Christmas In London'2024: Merry Christmas And Happy New Year!

Christmas in London’2024: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

By Anna Purpurpurpur

London is the prettiest of the cities during the festive winter period, and it’s definitely one of the best places in the world to spend the winter holidays as it has so many things to offer! This is my final article for this year, thank you for spending it with me!

I gathered all the best locations for Christmas season 2024 for you!

Disclaimer: this post contains the mentions of some sponsored/gifted experiences.

1. Bond street

Bond street is usually my favourite go-to place to enjoy the decorations, and this year it was as magnificent as ever!

Perfume bottles and precious jewellery items from Chanel decorate the street for the second winter, and high-end boutiques always have a battle of the best decorations: Cartier, Dior, Chanel, Tiffany, and Ralph Lauren were absolute winners this season and Louis Vuitton has the cutest carousel installation as well.

2. The Ritz Hotel

The Ritz is a luxurious destination for any time of year, but it looks simply magnificent for winter festivities too! Come and try their afternoon tea by yourself.

3. Other gems of Mayfair

The Burlington arcade as well as the Royal arcade are obviously worth a visit too: now it has classic wreath decorations paired with some Christmas shop displays. Fortnum and Mason is another indisputable star of the show with their enormous advent calendar lighting up the date every day with the Piccadilly street all lit up with beautiful lights.

Mayfair with its restaurants and hotels is another go-to place, with the Connaught patisserie as well as the hotel tree, The Scott’s, George and other shops and restaurant displays.

Don’t you dare miss the giant hot air balloon decoration from Annabel’s and other spots around the Berkeley square.

The Claridges and the 34 Mayfair are another must-visit spots (although I was a bit disappointed with the latter’s interior and food). Finally, The Intercontinental of course again wins the race of the best decorated festive afternoon teas!

4. Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge is all glowing with Christmas lights this season – this year Harrods has a Loro Piano Christmas tree, and their Christmas shop is as nice (and crowded) as usual. Harvey Nichols has a bright shimmering displays with red trees too, the Elan cafe has the cutest desserts.

Mandarin Oriental has a fantastic afternoon tea and the Winterhaus with warming drinks and sweets.

5. South Kensignton

My favourite destination at South Kensington? That’s easy: it’s the Natural History museum! And for the second year in a row we buy their exclusive dino-sweaters – their famous T-Rex wears exactly the same one!

6. Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station is a recent addition to the London Christmas feast. And what an addition!

Come here to taker rides, to shop or to have some festive food: for instance, at the Sticks’N’Sushi!

7. Covent garden

Covent garden feels special during every season but even more so in winter. This year we finally said farewell to the white baubles and mistletoes and welcomed giant bells which look very festive and vibrant! Clos Maggiore restaurant was as pretty as usual.

8. Regent’s street

No Christmas is Christmas in London without seeing the Angels of Regent’s Street – don’t worry, they are there this year too, and the shops displays starting the early sale season – HM home, Kate Spade and many more – and Cakes and Bubbles cafe are awaiting for the visitors.

9. Oxford street

Oxford street with Selfridges has always been one of my go to places around Christmas is another Christmassy location in London however I must note that it’s never been the same after the pandemic with major shopping mall destinations closed forever and many cheap unimpressive souvenir and lollipop shops opened – maybe it’ll return to its full glory in the future?

However, I must say that Selfridges never disappoints: disco balls, Christmas shop and festive ornaments of Brasserie of Light!

10. Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland remains one of the places-to-go during winter for me, and although it gets more and more crowded each year, it is still a nice place to visit. Book tickets in advance as well as ride tokens, game coins and food vouchers, however now if you don’t use them on a booked day, they got marked as used/expired.

Food stalls include the Bavarian village, Christmas markets, games and so many more – have you been?

11. Christmas at Kew

This year I returned to the Kew Gardens Christmas trail, and it didn’t disappoint.

This is a three km long trail with different musical installations, a small food market, merry go round, Santa house and with the main shop open till late. Fish in the pond, bamboo grove and the magical lights like in the Avatar were my favourites!

But my absolute favourite were Singing fountains, all lit with different lights and moving according to the world famous tunes!

12. Christmas at the Zoo

London Zoo always prepares some activities for kids for Christmas: you can indulge yourself in some delicious festive treats, meet Santa and explore the illumination!

13. Christmas for theatre goers

I’m sure you know The Snowman animated film (1982) – and in London there is an almost 2h long performance with live music based on the same story! Meet all your beloved characters and listen to your favorite tunes such as Walking in the Air at the Peacock theatre.

Come and spend over 3 hours back in time: it’s Victorian London, and you witness A Christmas carol by Charles Dickens, unrolling in front of you, accompanied by live music. This is a one-man show (plus musicians and a few volunteers from the public) – and it was absolutely mesmerizing, probably the best Christmas carol I’ve seen!

You can dress up as a Victorian for more fun (or just wear some fine clothes). And yes, the performance is accompanied by delicious three course meal: bread and butter with Ham Hock terrine, Confit Gressingham Duck Leg with ‘Trimmings of Le Maison’ and Twelfth Night Cake with Plum Pudding Ice Cream all accompanied by cocktails.

14. Christmas market on Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is the site of the main Christmas tree of London, as always gifted by Norwegians, and a place of one of the lives Christmas markets!

And of course, you can visit a Christmas market here too!

15. Other places to visit

Chelsea and Sloane Square, Hampstead, High street St Johns wood, Marylebone, High St Kensington, the Strand and Soho might be among other places you want to visit!