1, 2 and 3 day London Christmas itineraries

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Christmas is when London feels its most magical, with festive lights and a cosy atmosphere that bring out the city’s best—though it can also get crowded and chaotic. These 1, 2, and 3 day itineraries for Christmas in London are designed to help you experience the charm without the overwhelm.

As a London local, I’ve crafted these plans to capture the best of both worlds: iconic sights that light up the season and a few quieter, hidden gems for a breather from the bustling crowds. You’ll find classic holiday spots, cosy neighborhoods, and personal favourites that add a touch of magic to your time here. Whether it’s your first Christmas in London or a seasonal tradition, these guides will help you soak in the spirit without missing a beat.

The 1 day itinerary covers the Christmas spots I think you should prioritise, and the subsequent 2nd and 3rd day add even more Christmas magic to your itinerary.

Covent Garden

1 day itinerary for London at Christmas

must-see Christmas lights in central London

Morning: ice skating and historic architecture

Start at Temple Station and step into the historical tranquility of Middle Temple Lane. Walk through the stone archway to see simple, elegant Christmas decorations around Inner Temple Gardens and the nearby chapel. Stop for a seasonal treat at Toklas Bakery on Surrey Street, my personal favourite in the area.

From Covent Garden, head over to Somerset House. The ice rink here is a Christmas classic, with its twinkling lights and festive vibe. Even if you're not skating, it’s a great spot to soak in the holiday atmosphere. Grab a hot drink at the hot chocolate kiosk and take a moment to enjoy the scene—it really captures the essence of Christmas in London.

If you’re an art lover and you have the time, pop into the Courtauld Gallery to experience one of the most wonderful small museums in London, if not the world.

Afternoon: exploring Covent Garden

After soaking in the festive spirit at Somerset House, take a break for lunch at one of the nearby spots. Here are a few places to eat near Covent Garden that have a bit of Christmas spirit about them:

• Rules - fancy, historic, classic British dishes - bound to have a good Christmas vibe

• Balthazar - French - will be decked out in decorations

• Clos Maggiore - another French place - very Christmassy

• Lahpet - one of my favourites - Burmese food

• YORI - Korean bbq

• Barrafina - Spanish tapas

• Pizza Pilgrims

• Flat Iron - steak

Wander around Covent Garden, the historic covered market now filled with shops and street performers. The square is home to an enormous Christmas tree with twinkling lights, and the market is filled with giant golden bells. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the hourly snowfall effect, which adds a little extra magic to the scene.

Afterward, head towards Neal’s Yard, a hidden little courtyard with a few shops and restaurants and colourful buildings. I love Homeslice Pizza here, and St John’s Bakery has the best donuts in London. It’s a great spot for a quick stop or a festive photo op.

From there, stroll over to Seven Dials, where the holiday lights wrap around the iconic seven streets, creating a charming, festive atmosphere. If you are more interested in a casual lunch, the Seven Dials food hall has so many options, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

There’s a lot of Christmas shopping to be done in this area and you’ll be passing so many shops as you explore. My most favourite shop in the area is Choosing Keeping, a stationary shop that has magical Christmas decorations each year. This is perfect for picking up a one-of-a-kind holiday gift.

Evening: London’s best Christmas lights

From Seven Dials, walk towards Leicester Square, which will likely have its own Christmas market on (though I can’t promise it will have anything worth buying). If you want to take a slight detour here, you can visit Trafalgar Square with its Christmas tree and small market.

Keep walking towards Piccadilly Circus, where you will find Regent Street with its ethereal angels lighting up the sky. Regent Street is actually a lot quieter on the side towards Pall Mall, so I like to have a good look at the iconic lights there, before walking up the street and stopping at Carnaby Street with its themed lights every year.

Stop into Liberty London, which always has extravagant Christmas decorations brightening up the historic department store. Then visit Oxford Street if you want to see those lights — but to be honest they are a bit lame and it’s so crowded there!

If you walk toward the top of Bond Street, you can continue the Christmas lights walking route to see the impressive decorations adorning the high-end designer stores and the cute shopping arcades.

My full guide to Christmas lights in London is here if you want more information.

Another option for seeing as many Christmas lights as possible is taking a Christmas open-top bus tour or Christmas market walking tour.

2 day itinerary for Christmas in London

classic Christmas vibes in Richmond and Kew Gardens

Day 1: Follow the 1-Day itinerary above

Day 2: Richmond and Kew Gardens

Morning: historic Christmas at Ham House

Start your day by escaping the hustle of central London and heading to Richmond, a charming area that feels like a village tucked away by the river. There are so many wonderful things to do in Richmond, especially during the holiday season.

First, make your way to Ham House, a beautifully preserved 17th-century estate along the Thames. This spot is a real treat during the holidays, with traditional Tudor-style decorations like dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, and plenty of greenery. It’s a peaceful, picturesque place to take in the seasonal spirit. Experiencing Christmas at British stately homes is one of my favourite things to do this time of year, and we’re lucky to have a place like this in London.

Lunch:

Ham House has its own charming cafe with standard National Trust fare - I love their cauliflower pasty so this is always what I get! For something a little fancier, head straight to Petersham Nurseries which is about a ten minute walk away. They have a beautiful cafe and restaurant that will be decked out for the holiday season.

Even if you’re not eating there, make sure to stop at Petersham Nurseries. The nursery's Christmas shop is a wonderland of seasonal decor, and it’s the perfect place to pick up something special. It always has impeccable Christmas vibes.

Afternoon:

After lunch, take a leisurely walk along the river towards Richmond Town Centre. The riverside is lined with charming pubs, perfect for a quick stop if you fancy a pint. Keep walking and you’ll pass Old Palace Lane, a picturesque spot with historic houses and a quiet atmosphere. As you wander around, the decorations around Richmond Green stand out, with homes dressed in simple but lovely holiday touches like wreaths and twinkling lights.

Richmond’s cozy alleyways are worth exploring too—each one feels like it has its own charm, especially with the festive lights strung up above. If you're a Ted Lasso fan, look out for the pub from the show and a few shops that sell merch. It’s a laid-back, local experience that captures the spirit of the holidays without the rush of the city.

Check out my guide to Christmas in Richmond for more information.

Evening:

As dusk sets in, take the bus a few stops to Kew Gardens for one of the most enchanting experiences of the holiday season: the Christmas at Kew light trail. It’s an absolute must-see. The gardens come alive with stunning light installations, and the paths are lined with twinkling lights, all set against the backdrop of the historic gardens. It’s one of those experiences that feels a little magical, so don’t forget to book your tickets in advance—it’s always a popular event.

3 day itinerary for Christmas in London

Christmas shopping and festive food in East London

Day 1 and 2: Follow the itinerary above

Day 3: East end charm and Southbank

Morning: Columbia Road

Start your day with a stroll down Columbia Road, where you’ll find one of London’s most charming streets, especially during the Christmas season. While it’s best known for its flower market, the little independent shops here are a real treat too. The shop windows are dressed up with Christmas cheer—think classic decorations like wreaths, candles, and vintage-style ornaments. Columbia Road has a real classic Christmas feeling, and it’s the perfect spot to pick up something special for the holidays.

Next, head to the Museum of the Home. It’s just a short walk away, and during the holidays, the museum really comes to life with its annual Christmas displays. The rooms inside the museum are decorated with Christmas through the ages, giving you a fascinating glimpse of how festive traditions and home decor have evolved over the years. From Victorian tinsel and Dickensian scenes to 70s-era trees, it’s a nostalgic stroll through time.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more immersive, pop by Dennis Severs' House, which is near Spitalfields Market. This house is a quirky, almost theatrical experience, where each room is designed to transport you to a different time period. The house is decorated in a way that feels more like you’ve stepped into a lived-in space rather than a museum. Think of it like walking through a snapshot of history—there’s a peculiar charm to the way it captures the essence of life during the 18th and 19th centuries, and it really goes all-out for Christmas.

Lunch and Afternoon: festive treats

After all that history and charm, head over to Spitalfields Market, where there’s plenty of opportunity for some leisurely shopping and a delicious bite to eat. The market is full of independent shops, from vintage clothing stores to art galleries, and you’ll find festive stalls selling handmade crafts and seasonal treats. If you’re in the mood for shopping, the boutiques around the market are great for unique finds.

Another suggestion is to visit some of East London’s incredible bakeries, which will be choc full of festive treats.

Alternatively, take the tube to Borough Market and try the famous pork sandwich at Black Pig. They have a Christmas iteration which is incredible. There’s lots of other festive treats to be had here as well.

Evening: Carols and Southbank

Once you’ve finished shopping and eating, head towards Southbank. If you’re near St. Paul’s Cathedral, you might want to catch Evensong—it’s a quiet moment before crossing the river. From there, stroll over the Millennium Bridge and make your way to Southbank, where the Christmas atmosphere starts to kick in.

If you’re coming from Borough Market, just head straight to the river. Walking along the Thames is one of the best ways to see the city, especially as the Christmas lights begin to come on. The Southbank area always has a lively feel, and during the holidays, it’s even better. You’ll find the Christmas market by the river, with stalls selling everything from mulled wine to unique gifts, all with London’s landmarks in the background. It’s an easy place to spend a couple of hours, just wandering and enjoying the scene.

If you're looking for a snack, the food stalls along the river offer some good options—churros, roasted chestnuts, or something more filling. For a bit of culture, you can stop into the Southbank Centre, but the real charm is in the walk along the riverside, taking in the views and the festive atmosphere.

Tips for visiting London at Christmas

Early evenings are the best time for viewing Christmas lights, as it gets dark around 4 pm in winter, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the displays before the evening crowds start to swell. The lights really shine in the soft dusk, making the whole city feel a bit more magical.

To avoid the busiest times, try to visit popular attractions like Covent Garden and Regent Street on weekdays or later in the evening. These spots are stunning during Christmas, but they can get crowded, especially around peak times like weekends or evenings right before Christmas. If you plan to enjoy the lights at Regent Street or catch a show, visiting a bit later in the evening will give you a quieter, more relaxed experience.

If you’re planning to have dinner at one of the city’s festive hotspots, be sure to make reservations in advance. London’s restaurants fill up fast during the Christmas season, so securing a table ahead of time can save you a lot of stress. And don’t forget to dress warmly—it’s not just the cold that can catch you out, but the rain too. London winters are often chilly and wet, so an umbrella and a good coat are essential for staying comfortable while exploring the city.

With all these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy the best of London at Christmas, from twinkling lights to festive markets, and everything in between. Whether you're spending one day or three, there's so much to soak in. Enjoy the season, and make the most of London’s unique holiday charm!

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