The HGTV Guide to Christmas in London

An undeniably charming destination, the city of London has been enticing travellers all over the world, particularly during the festive season. As a result, the city has grown to be increasingly busy each year, with endless queues and hefty crowds turning what should be a pleasant stroll into a stifled, congested shuffle. As a result, the previous festive hot-spots such as the lights of Oxford Circus and Covent Garden have lost their allure, with new activities on the scene to take their place. So, whether you’re just visiting or a local, you may be wondering where to experience Christmas in London that’s equally lively and filled with festive spirit as it is tolerable? Well look no further.

London has plenty of Christmas markets to choose from. However, that’s not to say that all are worth a spot in your festive itinerary. One of the most significant is Winter Wonderland, a Christmas market that sprawls across Hyde Park with over 100 wooden cabins, the UK’s largest outdoor skate rink, and a mini-London Eye to top it off. With a five pound entry fee, this market will get any Grinch into the Christmas spirit. Another beloved wintry wonderland is South Bank’s Winter Festival, where wooden chalets line the riverside of the Thames. Here, you can indulge in fondue and mulled wine in between picking up stocking fillers.

Alternatively, head East towards Shoreditch for Spitalfields Christmas markets. A delight for foodies and shoppers alike- this market is the home to multiple mouthwatering stalls as well as a hotspot for finding vintage clothes, hand-made jewellery and unique art. Finally, we have the most recent addition to the London Christmas market list- Coal Drop’s Yard in King’s Cross. Here, you’ll find Christmas under the Canopy market, offering an eclectic selection of London’s best artisan traders and food stalls. Soak up the the festive atmosphere amongst the live music and dazzling lights, and warm up with some mulled wine as you stroll from stall to stall.

Afternoon Tea has always been a much-loved English tradition, and London has plenty of fine options to chose from. Plus, what better way to ease yourself into the festive spirit than a few hours spent unwinding over delightful, bird-caged bites, aromatic teas, and sparkling wine? Between the cozy open fires and the pine-scented, embellished trees, the setting of an Afternoon Tea exudes a serene, festive atmosphere, which also works well as a much-needed escape from the crowds and chaos of Christmas in London. Some of our favourites include Pan Pacific– an elegant hotel sat proudly amongst the hustle and bustle of Spitalfields. Here, they offer a traditional menu with a festive twist to indulge in, all whilst overlooking the city’s twinkling lights. This option is also suitable for the little ones, with children encouraged to unleash their creativity through decorating their own festive cupcakes and biscuits, alongside a selection of sandwiches, scones and a cozy hot chocolate.

Another option is London Park Lane, an Intercontinental Hotel that offers an Afternoon Tea which blends the best of tradition with contemporary twists to present a style that suits all tastes. Inspired by the legacies of the late Queen Elizabeth I and II, the celebrated Elizabethan Royal Tea has been reimagined for this festive season. Expect a delectable array of finely-crafted sweet delicacies and savoury delights, served on the finest Renaissance Gold teaware set for a truly authentic, regal experience.

From extravagant window displays to the over-hanging twinkling lights, Regent Street and its surrounding areas are always sufficiently decorated for Christmas in London. However, this infamously festive stretch of shopping is one of the key attractions during this time of year, meaning unless you’re visiting at an early, off-peak hour, it can be suffocatingly busy. However, London has plenty of other Christmas shopping experiences that are equally as festive yet half as stifling. Head South to the iconic Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station, marked with a grand 40ft tree embellished with over 1,500 baubles. Battersea Power Station is a hub of festivity and home to over 150 shops, alongside ample restaurants and bars to refuel in between purchases. Alternatively, there are the ever-reliable Westfield centres, one in Stratford and the other in White City. The late-night hours are a saviour for all last-minute shoppers, and from high-street essentials to luxury brands, these bustling centres have something for everyone in the family.

Finally, we have the season’s most strenuous activity (after last-minute shopping on Christmas eve, of course). Ice-skating is a sport enjoyed by most at this time of year, whether you twirl gracefully around the rink or keep to the safety of the railing. During Christmas, London sees a variety of rinks popping up around the city- with many appearing in previously-mentioned festive hotspots, such as Battersea Power Station and Westfield. Some other impressive rinks include Somerset House, where you can skate with a view of Georgian architecture and an impressive tree, or Alexandra Palace, an indoor alternative with all the festivity, but none of the wintry chill.