Bucket-list Christmas travel: Yourlbb’s guide for Christmas in London
Celebrating the holidays in a different city is so much fun! To get into the Christmas mood I made this guide to celebrate Christmas in London. The best things to do in London during Christmas for you to discover. The streets are full of lights and everything is looking even more beautiful than normally. On my last trip to London I stayed at the South-bank district at Mercure London Bridge. A very nice design-hotel right behind the Tate Modern and only a 10 minute walk from Borough Market!
Go to London by train!
Did you know that at train ride to London from Amsterdam is only 4,5 hours? For long distance travels I love to use the train. It was my first time with NS International from Amsterdam to London! I have to say: it’s a must try. First you travel with the Thalys to Brussels and after that with the Eurostar train from Brussels to London. Make your journey extra special and travel Business Class. There’s a lunch or dinner included and they offer you a glass of bubbly! Sounds good right? The train ride itself is really comfortable, just take a magazine with you or watch series on your laptop and relax.
When you book in advance a ticket to London is starts at € 59,- single fare. Extra nice: you don’t have to worry about the weight and size of your luggage! From St. Pancras station your hotel is only a tube ride away. Good to know: your Eurostar tickets gives you a discount on most museums in London!
Shopping! | Christmas in London guide
As you can imagine, London is great for shopping for the holidays. The shopping windows are so beautiful. I can look at them for hours! A must visit for Christmas in Harrods in South Kensington. Very classic and super expensive, but it gives me the ultimate English feeling. Also very nice are the shopping windows of Selfridges on Oxford Street.
Other great districts for shopping in London are the Seven Dials close to Covent Garden. Here you find small boutique style stores of all the famous brands. Also visit Carnaby Street close to Soho and go to one of the hotspots there for lunch or dinner afterwards.
The best Christmas markets in London | Christmas in London guide
December is THE month for Christmas markets in London. Most of them are around till the new year. Beside the usual cool weekend markets like: Sunday Up Market, Broadway Market, Borough Market and Old Spitalfieldsmarket there are also markets truly dedicated to Christmas.
These are the coolest Christmas markets in London you don’t want to miss:
– On the S South-bank there’s a small Christmas market at the Tate Modern museum. When you’re visiting the museum anyway it’s fun to check this one out.
– At the South-bank Center and the London Eye there’s the ‘Winter Festival’ a huge and very nice Christmas market. Tip: drink cider at the lodge there!
– The hipster Christmas market in London is Winterville at Victoria Park in North London. This Christmas market reminds me of the Parade in Amsterdam. There’s also a ice skate rink and many many food stalls.
Food & drinks for the holidays | Christmas in London guide
London has a great restaurant scene. There are so many nice eateries there! Make sure to try to make reservations for the Christmas period and always make sure to check the opening times.
Borough Market is a must visit during the days. It’s a really nice indoor food market. After a visit to Borough Market it’s nice to go to Rabot 1745. They have some of the best hot coco in London!
Nice restaurants with multiple locations in London are: Dishoom, Polpo, Pizza East, and The Breakfast Club.
For drinks in December it’s fun to go to the Queen of Hoxton. They have a tipi on the rooftop. Pretty cool!
Things to do with Christmas | Christmas in London guide
You know that I love everything that’s trendy and cool, but I have to say I’m a sucker for traditional Christmas event. Or spend an afternoon at the Tate Modern or Victoria & Albert museum. At the V&A museum there will open a Alexander McQueen expo!
Another classic thing to do in London is the London Eye. If you haven’t been here yet, it’s a must to do this once in your life. Go to the Winter Festival market afterwards!
For ice skating in London the chic Sommerset House is the number one place to go to. So romantic!
A bit touristy but with a guarantee for the ultimate Christmas feeling is Covent Garden. Take a photo under the huge Christmas tree! Enjoy a coffee and macarons at Ladurée in Covent Garden. Or when it’s lunch time a nice burger at Jamie Oliver’s Union Jacks. The Covent Garden area is great for shopping. Tip: check out the Chanel beauty store there!
Are you in London for a few days? Go to a different neighbourhood every day and explore the cool district of East Lo London Shoreditch and Hoxton), lovely Notting Hill, hip SOHO or beautiful Marylebone.
Merry Christmas and have fun in London Baby!
Do you want to go to London with NS International too? Book your ticket here.
PS: more hotspots are in my London Little Black Book. A city guide to London with the best restaurants, shops and things to do on a weekend getaway.
Let’s get social!
Follow Your Little Black Book on social media and I’m happy to keep you updated on the latest hotspots. We love to hear all about your favourite addresses too!
www.instagram.com/yourLBB
www.facebook.com/yourLBB
@yourLBB or www.twitter.com/yourLBB
www.pinterest.com/yourLBB
& watch my vlogs on my YouTube channel
Tip: discover more city- and travel guides by @yourlbb!
