Where to find the best Christmas decorations in London
Christmas in London is the most wonderful time of the year. The scent of cinnamon and spices fill the air. Mulled wine fills cups. And the city puts on one of the best shows of festive season displays. From storefronts and restaurants to eager Christmas-loving residents who decorate their homes from top to toe, there is no better place to be than London at Christmas.
The festive season in London is one of the best and most beautiful times of the year. I’ve never seen another city put on such a show of Christmas displays. From oversized baubles and giant Christmas trees to twinkling light displays and wreath-adorned front doors, London has it all.
From the insta-famous Annabel’s to the fanciful displays of Chelsea and Kensington, there’s no shortage of photogenic Christmas decorations across London. One of the best things to do in London at Christmas is to wander around and admire the most magnificently dressed shopfronts, hotels, restaurants, and homes. Best of all, it’s totally free!
Christmas in London looks a little different than what I’m used to. As an Australian, Christmas is usually hot, we eat cold leg ham and seafood, and there’s often a game of backyard cricket involved. By contrast, London is full of festive cheer. Christmas markets line the Thames riverside at Southbank, Covent Garden fills with trees and lights, and some of the most famous streets sparkle every night.
Where to find the best Christmas decorations in and displays in London
Chelsea
Chelsea is known for its swanky shops, grandiose homes, and A-lister residents. It’s also brimming with front doors dressed with bespoke wreath designs, impressive Christmas decorations, and some of the best shop front displays. Here’s where you can find the best Christmas decorations in Chelsea.
Number 50 Cheyne
Cheyne Row
Bramerton Street
Glebe Place
Carlyle Square
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
Chelsea Square
Chelsea Embankment
Peggy Porschen’s
50 Cheyne
Carlyle Square
Glebe Place
Ivy Chelsea Garden
Peggy Porschen
Belgravia
Terraced stucco houses, manicured gardens, and boutique hotels are dressed in the best festive fare in Belgravia at Christmas. The best-known street, Ebury Street, runs through the centre of Belgravia from Victoria and is flanked by aesthetic stores and cafes. Here are the best Christmas display locations in Belgravia.
Peggy Porschen’s
Jo Loves London
Les Senteurs
Lime Tree Hotel
Mayfair
The upmarket corner of London that is Mayfair borders Hyde Park and is brimming with Christmas cheer and showcases some of the most extravagant decorative displays. Set within the Georgian facades, tinsel and baubles adorn doorways in every colour on the spectrum to present some of the most creative takes on seasonal dressings. Here’s where to find the best places for Christmas in Mayfair.
The Ritz Hotel
Caviar House and Prunier
Mayfair Kitchen
Mahiki
Burlington Arcade
Fortnum & Mason
Thomas Goode
Gymkhana
Royal Arcade
Annabel’s
Covent Garden
Christmas in Covent Garden is bursting with festive displays. Every year London’s largest hand-picked Christmas Tree is displayed in the piazza. Mistletoe and giant baubles are strung around the Apple Market, and the surrounding stores, restaurants, and hotels are all shining brightly.
Bond Street
Bond street embodies the Christmas spirit as far as decorations are concerned. Running from Piccadilly Street to Oxford Street, the area has long been home to prestigious retailers and still operates as a highly regarded shopping district. From Cartier’s elaborate bow-wrap lights to the tidy garland arch at Harry Winston, there’s plenty to enjoy on Bond Street at Christmas.
More Christmas displays in London
Other notable mentions for some incredible Christmas decorations in London go to Harrods in Kensington, Liberty London, Southbank Christmas Market, and ice skating at Somerset House are all excellent places to visit if you’re in the capital for the festive season.
Is Christmas a good time to visit London?
Christmas is one of the best times to visit London. There’s no shortage of things to do and the city is alive with activity. From catching the Nutcracker on ballet to enjoying Hogwarts in the Snow - I see you Harry Potter fans!
What is the weather like in London at Christmas?
The weather in London in December is quite cold with temperatures ranging from around 3 degrees celsius to 7 degrees celsius. You can expect rain for about 50% of the month and packing layers are advised. Good boots, a warm coat, and a scarf and beanie are essential.
In December, the days are short with only around 7 hours of daylight. Sunrise is close to 8am and the sun sets before 4pm on the shortest days. Though this makes for the perfect weather for cosy nights by the fireside in historic pubs.
