London, London, London. It’s no secret that I have an unhealthy obsession with London. I’m not as bad as J. Lo’s character in ‘Office Romance’ but I mean… I’m close. From the history, to Princess Di, THE Queen, to the architecture and terrible food, there are few cities I love more. But baby… come Christmas time!? NOBODY, and I mean, NOBODY can hold a candle to London. One, so many places have spent the past 15 years trying to diminish the joy that is Christmas time, all while London said, “you go ahead and lean out… Ima lean IN”. And two, they just do it right. Christmas music blasting on nearly every pedicab, lights on nearly every street and a lethal amount of Christmas trees in thee most bizarre places.
Exhibit A: The Churchill Arms
All that to say, Christmas in London has been on my bucket list since I can remember and we finally made it happen. When I tell you it was exactly what I was hoping for and more! I was determined to make it an annual tradition. So now, here I am, making it my life mission to make sure others get to experience this at least once in their lifetime.
So without further ado, I bring to you…. the Noir & Ivory London Christmas Guide for 2026. We’re going to look at the best places to eat, drink and be merry. Oh, and of course, the best places to stay. Because what kind of advisor would I be if I omitted those. Stick with me and at the end of this, you may even get a little guide and map complete with date night ideas. Perfect if you’re heading to London for the holidays!
Okay, let’s dive in. First up:
WHERE TO SEE LONDON'S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & MAGIC!
Now, like I previously mentioned, it’s pretty hard to walk more than 10 min. in any given direction and NOT run into a little festive cheer because London goes all out. But there are a couple of heavy hitters that you absolutely cannot miss.
Regent Street
If you’ve ever seen a picture of Christmas in London, chances are you’ve seen Regent Street. The floating angels above an iconic double-decker bus, I mean… come on, that’s about as “London at Christmas” as it gets. And let me tell you, seeing these IRL is *chef kiss*. The entire street glows.
Covent Garden
Another icon. Giant golden bells, ginormous red ornaments, live music, massive Christmas tree, a market and twinkling lights galore. Oh! Andddd they’re even bringing back their hourly snowfall (starting December 4th).
Bond Street (Old & New)
Bond Street proves that luxury and Christmas are a match made in heaven. We’re talking designer boutiques, extravagant storefronts, and of course Christmas lights a-plenty. Even if your luxury shopping budget typically caps at Targét, it’s worth the stroll. Also, do NOT sleep on the individual boutiques! The secret to mastering Christmas in London is to always look for tucked away windows.
Christmas on Bond Street · © Noir & Ivory. All rights reserved.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN LONDON
Okay, I’ve gotta be honest with you, the Christmas Markets can be hit or miss and an unfortunate amount of them are really just there to be Instagrammable. You visit for the vibe. But there are a few that I would absolutely have on the “must see” list.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
You’ll get your Christmas chalets, mulled wine, street food and THE River Thames. Historically, the stalls have been 50/50 on good vs huh!? but it’s still worth it because you’ll be enjoying a festive evening on the Queen’s Walk.
Christmas on Southbank · © Noir & Ivory. All rights reserved.
Borough Market
Okay, technically this one isn’t a “Christmas Market” but one, semantics and two, hear me out! This is already one of London’s best places to eat your way through no matter the time of day. And then the month of December gives it a whole ‘nother reason to show off. Specialty cheeses, baked goods, seasonal treats… go hungry.
Old Spitalfields Market
If you’re hoping to find some gifts and support local vs. mass-produced, this one’s for you! This market has independent designers, vintage finds, etc. with special Christmas markets and maker events throughout the season. This is where you can snag something that is specific to London.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Some places throw a wreath on the door and call it good, but these!? They’re bringing a little more to the table (See what I did there).
34 Mayfair
This is your excuse to dress to the nines. 34 Mayfair goes ALL the way in on all things Christmas. This is a great spot for a proper celebratory dinner in one of London’s most glamorous neighborhoods. Keep in mind, you’re going to have to make a real reservation, well in advance. This isn’t exactly a hidden gem.
The Churchill Arms
You know those people who put up so many Christmas decorations that you can barely see their house? Well, imagine that, but make it a historic London pub and you get The Churchill Arms. This was the Exhibit A I referenced earlier. Extra on the outside, traditional pub on the inside but then…. plot twist, the grub is THAI!
Miracle on Russell Street
Some argue that this place is DTM (doing too much) and I argue… isn’t that what Christmas is all about!? This is a seasonal pop-up that’s P-A-C-K-E-D with kitschy deco, festive cocktails and holiday nostalgia. We’re talking over the top, exaggerative decoration. Reservations highly recommended.
WHERE TO STAY IN LONDON AT CHRISTMAS
London is HUGE. City of London? tiny… London? MASSIVE. Like, twice the size of NYC, massive. And while its public transportation is fantastic, you’re not trying to spend half your Christmas getaway commuting across the city. So for this guide, I'm prioritizing hotels that either put you right in the middle of the magic or bring a little Christmas magic of their own. insert shaq shimmying gif (squarespace developers, if you’re listening… please, for the love of Ray J, enable gifs in blogs!!!)
One Aldwych | For the Full Christmas Experience
If you want to step outside your hotel and immediately feel like you've landed in a Christmas movie, this is a strong contender. You're practically on Covent Garden's doorstep, with Somerset House, the West End, and plenty of festive dining within easy reach. And the hotel doesn't exactly hold back on its own holiday celebrations. A particularly good choice for couples looking to make Christmas the main event.
Available Noir & Ivory Booking Benefits:
Complimentary daily breakfast for 2 (also available on day of arrival before 1030AM)
$100USD hotel credit
Welcome letter and hotel amenity
Early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)
Upgrade based on availability at check-in
Sea Containers London | For Christmas Along the Thames
Not everyone needs their hotel lobby to look like Santa's workshop, and that’s okay. This one gets added because it’s less over-the-top Christmas while still in a PRIME location London. Sea Containers puts you along the South Bank, within easy reach of the winter market, riverside walks, and some pretty spectacular nighttime views. Contemporary, a little playful, and especially good for couples who plan to spend most of their time out exploring.
Available Noir & Ivory Booking Benefits:
Daily breakfast for 2
Welcome drink in the Den bar
Room upgrade (subject to availability)
Early check in/late checkout (subject to availability)
75 GBP property credit
The Hoxton, Holborn | For the Location-Conscious Traveler
Want to be close to the action without committing to one of London's grand luxury hotels? The Hoxton in Holborn is actually a great option. Aaron and I stayed here once and though the rooms were TINY, it was the perfect stay. It's casual, design-forward, and conveniently positioned for Covent Garden, Seven Dials, Soho, and the West End. But you’ll definitely want to pay attention to the room categories and sizing. I'd consider sizing up if the budget allows!
Available Noir & Ivory Booking Benefits:
Welcome amenity
Welcome card
Upgrade subject to availability
Early Check-in/Late Check-out subject to availability
Certain rates will include breakfast
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON GUIDE
For the sake of keeping this blog short and sweet, I didn’t list ALL the things here… BUT! Lucky for you, I’ve done all the research for you by sifting through blogs, going down copious IG rabbit holes, checking out business websites, reading the reviews, tourist boards, etc. and then married all of that info with my own experiences and created a map with all the heavy hitters.
Introducing, dun-da-da-dahhhh: The Noir & Ivory London Christmas Guide, Edition I. This bad boy has over 100 places and activities to explore. And not just the locations! I’ve got you covered on details, booking information, pro-tips and more. I even included a few Date Night itineraries for you and your boo. All organized into one interactive map that you can take along for the trip. Thank me later.
Get the London Christmas Guide + 3 Date Night Itineraries
NOTE: The complete interactive guide is exclusively available to Advised subscribers. Join our free Noir & Ivory newsletter for access to the map, curated itineraries, destination guides, and other travel finds worth knowing about.
And if you’re still figuring out where to stay, I’ve got you covered there too. Sign up (if you’re new here) or sign in (if you’re already a client) to Browse and Book London’s Festive Hotels through my client portal. The best part? There’s no additional fee to book through my portal, and at you’ll still have access to the advisor perks at our preferred partners. So expect hotel credits, complimentary breakfast, etc. You may even be surprised to see a few 3rd or 4th night free offers floating around in there. Again, thank me later, ‘tis the season of giving!
Oh. p.s. little birdie told me that Advised subscribers may have something else coming their way soon. Something involving Black Friday travel deals? Stay tuned!
