London at Christmastime

There’s nothing quite like London at Christmastime! Twinkling lights draped over historic streets, grand hotels dressed in their holiday finest, and the joyful bustle that makes every corner feel like a scene from a storybook. On our recent stay in Mayfair, we soaked up the season in the most magical ways: cozy breakfasts under garlands, leisurely stroller-friendly walks to our favorite shops, festive meals that instantly became new traditions, and little moments of wonder with our toddler that made the whole trip feel unforgettable. Below, I’m sharing everywhere we stayed, ate, and wandered. Our personal guide to a perfectly charming Christmas in London.

We based ourselves at Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, which felt like stepping into a classic London Christmas story. impeccable service, over-the-top holiday décor, and a location that made the entire trip effortless. We walked everywhere, even with a toddler and stroller, and the staff went above and beyond for families, surprising our son with a sweet in-room setup complete with a stuffed monkey and a wooden double-decker bus. Getting into the city was a breeze: we hopped on the Heathrow Express to Paddington, picked up a stack of Paddington Bear books at the station, and they became our bedtime favorites throughout the trip.

Breakfasts and dinners at Charlie’s at Brown’s were a favorite. Festive, cozy, and just a few steps from our room. For evening drinks, we loved slipping into Donovan’s Bar, which glows at Christmastime. One of our favorite meals was at the Claridge’s × Dante pop-up, where the famous Chicken alla Diavola lived up to the hype. We also adored Bar des Prés, a chic outpost of a Paris favorite conveniently located right across the street. No London trip feels complete without exceptional Indian food, so we made sure to visit either Gymkhana or BiBi, as we always do. And for sweet mornings, Pasticceria Marchesi delivered the most heavenly Milanese pastries. We also loved grabbing coffee from the pretty florist-café Mozart, and kept our room stocked with seasonal treats from Fortnum & Mason, which just feels right at Christmastime.

We spent our days wandering Mayfair’s beautifully lit streets and visiting our favorite shops, starting with the iconic Liberty of London, always magical during the holidays. On Bond Street, we browsed Smythson and admired the glowing designer storefronts, while at Fortnum & Mason we ordered a Christmas hamper for home and discovered wonderful small UK designers featuring silver, tabletop treasures, cashmere accessories, and more. A visit to Selfridges led us to the sweetest children’s pieces (especially from La Coqueta) and I always make a point to stop into Me+Em, one of my favorite brands. For the little one, we popped into Hamleys, a massive, high-energy toy emporium, though I was a bit disappointed that nearly everything was plastic or character-themed. We left with just a few charming books. We also wandered through Burlington Arcade, where highlights included Ananya Jewelry with its beautiful interiors, Johnstons of Elgin for heirloom-quality knits and cashmere scarves, Cashmirino for classic baby clothing, and N.Peal, a go-to for luxurious cashmere staples.

Keep scrolling for loads of festive photos and links to everything I wore in London, and you can follow along with our travels to Buckinghamshire and the Cotswolds here!