Christmas in London - What to Do + Festive Photo Ops

Originally posted November 21, 2019

It’s that time again! - The most wonderful (and most expensive) time of the year! …Which also means it’s well past time for me to play a major game of catch up on all of my Christmas Market articles.

This time last year, I was getting ready to go on a four week, seven country, (not so little) Tour de Le Christmas Markets of Europe with Urban Adventures. What started out as a writing gig turned into my first real paid video projects… and one of the most incredible months of my life!

The last stop of the trip was London… so, naturally (because of who I am as a person), that’s the subject of my first recap article! I’ll try to keep things chronological from here on out… (maybe… probably not)…

Compared to a lot of the other holiday markets we visited, namely the ones in Eastern Europe, Christmas in London felt (unsurprisingly) a whole lot more commercial… and the prices were pretty commercial, too. Though it didn’t have quite the same homey or tradition feel as other destinations on our trip, London during the holidays was still just as beautiful and magical as you’d expect it would be.

They KNOW how to do holiday decor around here… and they do it well. From Hyde Park and Harrods to the banks of the river Thames, the whole city is all dolled up and illuminated for Christmas.

Unfortunately, as it IS London, we also had some not so ideal weather. The rain hammered down through most of our Christmas market tour with Urban Adventures, which put quite a literal damper on things (and a big ole poof in my hair). I guess it wouldn’t be London without a bit (ie a lot) of rain, now would it?

After being saved from a very near Bridget Jones Diary, roadside puddle splashing incident, (WITH A DOUBLE DECKER BUS OF ALL VEHICLES) we decided it was time to go indoors for awhile.

Wet, cold, and hungry we ducked into an underground pub for a bite to eat, and debated whether we should just head back to our hotel for the night.

The most logical solution would most definitely have been to just suck it up and buy a stinkin’ umbrella… but we’d made it this far without one. With 3+ weeks down and just a couple days left to go on the trip, we decided against it - (more money for mulled wine, ya feel me) - and for the love of Christmas decor, we convinced ourselves to brave the elements and headed back out into the rain.

As we walked towards the shopping district, like magic, the rain stopped.

Umbrellas closed, downward eyes gazed up, and the light displays seemed to shine just a bit brighter. It was enough to put just about any ole Scrooge in the Christmas spirit, and made us really happy we hadn’t decided to call it a night.

If you’re heading to London this holiday season, here are a few of our favorite spots for twinkling lights and Christmas decor - plus some of the festive celebrations and holiday treats you won’t want to miss out on while visiting the city.

Watch: Christmas Markets of London

Oxford Street

If extravagant, photo-worthy light displays are what you’re after, head straight to the shopping district!

Begin on Oxford Street, where, this year, some brand new, environmentally friendly holiday decor is up on display. Last year’s colorful baubles (pictured below) have been replaced by 27 energy efficient LED screens that illuminate the length of this popular shopping street.

I haven’t made it to London this year to see it for myself, but judging by the pictures I’ve seen on the gram so far, Oxford Street’s long-awaited new light display is pretty freakin’ cool.

Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus

Regent Street

After checking out the new lights on Oxford Street, wander down to Regent Street which runs perpendicular, (and is easily my favorite of all the festive streets in London)!

All along the road, lights glitter overhead… but not just any lights. MASSIVE sparkling angels with glittering wings that span the width between the buildings, and swoop over the length of this major shopping street.

To best capture this timeless and beautiful display, stand in the median for the perfect shot!

Nearest Tube Stations: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus

Carnaby Street

When you’re done marveling at the glittering angels of Regent Street (which may take awhile), head to Carnaby Street. It runs parallel and is another popular street for shopping (and funky holiday decor).

Last year the area had a Bohemian Rhapsody theme… which was pretty cool… but the “nothing really matters” and “easy come easy go” messages in the neon lights overhead couldn’t possibly contrast more with the display that’s up this year. Because this year Carnaby Street’s holiday decor is all about something that DOES really matter - Zero Waste.

The collaboration with Project Zero, a charity dedicated to ocean conservation, features jelly fish, whales, and other massive sea creatures - all made from recycled materials. Hopefully the instillation will remind consumers to shop responsibly and sustainably this Christmas.

Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus

Harrods

From Carnaby Street, walk to Piccadilly Circus, ride three stops on the tube to Knightsbridge, and you’ll have made it to a London staple. Harrods! - (and also Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park if you’re keen).

I would say no trip to London is complete without at least stopping by the massive department store… but we were so rushed this time around that, ironically, it was the one place on our holiday lights hit list that we didn’t make it to.

Thankfully, these lights are actually up year round, so we can always catch em next time. In the meantime, I was able to snag this photo by Denis Doukhan from Pixabay.

Nearest Tube Station: Knightsbridge

Just About Any Storefront Really…

Let’s be real here. The entire city of London is elaborately done up for the holidays… so no matter where you go, you’ll find loads of photo-worthy facades, shop windows, and cutesy streets.

Hit the streets on this list for sure, as they definitely have the biggest and most noteworthy holiday displays in the city… but then, just wander around and see what you find!

The colorful gingerbread house pictured below was one of my favorite spots last year (as well as Annabel’s). These spots are pinned in the map at the end of this post, so you can go see what they’ve put up this year for yourself!

Dive in to the Festivities

I’m sure you’ll be snappin’ away at all the holiday lights and decor… but don’t forget to put your phone or camera down and take part in the holiday fun.

There are loads of Christmas Markets scattered throughout the city, where you can find loads of food, drinks, and other special events. Last year our favorites were Christmas at Covent Garden, Christmas in Leicester Square, and the Southbank Centre Winter Market alongside the Thames. There is also a Christmas Market being held at Trafalgar Square for the first time this year!

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the city’s largest and most popular Christmas market, and, though we didn’t make it there, I’ve heard it’s also worth checking out if you’re in the area! While you’re on that side of the city, head to the Natural History Museum to take a spin around the outdoor ice rink.

Last but most certainly not least…

When you end to escape the cold and rainy London streets, as you undoubtedly will… duck into a local pub to warm up with a piping hot cup of mulled wine. Pair this with a fruit minced pie round a table at one of Charles Dickens favorite pups, and your inner Scrooge’s “Ba-humbug”s are sure to be replaced with holiday cheer.

Want to check out this cozy pub for yourself? Visit this local favorite and learn more about the best things to see and do in London during the holidays on a tour with London Urban Adventures! The Christmas Market tour hits many of the places mentioned on this list and more, so you can learn a bit about each from a local guide as you go.

(Bonus: They might even throw in some Harry Potter hotspots for all you Potterheads, too)!