Christmas in London

Christmas in London is one of our favourite times of year to see this iconic city in all its glory. The lights, the stunning window displays, carol singers – when London feels like it could be the set in a Richard Curtis film.  Away from the busy shopping streets and tourist trail, below are some of Simon and Tim’s lesser-known ways to experience the magic of Christmas in Godson des Forges’ patch of London - Chelsea, Knightsbridge, South Kensington, Belgravia and Mayfair.

Pretty lights and displays

Eccleston yards market in Belgravia is a hidden gem of independent stores and restaurants and goes to town when it comes to festive lights.  Don’t miss Belgravia’s Christmas lights switch on 15th November and notably Neill Strain’s Christmas floral display in Belgravia. A highlight is walking down Motcomb Street in Belgravia which always has the most beautiful Christmas lights.

Head to Knightsbridge to see the Harrods’ window display which never fails to disappoint and ‘Snowfall’ Christmas lights installation by Roger Stirks Harbour + Partners at the Berkeley Hotel, Knightsbridge - 137,000 lights create a snowfall effect, a must-see and Insta destination.

Don’t miss Chelsea lights switch on 18th November with late night shopping.

Mayfair will switch its lights on 16th November. There will be dancers from the Nutcracker, entertainment between 5pm and 8pm, with wooden chalets selling Christmas presents. The Connaught hotel Christmas tree is designed by a different artist each year and becomes the centrepiece of Mount Street in the festive season. Annabel’s in Berkeley Square delights passers-by with its spectacular Christmas façade.  

Best areas for Christmas shopping away from the crowds

Belgravia - Eccleston yards is a hidden courtyard in Belgravia, full of independent shops.

Chelsea - Duke of York Square. King’s Road has its late night shopping event on 18th November. At Papersmiths, Pavilion Road, you’ll find an in-store calligrapher to personalise your presents. Find out more here

Mayfair - A skip away from the hustle of Regent’s Street, packed with independent stores selling the finer things in life. The Burlington Arcade is a must – it’s like walking back in time.

Knightsbridge - Harrods is transformed into a magical shopping mecca at Christmas – a one-stop shop to see the most exclusive brands in the world. A must-see even if only for the window shopping. We love to swing by Harvey Nics – the ultimate in luxury and always a treat combined with a visit to their bar or restaurant.

South Kensington and Kensington - High Street Ken has a fabulous range of high street shops. If you’re looking for something a little different, the Gift shop at the V&A museum is always full of different delights.

Carol services

St Mary Abbot’s, Kensington. In aid of Horatio’s Garden, 7th December.

Cadogan Hall, Chelsea. 19th December.

St Paul’s, Knightsbridge. 5th December.

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington. 16th – 24th December.

St Luke’s, Chelsea. 7 - 8th December in aid of Battersea Dogs home

Carols on the Green, Chelsea, 6.30pm, 15th December. Join members of the St Luke’s choir and many local residents for this wonderfully atmospheric evening with Christmas carols on Chelsea Green, energised by refreshment from local shops.

Food and drink

Duke of York Square festive food market, Chelsea. Every Saturday in December, 10am-4pm.

Churchill Arms, Kensington is not only famous for its annual Christmas lights display but is also a great pub for food and drink. From 7th December.

Knoops in Chelsea serves the best hot chocolate and their festive drinks menu is a total treat.

Bayley & Sage – with stores in Belgravia, Chelsea and Kensington. These neighbourhood delis are known for their cheese, fresh food and wine.

Cadogan Arms, Chelsea. A King’s Road landmark, and you won’t get a more Christmassy feel.

For families

Biscuiteers’ festive-themed afternoon tea in Belgravia, throughout December.

Elf in concert at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington – 9th December.

Storytelling with Father Christmas at the Chelsea Physic Garden throughout December.

Ice-skating at one of London’s newest rinks – Glide at the Battersea Power Station.

Anya’s Grotto – the much talked-about Christmas grotto by Anya Hyndmarch, Pont Street, Chelsea.

And finally, if it all gets too much and you can’t face cooking at Christmas or want to avoid the in-laws, why not book yourself into the Berkeley where you can spend the ultimate Christmas. This will include midnight mass at St Paul’s Knightsbridge, carol singing in the hotel, pre-filled stockings in your room, a horse-drawn carriage around Belgravia with hot chocolate on Christmas day and a five-course lunch with champagne. It will set the bar for any future festivities to a worryingly high level, but you’ll have a year to think about it.