Spending Christmas in London: what to see, what to do and where to stay?

You've decided to spend Christmas in London and wondering how to make the most of this magical experience? Look no further! In this article, we'll guide you through the best activities, must-see places, hotels to stay in and restaurants to indulge in. Get ready to experience an unforgettable Christmas in the British capital!

The best places to rest after a festive day

The Z Hotel Piccadilly, a haven of peace in the heart of London

Ideally located in central London, the Z Hotel Piccadilly is an excellent choice to fully enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. This modern and comfortable hotel offers elegant and well-equipped rooms at affordable prices. Just steps away from the main attractions and shopping streets, you'll be at the heart of the festive action.

In addition to its privileged location, the Z Hotel Piccadilly offers warm and attentive service to make your stay even more enjoyable. After a long day of sightseeing, you can relax in their cozy lounge while sipping a glass of wine or a cup of tea.

The citizenM London Bankside, a design and artistic hotel

For art and design lovers, the citizenM London Bankside is the ideal place to stay in London. Located near the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre, this contemporary hotel offers high-tech and comfortable rooms, as well as a common living space filled with artworks and designer furniture.

The citizenM London Bankside also has a bar and restaurant on site, where you can enjoy international dishes and creative cocktails in a trendy atmosphere. Don't forget to enjoy their outdoor terrace to admire the city view and soak up the Christmas spirit.

The most beautiful Christmas lights and decorations in London

The sparkling lights of Regent Street and Oxford Street

Every year, London's most famous shopping streets transform into a real light show for Christmas. Regent Street and Oxford Street are must-sees to admire the magnificent illuminations and feel the festive atmosphere that reigns in the city.

The light decorations of these streets are among the most impressive in London, with sparkling garlands stretching for miles and magical shop windows. Don't hesitate to walk along these busy streets to do your Christmas shopping while enjoying the light show.

The enchanted Covent Garden market

Covent Garden market is a must-visit place during your stay in London during the Christmas period. This historic market is adorned with thousands of lights for the holidays, with a giant Christmas tree, light garlands and charming pop-up shops.

While strolling through the market aisles, you can find original gifts and taste local specialties. Don't miss the street performances and entertainment that add an extra touch of magic to the Christmas atmosphere at Covent Garden.

The dazzling Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street is another must-visit destination to discover London's Christmas lights. This pedestrian street is renowned for its original and creative decorations, which change every year. Expect to be amazed by innovative and colorful light installations.

In addition to the lights, Carnaby Street is also an excellent place to shop in independent boutiques and find unique gifts for your loved ones. Enjoy the festive atmosphere by strolling through the adjacent alleys and discovering the trendy bars and restaurants in the area.

The vibrant Soho district in celebration

Christmas in London wouldn't be complete without a visit to the famous Soho district. This vibrant and cosmopolitan neighborhood dresses up in its most beautiful decorations for the holidays, with illuminated streets, festive shop windows and an electric atmosphere.

Soho is the perfect place to enjoy London nightlife, with its numerous bars, pubs and clubs. Don't miss having a glass of mulled wine in one of the traditional pubs in the area, or warming up with a good hot chocolate in a cozy café.

The big wheel, London Eye, the symbol of London

What better way to admire London's Christmas lights than to gain height? The London Eye gives you a breathtaking view of the city's sparkling lights and iconic monuments such as Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Thames.

Take advantage of this unique experience to immortalize your stay in London with breathtaking photos of the illuminated city. Remember to book your tickets in advance to avoid queues and choose the time slot that suits you best.

Trafalgar Square, London's most famous square for Christmas

Every year, the famous Trafalgar Square welcomes a huge Christmas tree offered by Norway as a sign of friendship between the two countries. This majestic tree, decorated with thousands of lights, stands proudly in the middle of the square and offers a magnificent spectacle.

Trafalgar Square is also the venue for many events during the holiday season, with concerts, shows and choirs that come to celebrate Christmas. Don't hesitate to stop to enjoy the festive atmosphere and take some souvenir photos in front of the giant tree.

Christmas in London, what activities to do?

Magical window displays and Christmas shopping

The Christmas period is the ideal time to go shopping in London, with its numerous shops and boutiques that dress up in their most beautiful decorations. Stroll along shopping streets such as Regent Street, Oxford Street and Carnaby Street to admire the magical window displays and find original gifts for your loved ones.

Department stores such as Harrods, Selfridges and Liberty are also must-sees for their festive atmosphere and their sections dedicated to Christmas decorations. Don't miss the pop-up shops that offer local products and handmade creations for unique gifts.

Christmas markets in London

London is renowned for its numerous Christmas markets that bloom all over the city during the holiday season. These markets offer a warm and friendly atmosphere, with wooden chalets offering culinary specialties from around the world, handicrafts and entertainment for young and old. You can walk through the Christmas markets, among the stalls, which offer artisanal, gastronomic, or souvenir products, for all tastes and all budgets. You can also warm up, with hot drinks, such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, or tea, which will make you forget the cold. Finally, you can indulge, with culinary specialties, such as sausages, pancakes, or mince pies, which will make you discover the flavors of Christmas.

Here are some examples of Christmas markets in London, which will make you live an unforgettable moment.

• Winter Wonderland, which is the largest and most famous Christmas market in London, located in Hyde Park, offering you more than 200 stalls, an ice rink, a big wheel, and fairground attractions

• Southbank Centre Winter Market, which is a cozy and warm Christmas market, located along the Thames, offering wooden chalets, local products, and cultural entertainment

• Christmas by the River, which is a picturesque and romantic Christmas market, located near Tower Bridge, offering artisanal products, sweet delights, and breathtaking views of the city

Skating on temporary ice rinks, a festive and fun activity

London has several temporary ice rinks set up in emblematic places in the city for the Christmas period. Put on your skates and let yourself be carried away in the magic of the holidays on one of these enchanted ice rinks.

Among the most renowned ice rinks, let's mention those at the Tower of London, the Natural History Museum or Somerset House. Each of these ice rinks offers a unique setting and festive atmosphere that will delight both young and old. Don't forget to book in advance to be sure to find a place at the most popular time slots.

Here are some examples of Christmas ice rinks in London, which will make you glide with happiness.

• Somerset House ice rink, which is the most elegant and prestigious ice rink in London, located in the courtyard of an 18th century palace, offering a 900 m² ice rink, surrounded by fir trees and lights

• Natural History Museum ice rink, which is the most magical and romantic ice rink in London, located in front of the museum facade, offering a 1000 m² ice rink, decorated with garlands and a giant tree

• Canary Wharf ice rink, which is the most modern and original ice rink in London, located in the business district, offering a 1300 m² ice rink, with an ice tunnel and light show

Christmas funfairs in London, a dive into a magical universe

During the Christmas period, London hosts several funfairs that offer attractions, rides and entertainment for the whole family. Don't miss visiting the famous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which offers a multitude of activities, shows and delicacies to immerse you in the magic of the holidays.

In addition to Winter Wonderland, other funfairs set up in the city, such as Winterville at Clapham Common or Christmas in Leicester Square. Each of these funfairs offers an enchanted universe and unforgettable memories for young and old.

Discovering the Harry Potter Studios at Christmas, "Hogwarts under the snow" atmosphere

For Harry Potter fans, a visit to the Warner Bros studios during the Christmas period is a real waking dream. The sets and costumes from the famous film are staged in a magical atmosphere, with snow-covered fir trees, light garlands and even a life-size replica of Hogwarts under the snow.

Walk through the corridors of the wizarding school, discover the filming secrets and take unforgettable souvenir photos in this enchanted setting. The studios also offer special workshops and entertainment for the holidays, such as the opportunity to taste hot butterbeer or participate in a magic potion class.

Visiting London, the best neighborhoods during the holiday season

1. Camden Town and Market, a journey into alternative and surprising London

Camden Town is a must-see neighborhood in London, renowned for its eclectic market and alternative atmosphere. During the Christmas period, Camden Market dresses up in its most beautiful decorations and offers entertainment and festive products to immerse you in the spirit of the holidays.

Stroll through the market aisles to find original gifts and taste local or international culinary specialties. Also take advantage of your visit to Camden Town to discover the many bars, pubs and concert halls that make the neighborhood famous.

2. Notting Hill, the elegant and colorful charm of Julia Roberts' neighborhood

The famous Notting Hill neighborhood is a must-see during your stay in London, with its colorful houses and cobbled streets. During the Christmas period, Notting Hill dresses up in festive decorations and offers numerous entertainment to celebrate the holidays in an elegant and warm atmosphere.

Don't miss visiting the Portobello Road market, where you can find vintage treasures and local handicrafts. Also take advantage of your passage through Notting Hill to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in one of the many tea rooms in the neighborhood.

3. Piccadilly Circus, London's Times Square

Piccadilly Circus is an emblematic square in London, often compared to New York's Times Square. During the Christmas period, the many luminous signs that border the square add an extra touch of magic to the city's festive atmosphere.

Take advantage of your passage through Piccadilly Circus to discover the adjacent shopping streets, such as Regent Street and Oxford Street, and to visit the famous Fortnum & Mason store, which offers gastronomic products and refined Christmas decorations.

4. Soho, the festive neighborhood not to miss

As mentioned previously, the Soho neighborhood is a must-see to enjoy the festive atmosphere and London nightlife. In addition to bars, pubs and clubs, Soho is also home to many restaurants, shops and theaters that will immerse you in the Christmas spirit.

Don't miss discovering the picturesque streets of the neighborhood, such as Carnaby Street and Kingly Court, which offer independent boutiques and heated terraces to enjoy a glass of mulled wine or a festive meal.

Tasting Christmas flavors in London's best restaurants

London is a city that is gourmet, and offers a great variety of restaurants, cafes, and tea rooms, for all tastes, all budgets, and all occasions. Whether you're looking for a cozy, trendy, or romantic place, you'll surely find your happiness. Here are some examples of places to eat in London, which will make you salivate and delight you.

1. Wagamama, a culinary journey around the world

Wagamama is a chain of Asian restaurants present throughout the city of London. Their menu offers a selection of tasty and balanced dishes, inspired by Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisines. During the Christmas period, Wagamama adds a festive touch to its menu with special dishes and seasonal cocktails.

If you're looking for a gourmet and exotic break during your stay in London, don't hesitate to stop at one of the many Wagamama restaurants in the city. You'll discover exotic flavors and comforting dishes to warm you up after a day of sightseeing.

2. Mazi, revisited Greek cuisine in the heart of Notting Hill

Mazi restaurant, located in the charming neighborhood of Notting Hill, offers modern and refined Greek cuisine in an elegant and friendly setting. Their menu revisits the classics of Greek gastronomy with fresh ingredients and careful presentations, for an unforgettable culinary experience.

During the Christmas period, Mazi offers a warm and festive atmosphere, with traditional decorations and seasonal dishes that highlight Mediterranean flavors. Book a table for a romantic dinner or family meal in this Greek restaurant like no other.

3. EL&N Cafe, a girly and gourmet tea time

EL&N Cafe is a chain of London tea rooms that stands out for its pink and feminine decor, delicious pastries and creative drinks. During the Christmas period, EL&N Cafe offers a festive tea time with cakes and cookies with seasonal flavors, as well as comforting hot drinks.

Treat yourself to a gourmet break in one of the many EL&N Cafes in London and enjoy a Christmas tea time in an enchanting setting. Don't forget to take some souvenir photos in this instagrammable tea room.

4. Breakfast Club, a festive brunch in Soho

The Breakfast Club is a restaurant located in the lively Soho neighborhood, which offers gourmet breakfasts and brunches in a retro and friendly atmosphere. During the Christmas period, the Breakfast Club adds a festive touch to its menu with special dishes and seasonal drinks.

Take advantage of your visit to Soho to enjoy a comforting brunch at the Breakfast Club and soak up the festive atmosphere of the neighborhood. Don't hesitate to share a sweet or savory dish with your loved ones to discover the flavors of English Christmas.

5. Le Pain Quotidien, a must for a gourmet break

If you want to have a healthy and tasty meal, you should go to Le Pain Quotidien, a restaurant that offers dishes inspired by French, Belgian, or Mediterranean cuisine. You can choose from a simple menu, suitable for all tastes and all times of the day, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can also enjoy efficient, polite, and discreet service, which will make you have a good time. Finally, you can enjoy a rustic, warm, and friendly setting, which will make you feel at home.

6. The Sky Garden, a café with a view over London

If you want to have coffee with a view over London, you should go to The Sky Garden, a café that offers drinks, snacks, or cocktails. You can choose from a refined menu, suitable for all tastes and all occasions, such as morning, afternoon, or evening. You can also enjoy attentive, elegant, and professional service, which will make you have a good time. Finally, you can enjoy an exceptional setting, with a panoramic view over London, and a suspended garden, which will make you forget the noise and stress of the city.

Visiting London at Christmas, practical information

London is a city that is easy to visit, and offers a great variety of transportation, services, and advice, to make your life easier. You can visit London at Christmas, and benefit from practical information, which will save you time, money, and peace of mind. Here are some examples of practical information to know, to visit London at Christmas.

How to come and spend Christmas holidays in London?

London is a city that is well served, and offers several options, to come and spend Christmas holidays in London. You can choose from the following options, according to your budget, your time, and your comfort:

• The plane, which is the fastest and most practical way, to come to London, which offers you several companies, several airports, and several rates, according to your choice
• The train, which is the most ecological and comfortable way, to come to London, which offers you the Eurostar service, which connects Paris to London, in less than 2h30, and allows you to travel without stress, without luggage, and without control
• The bus, which is the most economical and flexible way, to come to London, which offers you several companies, several stops, and several schedules, according to your choice

How to get around London?

London is a city that is well organized, and offers several options, to get around London. You can choose from the following options, according to your budget, your time, and your desire:

• The underground, which is the fastest and most practical way, to get around London, which offers you a network of 11 lines, covering the whole city, and allowing you to reach the main tourist sites, in a few minutes, and at a reasonable price
• The bus, which is the most economical and authentic way, to get around London, which offers you a network of more than 700 lines, covering the whole city, and allowing you to discover the neighborhoods, monuments, and atmosphere of London, at a modest price
• The bicycle, which is the most ecological and fun way, to get around London, which offers you a bike rental service, called Santander Cycles, which allows you to rent a bike, from £2, for 24h, and return it to one of the 750 stations, distributed throughout the city