.
Where is the best place to walk in London for Christmas?
For anyone staying in the heart of the capital, many of London’s green spaces are open as usual on Christmas Day, including Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park – although Winter Wonderland is closed. We’re big fans of building up an appetite on a Christmas morning walk but, if in doubt, head to one of the capital’s commons or heaths, as some gated parks do keep their doors closed. For more inspiration, plot your stroll with our guide to the 23 best walks in London.
What is the famous Christmas street in London?
Oxford Street and Regent Street are the most famous Christmas streets in London. However, this is thanks to their dazzling Christmas lights – you won’t find much, if anything, happening across these shopping streets on Christmas Day. However, the lights will continue to illuminate the capital after dark, as will Bond Street’s glittering storefronts.
Indulge in a Christmas afternoon tea
Not all Christmas afternoon teas are made equal. While most hotels offer a version, the ones we recommend at Condé Nast Traveller range from some of the glitziest in town to affordable gems. One of the capital’s most indulgent afternoon teas doubles up as the perfect excuse to smarten up for the afternoon – and peek inside one of the world’s most iconic hotels. It’s The Ritz’s festive afternoon tea, of course. The Palm Court has been transformed into an Edwardian winter wonderland adorned with opulent red and gold trimmings, where cake stands are filled with seasonal treats up until Saturday 3 January 2026.
The Rubens at the Palace is marking the season with a Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea inspired by timeless British traditions. See the vision of executive pastry chef Sarah Houghting and afternoon tea manager Kamal Kamal come to life through roast turkey, pork and apple stuffing finger sandwiches, spiced fruit scones with seasonal preserves, and various fantastical treats. The hotel is also marking the most wonderful time of the year through a partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – see the orchestra’s Christmas Cracker spectacular at Cadogan Hall on Saturday 6 December.
Other favourites include JOIA’s delightfully affordable afternoon tea with a view across the glittering Battersea Power Station – where you’ll also find a series of markets throughout December. Elsewhere, Dalloway Terrace’s offering provides the perfect excuse to indulge under festive foliage, while Rosewood London celebrates the life of Charles Dickens in a snuggly take on the quintessentially British pastime. For all the latest on the capital’s tastiest offerings, see our curated guide to the best Christmas afternoon teas in London for 2025.
Head to a festive market
While the likes of Portobello Road and Borough are on everyone’s bucket lists, the large crowds they attract can multiply in the lead-up to Christmas. Winter Wonderland has become a major attraction, taking over Hyde Park between November and December, and is equally busy as families flock from across the country to seek thrills on rollercoaster rides and enjoy immersive experiences such as the Ice Bar.
The handful of Christmas markets that pop up across the capital around mid-November (see our guide to the best Christmas markets in London for the ultimate bucket list) can sway in the ‘touristy’ direction. While we’re no strangers to a riverside mulled wine along the Southbank or a mooch and munch under the mistletoe in Borough Market, the most authentic markets tend to be outside the centre of the city.
“I always swing by Pexmas, which is a local makers market in Peckham. Small businesses and independent brands take over Copeland Park, and it’s a great place to pick up Christmas gifts (and maybe the odd treat for yourself)”, says Abigail Malbon, Condé Nast Traveller’s global audience development manager. It’s one of several markets that celebrate independent makers, bakers and entertainers in the boroughs that Londoners tend to live in – just slightly outside the hustle and bustle of the centre. These include Wimbledon Village’s Christmas in the Village celebrations, where face painters, storytellers and arts and crafts experts delight little ones while adults sip boozy hot chocolates and tuck into fare from street food stalls.
Here are some of our favourite insider Christmas markets to add to the diary throughout December:
- 6 - 7 December: Pexmas, Copeland Park
- 6 - 7 December: Black Culture Market, Department Store Brixton
- 7 December: Christmas in the Village, Wimbledon Village
- 13 - 14 December: North London Makers' Market, Abney Hall
- 20 December: Angel Foundation Christmas Craft Fair, Walthamstow Library
- 21 December: Wembley Park Festive Market
Admire the festive window displays
One of our favourite free things to do at Christmas in London is, quite simply, to set off on foot and soak up the festive atmosphere. London’s iconic department stores and designer flagships put on quite the show this time of year, turning their windows into glittering exhibits that stop shoppers and workers in their tracks.
Harrods never fails to put on a dazzling display and, once you’ve gazed through the glass, there’s plenty happening inside throughout December. Join Jayne Redmond on Saturday 13, Sunday 14, Friday 19 or Saturday 20 December for bauble personalisation for the ultimate hand-painted gift or addition to the tree, or swing by the children's wear retail weekend between Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December for a host of activations.
Some of the most impressive Christmas window displays in London for 2025 can be found at Selfridges, as the department store collaborates with Disney to bring Londoners a fairytale experience from the curb. The Oxford Street store has transformed into a bespoke façade and light show featuring an iconic Disney Castle, inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris.
Meanwhile, the theme of Fortnum & Mason’s legendary window displays this year is Mojo – a reawakening of Fortnum's festive spirit as a mystical fantasy. Each of the six windows dazzles with enchanting light displays, layered scenery and exquisitely hand-painted creatures backed by deep purples, blues and greens, echoing the rich colour palette of Fortnum’s festive packaging. Across the windows, each scene captures a different moment of festive magic, from snow-dusted landscapes and forests of twinkling stars to moonlit seas and glittering grottoes.
An amble down Bond Street, clutching a steaming hot chocolate, is another way to get in the spirit. Many designer brands transform their storefronts into incredible festive facades, outdoing one another year after year as crowds gather outside each evening. Among this year’s glitziest storefronts in Cartier’s, as the historic New Bond Street boutique has been decorated with a music and light show that delights passers-by every half hour between 4.30pm and 10.30pm. Further down the street, Louis Vuitton invites shoppers to Le Voyage des Lumières, an enchanting voyage through dreams and a celebration of the magic of the holidays.
Insider tip: Aside from the designer flagships and department stores, some of London’s most charming delis receive a festive transformation, too. The halls are well and truly decked across Ottolenghi’s London stores, while the shelves at Mayfair’s Farm Shop are overflowing with seasonal treats. See our guide to London’s best festive delis and embark on what might just be the tastiest self-guided city tour going.
In Mayfair, wine and spirits emporium Hedonism has geared up for a season of festivities with a calendar of tastings and events from brands including Brugal Rum, The Macallan Whisky and The Glenrothes. Its spectacular window display features treats spilling onto the street atop a particularly festive table spread, with partner brands front and centre.
Festive dining
December is the peak time of the year for the best restaurants in London. Our favourite eateries across the city deck the halls, transforming a great meal into one of the best things to do in London at Christmas. We asked Condé Nast Traveller's resident foodies what their favourite hideouts are for a cosy feast in the lead-up to Christmas:
“I love Dean Street Townhouse at Christmas – it's really festive, especially if you bag a seat by the fireplace. Breakfast at The Wolseley is also a festive tradition; we go for a warming breakfast of kedgeree or a full English surrounded by the decorations, and then walk up to Fortnum & Mason to see the windows and grab some Christmas essentials.” Sarah Allard, digital director
“In Notting Hill, especially this time of year, I always bounce between Wild (sister restaurant to Wild Tavern in Chelsea Green, which I equally rate) and the Walmer Castle. Both put a big effort into the Christmas cosies, but the Walmer's upstairs dining room is all fireplaces and full-bodied reds.” Tamara Southward, commerce producer
“Tucked away down an Islington side street, The Draper’s Arms is the perfect spot to gather with friends and indulge in some festive feasting. The roast here is among the best in London that I’ve found (and trust me when I say, I’ve sampled my fair share). It's served sharer-style in a gorgeous high-ceilinged dining room that feels as though you could be in someone’s, albeit rather lovely, home.” Lucy Bruton, social media manager
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“For a deliciously classic lunch once Advent rolls around, you can’t beat St John. It’s your favourite chef’s favourite restaurant: order bone marrow on toast, mutton broth and ox heart for a reassuringly Henry VIII spread and let yourself be looked after by a team who never misses a step.” Sarah James, digital editor
“The Camberwell Arms is an old faithful for festive meals. It's cosy, comforting and does epic roasts – we typically take over part of the back dining room on one long table, and while away the hours with secret Santa gift giving and cocktail drinking, before ordering big sharing plates to feast on.” Olivia Morelli, digital features editor
“Indian food is a must over the festive period, and nowhere does it better than Ganapati in Peckham. The local favourite is a cosy spot that's perfect for sharing – order a bunch of dishes and divide them between friends and family. My pick is always the Tirupati aubergine and Kerala paratha." Abigail Malbon, global audience development manager
“The Spread Eagle in Hackney is my favourite festive spot, decorated head-to-toe in tinsel, Friday karaoke to scream Mariah Carey at and an unbeatable vegan roast. It's cosy, and has a great wine list.” Chloe Laws, Acting Senior Manager, Audience Development
For the ultimate festive dining experience, indulge in Christmas lunch aboard The British Pullman, A Blemond Train. Get in the spirit on the platform at Victoria Station as a band welcomes guests, before the train pulls out of the station and the first glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne is poured. The Champagne house has teamed up with Belmond’s iconic train to present one of London’s chicest multi-course dining experiences, spanning house-cured salmon tartare and a Black Forest dessert, among other courses, on either side of a traditional Christmas lunch. However, it’s the main course’s accompaniment that thrills oenophiles in bedecked Art Deco carriages – a glass of Veuve Cliquot La Grande Dame 2018, a floral vintage crafted from 90 per cent Pinot Noir.
Meanwhile, it’s fondue season at The Montague on the Gardens. Step into the chalet-style Winter Lodge, complete with a cosy corner fireplace and shimmering Christmas tree for a lip-smacking two-hour experience. The fondue comes with potatoes, pickles, and – most importantly – a hefty amount of bread. The fondue itself is made from Swiss cheeses like Emmental and Vacherin, and tasted incredibly authentic. The friendly, warm service is the cherry (or cheese) on top.
For more dining inspiration in London, see our complete guides:
- The new London restaurants to try
- The best restaurants in East London
- The best restaurants in Covent Garden
- The best Italian restaurants in London
- The best Chinese restaurants in London
- The best Indian restaurants in London
See the hotel Christmas trees
Throughout November and December, London’s hotels declare their festive season truly underway with spectacular light switch-ons, glitzy parties and, of course, an extraordinary Christmas tree. Londoners have witnessed the rise of the designer Christmas tree in recent years, with the respective partnerships being just as much a statement and reflection of the hotel as the tree itself. Here, we highlight the prettiest Christmas trees in London that are well worth poking your head into a fabulous hotel lobby for – sticking around for Champagne is optional, but a delightful experience.
The Ned
The Ned has a special partnership with The Macallan for 2025, marking the first Christmas tree collaboration between the two iconic brands. The Christmas tree captures the artistry, heritage, and craftsmanship synonymous with both The Ned and The Macallan single malt Scotch whisky, standing proudly in the historic grand banking hall, adorned with The Macallan’s signature red woven through elements of oak and copper.
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45 Park Lane
This Dorchester Collection hotel’s festive soiree has become the talk of the town over the years. This year, 45 Park Lane unveiled its Artist’s Christmas Tree, designed by Ian Turnock – an evergreen tree decorated in Turnock’s sculptural decorations.
Claridge’s
As usual, the hottest tree unveiling came courtesy of Claridge’s and Burberry’s chief creative officer, Daniel Lee. The 16-foot tree is decorated with bows, a Victorian symbol of unity, made from surplus Burberry fabrics, and covered in wild foliage and thistle. “Claridge’s has always felt like home from the moment you walk through its doors, a true symbol of elegance and British heritage where I’ve enjoyed many special moments over the years. Being invited to design the hotel’s annual Christmas tree is a huge honour. I saw it as an opportunity to celebrate tradition and togetherness – expressing the season through vibrant colours and rich textures. Christmas is my favourite time of the year”, Daniel Lee said following its reveal at the end of November.
The London Edition
Cookery writer Skye McAlpine had the honour of designing The London Edition’s 2025 Christmas tree. Gingerbread houses adorn the branches and a village of her edible creations sits below in a whimsical take on the festive season.
The Goring
One of London’s most historic and quintessentially English hotels, The Goring, has revealed a Christmas tree created in partnership with heritage fashion brand Lulu Guinness. Taking inspiration from Lulu Guinness’ most recognisable motifs, the London Calling tree in the hotel’s reception is adorned with a winding scarlet ribbon and Lulu Guinness’ signature red lips, with miniature London postboxes and phoneboxes glowing like winter lanterns around the bottom. Managing director of The Goring, Jeremy Goring, said: “Lulu Guinness makes beautifully mad, very British accoutrements. It’s been a delight to partner up with her to create something very, very festive and also fun. I am sure this year the tree will (literally) bring a smile to the faces of our guests.”
Art’otel London Hoxton
Art’otel London Hoxton’s offering is arguably one of the most unconventional in the capital this year. Designed by acclaimed artist Shane Keeling, the installation strays from the traditional evergreen and baubles, offering a striking centre-piece made from shattered white porcelain toys, carefully reconstructed and interwoven with festive lights. “Ultimately, I’ve made a massive, unplayable toy for Christmas,” said Keeling – “Artwork that’s serious about its silliness – made to be pondered, not touched.”
The Connaught
One of the few Christmas trees in London to sit outside of the hotel lobby, The Connaught’s offering is the work of influential Swiss-born contemporary visual artist Urs Fischer. The 31-foot-tall Nordmann Fir draws inspiration from Fischer’s installation People – first seen in 2022 at Gagosian in New York, with spheres filled with AI-generated faces, each illuminated from within by LED light, evoking people of all ages, races, and places sharing in collective experiences.
Take a Christmas light tour
The Condé Nast Traveller elves have pulled together the ultimate Christmas lights walking route through the capital for guaranteed glittering illuminations. See our Instagram reel below, along with step-by-step instructions.
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- Begin with the Regent Street angels and watch as they illuminate one of London’s most famous streets in all their shimmering glory.
- From Regent Street, head through Mayfair to Bond Street, where hotels and designer flagships pull out all the stops to illuminate the city’s fanciest shopping destination.
- Take a stroll to Fortnum & Mason’s Piccadilly store to see the famous window displays, before looping round to see the iconic Annabel’s members’ club facade.
- Fancy maxxing out the step count? Take a 35-minute walk (or a 20-minute tube) away from the hustle and bustle to Sloane Square, which has received a fabulous festive makeover courtesy of Ralph Lauren.
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There are plenty more Christmas Lights in London, sure to add some festive cheer to a stroll, many sticking around until the beginning of January. There’s the shooting stars above Oxford Street, the baubles and bells of Covent Garden, and the sparkling tailor's tools of Savile Row to be spotted.
Heading through the heart of the city? Keep an eye out for The Shard’s Christmas light display, which celebrates the creativity of 12 talented individuals from within the building itself across a series of 12 unique light sequences that illuminate the heavens.
Theatre and immersive experiences
A trip to the theatre has long been a favourite festive pastime of Londoners, as West End theatres receive a sparkly makeover and a series of seasonal shows pop up in beloved fringe theatres. In recent years, various immersive experiences and trails have begun to rival the traditional theatre experience – ideal for restless little ones. Here are some of the shows and experiences the Condé Nast Traveller editors have seen in recent weeks.
The Gruffalo’s Child
You’d be hard-pushed to find a child (or a parent, for that matter) who doesn’t know and love Julia Donaldson’s series of imaginative stories, namely The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child. This winter, children’s theatre company Tall Stories is bringing the book to life on stage at Lyric Theatre in central London. The hour-long performance tells a snowy tale befitting Christmas, at family-friendly showing times (as early as 10.30am and no later than 4.30pm throughout the week). Embrace the buzz of the city at peak season and start with a trip to the West End, before wandering the festive light displays on Regent Street and warming up at the German markets on Trafalgar Square. The show runs until 11 January 2026.
Address: Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES
Website: thelyrictheatre.co.uk
Chiswick House
For particularly family-friendly outings, head a little further out. Chiswick House has opened its doors to festive visitors for the first time at Christmas, transforming its interior into scenes inspired by ‘The Beloved Twelve Days of Christmas’ carol. Transporting audiences back to the 18th century, theatrical installations, lavishly decorated rooms and costumes aplenty will keep adults entertained, while children can visit the traditional Santa’s Grotto for a truly festive family day out. Jessica Rach
Address: Chiswick House, Burlington Lane, Chiswick, London W4 2RP
Website: chiswickhousechristmas.com
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The Paddington Bear Experience
Take the children to dance under the snow in Windsor Gardens as The Paddington Bear Experience undergoes a festive makeover throughout December. Step into Paddington Station, where train masters serve you mince pies under the towering Christmas Tree before whipping you off to help Mrs Brown and Mrs Bird prepare for Marmalade Day. An exciting orange hunt through the Brown household and the Peruvian jungle culminates in hot chocolate and marmalade sandwiches in Windsor Gardens, where you’ll even get to meet everyone’s favourite bear. Jessica Rach
Address: The Paddington Bear Experience, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
Website: paddingtonbearexperience.com
ABBA Voyage
What's more joyful than a night at ABBA Voyage? A night at ABBA Voyage during Christmastime! Winter at the ABBA Arena features a magical winter garden where guests can gather before the show to drink and dance. The new heated winter bar is a welcome space serving festive-themed cocktails, mulled wine, and cider, and there's festive-themed food on offer too. Superfans will love the additional Christmas-themed merchandise – there's definitely room on your tree for an ABBA Voyage bauble. Abigail Malbon
Address: ABBA Arena, 1 Pudding Mill Lane, London E15 2RU
Website: abbavoyage.com
The Importance of Being Earnest
While the festive makeover may not extend far beyond the Noël Coward Theatre’s foyer, there’s no denying that tickets for director Max Webster’s take on the Oscar Wilde classic are some of the most coveted in the capital right now. The all-star cast includes Olly Alexander as Algernon Moncrieff, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Jack Worthing, Hugh Dennis as the Reverend Canon Chasuble, and Stephen Fry as Lady Bracknell. 21st-century colloquialisms and allusions (The Vauxhall Tavern, anyone?) collide with Wilde’s beloved original text in a camp celebration with a finale that has everyone on their feet.
Address: Noël Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4AU
Website: noelcowardtheatre.co.uk
Looking for something a little quirkier? Each year, stars of stage, screen (and miscellaneous origin) take to the stage in some of London’s most storied theatres for tongue-in-cheek takes on fairytale classics. Some of the biggest pantomimes for 2025 include the New Wimbledon Theatre’s take on Robin Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk at Lyric Hammersmith, and the London Palladium’s Sleeping Beauty spectacular starring Catherine Tate and Julian Clary.