Celebrate the Holidays in True British Fashion with Our Guide to London at Christmas
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From Christmas markets and ice skating to festive afternoon tea, London is the perfect place to spend your holiday vacation. Below, a few festive ideas to add to your itinerary.
Admire the Christmas trees.
To say London embraces holiday decor is quite the understatement. In particular, the English capital knows how to decorate a Christmas tree. Head to Trafalgar Square to see a massive spruce all decked out in lights, an annual gift from Norway given ever year since 1947. Or, if you prefer something a bit more high-fashion, stop by Claridge’s.
Each year, the hotel collaborates with a notable designer on their lobby tree. Past designs have been the work of Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, and Lanvin, and 2017's tree, envisioned by Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld even turned the traditional Christmas decoration on its head.
The 16-foot-tall inverted installation featured silver roots and a stunning mirrored star. Of the project, Lagerfeld said, "Christmas trees are the strongest 'souvenir' of my happy childhood."
For more information on the 2019 tree and how you can see it, visit claridges.co.uk, and stay tuned for updates.
Go ice skating.
There’s no more British a way to embrace the cold weather than by lacing up your skates, and hitting Somerset House’s open-air rink (above). Zoom around the courtyard (or scoot along the edge, holding onto the rail—hey! We don’t judge) all while enjoying the beautiful Christmas tree. Then, warm up with a cocktail and a view of the ice in the Skate Lounge or pop in the Fortnum's Christmas Arcade to sneak in a little holiday shopping. Consider yourself a night owl? New last year was a program called "Skate Lates," which brought special music guests to the rink in the evenings.
Skating is also available at Hampton Court Palace, near the Tower of London, and at the Natural History Museum, to name a few other festive rinks!
Shop for gifts.
Whether you prefer strolling through pop-up holiday bazaars or spending a full day at Harrod’s, complete with a trip to see Father Christmas, this shopping capital has something for everyone on your list. We recommend making a trip to Liberty London for beautiful accessories in the line’s signature prints, the latest beauty must-haves, and a gorgeous selection of stationery. Or, if you’re searching for the perfect fashion-forward present, head to Dover Street Market, for wares from innovative brands like Comme des Garçons, Raf Simons, Erdem, and Thom Browne among many, many others.
Need more shopping ideas? Here's our complete guide to the best Christmas markets in London.
Partake in afternoon tea.
A full tea service is ideal any afternoon in London (I recommend making a reservation the first day you land, to help beat jetlag), but it’s a particularly nice way to warm up when it’s chilly outside. Kick off the holiday season at 11 Cadogan Gardens, which has had a Christmas-themed Afternoon Tea in the past. Or, head to The Goring for a spread fit for a royal (Kate Middleton stayed at the hotel the night before her wedding day). Neither hotel has announced their festive menu just yet, but we'll be sure to update as soon as we know what treats will be available.
Bask in the glow of the lights.
Strings of twinkling Christmas lights can be found throughout the city during the holiday season, but they shine particularly bright at Kew. The Royal Botanic Gardens boast over a million bulbs, illuminating gardens, trees, and building on a one-mile trail. While there, younger visitors can meet with Santa and his elves and toast marshmallows, while adults enjoy mulled wine and shop for stocking stuffers.
Other notable spots to see lights include Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, Regent Street, and the South Bank.
Visit Hogwarts in the snow.
For fans of the Harry Potter series, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour really comes to life in the wintertime. In the weeks before the holidays, the attraction is transformed to include Christmas trees lining the Great Hall, and a festive-looking Gryffindor common room.
Attend Christmas services.
If going to church is part of your annual holiday tradition, St. Paul’s Cathedral is just one of many offering services. Their full advent and Christmas calendar should be available soon.
Check out the Peter Pan Cup.
One of London’s most unique holiday rituals is the annual Peter Pan Cup, where members of the Serpentine Swimming Club jump into lake in Hyde Park for an icy Christmas Day race. Unfortunately (...or fortunately depending on your perspective), visitors can’t partake in the festivities, but it’s almost more fun to bundle up and watch the event.
Take a weekend trip.
If your itinerary allows for time outside of the city, consider venturing to the Cotswolds. While you won't be able to stay at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's former country home, Westfield Large, the Lygon Arms hotel in Broadway is a more-than-suitable alternative.
The historic property (Oliver Cromwell stayed there the night before the Battle of Worcester in 1651) is a gorgeous escape in any season, but it's especially dreamy in the snow. Cozy up with a book by a log-burning fireplace and watch the flakes fall, or book a hot stone massage at the on-site spa to destress after a little too much family time during the holidays.
Or, opt to visit Blenheim Palace. The birthplace of Winston Churchill goes all out at Christmas with a classic Christmas market, fully-themed displays throughout the historic home, and a light trail similar to the one at Kew. It's absolutely worth the trip.
Or visit a Gingerbread city.
Last year, the V&A brought together architects, designers and engineers to create 60 gingerbread buildings. We're keeping our fingers crossed that they repeat the exhibition in 2019. We'll keep you posted!
Meet Santa, who is clearly staying busy this year in London.
Rumor has it, he'll be making appearances at both Royal Albert Hall and the Museum of London.
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