To Visit Ghosts Of Christmas Past: Dennis Severs' House
At Dennis Severs’ House, time stands still in the most exquisite way. This Spitalfields Georgian townhouse transforms into a candlelit tableau of Christmases past, weaving you into the story of an 18th-century Huguenot family. With every creak of the floorboards, the scent of oranges spiked with cloves, and the faint echo of distant laughter, you’ll feel as though you’ve fallen into Dickens’s London. This is not a museum; it’s theatre without actors, Christmas at its most intimate and evocative. Book it.
For Your Inner Child: Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop
No Christmas is complete without a dash of whimsy, and you’ll find it in spades at Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop in Covent Garden. This pocket-sized treasure trove, crammed with charmingly old-fashioned toys and paper theatres, is a reminder of a simpler kind of magic. Whether you’re hunting for a gift or simply soaking in the nostalgia, here London’s Christmas spirit feels playful, timeless and unspoiled. Visit here.
Markets Full of Merriment: Spitalfields and Borough
London still abounds with enchanting markets (despite our lamentations for the impending closure of Smithfields and Billingsgate). Many do survive and even thrive, however, and amongst them Spitalfields is a favourite at Christmas. Expect a festive feast for the senses, with its cobblestone charm, glittering lights, and stalls brimming with artisanal wares. It’s the kind of place where you can find a handmade treasure or a cup of mulled wine – and linger long enough to be serenaded by carol-singers. Meanwhile, Borough Market provides the gastronomic heart of Christmas in London. Stock up on figgy pudding, artisanal cheeses, and winter spices, or simply revel in the bustle of a market that’s been trading since Dickens’ day.
Under the Tree: Trafalgar Square’s Gift to London
In the heart of the city, Trafalgar Square’s towering Christmas tree – an annual gift from Norway – is a beacon of tradition. Adorned with lights that nod to Scandinavian simplicity, it’s best admired while sipping something warm and listening to the carol-singers who gather beneath its branches. The tree stands as a reminder of unity, hope, and London’s enduring ties with its Nordic friends.
Skate into the Season: Ice Skating at Somerset House
No Christmas season in London is complete without a spin on the ice at Somerset House. Beneath the grandeur of its neoclassical facade, skaters glide to the sounds of festive tunes, surrounded by twinkling lights. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or the sort who clings desperately to the rail, the magic of this setting makes every wobble worthwhile. Book it.
Carols by Candlelight: St Martin-in-the-Fields
Step out of the festive frenzy and into the serenity of St Martin-in-the-Fields. The glow of candlelight, the swell of choral voices, and the timeless melodies of ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ are balm for the soul. The schedule of festive events is packed, a plethora of Christmas concerts to a Christmas Disco in the crypt. Shaking your stuff on the crypt floor aside, it’s a moment of reflection amid the seasonal rush, and a reminder of the true essence of Christmas. Discover what’s on.
A Botanical Wonderland: Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens transforms into a glittering wonderland come December, with its illuminated trail winding through the grounds. Trees shimmer in technicolour, tunnels of light dazzle, and fire installations crackle against the night sky. It’s a place where nature and imagination collide, creating a festive spectacle that feels otherworldly. Book it.
Fairytale Theatre: Hansel and Gretel at The Globe
This year, the beloved tale of Hansel and Gretel gets the Globe Theatre treatment, promising a festive romp infused with wit, warmth, and a dash of mischief. The Globe’s intimate, timbered setting feels like stepping into a snow globe itself – a fitting backdrop for a Christmas story that’s equal parts sweet and sinister. Book it.
Kitschmas Cheer: Miracle’s Festive Living Room
For those who like their Christmas served with a side of kitsch, Miracle’s pop-up bar is the answer. Styled as a retro living room, complete with tinsel garlands and garish sweaters, this is where the grown-ups go to revel. Indulge in cocktails with names as playful as the decor, and toast to the season in a space that’s unapologetically jolly. Book it.
For Quieter Magic: Highgate’s Wintry Charms
For a quieter kind of festive magic, head to Highgate Village. Wander its frosted lanes, where Victorian houses twinkle with fairy lights, and – ideally at least – the air is crisp with the promise of snow. Visit Highgate Cemetery, where ivy-clad tombs exude gothic beauty, shop in the plethora of pretty independent shops, or warm up in a cosy pub such as the historic The Flask, pint in hand.
