The Best Things to Do This Christmas in London 2025
From Leadenhall Market to The Cardinal
There’s something extraordinary about Christmas in London. The city transforms into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, lively markets, and timeless traditions. From riverside walks to grand department stores and intimate dinners, the capital knows how to do Christmas in style.
If you’re staying at Hotel Saint, you’re in the perfect place to experience the best of it — with The Cardinal right downstairs for indulgent dining, and London’s most magical festive spots just moments away.
Morning: A Festive Breakfast at The Cardinal
Begin your Christmas adventure with a relaxed breakfast at The Cardinal, where the morning light spills through the windows and the aroma of freshly ground coffee fills the air. Tuck into a plate of avocado toast, fluffy pancakes, or a full English — all served with a side of London skyline views. It’s the perfect way to ease into the day before heading out to explore the city’s seasonal sparkle.
Late Morning: Discover Leadenhall Market — A Victorian Christmas Gem
Just a few minutes’ walk from Hotel Saint, Leadenhall Market feels like stepping straight into a Christmas card. Its ornate Victorian roof, gilded arches and cobblestone walkways are beautifully dressed in festive garlands and fairy lights each December. The market has been a London landmark since the 14th century — and at Christmas, it becomes one of the city’s most atmospheric spots.
Stroll beneath the grand arches as a brass band plays carols, browse boutique shops for artisanal gifts, and stop by a stall for hot chocolate or roasted chestnuts. Film fans might recognise Leadenhall from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where it appeared as Diagon Alley — adding another touch of magic to your morning wander.
Afternoon: Riverside Markets, Ice Skating & Lights
For a change of scenery, take a short tube ride to the Southbank Centre Winter Market. Overlooking the Thames, this festive market is lined with wooden chalets offering handmade crafts, gourmet street food, and steaming cups of mulled wine. The view across the river to the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye makes it one of the most picturesque Christmas spots in the city.
If you’re feeling adventurous, lace up your skates at Somerset House Ice Rink, one of London’s most iconic seasonal attractions. Glide beneath the grand neoclassical façade, illuminated by a towering Christmas tree, and warm up afterward with a glass of champagne at the rinkside bar.
Before the sun sets, make your way to Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street — home to London’s most famous Christmas lights displays. Each year, the themes get more spectacular, from celestial-inspired displays to interactive, energy-efficient designs. The lights switch on in mid-November, transforming central London into a glowing, glittering celebration of the season.
Evening: Covent Garden Magic
As twilight settles, head to Covent Garden, where the atmosphere feels like pure Christmas enchantment. A 60-foot Christmas tree stands in the centre of the piazza, wrapped in thousands of sparkling lights. Around it, you’ll find luxury boutiques, pop-up bars serving hot toddies, and even a dusting of artificial snow that falls at scheduled times throughout the day.
If you’re in the mood for a show, the Royal Opera House and Theatre Royal Drury Lane both offer festive performances throughout December — from ballets like The Nutcracker to West End musicals that add a bit of sparkle to your evening.
Night: A Festive Three-Course Feast at The Cardinal
Return to the warmth of The Cardinal, on the ground floor of Hotel Saint, to end your perfect Christmas day in London. The restaurant’s festive menu brings together classic seasonal flavours with contemporary flair — think roasted turkey with all the trimmings, rich winter vegetables, and indulgent desserts that capture the spirit of the season.
Pair your meal with a fine wine or a mulled wine and toast to the view — the lights of London twinkling just beyond the windows. It’s the kind of evening that makes you fall in love with the city all over again.
Your Festive Stay at Hotel Saint
After a day of winter magic, retreat to Hotel Saint — where elegant rooms, panoramic skyline views and thoughtful touches create the ultimate festive sanctuary. With The Cardinal’s seasonal dining and London’s top Christmas attractions right on your doorstep, it’s the perfect base for a luxurious Christmas escape in the heart of the city.
