Christmas is back! After two botched festive seasons (cheers, Covid), we are pledging to celebrate Christmas bigger and better than ever before and where better to do it than in the capital?
London comes alive in the run-up to Christmas. Each winter, the capital is alight with magical light displays, sparkling bauble-adorned shop-fronts, tons of festive attractions and enough mulled wine to fill the Thames.
And because we’re so excited about it, we’ve compiled a handy selection of all the festivities London has to offer; from afternoon tea to ice-skating and every festive happening in between.
Despite the cost of living crises rumbling on, there are plenty of ways to ring in the festive period on a shoestring budget (with plenty of free festive activities thrown in too), so you can celebrate Christmas in all its glory, whether you’re flying solo, looking for group activities or need something fun to do with the kids, whatever your budget this year.
Here are the best things to do in London this Christmas:
What to eat in London
Visit Lilly’s Cafe in Covent Garden
This winter, Lilly’s Café, located on Covent Garden’s pretty Piazza, will launch a gloriously cosy winter terrace complete with a brand-new fondue and hot cocktail menu. The perfect seasonal setting, complete with heated seats and plentiful blankets, is guaranteed to keep you warm and toasty on cold winter nights. So why not sit back, look at the fantastic festive views and take a minute to relax after completing that classic late-night, last-minute Christmas shopping?
Pan Pacific’s festive foodie offerings
This festive season, step into the whimsical world of the Nutcracker as Pan Pacific London pays homage to this iconic Christmas ballet. From an elegant afternoon tea in The Orchid Lounge, crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Cherish Finden, to seasonal hot cocktails in Ginger Lily, not to mention an impressive Sunday lunch in Straits Kitchen, the luxury hotel, minutes from Liverpool Street, is providing plenty of yuletide magic.
Yauatcha City x Johnnie Walker winter terrace
A cosy escape away from the hustle and bustle of Broadgate Circle, Yauatcha City’s winter terrace in partnership with Johnnie Walker Blue Label is complete with blankets, heaters and four limited edition cocktails to warm guests through winter.
Christmas Afternoon Tea at Oblix at The Shard
Oblix at The Shard is bringing back its super popular Festive Afternoon Tea just in time for Christmas with the likes of Severn & wye smoked salmon, Seaweed & cucumber sandwich as well as the Avocado, tomato & buffalo mozzarella tart and Pine nut & basil pesto sandwich on offer.
Duck & Waffle will be transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland this Christmas season, complete with snow-covered trees and sparkling winter trimmings as the restaurant is reimagined as a shimmering North Pole in the sky.
SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower and Covent Garden
SUSHISAMBA will honour the Amazonian rainforest in a season-long experience unlike any other this winter. The Heron Tower location’s spectacular transformation will see a transcending installation that transforms the renowned 38th floor dining room into a magical rainforest, and across town, SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden will sparkle with an installation of over 300 metallic balloons, while Christmas revellers indulge in a specially curated Festive Taste of Samba menu.