London is a city that is incredibly special when the temperature drops, and the Christmas lights go up. Arriving to a pub, removing your coat, scarf, hat and gloves to warm up by the fireplace and drink a cider or stout is a top 10 feeling. Do I romanticize it? Yes, of course! I am from Los Angeles! I rarely need a heavy coat let alone a scarf or gloves. It is why I will shout it from the rooftops that the best time to visit London is in November.
Having been to London on numerous occasions, I have predominately been in the summer. The long days are lovely; the parks are fun for riding bikes and the clothing you will pack will be drastically less bulky. But along with that come higher prices in airfare, hotels and way more crowds, especially in the areas that are big tourist attractions.
My very first time in London was Thanksgiving week. Airfare to leave the United States during that holiday were lower than flying in the continental US and being November, it wasn’t quite peak pricing for hotels during the Christmas holiday. November is the perfect sweet spot. By mid-November, the city dons its Christmas lights, the Christmas markets pop up, it is dark by 4pm and the pubs have their fireplaces waiting to warm you up from a chilly day. This will always be my favorite time of the year in the vibrant city of London. And remember, there is no bad weather, just bad clothes so pack accordingly. Coats, boots, scarves, hats, gloves, and an umbrella are necessities.
There are plenty of things to do in London, but the holidays bring out a whole new set of activities and experiences.
Christmas Lights Sightseeing Spots:
There are several tour companies that offer bus tours of famous streets in London that go above and beyond with their Christmas lights. These will be guided and tailored to specific areas with lots of lights. While that is the more expensive option, you won’t have to worry about mapping where it is you want to go. But if you enjoy that, plenty of these streets are near each other so you can plan it out how you want and hop on and off a standard city double-decker bus. We just used City Mapper to plan our route and enjoyed all the smaller light displays on the way!
Streets to visit:
While there are lights at a lot of places, you will want to visit Regent St, Oxford St, South Molten St, New Bond St and Carnaby Street.
- Regent St has the iconic light display called “The Spirit of Christmas” that has over 300,000 lights. The large angels span the street and they are my favorite light display in the entire city.
- Oxford street has beautiful hanging stars that intersect the street.
- South Molten Street has stunning arches of lights that you can walk through and enjoy the blue and white lights.
- New Bond Street has charming displays on the shops and creates a canopy of lights across the street as well.
- Carnaby has colorful and whimsical lights that are incredibly unique and different from traditional Christmas displays.
Stores to Visit with Great Lights and Displays:
There are several shops that have stunning Christmas displays. Harrods and Fortnum & Mason are two iconic department stores that have opulent Christmas lights and displays. Going to either of these will have you feeling like you stepped into an elegant Christmas card. Or in the case of Fortnum & Mason, like you stepped into an advent calendar. The displays don’t just end outside but carry into the stores as well so be sure to go in.
Visiting a Pub is a Requirement:
A pub is always the right choice when visiting London. The fireplaces are lit, and it is the best way to warm up from the cold. On your walks around the city, you will always be able to stumble across a pub. Whether you are going for food or drink, you must visit one if you’ve never been to London.
There is one pub that takes Christmas lights seriously. Nicknamed “London’s most Christmassy pub” is The Churchill Arms. This pub opened in 1750. It definitely switches up the menu in terms of what you think of as pub food. This pub serves authentic Thai cuisine! Put on a Christmas sweater and get into the spirit in this kitschy that is dripping in lights.
Christmas Markets:
Christmas markets pop up all around the city. Selling food, ornaments, souvenirs and more, they add a big dose of magic to the city.
A festive pop-up in central London is at Leicester Square’s Christmas Market. This one is free to enter and walk around. Take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful booths filled with goodies or pay to go ice skating! We happened to stumble upon this market by accident since we were nearby viewing the lights on Regent St. by Piccadilly Circus. This is why we love walking around the city! You never know what you will happen upon.
Covent Garden’s giant Christmas tree is a beautiful sight to behold. The canopy of lights and giant Christmas bells will have you ringing in the season of cheer. They have specialty seasonal menus, live entertainment and plenty of shopping!
Southbank Centre’s Christmas market runs along the south bank of the Thames, which makes it a great location for tourists who also want to see Westminster Abbey. Much like Leicester Square, this pop-up feature booths with artisanal food items and gifts. This location specifically feels like quintessential London since you will have the view of The Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben). It is iconic.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is more like a county fair but at Christmas time. Here there is an entrance fee because they offer rides, carnival games, shows and festive food and seasonal drinks. The pricing depends on when you visit and what type of activity packages you book. This is an event and something to plan out to spend hours and maximize your fun and experience.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
Attention Harry Potter lovers! While this is not technically in London, the holidays are the time to visit the studio tour. As we all know, Hogwarts is the best at Christmas. Enter the Great Hall decked out for the Yule Ball. See the colossal model Hogwarts, dusted with snow. Greet Buckbeak with a bow in the snowy forbidden forest. The touches of Christmas are all over the place, including in the Gryffindor and Slytherin common rooms. Even Diagon Alley is dusted with snow! You will be in awe at this incredible tour. Walk on the iconic Hogwarts bridge and step into sets like Dumbledore’s office. This tour is the best fan experience you could have short of being in a Harry Potter movie.
London is one of my favorite cities I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. If you find yourself wanting to book a trip, I highly recommend doing it. Give yourself the added bonus of these holiday activities by going in November or December. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and a joyous journey, no matter where your path leads you.
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