GUIDESCHRISTMAS IN LONDON: YOUR CITY GUIDE
Christmas in The Big Smoke offers a perfect melting pot of festive goodness. But if you’re feeling overwhelm at the endless possibilities that await you in the capital at Christmas then look no further than our handy city guide to all there is to know about a festive day out in London. Pull up a chair, sit back and relax and we’ll walk you through where to go and what to do. Our guide is packed full ideas depending on the type of day out you’re looking for. We’ve even pulled together a simple summary for families as well as suggested itineraries to make a Christmas day out in London seamless and stress-free.
Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland
If there’s one place that captures the spirit of Christmas in London, it’s Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Running from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, this seasonal spectacular transforms Hyde Park into a festive destination packed with Christmas markets, rides, shows, ice skating, seasonal food & drink and family attractions. Closed only on Christmas Day, it's the kind of place where it's easy to spend an entire day before staying into the evening as the lights begin to twinkle across the park.
One of the stand-out experiences for 2026 is Luminaire Lane, where illuminated arches adorned with more than 50,000 bulbs create a glowing pathway through artisan gift stalls and festive food vendors. Pick up a warming drink and soak up the Christmas magic as you browse for handcrafted presents.
Families will gravitate towards Santa Land, while thrill-seekers can head straight for Thrillville and the famous Giant Wheel offering breathtaking views of London’s skyline. Over in the Arctic Circle, visitors can race down the Real Ice Slide, try ice-sculpting workshops and discover the brand-new Magical Ice Kingdom: Neverland – an enchanting frozen world inspired by Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.
After a day spent soaking up the magic of Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, it's time to slow the pace and settle into a little festive indulgence. Whether you're leaving via Hyde Park’s Gold Gate towards Paddington, where our Spring Street restaurant awaits, or heading in the direction of Marble Arch and Mayfair to our Park Street restaurant, a warm Italian welcome is never far away. Whichever route you take, you'll find the perfect place to unwind, share good food and savour the magic of Christmas for a little longer.
Good to know: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Closes 10pm every evening; opening times vary by date, with most standard days opening from 10am. Visitors must pre-book a one-hour time slot, but once inside you can stay beyond your arrival time. Spending £25 online before your visit unlocks free entry.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN LONDON
Far more than just ticking names of a gift list, Christmas shopping in London is a festive event in its own right. Throughout November and December, the city's most famous shopping districts come alive with a buzzing seasonal energy. With elaborate window displays and glittering decorations, the capital’s most famous shopping streets are the perfect way to soak up some festive wonder.
No London Christmas shopping trip is complete without a visit to Oxford Street’s iconic Selfridges store. Since Harry Selfridge introduced the city’s first spectacular festive window displays in 1909, the store has been at the heart of London’s Christmas celebrations. From there, head towards Mayfair and the luxury boutiques of Regent Street and Bond Street – where elegant decorations and beautifully dressed shopfronts create a charming festive atmosphere. Just around the corner, off Oxford Street you’ll find your local ASK Italian at Park Street. After a morning of browsing the shops, drop your bags and ease into a laid-back lunch, the Italian way.
For iconic Christmas luxury, Knightsbridge is hard to beat with Harrods being a destination in itself – drawing visitors from around the world with its extravagant decorations, seasonal gift collections and famous Christmas displays. Combined with the museums of South Kensington and the Royal Albert Hall, a Christmas day out in Knightsbridge blends culture, shopping and seasonal entertainment. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, head to our Gloucester Arcade restaurant. Just a stone’s throw away from the Natural History and Science Museums it makes for an ideal spot to refuel and recharge.
Good to know: Christmas shopping in the capital runs throughout November and December with most stores offering extended opening hours. But at these vary, it’s always best to check with individual retailers before you head out.
CHRISTMAS IN MAYFAIR
And on the subject of shopping, we felt Mayfair deserved its own special mention. Not only does Mayfair boast all the shopping you could possibly wish for – with nearby Selfridges on Oxford Street and the luxury boutiques of Bond Street, there’s also the West End theatre district. And within walking distance of Hyde Park, Mayfair is perfectly situated for the park’s annual spectacle, Winter Wonderland. One of London’s most prominent districts, Mayfair becomes even more magical after dark as the city streets transform with an impressive display of Christmas lights.
And once you’re finished, you can pop into ASK Italian on Park Street (just off Oxford Street) and tuck into our Warm Gingerbread Cookie Cup as a post-shop refuel.
LONDON'S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON OXFORD STREET
Few experiences feel as quintessentially festive as seeing London’s historic streets illuminated with Christmas lights. Spend the day shopping on London’s famous streets and then as darkness falls watch as the city begins to glow with thousands of twinkling lights. With so much choice, it can be hard to know where to start but we’d suggest meandering along the West End. Walk under the canopy of stars adorning Oxford Street before turning down Regent Street to see the grand display of large-scale illuminated angels, suspended overhead. From there, browse the boutiques of Bond Street whilst taking in the spectacular overhead light displays inspired by the Crown Jewels, celebrating the area's long-standing royal connections. If you’re heading in the direction of Covent Garden’s Christmas markets then Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights are also worth a visit. Afterwards, escape the winter chill at Ask Italian Park Street, just off Oxford Street, where comforting pasta dishes and decadent desserts make for the perfect end to your Christmas day out in London.
Good to know: London’s Christmas lights begin to illuminate from November but for individual 2026 switch-on dates it’s always worth taking a look at the relevant council’s website.
A CHRISTMAS DAY OUT IN PADDINGTON 2026
Paddington may not have a Christmas festival of its own, but it serves as one of the capital's most convenient gateways to the festive magic of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. For those arriving by train, Paddington Station is just a 20-minute stroll away from Hyde’s Park north entrance – making this area the perfect place to pause and savour a leisurely meal before the festivities begin.
At Paddington Basin you’ll find plenty of eateries to choose from, whether it’s a cosy café, traditional pub or a waterside restaurant. Wander along to Merchant Square where you’ll find Gail’s Bakery for your morning coffee or maybe you’re in the mood for some lunchtime street food at Hola Guacamole or Katsu King.
Need somewhere even closer to the station? Just a three-minute walk away and tucked along Spring Street you’ll find the familiar green striped awnings of your local ASK Italian. Open daily from 11.30am, we’re the perfect spot whether you need a quick lunch or a more relaxed dining experience. Serving up fresh pasta and stone-baked pizzas from our seasonally-inspired menu, this a great spot before or after Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
PLAN A CHRISTMAS DAY OUT IN LONDON
Prefer to leave the planning to someone else? Consider it sorted. We’ve curated four festive London itineraries, each offering a different way to spend a magical Christmas day out in the capital. Along the way, you’ll also find a little taste of Italy, with our three centrally located restaurants providing the perfect spot to relax and refuel.
Shop & Sparkle
Begin at Selfridges on Oxford Street, then wander down to Bond Street’s luxury boutiques in Mayfair and as evening falls take in the spectacular sight of London’s Christmas lights as you head to your local ASK Italian restaurant on Park Street.
Paddington Christmas Adventure
Arrive at Paddington Station and make ASK Italian Spring Street your first stop for a festive feast, Italian style. After a hearty lunch walk to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland via the Gold Gate entrance. From here you can take in all the Christmas magic of Luminaire Lane and the Arctic Circle.
South Kensington Christmas
Spend a morning exploring the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum or the V&A – or maybe all three. Next take a short stroll to ASK Italian Gloucester Arcade for a well-earned lunch. Once rested and refuelled, while away an afternoon in Harrods and Knightsbridge beyond before heading to your evening finale at the Royal Albert Hall.
A Family Christmas Day
Spend a morning at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, followed by lunch at Ask Italian Park Street before heading to an afternoon showing of Cinderella at the Palladium for some panto festive magic.
