Why not try a themed afternoon tea?
Ting, Shangri-La The Shard
This beautiful restaurant is located on the 35th floor of the Shard - one of the most iconic and recognisable places in London. So, why not experience an amazing afternoon tea with one of the best views of London you can get?
You'll find Shangri-La The Shard at 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
You can book your afternoon tea at Ting here
Festive Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific London
Pan Pacific is amongst one of the top luxury hotels in the city, and as such the atmosphere as well as the service is unrivalled. The afternoon tea at their Orchard Lounge is fresh and fruity and sets the perfect scene for a family gathering or a friends get together.
You'll find The Orchard Lounge, Pan Pacific at 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
You can book your afternoon tea at The Orchard Lounge, Pan Pacific here
Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea At The Rubens At The Palace
For those coming from abroad, there is arguably no better place in London to experience an afternoon tea like in the Palace Lounge of the Rubens At The Palace Hotel. It overlooks the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, allow the breathtaking view to sink in as you enjoy a cuppa.
You'll find The Rubens At The Palace at 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PS
You can book your afternoon tea at The Rubens At The Palace here
Explore the Christmas Markets in the city
Covent Garden Christmas Market
This 2 century old market is one of the best specialty shopping location in London. Featuring a market for jewellery, quality crafts and collectibles, as well as multiple high esteemed restaurants, you are in the centre of the city. For those visiting during Christmas this year, you are in luck - for the first time in nearly a decade the massive baubles are being replaced by a new Christmas installation inspired by traditional golden bells.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Southbank is one of the cultural spots of the city and during the Christmas period it is transformed into this theatre wonderland, with outdoor cinema, tons of performances and lots and lots of street food.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Grab an artisan hot chocolate, or some chocolaty treats and wander around the wooden chalets filled with handmade crafts, cool gifts and souvenirs. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market is a much quieter destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden Market.
Stay local
Bulgari Hotel
Not only is the Bulgari Hotel our top choice because of the class and luxury it provides, but it also positions you in the best spot, should you like to explore the shopping area of Knightsbridge and Sloane Street, largely known for luxury brands such as Hermes, Dior, Balenciaga, Gucci, Cartier, and many others.
You'll find the Bulgari Hotel at 171 Knightsbridge, London SW7 1DW
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
You'll find the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel at 200 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7UT
Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s
You'll find the Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s Hotel at 10 Godliman Street, London EC4V 5AJ
Festive dining
34 Mayfair
34 Mayfair is once again transformed into one of the most Instagramable locations this festive season, and this year the inspiration is Santa's workshop. Grab a Let it Sloe cocktail, gaze at the piles of presents hanging from the ceiling and indulge in this Christmas wonderland.
You'll find 34 Mayfair at 34 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HD
You can book your dinner here
Balthazar, Covent Garden
Rightfully named as one of the best braseries in London, Balthazar offers an impeccable selection of French cuisine and is festively decorated for the season. This year Balthazar ''has been adorned with orange and golden wreaths and fragrant orange orchards infusing the air with the scents and flavours of the season''.
You’ll find Balthazar at 4-6 Russell Street, WC2B 5HZ
You can book your dinner here
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
You can never go wrong with visiting one of the Ivy restaurants, this one in particular always manages to grab our attention. And how otherwise? The stunning Christmas decorations outside the venue are a show stopper and they always have people queuing trying to take photos. Moreover, the modern cuisine at the Ivy brings together even the pickiest of friends.
You'll find The Ivy Chelsea Garden at 195-197 Kings Road, London SW3 5ED
You can book your dinner here
Watch a theatre show
Hansel and Gretel
This year at the Globe you will will have the chance to see a brand new adaptation of the classic fairy-tale ''Hansel and Gretel'' which is the perfect family evening out.
You'll find The Hansel and Gretel at 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London, SE1 9DT
You can book your tickets here
Elf the Musical at the Dominion Theatre
Enjoy an adaptation of a much-loved Christmas movie in ELF The Musical at the Dominion Theatre featuring songs including “Nobody Cares About Santa". See the heart-warming story of Buddy who grew up around Santa’s little helpers, heading to New York to find his real family. 15 Nov-6 Jan
You'll find The Elf the Musical at the Dominion Theatre at 268-269 Tottenham Ct Rd, London
You can book your tickets here
The Nutcracker at The London Coliseum
One of the most mesmerising masterpieces in the city - The Nutcracker, perormed by the Royal Ballet is taking place in the Royal Opera House for the festive season
You'll find The Nutcracker at The London Coliseum at St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4ES
You can book your tickets here
Christmas Lights Exploring
Stroll down the streets of Mayfair to discover the stunning over the top decorations of stores and pubs.
Go Christmas shopping in the city
Our best recommendations are strolling down New Bond Street, exploring some of the best stores in the world while taking in the stunning Christmas decorations; or making your way over to Knightsbridge for a shopping experience fit for a Royal in the world-renowned department store Harrods.
Visit Winter Wonderland
Would it really be Christmas in London without a visit to the iconic Winter Wonderland? From hot chocolate, to churros and festive themed ride, this amusement park creates for a fantastic evening out and some really memorable moments.
