London in December feels like a city built for winter. The lights, the cozy pubs, the old-world streets, the carols echoing through historic churches. It all blends into a holiday atmosphere that is festive, nostalgic, and endlessly charming. Christmas here isn’t just a season; it’s an experience woven through every square, market, and neighborhood. This itinerary brings together London’s most magical December moments, from glowing streets to warm winter treats to the city’s iconic holiday traditions.

Day 1: Classic London Glow, Regent Street Lights & A Winter Welcome

Begin your Christmas trip by stepping straight into London’s festive heart. After settling into your hotel, head out to explore Covent Garden, which becomes one of the most enchanting corners of the city in December. Giant ornaments float above the market halls, mistletoe decorations hang from the rafters, and street performers fill the air with holiday music. Grab a warm drink, wander the cobblestones, and soak in the charm.

From here, stroll to Leicester Square, where a small Christmas market sets the tone with festive stalls and warm winter bites. The energy here is lively and joyful, perfect for easing into the season.

As day turns to evening, walk toward Regent Street, where the angel lights stretch above the wide boulevard in one long glowing sweep. No matter how many times you’ve seen photos, experiencing it in person feels enchanting. Continue down to Oxford Street, where the lights shimmer between shops and holiday windows add bursts of color and imagination.

End your first night around Soho or Carnaby Street, where the decorations are creative, bold, and full of character. Carnaby’s displays change every year, often telling a story or celebrating a theme. It’s the perfect place for dinner. Choose something cozy, lively, and distinctly London.

Day 2: Christmas Markets, Tower Bridge Views & A Classical London Winter

This is your day for classic holiday spirit. Start at the Southbank Centre Winter Market, where wooden chalets line the riverbank offering mulled wine, festive street food, and handmade gifts. Walk the Thames Path while watching the London Eye turn slowly over the water, glowing softly against the winter sky.

Continue toward Tower Bridge, stopping for photos along the riverfront. This area feels especially beautiful in December, with frost on the railings and the bridge rising like a storybook backdrop.

From here, make your way to Borough Market. While not exclusively a Christmas market, it transforms beautifully in December with holiday flavors, seasonal foods, and artisan treats. Warm up with a bowl of soup, fresh bread, or a winter dish from one of the stalls.

In the afternoon, head to Somerset House for one of London’s most iconic winter experiences: ice skating in a grand courtyard framed by twinkling lights. Even if you don’t skate, the atmosphere is worth the visit.

Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering through the Westminster area. See Big Ben against a pale winter sky, walk along the river near Parliament, or step inside Westminster Abbey, where the hush of history blends with the warmth of the season.

As evening arrives, explore Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Yes, it’s lively and sometimes crowded, but the lights, rides, Christmas village, and festive atmosphere create a holiday world that feels whimsical and full of energy. End the night with hot chocolate, mulled wine, or a plate of warm treats before heading back to your hotel.

Day 3: Royal Holiday Charm, Notting Hill Wanderings & A Cozy Christmas Finale

Begin your last day in Notting Hill, where colorful houses look especially lovely with winter light spilling across them. The neighborhood feels peaceful in December—perfect for slow walking, browsing bookshops, and slipping into cafés for warm pastries.

Next, head to Kensington Palace or the Royal Albert Hall, where Christmas concerts and festive displays create a classic, elegant holiday backdrop. If timing allows, a midday concert at the Royal Albert Hall adds a beautiful musical layer to your day.

Walk through Kensington Gardens and into Hyde Park, enjoying the bare trees, crisp air, and winter stillness. London’s parks in December have their own quiet magic.

In the afternoon, make your way to Marylebone, one of London’s coziest neighborhoods. Stroll along Marylebone High Street, where independent shops and bakeries dress themselves in tasteful holiday décor. Drop into Daunt Books—its old oak galleries feel especially warm this time of year.

From here, wander into Mayfair, where the decorations step up in elegance. Cartier’s gift-wrapped building, Claridge’s famous Christmas tree, and the glowing streets all make for beautiful winter moments.

End your final evening back along the Thames, perhaps near St. Paul’s Cathedral, where choirs often rehearse for evening services. A walk across the Millennium Bridge at night, with the cathedral glowing behind you and the city lights shimmering across the water, is one of the most beautiful ways to say goodbye to London at Christmas.

Choose a warm pub or a candlelit restaurant for your farewell dinner. London in December invites slow conversations, hearty dishes, and lingering just a little longer before stepping back out into the winter air.

Final Thoughts

Three days in London at Christmas gives you a blend of grand traditions, glowing streets, cozy corners, and festive markets. It’s a season the city embraces with warmth and creativity, making every stroll, every light display, and every winter treat feel special.