A Magical 3-Day Christmas Itinerary in London

Welcome to London! Your first day is all about taking it slow and soaking in the festive charm of the city. Explore a few nearby neighborhoods, each with its own unique personality and holiday magic. Here’s how to make the most of your relaxed first day:

Covent Garden

Start your day in Covent Garden, my personal favorite neighborhood during the holidays. The whole area sparkles with Christmas decorations, and the energy from the street performers is truly infectious.

Don’t miss Punch & Judy’s Pub: Head upstairs to the bar and out onto the terrace for arguably the best view of the Christmas tree and performers below. The terrace seating is first-come, first-served—but trust me, it’s worth it. Grab a drink, be patient, and enjoy the festive scene as you wait for a spot to open up.

Soho

Next, head over to Soho, one of London’s trendiest neighborhoods. It’s buzzing with life, especially during the holidays. This area is perfect for people-watching and bar hopping, with plenty of character-packed streets to explore.

My top spots:

• The Jack Horner: A cozy pub with hearty food. Try the pie platter or, if it’s Sunday, don’t miss their Sunday Roast.

• Bar Termini: A must for negroni lovers. It’s a small but stylish bar, and reservations are highly recommended due to limited space.

Leicester Square

A short walk away, Leicester Square is lit up with holiday lights and home to a festive Christmas market.

Grab some German sausages and stroll through the market stalls for some fun souvenir shopping. It’s touristy, sure—but totally worth a visit during this time of year.

Marylebone

If you’re craving something a bit more relaxed, make your way to Marylebone, a sophisticated neighborhood with quieter streets and elegant charm.

My pick: The Zetter Townhouse—Their afternoon tea service is laid-back, cozy, and just a bit quirky. I brought my husband here for his first tea experience, and he loved it so much it’s now a tradition every time we visit. Pro tip: Not big on tea? Add a glass of champagne like I do!

By the end of the day, you’ll feel like you’ve tapped into your neighborhood in London, rested and ready to continue the adventure!

I am a huge fan of walking everywhere and have developed the perfect walking tour to hit most of the iconic London landmarks.

Starting point: Piccadilly Circus

Estimated walk time (without stops): 1.5–2 hours

Begin your walk in the heart of the West End. Take a few minutes to enjoy the neon lights and street performers.

Direction: Walk west along Piccadilly (the road).

Sights along the way:

• Fortnum & Mason (stop in for a quick look at their legendary window displays!)

• The Ritz London

Continue straight until you enter Hyde Park (you’ll reach it near Hyde Park Corner). This vast green space is beautiful year-round and even more festive if Winter Wonderland is running.

Direction: Enter Hyde Park and walk south, aiming to exit near Wellington Arch/Buckingham Palace.

As you exit the park, you’ll arrive at Buckingham Palace. Snap some photos at the gates and watch for the Changing of the Guard if timing allows.

Direction: Walk east through St. James’ Park, following the footpath between The Mall and Birdcage Walk. At the end of the park, you’ll reach Birdcage Walk, which becomes Great George Street.

Optional stop: The Churchill War Rooms—a fascinating museum if you’re in the mood for a deeper historical stop (plan ~1 hour if visiting).

Continue walking straight—soon, you’ll see:

• Westminster Abbey (on your right)

• Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament—great photo spot!

• Westminster Bridge: This is your next key landmark and your turning point.

Optional detour: Cross the bridge and turn left for the London Eye and riverside views. Retrace your steps slightly, heading back to Big Ben, then walk north up Parliament Street, which becomes Whitehall. Pass 10 Downing Street (behind security gate).

Stop at Trafalgar Square—check out the Christmas market and towering Christmas tree.

If you haven’t already:

• From Trafalgar, head east to Covent Garden for festive lights, shopping, and street performances

• Then circle through Chinatown for a snack or festive lantern photo ops

Loop back to Piccadilly Circus, completing your scenic tour through the heart of historic and holiday-lit London.

Start your day at Harrods in Knightsbridge, London’s most iconic department store. During the holidays, the entire building transforms into a winter wonderland.

Highlights:

• Christmas World (usually on the lower ground floor) for gifts and ornaments.

• Food Hall: Perfect for edible souvenirs or gourmet snacking.

• Luxury fashion & beauty: Even if you’re window shopping, it’s fun to browse

• Afternoon tea at The Georgian (inside Harrods): Book ahead, especially in December, as it fills quickly

After tea, head north to Regent Street (a short Tube ride or cab from Harrods).

What to do:

• Walk from Piccadilly Circus up Regent Street to take in the famous angel lights, one of London’s most photographed holiday displays.

• Pop into Liberty London, just off Regent Street, for beautifully curated gifts.

• Continue toward Oxford Street, where larger department stores like Selfridges dazzle with creative window displays.

Borough Market is your next stop. Take the Tube or a quick cab ride down to London Bridge station. This market is packed with food stalls offering everything from British cheeses to international street food.

Don’t miss:

• Festive bites like mince pies, spiced cider, or roast pork sandwiches.

• Artisan stalls with jams, chutneys, and chocolates—great for foodie gifts.

• Heated seating areas for relaxing with a hot drink and soaking up the atmosphere—if you want to pop in somewhere for a drink. I recommend Cahoots—they have their normal drink menu, plus a special festive menu.

If you’re near Borough Market as the sun sets, take a short walk along the South Bank for views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Shakespeare’s Globe area, and the London skyline. If you didn’t ride the London Eye earlier in your trip, this could be a great time to do it.