Too Soon?

It’s one month until Christmas— I know, crazy, right?! However, if you’re planning to spend the holidays in Jolly ol’ England, you’ll want to start planning soon, if not already.

And since one of my favourite holiday films, “Love Actually”, inspired our Christmas getaway, because honestly, nothing says “Merry Christmas” like heartbreak, hope, and Hugh Grant dancing. 😅

Where We Stayed

Last year, we were returning from the turquoise waters of the Maldives — rested, recharged, and excited to experience London’s holiday sparkle and crisp winter air. With family nearby, it was the perfect place to celebrate. While I love family time, I also value having my own space, so we split our stay between The Zetter, Marylebone and an Airbnb in Notting Hill (many options)

Finding a hotel for the holidays can be daunting (and expensive!). But The Zetter ticks all the boxes: cozy, charming, and quintessentially British. The lobby — or “parlour,” as they call it — is warm and inviting, with overstuffed seating, festive decorations, and a fabulous little bar. The rooms are on the smaller side (as many London hotels are), but beautifully designed, complete with large soaker tubs — perfect after a long day of walking. Once a residential townhouse, the hotel retains that boutique, homey feel, and the staff were gracious and welcoming, making us feel right at home.

Christmas Magic

London has it all! Twinkling lights and dazzling decorations fill the streets with festive charm. Of course, so do the crowds — it’s not for the faint of heart, so be prepared!

Iconic London

The Thames is ideal for a (chilly) winter walk; grab a hot something along the way at The Thirsty Farrier, which is a great spot to enjoy the views, especially at dusk when the bridges and skyline light up.

Westminster Abbey, Saint Martin in the Fields Church, the National Gallery, and Trafalgar Square are all within a stone’s throw of each other.

Naturally, a visit to London wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace — nobody home, of course. Still, it’s hard not to be impressed by all that grandeur, even through the gates.

Festive London

Covent Garden is one of those places that just feels like Christmas. Street performers keep the holiday energy high. We visited here on Christmas Eve, with more crowds, but we managed our way through the market stalls, soaking it all in.

Leadenhall Market is a historic covered market with shops, restaurants, and pubs — a great spot to grab a coffee while exploring the city.

Mayfair at Christmas is pure sparkle. The streets are lined with designer boutiques wrapped in garlands and twinkling lights, each window display more extravagant than the last. Even if you’re just window-shopping, it’s worth wandering through Bond Street, Mount Street, and the surrounding lanes to soak in the festive luxury.

Department Store Glitter: It’s not just the small boutiques that go all out. The holiday decor of Selfridges and Harrods is a destination in itself, each sparkling with its own brand of Christmas magic.

Duke’s Bar

IYKYK, and if you don’t, Duke’s Bar was made famous by Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels. It’s where the iconic “shaken, not stirred” line originates. Okay, and maybe the iconic martinis they serve! You can read about our visit here

Book a Show

London comes alive at Christmas with a variety of festive shows that capture the season’s magic. Classics like The Nutcracker by the English National Ballet and A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic bring timeless stories to life. We were behind in planning for a holiday show, but we did manage to see one of the hit productions, “The Devil Wears Prada.” So fun!

Festive Dinner with Friends

My friend, who’s a local Londoner, knows all the hot spots, so when she recommended Randall & Aubin, I knew it would be special. Great seafood!

Notting Hill

Our apartment was tucked around the corner from Portobello Market. Convenient? Absolutely. Crowded? Oh, holy cow, yes. Sharpen your elbows and dive in—this place is packed with holiday excitement. The stalls, the food, and the aromas were irresistible.

Colourful Homes

When it comes to colour, Notting Hill is known for its vibrantly painted houses, and it’s nearly impossible to pick a favourite.

Pub time

London’s pub culture is unbeatable, with every neighbourhood offering its own cozy corner for a pint and a chat. We found ourselves popping into a few along the way, but one of our favourites was The Uxbridge—a welcoming spot, festive with that classic pub atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer.

The Perfect Lunch Spot

The Pelican restaurant/pub is located down a quiet side street, just a few blocks from the market and its crowds. It offers quintessential country charm right in the heart of London.

New Year’s Eve

We booked New Year’s Eve a month in advance. I’ll even go as far as to say that I asked Chat (remember my AI travel buddy?), “Where’s a fun restaurant in Notting Hill to ring in the new year?” My response ranged from Michelin-starred restaurants to Mia Mama, an Italian restaurant run by real Italian mammas, just two blocks from our apartment. It was perfect.

Christmas at Kennsington Palace

Kensington Palace at Christmas invites you to experience the season like a royal. Festive displays inspired by Queen Victoria’s childhood are sprinkled around the palace. After wandering the opulent halls, you can enjoy tea in the palace tea room, surrounded by more seasonal décor. A stroll through the palace grounds completes the visit, where swans, ducks, and even Egyptian geese—new to me— add to the winter scene.

Christmas in London feels like stepping into a Dickens’ storybook—every street decorated, every neighbourhood offering its own little moment of magic. Whether you’re sipping tea, wandering markets, or simply taking in the spectacular lights, London at Christmas time awakens the child in you and leaves memories that last long after the holidays are over—proof that, just like in Love Actually, love (and a bit of Christmas sparkle) really is all around.