Christmas in London Itinerary: How to Spend the Perfect Holiday Day in London

Planning a London Christmas itinerary for 2026? Here’s exactly how I’d spend three festive days in the city—from the West End lights and Covent Garden to Somerset House, Borough Market and Christmas at Kew. From someone who’s spent 10 Christmases living in London.

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In my biased opinion, Christmas in London is an experience everyone should have once in their lifetime, but it’s also incredibly easy to over-plan.

The sad-but-true truth is, my lovely, if your plan for your holiday in London is to see every Christmas tree, drink something mulled in every market, skate at Somerset House, walk under the Regent Street angels and somehow still make hordes of dinner reservations and see West End shows, you’ll need a plan.

After 10 Christmas seasons living here, the main thing I’ve learned is that London is always much bigger than expected for visitors, so when it comes to exploring it’s imperative you don’t leave yourself constantly crossing the Thames (that time should be spent on mulled wine, of course).

Instead, for three days I’d do the big West End Christmas first, spend day two around the Thames, Somerset House and Covent Garden, then slow things down in West London before ending under the lights at Christmas at Kew.

Shall we?

P.S. – This itinerary is built for the festive season rather than 25 December itself. If you’ll actually be here on Christmas Day, use my Christmas Day in London guide instead.

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Your 3-Day London Christmas Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Where you’ll be	Recommended Christmas Itinerary	Book ahead
Day 1	Marylebone, Mayfair, Regent Street, Carnaby & Soho	Christmas shopping, afternoon tea if you fancy, then a big Central London lights walk	Afternoon tea or a Christmas lights walking tour
Day 2	Borough Market, South Bank, Somerset House, Covent Garden & Trafalgar Square	Food market, Thames walk, ice skating, Covent Garden after dark and theatre	Somerset House skating + your theatre show of choice
Day 3	Kensington & Kew Gardens	A slower West London morning, The Churchill Arms and Christmas at Kew after dark	Christmas at Kew

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Top Tips Before You Use My 3-Day Christmas Itinerary

My biggest tip for using this itinerary is please, please (please), do not try to do all of London.

Three days is enough to have a brilliant Christmas trip to the city, but I wouldn’t try to turn it into three days of normal London sightseeing plus Christmas.

In other words, the festive bits are the sightseeing.

Personally, I’d use this itinerary from mid-November to 23 December, once Covent Garden, Somerset House and Christmas at Kew are all up and running. If your trip includes 25 December, use my Christmas Day in London guide.

If you’re visiting London during the festive season, I’d always save daylight for neighbourhoods, shops and markets, then save the lights for late afternoon and evening (London gets dark absurdly early).

When it comes to hotels, make sure you stay central enough so you can walk home from at least one of your evenings. My full Christmas hotels in London guide has all my picks, but for this exact route I particularly like The Welbeck in Marylebone or The Resident Covent Garden if you want the West End almost outside the door.

Make sure you’re familiar with how to get around London for the rest and above all, wear comfortable shoes!

And prepare to get at least 10k steps a day in…

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Day 1: Christmas Shopping, Afternoon Tea & the West End Lights

10am: Start in Marylebone + Oxford Street

For day one, I’d go straight for the Central London Christmas you’ve probably been picturing, starting around Marylebone, then work your way towards Selfridges and Oxford Street.

This is when I’d do your actual Christmas shopping vs. 6pm when half of London appears to have had the same idea (and Selfridges is always worth going into even if you don’t need a thing).

You can also duck down South Molton Street towards Mayfair if you’d like to sneak away from the Oxford Street crush.

P.S. – If shopping is a major part of your trip, read my best Christmas shops in London guide.

12pm: Walk Bond Street + Stop at Fortnum & Mason

From Mayfair, make your way down Bond Street.

Here you’ll find all the luxury shops in an unofficial competition for who can put the most dramatic thing on a building. Cameras should be ready!

Then head towards Piccadilly and go into Fortnum & Mason. It’s been on Piccadilly since 1707, and December is when it becomes incredibly tempting with fancy festive biscuits, tea tins or gifts to impress galore.

Before you leave Piccadilly, I’d also cut through Burlington Arcade opposite. It opened in 1819 and still has its original Beadles keeping watch over the arcade.

2pm: Have Afternoon Tea (or Keep Lunch Simple)

I love an afternoon tea, so I’m hardly going to tell you December is the moment to show restraint.

If you want the full grand-London version, book Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz. If you’d rather combine tea with sightseeing, I’ve personally done and loved Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Sightseeing Bus Tour.

For more options, I’ve also got a full guide to my favourite afternoon teas in London.

P.S. – If you’ve booked something big for dinner, I’d grab something lighter around Mayfair or Soho for lunch.

4pm: Start Your Christmas Lights Walk Before It’s Fully Dark

Next it’s time to slowly but surely start your Christmas in Central London.

Now you may be thinking, ‘woah Candace, a bit early?’ But as I said, it gets dark very early in London come the season, making it a fabulous time to see the city switch itself on around you.

Start on Piccadilly and then head to Regent Street. Its Christmas-light tradition goes back to 1954, when it became the first Central London street to put on a large festive lights display.

Wait for a red bus to pass beneath the angels for the obligatory photo, of course, then cut into Carnaby.

Liberty London is right beside you if you want one more Christmas-shop detour; otherwise wander through Soho and finish around Leicester Square.

If you’d rather have somebody lead the route, I’d book this Christmas Lights Walking Tour. And if you’d rather sit down, this Christmas lights bus tour is a gem.

Christmas lights bus tour in London

Then tuck into your evening plans (dinner or a theatre show perhaps?) and call it a night!

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Day 2: Borough Market, South Bank, Somerset House & Covent Garden

10am: Have A Festive Morning in Borough Market

For day 2, I’d come hungry and start at Borough Market.

This is one of London’s oldest food markets, with a history stretching back around 1,000 years. In December I’d come for a walk around, breakfast and plenty of edible gifts to take home too (like a sausage roll from The Ginger Pig).

Once you’re fed, walk towards London Bridge and then west along the Thames.

11:30am: Walk the South Bank + Browse the Winter Stalls

South Bank Winter Market

Post Borough Market, you’ll be right near the South Bank stretch, which from November includes the Southbank Centre winter season with seasonal shows, food, drink and plenty of winter market stalls along the river.

Have a jaunt around and, of course, make your way to the very end of the Queen’s Walk for an obligatory Big Ben photo…

2pm: Skate at Somerset House

From the South Bank, cross back over the Thames towards Somerset House.

In my opinion, it’s the prettiest place to skate in Central London come the season. And given Somerset House’s neoclassical courtyard goes back all the way to 1775, you’ll be in beautiful historic company too.

For 2026, Skate runs from 11 November to 10 January 2027, with 45-minute sessions throughout the day. It tends to sell out fast, so I’d book your slot before you build the rest of day two around it.

4pm: Let Covent Garden Take Over the Rest of the Afternoon

Post-skate, it’s time for what I know you’ve been waiting for, Covent Garden (just a short walk from Somerset House).

For 2026, its Christmas season starts on 12 November with more than 300,000 lights, the enormous bells and baubles around the Market Building and the well-awaited return of the British-grown tree on the West Piazza.

I’d wander the Piazza first, disappear into Neal’s Yard, loop through Seven Dials and then come back once it is dark. Or use my Covent Garden walk to make the most of the surrounding streets.

P.S. – If you fancy a hot chocolate during your walk, try Venchi!

5:30pm: Walk Over to the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

If you still have a little time before dinner or theatre, walk from Covent Garden to Trafalgar Square.

Every year since 1947, the people of Norway have sent London a Christmas tree as thanks for Britain’s support during the Second World War. It’s decorated in the Norwegian style with vertical strings of lights, which is why it looks so different from most of the trees you’ll see around the city.

If you’re lucky, you can also catch carol-singing beneath the tree throughout December. Either way, the tree itself is worth the quick detour!

Evening: Finish with A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic

Since you’ll already be plopped in the theatre district, I’m going to insist you finish day two with a show.

My most ‘Christmas in London’ recommendation for 2026 will always be A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic, running from 10 November 2026 to 9 January 2027 (with Giles Terera as Scrooge).

The Old Vic has been bringing this production back at Christmas for years now, and it truly is all you could want from a Christmas night out in London—music, mince pies, Dickens and all.

P.S. – The Old Vic is just across the river, so leave enough time to get there via Tube or Bus. If you’d rather stay right around Covent Garden and Leicester Square, pick a West End show nearby instead and I’d call it a night.

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Day 3: Kensington, The Churchill Arms & Christmas at Kew

By day three, I’d personally be ready to get out of the West End.

You’ve already done the giant lights and department stores, so now it’s time to slow things down with a trip to Kensington and one gloriously over-decorated pub, then Christmas at Kew after dark.

10:30am: Have a Morning Jaunt Around Kensington

Your next Christmas day in London should absolutely start around Kensington.

I’d leave this morning loose on purpose. If you’ve been dying to fit in a museum, this is where I’d do it. Have a lazy brunch in Kensington and walk around Kensington High Street or Hyde Park.

P.S. – If you still want a little more Christmas shopping, you can start further east at Harrods in Knightsbridge first, then make your way towards Kensington.

12:30pm: Lunch at The Churchill Arms

If you’re anywhere around Kensington in December, I’d absolutely detour to The Churchill Arms (and if you’re keen to see it lit like this, come back in the evening!).

The pub was built in 1750 and is already hard to miss during the rest of the year as the exterior is endlessly covered in flowers.

But at Christmas, those give way to an almost absurd number of Christmas trees and lights.

Go for the exterior, then actually stay for a drink or lunch if you fancy. The food is Thai, which is quite random, but it’s delicious!

3pm: Make Your Way to Christmas at Kew

For your last Christmas day in the city, I’d absolutely make it to Christmas at Kew.

I already love Kew Gardens on a normal day, but it’s a completely different experience after dark. Come the festive season, the gardens transform into an interactive trail fit with Christmas markets, a small amusement park, light shows and a Santa spotting if you’re lucky.

For 2026, Christmas at Kew runs on selected dates from 13 November to 3 January 2027 with entry slots from 4:20pm to 7:40pm (there are also adult-only evenings on 3 and 9 December).

I would absolutely book this one ahead!

P.S. – Before your slot, you can also explore the quaint Kew Village. And if you have more time and want to make a whole West London afternoon of it, Richmond is nearby too.

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What About Winter Wonderland?

Oh, don’t you worry. I knew we weren’t getting through a London Christmas itinerary without talking about Winter Wonderland.

It runs in Hyde Park from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, apart from Christmas Day, with rides, shows, bars, food stalls, markets and enough happening that it can easily swallow half a day.

If you love rides, big festive crowds and the full-on fairground side of Christmas, I’d swap day three’s slower Kensington afternoon and Kew for Winter Wonderland instead.

P.S. – Entry is timed, so make sure to book your arrival slot in advance!

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If You’re Doing This London Christmas Itinerary With Kids

If you’ve got kiddos, I’d keep most of this route, but maybe cut one thing from each evening.

For example, on day one, start the lights earlier and consider a Christmas bus tour instead of walking the whole route.

On day two, you can keep Somerset House and Covent Garden but perhaps skip the late show.

On day three, Christmas at Kew works brilliantly for families, but Winter Wonderland is an obvious swap if rides are going to get a much bigger reaction from your family than illuminated trees.

On that note, here’s my Christmas in London with kids guide to use for your trip!

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What to Book in Advance for Your Christmas in London Itinerary

Although I wouldn’t recommend pre-booking every second of your trip, these are the things I’d get sorted before you arrive:

• Your hotel — Christmas is one of the busiest times to stay in London, so this is absolutely the first thing I’d book. For this itinerary, I particularly like The Welbeck in Marylebone or The Resident Covent Garden if you want to be right in the middle of the West End. You can also see all my picks in my Christmas hotels in London guide.
• Christmas at Kew — This would be my biggest “book it before you come” recommendation for day three. Popular dates and times can sell out, especially closer to Christmas. Book Christmas at Kew tickets here.
• Somerset House skating — If skating here is high on your Christmas list, choose your slot before planning the rest of day two around it. The best times can disappear quickly. Book your Somerset House skating slot here.
• A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic — My very festive theatre pick for this itinerary. If you know you want to see it, I wouldn’t leave your date and seats to chance. Book A Christmas Carol tickets here.
• A Christmas lights tour — You can absolutely DIY the lights, but if you’d rather have someone else do the navigating, I’d book either this Christmas Lights Walking Tour or this Christmas lights bus tour.
• Afternoon tea — If a proper London afternoon tea is one of your Christmas must-dos, book it rather than hoping for a table on the day. I’ve personally done and loved Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Sightseeing Bus Tour, or you can browse my favourite afternoon teas in London.
• Winter Wonderland — If you’re swapping Kew for Winter Wonderland, make sure you book your timed entry ahead rather than turning up and hoping for the best. Book Winter Wonderland here.

P.S. – If your trip carries into 31 December, switch over to my New Year’s Eve in London guide!

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Final Thoughts on My London Christmas Itinerary

Three days in London at Christmas can go very quickly, but that’s exactly why you should plan ahead!

If it were my trip, I’d go all-in on Central London on day one, spend day two by the river and in Covent Garden, then be very happy to leave the West End behind for Kensington and Kew on day three.

And if you get distracted by a pub, a bookshop, an extra-long lunch or a Christmas window you want to gawk at for ten minutes? That’s very much the point.

Have the best Christmas in London!

Happy Londoning,

Candace x

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FAQs: London Christmas Itinerary

Is three days enough for Christmas in London?

Yes, but only if Christmas is your focus, I’d say. Three days is enough for the West End lights, Covent Garden, a Christmas market or two, Somerset House, a show and one big-ticket evening such as Christmas at Kew. It’s definitely not enough to add every major London attraction to the same trip, so I’d save some of your normal sightseeing for another day.

When is the best time to visit London for Christmas?

I’d aim for early December. By then the major lights are up and Somerset House skating, Winter Wonderland and Christmas at Kew are running, but you’re not yet in the final-week-before-Christmas crush. Mid-November through the week before Christmas also works well.

Can I use this itinerary on Christmas Day?

No! On 25 December, normal London public transport generally doesn’t run and most major attractions, shops and markets close. Use my Christmas Day in London guide to plan your day.

What should I book first for a London Christmas trip?

I’d book your hotel first, followed by any fixed-ticket experience you care most about like Christmas at Kew, Somerset House skating, theatre, afternoon tea or Winter Wonderland. The lights, neighbourhood walks, shops and most markets can stay flexible.

What is the best area to stay for a London Christmas itinerary?

For this route, I’d choose Marylebone, Mayfair, Soho or Covent Garden. They’ll keep you close to the West End Christmas lights and make at least one evening walkable. Read my Christmas hotels guide for my best recommendations for your trip.

Does it snow in London at Christmas?

Sometimes, but I would absolutely not build the trip around it. London is much more reliably cold, dark and occasionally wet than snowy in December. But here’s my when does it snow in London guide if you get lucky!

What should I wear for Christmas in London?

Layers, a warm coat, gloves and shoes you can genuinely walk in for hours. I’d also bring something rain-resistant and a portable charger.

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