Discover the perfect romantic Christmas trip to London—festive lights, champagne fondue in Covent Garden, quirky bars, and a spontaneous night at the theatre…
There’s something undeniably magical about London at Christmas—and our festive couple’s getaway captured it all: sparkling streets, cosy eateries, surprise finds, and a few unforgettable indulgences along the way.
We spent a couple of days wandering through London’s iconic Christmas displays, from the glittering shop windows of Regent Street and Fortnum & Mason to the breathtaking retail and restaurant windows in Mayfair. Every turn felt like a holiday film set, with festive music, shoppers wrapped in scarves, and that unmistakable December buzz in the air.
Top Tip: We arrived in London at around 8.30am and wandered around these areas first to avoid the rush of Christmas shoppers later in the day.
We stumbled upon a hidden gem: the James Bond Gold Bar, tucked inside the ever-so-elegant Burlington Arcade. Among luxury boutiques and twinkling garlands, we found a little slice of 007 glamour—and despite it being only 11:30 a.m., we simply couldn’t resist trying their Bond-themed cocktails, each one topped with gold leaf and served with playful, spy-inspired accessories. The bar itself felt like a secret set—walls gleaming in gold, a metallic ceiling, and even a retro pinball machine in the corner. A life-sized James Bond hid just around the corner.
It was an unexpected highlight of our Christmas trip—quirky, luxurious, and so wonderfully London.
One of our favourite moments was sitting under clear umbrellas as a snow flurry (yes, fake—but magical!) descended on us inside Seven Dials Market. We sipped drinks, enjoyed dinner on canteen style tables, and let the festive atmosphere wrap around us like a blanket. They even brought round free glasses of champagne after the snow flurry! They advertise the ‘snow times’ on their website.
In Covent Garden, after walking through the mirrored arch Infinity Chamber at Conduit Court and visiting the Apple Market, we treated ourselves to something a little special: a champagne flight and cheese fondue, all in the absolutely charming setting of Champagne Plus Fromage (there’s also one in Bath apparently!). It was indulgent, bubbly, and absolutely perfect.
Covent Garden also has snow flurries by the iconic Christmas Tree throughout the festive season.
Of course, no festive trip is complete without a bit of Christmas kitsch—and we found it at Miracle at Henrietta, perhaps the tackiest, most joyfully retro Christmas cocktail bar ever. Think tinsel overload, neon lights, kitschy ornaments, and over-the-top drinks served in Santa mugs. It was gloriously ridiculous and so much fun. The cocktails weren’t the best we’ve ever had but the unique decor and atmosphere made up for it.
We rounded off the trip with a spontaneous night at the theatre, grabbing Back to the Future tickets from the Leicester Square booths just hours before showtime. The energy of the show, paired with a big surprise at the end, made it a night to remember.
Before heading home, we indulged in one last festive treat: an exquisite lunch at Daphne’s in South Kensington, where we dined at the bar beneath a ceiling draped in hundreds of shimmering baubles. It was elegant, intimate, and the perfect end to a festive London escape. Book as early as you possibly can and try to get a table in their conservatory for the best decor experience.
A Christmas trip to London is a feast for the senses—glamour, charm, and more than a few surprises. Whether you’re after romance, fun, or just a touch of holiday magic, this city delivers it all in sparkling style.
Key moments:
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Christmas in London
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Romantic London Christmas getaway
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Things to do in London at Christmas
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Covent Garden Christmas fondue
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Christmas bars in London
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London theatre tickets Leicester Square
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Miracle at Henrietta London
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Seven Dials Market Christmas
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Back to the Future London theatre
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London Christmas lights and decorations
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Daphnes restaurant Christmas decorations
