Christmas is coming. London has started showing signs of the season, and there are trees popping up and lights switching on across the city. Given my favorite way to see the UK capital is on foot, today I want to share my top picks for A Lady in London’s self-guided Christmas walks in London with you.
Christmas Walks in London
All of my London walks work in any season, but a number of them are perfect at a particular time of year. Whether it’s because of spring wisteria or summer sun, they’re just right during certain periods.
Winter is a great time to take in London’s festive decor, from outdoor light displays to Christmas markets and shopping arcades. As such, I’ve picked walks for this post that focus on central London’s best seasonal decorations.
Christmas kicks off in late October in London, and the decorations usually stay up through the first week of January. You can check exact opening times and dates before you walk to make sure things are in full swing.
Many of the light displays and Christmas trees change every year, so it’s worth making these walks an annual tradition to see how things look.
Whichever walks you do, keep in mind that the weather in London is unpredictable and it can get very cold in winter.
It’s a good idea to wear warm clothing and bring an umbrella with you. If you’re in the UK, I recommend this umbrella. If you’re in the US, this one is perfect. My winter packing list for London can help you with what to wear as well.
1. London Christmas Walk on the South Bank
The first of my Christmas walks in London is on the South Bank. This part of the city is full of life and entertainment. From the London Eye to Borough Market, there’s a lot to take in here.
This London walk will take you along the South Bank and let you enjoy the street performances, see the Thames, and discover the highlights of the area.
This walk is ideal for Christmas because there’s an annual Christmas market on the South Bank. It’s fun to browse the stalls, drink mulled wine, and get into the seasonal spirit while strolling around the area.
If you want to do my South Bank walk, you can get the information and map here.
2. Christmas Walk from South Kensington to Soho
The second of my Christmas walks in London is from South Kensington to Soho. This route features everything from the famous museums in South Kensington to the shops in Knightsbridge and the parks in Mayfair.
This walk will guide you through a number of London neighborhoods and give you a feel for how things change from one to another. It also goes by a good mix of beautiful buildings and expansive parks.
This walk is just the thing for Christmas because the route passes some of London’s most festive shops and markets.
The seasonal window displays at Harrods and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge are hard to beat at Christmastime.
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has everything from an ice skating rink to Christmas market stalls. Piccadilly‘s Fortnum & Mason goes all-out with its Christmas decorations, and shopping arcades like Burlington Arcade always dress up for the season.
If you want to follow this self-guided walking tour in London, you can find the details and map here.
3. London Christmas Walk in Mayfair
The third of my Christmas walks in London is in Mayfair. This chi chi part of the city is home to luxury goods shops, beautiful squares, and historic pubs.
My walk in Mayfair will take you down some of the most famous shopping streets, through secret gardens, and into hidden mews.
This walk is great at Christmas because Mayfair is home to some of the best lights, shopping arcades, and decorations in the UK capital.
Bond Street comes alive with Christmas lights each year, the Royal Arcade is stunning with its festive trimmings, and the shops go all-out to cover their facades in seasonal decor.
If you want to go on this London walk, you can find the details and map here.
4. Christmas Walk in Covent Garden
The fourth of my Christmas walks in London is in Covent Garden. This London neighborhood is known for its covered piazza, great shopping, and theaters.
This walk will guide you around the big sights and narrow streets alike. From the most beloved shops to the tucked-away pubs, it shows off both the well-known and the secret places in the area.
This self-guided London walk is perfect for Christmas because there are decorations and lights everywhere. Covent Garden does Christmas like no other place in London.
The piazza is strewn with decorations and there’s a giant Christmas tree in front of it. Streets like Slingsby Place have beautiful lights, and Seven Dials is a riot of seasonal decor.
If you’re interested in this London walk, the details and map are here.
5. London Christmas Walk in Soho
The fifth of my of my Christmas walks in London is in Soho. This area is known for its bars, pubs, and restaurants. There’s always something exciting going on here.
This walk is for you if you want to explore Soho’s highlights and hidden courtyards. From the main streets and squares to the under-the-radar spaces, it will give you a good overview of the area.
I love this walk at Christmastime because Soho does lights and decorations so well. Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, and Regent Street are bright with light displays that change every year.
All the shops in Soho burst with festive cheer, and the theaters put on pantomimes and other Christmas productions.
If you want to do this self-guided London walk, the details and map are here.
6. London Christmas Lights Walk
The sixth of my of my Christmas walks in London is a themed one. It spans the city center to highlight the brightest festive lights in the UK capital.
This walk is for you if you want to see the best Christmas lights in London. From Oxford Street and Regent Street to Carnaby Street and Covent Garden, it will give you a good overview of the city’s festive installations.
If you want to do this self-guided London walk, the details and map are on my blog post about a Christmas lights walk in London.
Self-Guided Christmas Walks in London
I hope you find these Christmas walks in London as fun for the festive season as I do. They’re some of the best things to do in London at Christmas and great ways to see the city’s lights, trees, markets, and decorations.
If you want more, you can take a look at my London winter walks or view the full list of my self-guided London walking tours here. You can read about more great walks in London’s Hidden Walks, too. You can get it here. Happy walking!
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Perfect timing! I’m leaving tomorrow for London. Couldn’t agree with you more-walking is the best way to see a city. This is my fifth year visiting London at Christmas time. It’s always magical.
That’s great!
Hello!
Great post! I have been to London 2 years ago just before Christmas and it was magical, I loved it and I always thinking about repeating it very soon.
I like the walks listed in your article, if I decide to visit London once again, I will choose some from your list! Thank you for the post and wish you all the best!
Bye Renata
Thanks! I’m glad to hear that.