London during Christmas?
There’s a reason for the hype.
This year, London has been rated the world’s best city for the sixth year in a row, and looking at what it has to offer especially during this time of year, who’s surprised really?!
Christmas is the most magical time of year to be visiting the world’s most popular capital - with spectacular installations and decorations, happy people skating on ice rinks and festive Christmas markets spread across the city centre, there’s no reason to NOT come for a visit (except maybe Covid travel restrictions..).
While there are numerous things and places to see, do, eat, shop - you name it - I have listed my top 7 favourite spots not to be missed to get into the festive spirit.
1. Covent Garden Piazza
With its massive height and beautiful lights, the Christmas tree in the middle of the Covent Garden Piazza has definitely earned its spot on the list!
Buzzing with a wide variety of restaurants, cute cafés and picturesque shops, Covent Garden is one of the greatest places to get a solid first dose of Christmas vibes.
After taking some colourful snaps of the Christmas tree, head to Floral Street and grab a beer or mulled wine at the iconic White Lion pub or enjoy a hot chocolate at French café Le Pain Quotidien right in the middle of the Piazza.
And if you happen to find yourself near the Christmas tree at the full hour, make sure you stay and enjoy Covent Garden’s very own little snow storm: Until the 27th of December, snow will fall hourly between 12pm and 7pm on the West and North Piazza.
2. Liberty London
Don’t miss out on their iconic Christmas Shop!
London is famous for its many luxury department stores, but your Christmas visit surely isn’t complete without a trip to Liberty’s iconic Christmas Shop on the 4th floor.
Whether you’re looking for a gift, some add-on decoration for your own Christmas tree at home or a souvenir for yourself, the huge variety of shimmering Christmas baubles and unique tree ornaments will not disappoint.
Each year, the shop offers differently themed baubles and ornaments attracting locals and tourists alike. Grab your favourites or simply marvel at the glitz and glamour, Liberty’s Christmas shop is the place to go.
3. The Strand
Stepping right outside Charing Cross station, you will find yourself on The Strand, London’s connection between the early twin centres of Westminster and the City of London.
A street with immense historical significance, it doesn’t disappoint with its display of magical, star-shaped Christmas lights either!
Head west and visit the Trafalgar Square’s beautiful Christmas market, or head up The Strand and book yourself a slot to show off those ice skating skills at the ice rink at Somerset House.
4. Winter Wonderland
There’s no denying that London is a hub of Christmassy excitement around this time of year, but with its yearly Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the city truly outdoes itself regularly.
Cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic for the first time in many years, the 2021 Wonderland is back in its full glory. With breathtaking rides, spectacular shows, a kids-friendly Santaland and its very own Bavarian beer and food village (looking at you, fellow Germans), the park has something in store for literally everyone.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, swap that stroll or daily jog through Hyde Park for a fun adventure between November and January and enjoy the world’s ultimate Christmas destination.
5. St. Paul’s Cathedral
Right in the heart of the City of London, St. Paul’s is waiting to welcome you within its incredibly beautiful and gigantic walls. Whether you’re religious or not, there’s something magical about visiting a building of that size and significance during Christmas time.
Completed in 1708, the Cathedral’s dome is 111 metres high and currently the second largest cathedral dome in the world. Filled with monuments, paintings, galleries, archives and so much more, St. Paul’s really is worth the visit.
And if you’re lucky, you might even bear witness to a heartwarming rehearsal or concert sung by the Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Merry Christmas!
6. Carnaby Street
Oh, Carnaby…
Carnaby Street is a happy place for many, and once you see it, you will know why.
Being the capital’s beating heart of London’s fashion scene in the ‘60s, Carnaby is with its numerous flagship stores still very much one of the go-to places for fashion lovers from around the world.
Home to the most beautiful art installations all year round, Carnaby shows off during Christmas even more. And the best part: The installations are usually created to raise awareness for important topics such as climate change or the wellbeing of refugees.
Plus, Carnaby Street is not only a great place for shopping, it is surrounded by the fanciest bars and restaurants, offering drinks and specialties from Hawaii, Asia, Spain and many more countries. A personal favourite? Head to Ugly Dumpling at the corner of Newburgh Street and enjoy the most mouth-watering dumplings you’ve ever tasted. Promise!
So after you’ve taken around a hundred pictures of the street’s stunning seasonal art display, make sure you don’t forget to grab a bite to fill up your energy tanks!
7. Regent Street
Finally, Regent Street offers all the glitter and sparkle our hearts could desire. Stretching all the way from Piccadilly Circus up to Oxford Street, Regent Street’s famous Christmas Angels are a true sight for sore eyes.
Named “The Spirit of Christmas”, this display of lights attracts thousands of people every year to enjoy its romantic atmosphere on one of London’s busiest high streets.
To get a good glimpse and a couple of good snaps, head to the narrow central pavement on Regent Street - it’s a lot more quiet there and you will be able to stare up at the lights for a moment without being run over within 0.2 seconds.
With the elegant Regent Street buildings surrounding the sky-rising angels, these lights are probably my favourite ones in London during Christmas.
