If you’ve ever wanted to do something extra-special for the holiday season, then consider a trip to London. As you all know, we love to travel, and our latest globe-trotting trip took us to the beautiful city of London for the holiday season. We explored the city, took in the holiday lights, sampled amazing food, and enjoyed Thanksgiving across the pond. London is a city like no other, and there’s no better time to experience it than the holidays. We did a lot of exploring, and I’m sharing my favorite highlights from the trip.
Christmas Markets
First and foremost, I have to mention the lights and ambiance of London during the holiday season. I’ve always loved the twinkling lights and the feelings they evoke during the holidays, and London does it so well! I highly recommend visiting Hyde Park this time of year. It boasts one of London’s largest and most popular Christmas markets, complete with food and drink stalls full of holiday favorites, cafes and cocktail bars, an ice skating rink, and even a circus! And, of course, there are gorgeous Christmas lights everywhere you look!
Southbank Winter Market is another holiday wonderland that my family and I thoroughly enjoyed. You’ll find it on the Southbank next to the iconic London Eye. It’s a traditional Christmas market perfect for those who enjoy a more rustic holiday vibe, with wooden stalls, Christmas gifts and decor, along with food and drink. And throughout your strolling, you’ll see the London Eye and Big Ben in the background.
For the ultimate old-school Christmas experience, head to the London Bridge Christmas Market. This one really captured our holiday hearts, with over 60 wooden booths decorated with lights, garland, and all manner of traditional details. You’ll find it on Queen’s Walk, stretching from the south bank of the Thames from London Bridge to The Scoop and into Hay’s Galleria. If you’re a fan of old-fashioned Christmases, this is the one for you!
Borough Market during the holidays feels like pure London magic. The stalls are packed with festive treats, warm mulled wine, fresh pastries, and comforting street food from around the world, all wrapped in the glow of twinkling lights. There’s a buzz in the air—locals, visitors, and the sound of vendors calling out their specialties—while the historic setting makes it feel especially cozy this time of year. It’s the kind of place where you wander without a plan, snack your way through the market, and soak in the energy that makes London during the holidays so unforgettable.
Covent Garden during the holidays is one of those places that instantly puts you in a festive mood. The entire piazza is dressed in oversized ornaments, twinkling lights, and a towering Christmas tree, with street performers adding to the magic. Shops spill with holiday window displays, cafés feel extra cozy, and the energy is lively without being overwhelming. Whether you’re stopping for a warm drink, browsing the boutiques, or just taking it all in, Covent Garden feels like the heart of London’s holiday spirit.
Where To Stay
Of course, I have to mention our hotel, as well. If you’re like us, your accommodations can make or break your trip, and The Connaught absolutely made our trip! This gorgeous hotel greets you with beautiful stonework on the building and stone columns, promising luxurious accommodations within, and it delivers. Our rooms were posh and stylish, yet inviting and cozy. They managed to capture the best of both upscale and relaxed, which made the entire trip that much more wonderful.
Our Itinerary
The first day was mostly getting settled in and a brief walk around the immediate area to take in the vibe of the city. It’s an interesting combination of a bustling metropolis and a sort of town vibe that we really enjoyed. It’s a vibe that tends to make everything you do feel both exciting and relaxing all at once!
We had afternoon tea at the Connaught on our first day to get that true English experience, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a wonderful fusion of traditional and modern, combining the classic high tea experience with modern touches like finger sandwiches and snacks with an updated vibe, mixed with traditional tea and a lovely setting. I won’t spoil the fun, but there will be a few surprises, as well!
We enjoyed our first dinner in England that evening at the Ambassador’s Clubhouse. This wonderful restaurant is full of as much ambiance as it is flavor. The vibe is welcoming and family-friendly, while feeling a bit upscale. The entire restaurant is in honor of the founder’s grandfather and his Northern India home, so you’ll find colorful carpeting, rich food, and of course, amazing Indian cuisine. PS – they are opening one in NYC and I cannot wait for it!
We began Thanksgiving Day with a lovely morning at the aforementioned Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Even during the day, it was so gorgeous and overflowing with holiday spirit. I recommend getting there any time you can, but aim for the evening when things really sparkle! For lunch, we enjoyed a meal at Daphne’s. It’s both a neighborhood and a travelers’ hot spot located between Chelsea and South Kensington. This light, airy restaurant with an elegant, vintage Italian vibe effortlessly combines upscale dining with the welcoming charm of old-world Italy, creating an experience that’s as delicious as the food.
After lunch, we embarked on a tour of London in one of the best ways possible: with Black Cab Tour: The London De-Tour. What we all really enjoyed about this driving tour is that the company shows you all of London, not just the biggest landmarks and tourist traps. After taking this tour in the iconic black cab, we really felt like we understood what London was all about in a fuller way. It’s so much fun!
Our Thanksgiving dinner was at The George. This absolute gem is an 18th-century pub located on Great Portland Street, Fitzrovia. With elegant wall sconces, dark woods, plush fabrics, and a welcoming atmosphere, dining here was like having a Thanksgiving dinner in the middle of a Downton Abbey scene! OH, and the food was absolutely amazing!
If you follow my blog at all, you know that no trip is complete without shopping. So, of course, the next day, we headed to Spitalfields Market. It’s what they call a traders’ market, and it features a vast number of independent stall holders offering a wide variety of hand-made and hard-to-find pieces. You’ll find clothing, collectibles, artisan pieces, and more. Even my husband and son thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and honestly, that’s about the most glowing review any shopping venue can receive.
We had lunch at Ottolenghi Spitalfields. It’s just a stone’s throw away from Old Spitalfields Market. Nestled in a narrow Georgian alleyway, this restaurant catches your eye immediately with its gleaming white exterior. When you enter, you’ll be greeted by a clean, contemporary interior and counters loaded with pastries, salads, Middle Eastern-inspired eats, and more. In addition to their regular menu items, you’ll find seasonal offerings, as well, so every visit is a tasty adventure.
For dinner, we enjoyed a meal of delicious Asian flavors at Sexy Fish, a restaurant and bar on the corner of Berkley Square. Walking into the restaurant is like walking into an elegant, mid-century scene, and the food is second to none. You’ll find sushi, sashimi, seafood, fish, and meats cooked on a Robata grill for the ultimate Asian experience.
Harrods is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit any time of year. From its grand façade to its beautifully curated departments, it’s more than a store—it’s an experience. Whether you’re browsing luxury fashion, stopping by the legendary food halls, or just taking in the history, Harrods captures the elegance and grandeur London is known for.
The next day, we headed to the Portobello Road flea market, which is actually more like several markets in one. This open-air shoppers’ paradise has everything you could possibly think of. It’s the perfect place to explore, looking for amazing finds.
If you love fashion, you must visit the Marie Antoinette Exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum. We ventured there to see their exhibit exploring the life of iconic Marie Antoinette. It features the lasting influence of the most fashionable (and ill-fated) queen in history – with over 250 years of design, fashion, film and art.
Our final day began with more shopping. Hey, we like to see it all! Liberty London is a can’t-miss, filled with as much classic English charm as it is shopping opportunities. Bring your wallet and keep your eyes peeled for great deals!
For dinner, we visited Chiltern Firehouse. It offers amazing architecture and a killer vibe, and the food is an interesting blend of American and British sensibilities, offering a nice balance of bold flavors, approachable textures, and healthy, seasonal ingredients. Note this restaurant had to close because of a major fire, but is expected to re-0pen April 2026!
We ended our trip on a tasty note for our final day, enjoying a Sunday roast at The Audley Public House. This traditional neighborhood pub is one of the best places in the city to really get into that classic English vibe, and the food and drink are excellent. Their menu is classic English comfort food, and it features a wide variety of brews from independent local breweries.
Best Places For Holiday Lights
(everywhere, but here are our favs!)
The best streets to see holiday lights in London turn the city into a festive wonderland. Regent Street is iconic, with its glowing angel lights stretching across the road and creating an unforgettable scene. Just nearby, Carnaby Street offers a more playful, creative display with bold themes that change each year. Oxford Street shines with classic, elegant lights perfect for an evening stroll, while Bond Street feels especially glamorous with its luxe storefronts and sparkling décor. Walking these streets during the holidays is a must—it’s the perfect way to experience London’s festive energy at its best.
Our holiday trip to London was one of the best we’ve taken. There really is nothing like the vibe of the festive holiday season blended with classic English charm. If you’ve been thinking about a destination holiday experience, I can’t recommend London enough!
See our other posts from London here!
