Christmas In London: 6 Of The Most Festive Spots In The City

Between eating Bratwurst and sippin’ on glühwein at the markets, the festive displays are a must-see if you’re in the city over Christmas.

We’ve rounded up our favourite locations so you’ll know exactly where to head to see London at its most sparkly.

Somerset House

One of London’s most magnificent ice rinks transforms into a festival of light and Winter wonder. Complete with a stunning 40ft Christmas tree decorated with mini Fortnum & Mason hampers, it’s a must-see in December.

Enjoy a steaming Bailey’s hot chocolate while you take in the dazzling icy scenes or slink off to do some seasonal shopping in Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade, surrounded by the beauty of Somerset House in all its festive glad rags.

Where to find it: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

Leadenhall Market

With its 20ft Christmas tree, ornate painted ceiling and charming Victorian passageways, it’ll make you feel like you’ve stumbled into the magical world of Harry Potter.

Christmas returns to the cobbled streets of Leadenhall Market. Originally a meat, poultry and game market, it’s now home to a number of boutique retailers, cafes and award-winning pubs.

In fact, you might recognise it as it featured as an entrance to Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Hagrid and Harry walk through the market and enter the Leaky Cauldron Pub through a blue door.

Have a mooch around the picturesque pathways, enjoy a glass of mulled wine and get in the festive spirit at one of London’s most historic hidden gems.

Where to find it: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch St, Langbourn, London, EC3V 1LT

Covent Garden

Ambling around Covent Garden at Christmas is like stepping back in time. Once home to a world-famous fruit and veg stall, the Apple Market is filled with crafts, speciality shops, handmade jewellery and mementos. Marvel at London’s biggest hand-picked Christmas tree festooned with 30,000 lights and make your way across the cobbled piazza to enjoy some 115,000 lights illuminating the main square. It’s a sight to behold.

Where to find it: The Apple Market, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RD

Natural History Museum

No trip to London is complete without feasting your eyes on the wintry scenes at the Natural History Museum. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the iconic South Kensington Museum and dripping in fairy lights, it is one of the most magical places to be this Winter.  

Ice skate around the giant Christmas tree and soak up the Christmassy atmosphere with your friends and family, right in the heart of London. It’ll put you in the holiday spirit in no time!

Where to find it: The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Annabel’s

Dubbed one of the most elegant clubs in the world, Annebel’s is a legendary members-only hangout right in the heart of Mayfair.

You’ve probably spotted the ladies powder room popping up all over Instagram, with its pink onyx basins carved into oyster shells, gilded swan taps and peony-adorned ceiling – we’d gladly eat our dinner in the loo.

We could talk about its gilt-trim, maximalist interiors and iconic bathroom décor forever  but it’s the beautiful exterior splendour of this Grade-I listed mansion that steals the limelight at this time of year.

Rather than following suit with a traditional red and green fir tree, this year Annabel’s have gone all out extra with an elaborate, white 42ft faux Christmas tree dusted with snow and dressed with gold baubles. Insta-bait at its best and we LOVE it.

Where to find it: 46 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 5AT

Cartier

Dressed to the nines and wrapped up in a red bow stretching across the entire building, Cartier always goes all out with its Christmas window. Located in the heart of London’s Mayfair, you won’t be able to resist walking by without getting a snap of its show-stopping display.

Where to find it: 175-177, New Bond St, Mayfair, London, W1S 4RN

Isn’t Christmas in London just charming? Let us know your favourite festive spots in the city below!