Visiting London at Christmas
Considering visiting London at Christmas? Perhaps you’ve been enticed by all the beautiful photos you’ve seen on Instagram? Maybe you know someone who went to London at Christmas and told you about it? Or perhaps you’ve seen a British Christmas movie that got you curious?
I’ve lived in London for 11 years. London at Christmas is by far when the town is the most beautiful. Mr Sunny and I make it our mission every year to visit as many Christmas markets, holiday activities and decorated locations as we can.
This means I can give you all the information for visiting London at Christmas in a way that will save you time and money because it’s from a local’s perspective.
You can read the text below. Or- watch the YouTube video I published which shares shots of the points I explain.
Visiting London at Christmas- Weather
First, just stop fantasizing about snow caps on Big Ben and Parliament.
In 11 years, I have seen snow on maybe ten days in London. Two, maybe three, of those days were in December. A lot of what you see as iconic London in winter photos are very carefully edited images on Instagram.
And they’re outdated.
But, you may have heard about Snow every hour in Covent Garden. Take a look at my thoughts on it in this video below.
The average temperature is between 40-50 degrees. And yes, it can rain often in December. You also should know that the days are very short in comparison to America, especially in the southern US states.
Daylight begins around 8am and ends by 4pm.
Visiting London at Christmas- Book Early
Aside from Theatre tickets, you’ll want to book everything you’re interested in doing ahead of time. I find the best ticket prices for shows are on TodayTix.
As the season gets closer, I will share specific things to do in London this Christmas that I suggest. However, what’s always on my list is a Candelight Concert.
You can read my review about my first experience Candlelight Concert here.
The two attractions that will sell out fastest are Winter Wonderland and Christmas at Kew Gardens. So be sure each year at the end of July that you are watching for those ticket release dates. (If you saw my Things to Do in London in August update, you know they’ve gone on sale for 2024!)
You actually didn’t need tickets for Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland until 2021. Because, Covid changed that.
Also, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you MUST go to Hogwarts in the Snow. It’s been quite a few years since I went. But, it certainly made an impression on me!
My weekly emails in which I share all the news about London’s food, life and culture will let you know when the booking dates for 2024 will be. And- in the emails you can learn Mr Sunny’s Pub of the Week suggestion.
Oh! And by subscribing you get my Free Insider’s Guide to Hidden Gems of London too!
Visiting London at Christmas- Lights and Decorations
Like many cosmopolitan cities, the lights and decorations are magical. However, knowing which ones to see and how to group them together will help you plan your trip when visiting London at Christmas.
I suggest you see these four areas together since they’re in close proximity to each other:
- Covent Garden – 12th November 2024 (decorations change every 3-4 years)
- Regent Street- 7th November 2024
- Carnaby Street- 7th November 2024
- Oxford Street – 5th November 2024
- Bond Street (was 16th November 2023)
Dates are usually released for the current year in mid-October, so I will be sure to update the list then annually. However, neighbourhoods tend to stick to the same day each year.
However, if you are pressed for time and don’t mind spending money to save aggravation, you should book a London Christmas lights bus tour that takes you past the main attractions in one easy trip.
You will sacrifice all the selfies in the individual areas, but if you’re not looking to practice your low light photography skills and glow up your Insta, then it could be a viable option for you.
If you have more time, other Christmas lights and decorations will be in these areas:
- Old Spitafields Market – 13th November 2024
- Leadenhall Market, 14th November 2024
- Belgravia, 17th November 2024
- Marylebone Village, 13th November 2024
- Mayfair, 16th November 2023
- Skate at Somerset House, 13th November-12th January 2025
- St Christopher’s Place, 14th November 2024
- Trafalgar Square, first weekend of December
- West End (Leicester Square, St Martin’s Lane, Piccadilly) 6th November 2024
- Winter Wonderland, 15th November 2024
- Kew Gardens – 13th November 2024
Christmas Markets
While the Christmas markets in London aren’t quite like what you’ll find in Europe, I still love them. This is a list of the top ones to visit in London.
- Christmas by the River at London Bridge (1 November – 5 January 2025)
- Borough Market at Christmas
- Trafalgar Square (10 November – 2 January 2024)
- Southbank Centre (1 November- 26 December 2024)
- King’s Cross Christmas Markets
- Greenwich Christmas Market (20 November – 26 December 2024)
- Leicester Square (6 November – 5 January 2025)
- Spitafields Christmas Market (29 November – 24 December 2024)
- Winter Wonderland Christmas Market (21 November 2024- 5 January 2025)
Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
There’s also another idea for those who want to double up on festive activities. You might want to take a Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in town. There are a few considerations that I bring up in my article that you’ll want to take before booking, but I had a lot of fun on both of the tours below.
Visiting London at Christmas- Store And Restaurant Decorations
Not only should you be ready for all the major Department stores to show their festive flair, but also there are other places that make a big effort to decorate for the holidays.
Department Store windows not to miss:
- Oxford Street- John Lewis and Selfridges
- Regent Street- Hamley’s
- Carnaby Street- Liberty of London
- Knightsbridge- Harrods and Harvey Nichols
Specialty Locations:
- Clos Maggiore, restaurant in Covent Garden
- Annabel’s- private members’ club in Mayfair
- The Ivy, locations throughout London
- Tiffany’s- Bond Street
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Visiting London at Christmas- Trees to See
Since London is a city that is quite big, there are beautiful Christmas trees spread out over many places.
The best ones each year to visit in London are ranked below from my favourite to least preferred:
- Covent Garden
- Somerset House
- Christmas by the River, London Bridge Hay’s Galleria
- Leadenhall Market
- King’s Cross St Pancras International Station
- Coal Drops Yard (King’s Cross)
- Trafalgar Square
If you’re from New York City, you will likely think that Trafalgar Square will be the iconic London Christmas Tree to see because of its ‘famous’ location.
If that’s the case, you’ll probably want to watch the video I reference above to get the skinny on why you could be wasting your time with the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree.
Christmas Food to Eat
As a foodie, I must mention the culinary highlights of the season that you should consider.
- Festive afternoon teas at luxury hotels
- Street food at Christmas markets
- Christmas sandwiches at chain shops like Pret a Manger
- Christmas burgers
Here’s a little video about the differences between US vs UK Christmas food for you, if you’re an American who will be visiting London at Christmas.
Visiting London at Christmas- Getting Around Town
Transportation around London is where you will find a big difference in what people visiting London need and what is actually available.
In summary, it can be limited.
For example, on Christmas Day there are no busses, overground trains or underground stations operation trains. So, if you’re flying in to London on Christmas Day, book a car service in advance and know that the prices will exceed anything you’ve seen elsewhere on the internet.
Additionally, I’ve been at many Central London stations in December where they temporarily closed at peak times due to overcrowding. Yes, I eventually got on a train. But, rather than being trapped underground with masses of people, I stood in a large, unorganised crowd outside the station and waited for it to reopen.
Also for the past few years the TFL (Transportation for London) held several strike actions on key shopping and travel weekends. Luckily, I was able to plan around them because of the advance notice. However, if you’re on a trip visiting London at Christmas, you will want to keep these possibilities of closures and delays in mind.
Hotels in London
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet for your London trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on the most central location in town.
Visiting London at Christmas- Pubs
While you might not be able to catch a ride easily on public transportation, you can always count on the Brits for a place to drink during the holidays.
You’ll find many pubs and restaurants open on Christmas Day, but again the best ones will be booked early. To learn more about the special things London Pubs do at Christmas, watch the video below.
The King’s Speech
If you know- you know. And that means- you tune in at 3pm to watch the King’s Speech if you know how to truly be a subject of the Crown.
Each year His Majesty the King addresses the United Kingdom. His speech usually features a theme of unity and inspiration.
Visiting London at Christmas- Boxing Day
While British people can’t really articulate a clear idea of what this Bank Holiday really means, it’s important to know about what actually happens if you’re visiting London at Christmas.
You can research the history behind the day after Christmas to find it’s true derivation. However, British people traditionally eat leftovers (Bubble and Squeak) and hit the Boxing Day sales at all the retail stores.
Over the past few years the impact of these sales has been decreased by the adoption of Black Friday sales in England.
I have no idea why, since Black Friday is a truly American shopping concept and I review that in the video below.
Nonetheless, if you’re visiting London at Christmas you’ll want to be prepared for what happens during the Boxing Day sales.
Department store queues can be long before they open but most Londoners aren’t too fussed about being the first ones in shops, unlike Americans. You will find crowds later in the day so it’s best to hit those deals early to avoid disappointment.
Visiting London at Christmas- Final Thoughts
What are your biggest questions and concerns about visiting London at Christmas that you think I can answer? Please write them in the comments below.
I have tons of articles on the topic on my blog as well as video. You don’t want to miss those for more ideas about how to plan your trip to visit London at Christmas.
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- London Bridge Christmas Markets
- American and British Christmas Movies
- US vs UK Christmas Differences
Related Christmas Things to Do in London articles
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