London in December is what happens when a Hallmark movie meets royalty, downs a pint, and then roams the city in a fuzzy jumper. It’s magical, chaotic, overpriced, and totally worth it. We touched down just in time for peak Christmas vibes, with twinkling lights everywhere, the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, and the deep, spiritual calling of tea and scones echoing in the wind.
Let’s start with Trafalgar Square—Christmas HQ. The tree (a yearly gift from Norway) stood tall, twinkly, and slightly lopsided in the wind, and the square was alive with carolers, tourists, pigeons, and that one guy who swears he's Banksy selling art. The atmosphere? 10/10 festive chaos. Cost: Free, unless you count the hot chocolate that robbed us of £4 but brought life back into our frozen hands.
From there, we made our royal pilgrimage to Buckingham Palace. The Changing of the Guard is like watching a royal dance-off, minus the twerking. It’s daily or every other day depending on the season (check the schedule!), and it’s free—but you’ll want to arrive early for a front-row view. No sign of King Charles, but we did wave dramatically at the balcony like we were auditioning for The Crown.
We hopped over to Westminster Abbey, where kings and queens are crowned and where history practically oozes from the walls. Entry is about £29 per adult, and yes, it's worth it. The Gothic architecture is stunning, and if you listen closely, you can almost hear every historical British ghost judging your outfit.
Just around the corner, Big Ben stood tall and newly polished after years of renovation. It’s part of the Houses of Parliament, and you can admire it from the outside or book a tour inside (if you're a UK resident). Nearby, Westminster Bridge gives you that classic London view: river, Parliament, red buses, fog… all the moody charm your Instagram stories deserve.
Next up: the London Eye. We were skeptical—giant Ferris wheel? In winter? But hear me out: it’s 30 minutes of skyline magic. Book in advance (around £33 per person) and aim for sunset. Watching London light up from above while you sip on your complimentary prosecco (yes, there's a Champagne experience) is peak travel flex.
We wandered over to Covent Garden, which at Christmas is a sensory overload of fairy lights, live music, boutique shops, and Instagrammable corners. There was a massive LEGO reindeer, a caroler trio singing “Jingle Bell Rock” in Victorian outfits, and us—clutching mulled wine and a box of macarons like we belonged.
Harrods was next—London’s holy temple of “Oh my god, that costs HOW much?” But we didn’t just gawk at £1,200 handbags. We went full glam with Afternoon Tea at Harrods, a ritual so fancy we half-expected to be knighted by the tea sommelier. At £75 per person, it included perfectly cut sandwiches, warm scones, and enough delicate desserts to convince us that calories don’t count at Christmas.
To walk it off, we strolled through Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, which is basically a Christmas carnival on steroids. There were roller coasters, Bavarian beer halls, an ice rink, ice sculptures, and enough bratwurst stands to feed a small country. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free during off-peak hours (book online!), but rides, food, and attractions vary in price. We spent about £60 total on entry tickets, food, and rides—and probably another £20 on churros and mulled cider.
Borough Market deserves a love letter of its own. It’s a foodie's dream. We tried everything—raclette melting over potatoes, duck confit sandwiches, Ethiopian stews, mulled wine, and cheese samples that made us emotional. Meals range from £8–£15, and if you don’t walk away full and happy, you’re doing it wrong.
Soho came alive at night, with neon signs, buzzing restaurants, and cozy pubs. We ducked into The French House, a classic with history and character, where a pint costs about £6 and the atmosphere is 100% charm. We may or may not have tried every pie available that week—steak and ale, chicken and mushroom, even a vegan one that surprisingly slapped.
Oxford Street and Regent Street were wrapped in lights like they were competing for the gold medal in Christmas Olympics. The window displays at Selfridges? Pure art. Pro tip: don’t go on a weekend unless you enjoy being in a live-action version of Where’s Waldo.
The Tower of London was next on our historical hit list. Creepy, cool, and full of juicy royal drama. Entry is £33.60 per adult, and you’ll need at least 2 hours to explore the Crown Jewels and hear tales of beheadings that will make you clutch your scarf tighter.
We also swung by St. Paul’s Cathedral (entry £20.50) and climbed the dome for epic city views—totally worth the burning thighs. The inside? Gorgeous. The whispering gallery? A bit spooky and cool at the same time.
Getting around was a breeze with our Oyster Cards, which capped our daily fares at about £8.50 each. The Tube is efficient, easy to navigate (yes, even for tourists), and the voice that says "Mind the Gap" now lives rent-free in our heads.
And finally—pubs. Glorious, warm, wooden, festive pubs. We loved Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a historic pub rebuilt after the Great Fire of London, where we sat under low ceilings and drank ale like time travelers. Meals averaged £15–£20, and the sticky toffee pudding? Illegal levels of good.
In Summary:
London during Christmas is a sparkling fairytale filled with rich history, festive food comas, and magical moments. Whether you're sipping tea at Harrods, eating your weight at Borough Market, or yelling “Cheers!” in a pub older than your home country—this city knows how to do December right.
So pack your coziest coat, bring your sense of wonder (and a backup battery for all the photos), and let London wrap you in its twinkly, tea-scented embrace.
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