All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
London in December feels alive with ceremony. Streets glow in soft gold, grand hotels smell faintly of pine and pastry, and the city seems to move at a slower, more elegant pace. For those who come for more than the lights, Christmas 2025 is brimming with experiences that feel personal and well-crafted – from couture trees in Mayfair to candlelit concerts and private river cruises.
This guide gathers the finest things to do in London this Christmas – each chosen for travellers who love beauty, comfort, and that quiet thrill of knowing they’re experiencing the city at its best.
1. Stay Somewhere That Performs Christmas
London’s hotels do festive style better than most – not with excess, but with personality.
- Claridge’s, Mayfair
Few hotels capture the season like Claridge’s. The annual tree reveal, this year designed by Daniel Lee of Burberry, turns the lobby into an event in its own right. Order Champagne in The Foyer and enjoy the people-watching; Mayfair’s boutiques are steps away when it’s time for a little discreet shopping.
- Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles brings grandeur without the weight of nostalgia. Its carol-inspired afternoon tea is charming without being twee, and the Guerlain Spa below offers the ideal escape after long festive evenings. Dining beneath those high ceilings feels like slipping back into a more elegant era, only with better service.
- The Peninsula London
Calm, classical, and perfectly positioned by Hyde Park Corner. Expect beautifully staged decorations, a string quartet at afternoon tea, and the kind of easy access to Knightsbridge that makes gift-buying feel leisurely.
- Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
The “Festive Wonders” stay is made for those who prefer the city at arm’s length. Chauffeur-driven access to Winter Wonderland, private park views, and dinner by Heston Blumenthal combine London’s sparkle with comfort and calm.
Each offers a slightly different rhythm: the timeless glamour of Claridge’s, the new confidence of Raffles, the quiet perfection of The Peninsula, but all know how to turn Christmas into theatre.
2. Illuminated Evenings and Royal Light Trails
Once dusk falls, London starts to shimmer. The trick is choosing where to see it best.
- Christmas at Kew (14 Nov – 4 Jan)
The trail through Kew Gardens feels otherworldly: glowing glasshouses, mirrored water, and music that drifts through the trees. It’s worth booking the later entry slot, when the families have gone, and finishing with dinner at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond – romantic, relaxed, and still close enough to town.
- Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre
Just outside the centre, the courtyards of Hampton Court transform into a feast of mulled wine, artisan gifts, and gentle nostalgia. With a private driver and lounge access, it feels more like a weekend at a royal estate than a day trip.
- Tower of London Christmas Celebrations
Wandering the Tower by lantern light is surprisingly moving – the contrast between the ancient stones and the festive glow creates its own quiet magic. It’s an easy pairing with dinner at The Ned or Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square nearby.
These are the nights that show London’s sense of drama – historic, intimate, and perfectly lit.
3. Ice and Altitude: Refined Rinks of London
Skating in London has gone delightfully chic, and a good rink is more about atmosphere than skill.
- Somerset House (12 Nov – 11 Jan)
Under its neoclassical arches, Somerset House sets the gold standard. The Fortnum & Mason Lodge offers Champagne and mince pies for those who prefer to spectate as much as skate. It’s festive, stylish, and beautifully balanced between energy and elegance.
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland VIP (14 Nov – 1 Jan)
For anyone who loves the fun of Winter Wonderland but not the crowds, the hospitality chalets are a revelation. Private seating, table service, and priority entry turn it into a polished evening out rather than a fairground scramble.
- Beaverbrook Ice Rink, Surrey (20 Nov – 1 Feb)
Within the hotel’s manicured grounds, Beaverbrook’s private rink brings a countryside calm to the season’s excitement. Guests can book exclusive sessions, sip mulled wine between laps, and enjoy panoramic views over the estate before retreating indoors for fireside dining. It’s festive, personal, and entirely polished.
- Hampton Court Palace Rink (21 Nov – 4 Jan)
For those staying west of town, the palace’s open-air rink is pure storybook charm. Skating beneath historic battlements at dusk feels timeless — and pairing it with a stay or spa afternoon at nearby Beaverbrook turns it into a day of winter luxury done right.
4. Culture in Full Festive Dress
London’s cultural calendar peaks in December, and there’s no better time to see the classics done properly.
- The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House (22 Nov – 5 Jan)
A true Christmas essential. The music, the staging, the velvet and gold – all timeless. A grand-tier box keeps the evening private and perfectly framed.
- English National Ballet at the London Coliseum (11 Dec – 11 Jan)
This season’s Edwardian-London setting feels deeply atmospheric. It’s ideal for families or couples who want spectacle without formality, followed by a late-night dinner in Soho.
- Carols at St Paul’s Cathedral or the Royal Albert Hall
Whether you prefer the solemn beauty of St Paul’s or the soaring energy of the Albert Hall, both are unforgettable. Book early, dress warmly, and let the sound fill you – it’s London at its most moving.
5. The Art of Luxury Shopping
For some, December in London begins with the shopping – and here, it’s part of the experience.
- Harrods Christmas World
A world unto itself, filled with hand-crafted ornaments, rare hampers, and twinkling lights reflected in polished brass. It’s festive excess done with taste.
- Selfridges Oxford Street
Playful, fashionable, and full of surprises. The Disney collaboration brings a touch of whimsy, while the Concierge team can curate gifts and deliveries so you never have to queue.
- Royal Mews Christmas Pop-Up, Buckingham Palace
A new favourite for collectors and Anglophiles. Browse royal-themed decorations and handmade gifts, then cross town for afternoon tea at Raffles London or The Peninsula – the perfect pairing of heritage and modern comfort.
Shopping here isn’t just retail – it’s ritual, wrapped in London’s sense of style.
6. See London by Water and Light
Seeing London from the river or on a car tour in December gives the city an entirely different rhythm.
- Private Thames Cruise
Step aboard a chartered yacht dressed in garlands, with a dinner table set against the glow of Westminster and St Paul’s. As the skyline drifts by, London feels both grand and intimate – the kind of evening that lingers long after the lights fade.
- Chauffeur-Driven Christmas Lights Tour
For those who’d rather stay warm, a private car tour through the city’s illuminated streets is pure pleasure. Regent Street, Carnaby, Covent Garden – all best admired with Champagne in hand and a driver who knows the city’s secrets.
7. Festivities for Families with Flair
Travelling with family doesn’t mean giving up the luxury touch – it just requires better planning.
- Winter Wonderland Hospitality Chalet
Inside Hyde Park’s festive playground, private chalets turn chaos into calm. Expect butler service, personalised entertainment, and front-row access to the best attractions.
- Winter Funland at Olympia
The UK’s largest indoor winter fair brings circus acts, gourmet food stalls, and unlimited rides – with premium entry and valet parking to keep it civilised. It’s easy, warm, and effortlessly fun.
The Luxury Wanderings Perspective
London has a particular kind of confidence at Christmas. It’s elegant without trying, and joyous without noise. Whether you’re sitting beneath Claridge’s tree, skating at Somerset House, or listening to carols under the dome of St Paul’s, the magic lies in the details — the service, the quiet, the warmth.
This season, the city doesn’t shout for attention; it simply glows – and invites you to do the same.
