Last updated: 2025

“I am going to London for Christmas” is a sentence we all want to say, and why not? Christmas in London is iconic. It's big on everything festive, the lights, the decorations and the lively vibes all around the city. Starting early November, every year London transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. 

Staying in central London makes the festive experience even better. While main hubs can be busy and costly, Bloomsbury is conveniently located in Zone 1  for a more relaxed stay. This neighbourhood is a pocket of London that is rich in history, with charming garden squares for a peaceful stay after a day of Christmas adventures.

Christmas Pop up at Buckingham Palace: For the first time ever, the Royal Mews will be all decked out for visitors to explore royal themed gifts, handcrafted decorations, luxury treats and seasonal refreshments in a historic setting. This rare opportunity is a step beyond iconic gates to experience festive festivities in Royal style.

 

Christmas at Kew: Kew Gardens gets a festive makeover with thousands of lights winding through the trees, along the paths, and over the glasshouses. There are plenty of spots for photos, and the gardens are particularly beautiful after dark and the lights really pop.

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park: This is the spot to feel the Christmas spirit in London, the ultimate festive checklist item. It’s packed with everything - the rides, ice skating, Christmas markets, and street food all in one place. It’s busy, vibey, and full of energy, which is exactly the point. While you’re there, don’t miss Zippos Christmas Circus, a long-time family favourite. It’s a 45-minute festive spectacular filled with jaw-dropping acrobatics, trapeze acts, and lovable comic characters. A true Christmas cracker of a show and you might just spot a larger-than-life Father Christmas and his inflatable polar bears making a surprise appearance.

Oxford & Regent Street Lights: These streets don’t need an introduction, it's probably what made you book your trip to London on Christmas. Great for taking in all the festive spirit, and some shopping without needing a plan.

Carnaby Street Lights: Known for fun, colourful decorations and a slightly quirky vibe, Carnaby Street lights are a little different from the classic West End displays. The small shops, independent boutiques as well as high street classics, and cafés add to the charm. Great for taking a pause from the bigger crowds and grabbing a hot drink while enjoying the lights.

Somerset House Ice Rink: A true London winter classic in a movie like setting with beautiful Georgian architecture and giant Christmas tree. Somerset House’s grand courtyard transforms into a festive dreamscape with twinkling lights, and music on the ice. Glide beneath the stars, enjoy rink-side DJs, or warm up in the Holidays Clubhouse. 

Off the ice, indulge in gooey raclette from The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia or sweet treats from Blondies Kitchen. Even if you’re not skating, it’s worth visiting for the atmosphere alone.

West End Christmas Shows: From festive pantomimes like Jack and the Beanstalk and heart-warming shows like Elf The Musical and The Snowman, to star-studded concerts such as West End Musical Christmas and Rob Brydon & His Fabulous Band, there’s something for everyone. It’s full of laughs, music, and festive cheer and being based in Bloomsbury makes popping over for an evening in the West End super easy.

Located in the middle of all the action, from Bloomsbury you just need to step out to take in all the festive feels of London. You’re just a short tube or walk from the city’s festive lights, markets, and theatres. Here’s the best choice of hotels for your festive trip:

All Imperial London Hotels offer quick links to the Piccadilly, Northern, Central, and Elizabeth lines, plus on-site bars and dining options.

Check availability for December and save 15% when you book direct.

The city’s iconic Christmas lights are switched on from mid-November, these displays transform streets, squares, and shopping areas into twinkling little wonderlands. Many of the top spots, including Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden, and Carnaby Street, are just a 10–15 minute walk from Bloomsbury.

Dates: 14 Nov – 5 Jan | Tube: Tottenham Court Road / Oxford Circus

Stroll past iconic department-store windows and enjoy spectacular light installations.

Dates: 7 Nov – 6 Jan | Tube: Oxford Circus

Known for quirky, colourful decorations and boutique shopping, great for your Christmas post on Instagram.

Dates: 6 Nov – 6 Jan | Tube: Covent Garden

Giant mistletoe, twinkling trees, and street performers create the most festive atmosphere.

DIY lights route (budget-friendly): Hop on bus numbers 12, 3, 6, 13, 23, 88, 94, 139, 453, or C2 to catch multiple displays in one evening.

London in December is all sparkle, spice and twinkly strolls and it's the Christmas markets that add so much glitter to the London Festive season. From riverside chalets and artisan gifts to mulled wine spots hidden out of sight, here’s where to go (and how to do it well).

Set along the Thames with fairy lights and wooden stalls, this market is perfect for cosy strolls. Try the mulled wine stands behind the carousel. They're quieter, and you’ll find riverside seating with a view.

Right in the heart of the West End, this market mixes festive fun with small family-friendly rides and sweet stalls. Visit early evening to catch the lights before the post-theatre crowd pours in.

Tube: Leicester Square or 15 mins walk from Bloomsbury

With Tower Bridge as a backdrop, this market is all about views and atmosphere. For that festive photo, head to the Scoop where the skyline, stalls and lights line up beautifully.

Nearest Tube: London Bridge

Famous for its giant baubles and mistletoe arches, Covent Garden feels like a Christmas film set. Stop by the Apple Market in the morning to admire decorations and browse gifts before the daytime rush.

Nearest tube: Covent Garden or 15 min walk from Bloomsbury

The design-led Coal Drops Yard blends festive stalls with street food and seasonal pop-ups. Head towards the canal steps where hidden craft workshops often do pop-ups for more unique items.

Nearest Tube: King’s Cross or 15 mins walk from Bloomsbury

A foodie favourite year-round, it turns extra indulgent at Christmas. Get there before noon to grab hot seasonal bites, especially around the cheese traders without the lunchtime rush from all the offices around.

Nearest Tube: London Bridge

Covered, cosy and full of character, this market is brilliant for handmade gifts and indie brands. Walk to the back row of stalls for unique finds you won’t spot in the usual high street stores.

Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street

Pro Tip: Plan your route, some markets (like Southbank to London Bridge City) can be done in one festive stroll.

The holiday season in London is very lively with festive theatre, family pantomimes, and magical concerts. Pre-book these shows so you make sure you don’t miss out on seasonal highlights.

A family favourite for decades, the Palladium dazzles with glittering sets, catchy songs, and laugh-out-loud moments. Great for kids and adults alike. 

Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Line

For a truly festive evening, enjoy classical concerts, carol performances, and seasonal music in iconic settings. Royal Albert Hall’s grandeur and St Martin-in-the-Fields’ intimate charm make every note feel festive.

After a show, unwind at the President Hotel. It's central location, warm hospitality, and comfy rooms that are just right for a festive night in London.

Pro Tip: Book tickets early for weekend performances. They sell out fast, especially family shows and carol concerts.

London’s festive season is best experienced with a mix of cosy corners, seasonal treats, and warming drinks and Bloomsbury is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Take a midday pause from all the lights and shop with a festive afternoon tea. 

Botanica Bar & Restaurant at Bedford Hotel offers classic scones, seasonal pastries, and warming teas in a relaxed, elegant setting. There is also a private garden which makes for a perfect afternoon break.

Iconic Afternoon Tea in Piccadilly with classic pastries and festive specials. Originally designed in 1921 by architect William Curtis Green as a grand car showroom, the building later became a Barclays Bank in 1927. In 2003, restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King transformed it into London’s first Grand Café, carefully preserving Green’s original features like the domed ceiling and marble floors, creating the elegant, enduring institution it is today.

The London Pub is the perfect place for a proper pint and a warming plate this festive season. Cosy corners, hearty winter classics, and a lively local vibe, perfect for pre-drinks, post-drinks… or just drinks.

For something more traditional, check out The Lamb & Flag – Dating back to 1772, this historic Bloomsbury pub earned the nickname “The Bucket of Blood” for its bare-knuckle prize fights. Cosy, full of character, and steeped in stories. 

Spice up your evening with warming curries and festive cocktails at the Poppadom Indian Kitchen.

Elegant seasonal menus with a festive twist for dinner or cocktails at the Atrium bar and restaurant.

Grab a quick slice or hot coffee for a pit stop between markets and lights.

Enjoy early market visits, lights, and a matinee show. Many restaurants offer festive dinners nearby – book early. Note reduced Tube services on 24th December.

Morning is the sweet spot before crowds and closures. Southbank, Covent Garden and Borough Market still have festive stalls selling pastries, gifts and seasonal bites.

Walk through Covent Garden, Regent Street, Carnaby and Oxford Street in the late afternoon while shops are still open and the atmosphere is lively but not chaotic.

Book ahead at restaurants offering seasonal menus. Many close early but still serve special Christmas Eve dinners. The London Pub will make you feel right at home but hearty pub dinner. 

London goes quiet on 25 December, and that’s part of the magic. There’s no public transport at all, so unless you’re booking a taxi (and prices shoot up), the day is best enjoyed on foot.

That’s why it matters where you stay. From any of the Imperial London Hotels in Bloomsbury you are only a stroll away from iconic Christmas attractions. See the British Museum with almost no crowds, walk around quiet Covent Garden or Trafalgar Square. 

Each year, its windows are transformed into a spectacular Christmas display, and inside you’ll find beautifully wrapped hampers, seasonal treats, and classic British festive goods. It’s a must-see for anyone wanting a touch of timeless London Christmas magic.

If you are thinking of church services, places like St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster Abbey and local Bloomsbury churches hold beautiful Christmas Day services, but some require booking and timings vary. We recommend checking ahead so you’re not turned away at the door.

Only a handful of restaurants open on the 25th and they fill up fast, The London Pub in Bloomsbury is hosting a Christmas Day Roast dinner to make your Christmas trip in London a proper one. 

There are a range of festive activities for children in London such as:

Toy demos at Hamleys and Regent Street angels

Ice rinks with penguin aids for beginners

Southbank Market rides and family-friendly stalls

For those travelling with children, both hotels offer spacious Family Rooms so everyone can stay together comfortably. You’ll have easy access to Tube stations, parks, cafés and festive sights. Plus, you can walk to the British Museum and central lights without needing transport.

The best way to avoid this is to stay in central so you can walk to all the Christmas attractions.

Carnaby Street – bright, playful lights and boutique shops.

Southbank Winter Market – riverside, festive food, and gifts.

Most attractions close; enjoy walking loops, riverside strolls, or church services.

The #12, #23, and #139 front-deck buses cover Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Southbank lights.

Day trips like Windsor, Oxford, or Bath offer festive charm within easy reach.