In this article, I am sharing all about the irresistible things there are to do in London during the Christmas Holidays.

Sparkling lights, mulled wine, exceptional food, and a crisp winter vibe to boot!

Street decorations, concerts, ice rings, and Xmas markets… get ready to lose yourself in festive magic in gorgeous London!

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London is my second home

Before my travel blogger days, I used to be a professional ballet and contemporary dancer in London.

This chaotic, often grey but always fascinating city was my home for 11 years!

But it took much less than that to fall in love with it.

London is grey and mysterious in the winter, bright and cheerful in the summer, and irresistible during spring.

But when the city really comes alive, is during Christmas.

There is something about the crisp winter air, and the incredible Christmas lights the city is decked out in. Or the busy Xmas markets and festive caroling, that simply screams…winter wonderland.

There is no Xmas like London Christmas and below, I tell you all about it.

The Best Things To Do In London During The Christmas Holidays

Without further ado, our yourselves a glass of wine, and let’s go straight into it. Here come the best things to do in London during the Christmas Holidays!

Witness the switching on of the Christmas Lights

Nothing signifies the approach of Christmas more than the glow of seasonal street lights.

And the London Xmas Lights are simply too gorgeous to pass by!

The ignition of the famous Xmas Lights happens in various parts of London at different times and they are all accompanied by events, so keep reading!

Below, I am listing my favorite Christmas Lights ceremonies in Central London.

Regent Street – 14th November

Considered one of London’s most dazzling Xmas light displays, Regent Street is not one to miss!

The world-famous shopping street is closed to traffic from 4 pm-9 pm for the official illuminating ceremony when those iconic ‘Spirit of Christmas’ angels will be switched on for the festive season.

The street is also filled with events, famous performers, and hosts.

The performers for each year are announced a few months in advance, so check this page closer to the time!

Oxford Circus – November

There is not a single tourist in London that doesn’t pass through this iconic street.

Oxford Circus is the epitome of all things London so it is no wonder it hosts 9 million visitors per year. It is Busy, chaotic, gorgeous.

The Oxford Street Christmas lights are usually London’s first to be switched on. In 2021, they were turned on by the mayor on November 19th.

Expect street parties, shopping, carols, celebrities, and all things festive, It is magic!

Trafalgar Square – 5th December

The Mayor of Westminster, Norwegian Ambassador, and governing Mayor of Oslo switch on the lights on the Trafalgar Square tree on the first Thursday in December.

Did you know that The huge tree is a present from Norway?

They have donated a tree to London since 1947, in gratitude for Britain’s support for Norway during World War II.

Covent Garden – November

The world-famous Piazza is illuminating and ignited by over 115,000 glistening lights and it is so magical! In 2021, it happened on the 9th of November.

The 20m Christmas tree, looks unreal, and there are dozens of activities, along with all things festive!

Carnaby Street – 4th November

Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights are usually pretty damn special.

Not only are the decorations one of the prettiest in London. but 2021’s installations were created to raise awareness for Choose Love, a shop set up by the charity Help Refugees, that supports and raises money for refugees all over the world.

2021’s show, which was named Carnaby Kaleidoscope, presented over 600 3D and 2D butterflies fluttering around the area, each one hand-decorated with shining wings and eye-popping neon patterns.

The shop – Choose Love, at 3 Carnaby Street – was filled with gifts for refugees and used over 80 humanitarian organizations to send off the gifts bought by the public all over the world.

The other shops pitched into the Christmas magic too, offering 20% discounts for the public, free drinks, goodie bags, and street parties.

The busy street that is very close to Oxford Circus and Picadilly is gorgeous all year round. But it is clear that it is certainly not one to miss during Christmas for sure!

Christmas Holidays – Shop at Harrods

Harrods is, of course, the world-famous luxurious department store the world knows and loves.

And Harrods thrives on Christmas!

The entire Department Store is illuminated by thousands of lights, and the window displays are a work of art!

Inside the department store, you can shop all things Christmas!

Whether you’re searching for a show-stopping dress, twinkling tree decorations, or extra-special stocking fillers – you’ll find everything at Harrods.

And even if you don’t want to shop at all, you will feel an extra twinkling of Xmas magic just by walking around this utterly iconic store in the heart of South Kensington!

Try Ice Skating with views Of London

I love a bit of Ice skating during Christmas Holidays!

And London does not disappoint.

So look no further than the fabulous ice skating rink outside of the Natural History Museum.

There is something so magical about skating alongside centuries of history…and what better place to do it than in one of the chicest districts in London.

The Natural History Museum is located in South Kensington

Book an Igloo with views of Tower Bridge

Quite possibly the most Instagram – worthy activity in London during the Christmas Holidays!

The Cuppa Club is back this year with the most beautiful luxurious igloos that you can rent for that true Xmas feeling!

Grab your favorite people and head on down to one of this festive igloo for fine food, great drinks, and getting cozy.

Tip: These igloos sell out so fast, so hurry!

Explore The Xmas Markets – Christmas Holidays In London

Christmas Markets, are hands down the best thing about this festive holiday.

There are many European countries with fantastic Xmas markets and London is one of them!

Outdoor markets, Christmas carols, and mulled wine…Furthermore, festive presents, ice rings, street food, gooorgeous street food!

Below find the best Xmas Markets in London

Southbank Centre Winter Market

Open from 4th November until the 21st of December 2021.

Fun-filled family shows, markets, and shopping, twinkling lights, comedy, and cabaret… Southbank Centre in winter is truly magical!

Experience the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-the-century circus at Circus 1903, returning with new acts for 2019 including the Brazilian Wheel of Death.

Saddle up for the five-star retelling of Black Beauty. Blending storytelling, music, and puppetry, it’s a must!

Additionally, a new photographic exhibition London Is Love and New Year’s Eve Spectacular, and a front-row seat to London’s iconic fireworks.

Address: The Queen’s Walk, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX, United Kingdom

Borough Christmas Market 

Open from the 13th of December up to the 9th of January. (closed Dec 25th and 26th)

The Market’s historic arches will be decked out in beautiful decorations, once again, alongside Christmas carols, the scent of mulled wine, and a plethora of exceptional products to choose from!

Check the website here for the numerous events and demonstrations taking place throughout the month.

Address: Borough Market, 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Opens 21st November- 5th of January

An absolute must! This is London’s biggest Christmas Market, with over 100 spectacular rides, attractions, and thrilling shows.

Furthermore, there is Santa Land (a whole area dedicated to children) restaurants, cafes, and themed bars for all.

Winter Wonderland is really THE biggest, most extravagant Xmas Market in London!

And yes, it gets very busy! Mornings are great for families where you can enjoy Winter Wonderland at a leisurely pace.

At night, Hyde Park is transformed by thousands of sparkling lights, and a HUGE amount of visitors who enjoy a mulled wine or beer and join in the festivities.

The entrance is free, and the list of activities is endless. Definitely worth a visit, for the WOW factor alone!

Address: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH

Leicester Square Glittering Xmas Market

12th November – 9th January in 2021.

Christmas in Leicester Square transforms the center of bustling London into a wonderland.

Here, you’ll find hand-crafted goods and delicious food and drinks, a Santa’s Grotto, and a whole host of fantastic shows in one of the most beautiful streets in the city.

Entrance is free, with tickets available for shows and the Santas Grotto.

For a full list of shows and online bookings click here.

Address: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LU, United Kingdom

Sip Cocktails with Rooftop London Views

The Rooftop at St James is one of the best rooftop bars in London with views off Trafalgar Square.

The Rooftop is a space for sipping individually crafted cocktails, sampling small plates, and drinking in the inimitable city view.

Outdoor heaters and blanket selections provide warmth through the Christmas Holidays, making this bar a lovely sophisticated outing.

Tip: Opt to sit at the Gallery, for the most breathtaking views over London.

Discover exceptional Wine at Gordons Wine Bar

Wine lovers rejoice!

Gordon’s is London’s oldest wine bar – dating back to 1890 and it is very much a family business passed on from generation to generation!

The bar is loved by old and young alike due to the totally unique atmosphere in which time seems to have stood still.

As you enter the bar you find yourself in a room with old wooden walls covered in historical newspaper cuttings and memorabilia faded with age.

Make your way to the cellar and you need to stoop to get to your rickety candlelit table – it really feels like you have stepped into a different era!

The award-winning wine list is varied and full of interesting wines at very reasonable prices.

Sherries and ports are served from the barrel.

Food comes in proper portions ranging from homemade pies to wonderfully mature cheeses. The cheeses are something they particularly excel in!

Address: 47 Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6NE

Take A Day Trip from London – Windsor

Windsor is only a one hours direct train ride from Waterloo and holds many Christmas wonders.

Queen Elizabeth likes to spend a lot of her time there, and it is where Prince Harry and Megan Markle held their royal wedding last year.

Things to do in Windsor during the Christmas Holidays

There are Christmas carols outside Windsor castle around the statue of Queen Victoria. Mulled wine is available in the Horse and Groom, which is on the same small street.

There are also Christmas carols and Mulled wine at The Two Brewers. This happens in Park street too, so coats are definitely needed!

Tip: They only take cash outside! The Two Brewers also does the best roast dinner in Windsor by far!

Tip: You 100% need to book as they never have room for walk-ins.

This place also happens to be at the end of The Long Walk, which runs through the great park.

During Royal Ascot, the queen uses this path to get to the races!

The Long Walk is beautiful and you can walk from The Two Brewers to the statue of King George at the other end.

No bikes/cars/rollerblades etc allowed.

If you fancy spending time on or looking at the Thames then there are boat trips up to the lock!

You can watch the world go by from the grounds of Oakley Court.

Windsor is joined by a footbridge to Eton where you will find the world-famous Eton College.

I hope you have enjoyed this article, which is filled with ideas on spending the best Christmas Holidays in London!

Use this guide to enjoy this magical city to the max!

Remember to subscribe to my newsletter below for more guides and travel discounts exclusive to my subscribers 🙂

And while you are at it, follow my Instagram too, for up-to-date travel, and plenty of wanderlust!

Love, Tia x

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• The Best Food in London – Quirky and outstanding restaurants in the food capital of the world
• Best Fry Places around the world – Out of this world potatoes you must eat.
• Winter Wonderland The best winter destinations around the world

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I called London my home for 11 years and I never run out of new tastes to try, food markets to explore and restaurants to eat in. This Quirky Restaurants London guide is only a small taste of the incredible food in London, but it sure packs a punch! Cross a few of these restaurants off your list on your next trip to London, and you’ll thank me later! Special thanks to my darling George Marcou – a dear friend and an avid foodie for the idea contribution!

Quirky Restaurants London – Chotto Matte – Soho

A fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine that provides a true culinary experience. The quirkiness comes in the form of the live cooking theatrics in the center of the restaurant. The quality and authenticness of the ingredients are impressive and the taste payoff is totally worth the experience. The star of Chocco Matte is most definitely fish, although vegan and meat dishes are very much available and plentiful! The experience is pretty unique – the waiters will help you create your bespoke order and will then organize the order of the dishes to be served.

Your order will arrive according to Chocco Matte’s philosophy: Eating colder, light-flavored dishes first, graduating to hotter, fuller flavors and ending the meal with sushi. ​Yum!

Location: 11-13 Frith Street, London W1D 4RB

Smokestak – Shoreditch

Hello, carnivore heaven!! If you are looking for some serious meat dishes, this quirky restaurant is the one for you! Smokestak is an incredibly stylish rustic barbecue joint with a bar and terrace. The menu is exploding with delicious dishes (and gluten-free options) like the fennel sausage, incredible bone marrow, and the signature boneless BBQ rib! Smokestak obviously specializes in smoky, slow-cooked meats, and the result is evident, in fantastic dishes like the beef brisket.

Bonus points for the great beer and cocktails and the polite staff! The restaurant is often packed, so making a reservation is adviced!

Location: 35 Sclater St, Shoreditch, London E1 6LB, United Kingdom

Quirky Restaurants London – Senor Ceviche, Carnaby Street

A quirky London restaurant that is all about fresh and healthy food with a Peruvian twist. From street food snacks and super fresh ceviches to fiery Peruvian barbecue and healthy super salads, you will adore Senor Ceviche. Furthermore, the Pachamanca Pork Ribs, fresh zingy ceviches, and tangy tiraditos are the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent, the way eating should be.

Location: Kingly Court, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW

Kiln – Soho

Thai food fit for kings! This incredibly quirky restaurant takes its name from its cooking method. The chefs cook in small clay kilns full of charcoal with a wok on top. If you are seated at the bar, you’ll get a first-class seat of the chefs at work!

The food is…outstanding! Incredible hake, monkfish, and red mullet, and the star of Kiln, glass noodles with pork belly and brown crab meat. Simply out of this world! Kiln is a marvelous, vibrant place and by Soho standards, it’s also reasonably priced. The taste payout is well worth the price tag, for Thai and Asian food lovers alike!

Location: 58 Brewer St, London W1F 9TL. Tip: They only take bookings for tables of four or more. So if you’re a two or a three you should get there early.

Quirky Restaurants London – Balthazar, Covent Garden

Breakfast? Lunch? Brunch? Afternoon tea? Well there you have it, welcome to Balthazar London! In the heart of Covent Garden, Balthazar is open all day, seven days a week, and offering great French bistro food, good wine, and outstanding service it is all about. Baked Whiskey lovers; you will be glad to find a selection of bottles from more than 15 states alongside classic cocktails that can be enjoyed pre-dinner or even late into the evening.

The quirkiness? Well, the all-new New York tea special of course! This American inspired tea is worthy of numerous Instagram snaps! Savories featuring classic New York ingredients such as a pastrami bun with egg, pickle, and mustard make you feel like you are back in New York! The signature baked cheesecake and the crowd-pleasing Cookies and Cream Tart close the deal in this beautiful spin on an afternoon tea.

Location: 4-6 Russell St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5HZ, United Kingdom

BAO – Soho

Bao celebrates and elevates Taiwanese Food to a whole new level. Located in the heart of Soho, this quirky London restaurant draws inspiration from the Streetfood markets and Xiao Chi Houses in Taiwan. Here, you will find a selection of BAOs and unique takes on Xiao Chi.

How is it quirky you ask? Well, there’s a pig blood cake for the adventurous and a vast selection of dreamy non-alcoholic drinks, using foams, gradients, and Asian ingredients. The restaurant takes its name from its specialty;’ Bao Buns – delicious steamed buns of soft bread stuffed with pork belly, prawn or other ingredients and vegetables. Yum!

Location: 53 Lexington St, Soho, London W1F 9AS, United Kingdom

Fishers Fish and Chips – Chelsey

A taste of the world-famous fish and chips must be ticked off every visit! Fish and chips is a London classic and can be found practically everywhere. This doesn’t mean it will taste the same everywhere though. The fish and chips at the Fishers in Chelsey are to die for – succulent fish, crispy fries, mushy pies and creamy homemade tartare. Add a pint of beer, and there you have it; heaven! I lived in Chelsey for my last 6 years in London, and the Fishers became a regular spot for me. Highly recommended!

Location: Fishers, 19 Fulham High Street, SW6 3JH.

Jolly Butchers – Stoke Newington

Are you even in London, if you aren’t spending your Sunday in a pub devouring an English roast? The almighty Sunday roast is without a doubt the epitome of English cuisine and one of my favorite meals ever! Even now, leaving back in Cyprus, I cook a Sunday Roast every single week. Again, every pub worth its money serves a Sunday Roast. But after 11 years of living in London, I’ve had my share of stale, unseasoned, overcooked roasts to tell you, they don’t all taste as they should.

What is a roast dinner you ask?

The Sunday roast is a traditional British main meal that is typically served on Sunday, consisting of roasted meat, roast potato, and accompaniments such as Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, seasonal vegetables, and gravy sauce.

The Jolly Butchers offer one of the best roast dinners in London – period. Particularly famous for their generous servings of good quantity of meat, larger than life Yorkshires puddings, seasonal vegetables, and a gravy sauce to die for. The vegetarian nut roast is pretty special, as well as the leak and cheese wellington veggie roast- my veggie and vegan friends often rave about it! The meat menu offers choices of beef or pork (no chicken or turkey options here), and they are all available in kids’ portions too. Just gorgeous. If you choose ONE thing to eat in London, make sure it is an English Roast!

Location: 204 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7HU

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I hope you have enjoyed this quirky restaurant London guide as much as I did eating and writing it!

Do you love food guides? I’ve got more!

• Love Greece? Then Check out, the best food in Mykonos!
• Fan of Asia? Then my guide of the best restaurants in Phuket is a must.
• Vegetarian or Vegan? My Vegan Jordan Food Guide is pretty great 🙂
• In love with fried potatoes? Best Fry Places around the world–

And as for my beautiful London..I’ll be back shortly <3

Have you experienced Christmas Holidays in London yet? If not, then make this Christmas extra special in London, or choose from one of the best Winter Wonderland destinations around the world

Love, Tia

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