Christmas is my favorite holiday and I love being in New York during this festive time. In 2022 I decided to split my time and spend part of the holiday season in beautiful London. I absolutely love the extravagant displays and I don’t think any city celebrates it as huge as London does. Unfortunately, half of my trip was cut short after I fell sick but I am still excited to share the spots that I was able to explore. I hope to revisit London again during another holiday season and add to this list since there are endless spots!
*Please note that displays may vary each year*
DIOR
160-162 New Bond St, London W1S 2UE, United Kingdom
I love the chic white and gold display from Dior. This is definitely made for the sophisticated gals who love a classic look. Make sure to get there early as this spot is very popular amongst the crowds.
Hay’s Galleria
1 Battle Bridge Ln, London SE1 2HD, United Kingdom
Hay’s Galleria is an outdoor mall located by the River Thames. Visitors can enjoy restaurants and shops. Before you walk into the galleria, be sure to check out the cute holiday markets! I purchased a cute handmade ornament of a London Bus.
Leadenhall Market
Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT, United Kingdom
Leadenhall Market is one of my favorite spots in London. It has this cozy European aesthetic filled with many boutiques, bars, restaurants, and shops. There is a big Christmas Tree that has a dazzling light show and periodically there will be “snow” which is a machine that blows soap. For my fellow Potterheads out there, this was also one of the filming locations used in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. If you recall, this is the entrance to Diagon Alley!
Covent Garden Santa Sleigh
Long Acre, London WC2E 9JT, United Kingdom
I think Covent Garden takes the crown for the cutest Christmas decor. How can you not be obsessed with the Santa sleigh?! Besides the lovely decor, be sure to wander around the area as the neighborhood is a premier destination for luxury fashion and beauty stores, award-winning restaurants, and quirky corners.
Covent Garden Christmas Tree
Long Acre, London WC2E 9JT, United Kingdom
Just a few steps away from the sleigh is a huge Christmas tree. For a creative photo idea, find the doors that you can pass through that is framing part of the tree!
MR. FROGG’S TAVERN
58 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4EA, United Kingdom
Also located in Covent Garden is a cute pub called Mr. Frogg’s Tavern that never fails to bring glam to its seasonal decor. You will find their entryway decorated throughout the year so be sure to stop by at any time!
34 MAYFAIR RESTAURANT
34 Grosvenor Square, S Audley St, London W1K 2HD, United Kingdom
If you’re feeling hungry during all of this exploring, stop by 34 Mayfair for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. The exterior is beautifully decorated with Christmas trees and presents galore. While I haven’t personally stepped inside the restaurant, their Instagram feed shows that the interior is worth a photo as well!
KOYN JAPANESE RESTAURANT
38 Grosvenor St, London W1K 4QA, United Kingdom
Parked outside of Koyn Japanese Restaurant is a cute red Mini Cooper that is decorated throughout the year. Be sure to stop by during the holiday season to see it decked out with trees and presents!
ANNABEL’S
46 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AT, United Kingdom
If there is one place that you must visit on this list, it is definitely Annabel’s! Each year I look forward to seeing the extravagant theme they chose to display and this year was just as exciting. I love the whimsical carousel theme that they went with for 2022. Be sure to get there early as the street gets flooded with cars and it can be almost impossible to grab a photo.
CARTIER
175-177 New Bond St, London W1S 4RN, United Kingdom
If the ideal London Christmas scene had a name attached to it, it would be the Cartier on Bond Street. The red exterior combined with the quintessential London phone booth makes for a picture-perfect holiday scene. Don’t forget to stop by Ralph’s Coffee across the street for a delicious cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Shangri-La The Shard
1 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU, United Kingdom
You cannot visit London and not delight in afternoon tea and Shangri-La does one of the best in my opinion. The staff is wonderful and the food is delicious. I especially love their tea selections which was perfect after spending a cold day outside. Try to get a table by the windows to enjoy a lovely view of the Tower Bridge.
I am definitely planning another trip to London so be sure to check back for more updated displays!
