London is beautiful all year round, but it really shines over the Christmas period. Stunning street decor and various festive events make it a truly magical place. Today, I’m taking you on a photo trip around London at Christmas. You’ll see the major Christmas markets and the famous Trafalgar Square tree, which goes viral on social media every year, for the wrong reasons. I’ll also take you to luxury department stores and seasonal events. I originally planned to post this before Christmas, but ran out of time. However, London’s festivities are typically similar every year. Save this post for Christmas in London 2026 inspiration!
Luxury department stores
Some of the first places where you can see Christmas items each year are the luxury department stores. Some of them start to bring out their Christmas ranges as early as September. Amongst my favourite department stores to visit are Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason, and Liberty London. If you want to spoil someone with a sweet tooth, those stores usually have some amazing seasonal chocolates and biscuits. Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason typically also have incredible window displays, with the latter also turning the building into a giant advent calendar.
This year, Selfridges turned each of the large windows into a scene from a classic Disney film. My favourite was probably the Winnie the Pooh one – it’s one of my most beloved Disney movies.
Christmas at Kew Gardens
When it comes to festive, seasonal events in London, my favourite – by a mile – is Christmas at Kew. It’s a Christmassy light trail, filled with spectacular displays and illuminations, located in the historic botanical gardens in west London. This year, the pond in front of the iconic palm house was filled with large lilies. The other large palm house, at the end of the trail, became a canvas for a music & lights show. I had a chance to take any parents to Kew Gardens this time, and we all enjoyed it.
Winter Wonderland
Speaking of events most popular amongst tourists, nothing beats winter Wonderland. I never know how to describe it – it’s a strange crossover between a Christmas market, a theme park, and a large street food festival. It’s not that Christmassy, to be honest, at least not all of it – but it certainly is crowded and overpriced. My favourite attraction in Winter Wonderland, and the reason why I still visit it every year, is the Magical Ice Kingdom – a large tent filled with stunning ice sculptures, typically creating a short story. In 2025, the theme were the four elements: fire, water, air and earth.
This year, my parents visited me in London at the start of December, and we had a big stroll around all of Winter Wonderland. It was a rainy evening, but we still managed to explore the whole area, enjoying some (overpriced) mulled wine and food.
Street illuminations – Oxford Street, Regent Street
London is known for its Christmas street illuminations. I remember seeing the angels of Regent Street on Polish TV years before I moved to London myself. If you go on a walk around central London in December, you’ll see Christmas decoration everywhere you look. Oxford Street, Regent Street, and the adjacent areas have some of the best decorations, but be warned – they get insanely busy!
One of London’s most famous streets during the Christmas season is New Bond Street/Old Bond Street (the two seamlessly merge together). The luxury stores in that area go above and beyond with their festive decorations. Rolex, Chanel, and Dior were amongst my favourites.
Trafalgar Square tree and Christmas Market
One of the best known Christmas markets in London is the one in front of the National Gallery, on Trafalgar Square. It’s mainly known thanks to its natural Christmas tree, which is gifted by Norway every year, in gratitude for British help during WWII. The trees are often mocked online for their tall, thin appearance, but honestly – there’s something cute about them! The lights on the Trafalgar Square tree are always switched on on the first Thursday of December. The Christmas market on Trafalgar Square is charming, though fairly small. The vendors are exactly the same every year, so if you’ve visited Trafalgar Square in previous years, you already know exactly what to expect.
Southbank Christmas Market
Located under Golden Jubilee Bridges (not the cutest setting, to be honest), the Southbank Christmas market returned yet again in 2025. Across maybe 20 stalls, there’s a selection of festive drinks, street food, and gift options. It’s not my favourite Christmas market in London, but it’s now a constant part of London’s festivities.
Leicester Square Christmas market
The next Christmas market in central London that I want to take you is in Leicester Square. This year, this small but charming market featured a tiny ice rink along the food, drink and gift stalls.
Winter by the river – Christmas markets near Tower Bridge
My favourite major Christmas market in central London is definitely the one near Tower Bridge, on the south bank of river Thames. The market – known as Winter by the river – has a good selection of vendors selling gifts. In my experience, most British Christmas markets focus on food and drink, with few other shopping options. Winter by the river, however, offers a good opportunity for gift shopping. I’ve seen woolen scarves, handmade toys and ornaments, unique jewellery, organic skincare, and more.
The market spreads from Tower Bridge to Hay’s Galleria, where you’ll find more stalls (under a roof!) and a really pretty Christmas tree.
Speaking of Christmas markets near Tower Bridge, there was also a tiny market on the north bank of the Thames, wear Tower of London. It was tiny, it had maybe 10 stalls, but I believe it was the first year I’ve seen it. Always great to see a new Christmas market in town!
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of the famous places in London that’s worth visiting regardless of the season. It always has stunning seasonal decorations! But, as it often happens, the ornaments are particularly beautiful at Christmas. I have to say, the setup is pretty much exactly the same every year, so there’s no surprise factor for me. And yet, it’s one of my favourite places to visit.
In November, there was a LEGO-themed pop-up in Covent Garden, which brought large statues of Santa and his reindeer to the market hall.
Covent Garden has one of the most impressive Christmas trees every year. I believe they’re real, but they look absolutely enormous and lush.
Leadenhall Market
This hidden gem in central London is beautiful with no additional decorations, but Christmas ornaments always add extra value. I don’t think I’ve seen Leadenhall market at Christmas before, so it was a treat to see it with a large Christmas tree.
Various Christmas trees and street decor
There has been a small Christmas market taking place near North Greenwich station before Christmas in recent years, and 2025 was no exception. It wasn’t huge – there were a few vendors selling food, drink, and handmade goods, and a classic Christmas tree with large baubles.
Walking around central London, you’ll see a lot of stunning decorations in arcades, on posh hotels, and by shops and restaurants. There’s no way to list and rank them all! I highly recommend spending an evening simply strolling around and exploring Soho and Westminster areas.
You will also find countless Christmas trees around the city. I particularly liked the one by St Paul’s Cathedral, near Millenium Bridge. It was huge, and made entirely of fairy lights. It looked really cool at night!
Final thoughts
Thank you for joining me on this photo journey through London’s Christmas locations in 2025. I hope you enjoyed seeing the festive, Christmas events! Is there a specific place in London you’d like to see? Or, do you have a favourite location that I didn’t mention in this post? Let us know in the comments!
Christmas events in London typically return every year, and the same locations remain the most worth visiting. Save this post for your 2026 London Christmas inspiration!
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