Your London Christmas Season Guide

By /

1. The Ultimate Festive Pub Tour

Your list includes a fantastic mix of highly decorated, historic, and cozy pubs. Here is a breakdown of what makes them perfect for the season:

Pub Location Christmas Vibe & Must-Knows
The Churchill Arms Kensington The Must-See. Famous for being “London’s Most Christmassy Pub,” its exterior is draped with over 90 Christmas trees and thousands of twinkling lights. It’s a spectacular sight.
The Holly Bush Hampstead A cozy, secluded Georgian pub tucked away down a cobbled street. Expect roaring open fireplaces, wood paneling, and a warm, traditional atmosphere perfect for a winter’s evening.
The Mayflower Rotherhithe London’s oldest surviving pub on the River Thames. With low-beamed ceilings and an open fire, this historic spot is incredibly atmospheric. You can even sign the ‘Mayflower’ book for American visitors.
The Grenadier Belgravia An intimate, historic pub hidden down a mews in exclusive Belgravia. Look for their traditional festive menu offerings, often including classics like a Festive Beef Wellington.
The Flask Hampstead A beautiful Victorian pub with an almost labyrinthine interior, known for its multiple cozy rooms and two roaring fireplaces. A fantastic spot to warm up after a walk on Hampstead Heath.
The Cadogan Arms Chelsea A beautifully restored public house on the King’s Road. It hosts festive events like Christmas Carol evenings and offers special menus in its grand dining rooms.
The Argyll Arms Soho/West End Located near Regent Street and Oxford Circus, its ornate, etched glass screens and beautiful Victorian decor make it a highly atmospheric place to grab a festive drink after a day of Christmas shopping.
The Hero Maida Vale A charming, traditional pub offering British comfort food. Its cozy interior and log fire make it an ideal retreat for a winter afternoon pint.
The Parakeet Kentish Town A modern gastropub with a focus on fire-cooked seasonal British food. It offers a warm, welcoming space for festive group bookings and a more refined dining experience.
Queen of Hoxton Shoreditch This one offers a different vibe! It’s known for its annual heated rooftop winter pop-up, often featuring a theme, a giant yurt, twinkling lights, and winter cocktails. Perfect for a festive party feel.

2. Must-Do Christmas Activities

Integrate your pub visits with these quintessential London festive experiences:

A. See the Christmas Lights

Your pub, The Argyll Arms, is perfectly positioned to start this tour:

  • Regent Street: Known for its stunning, illuminated “Spirits” display.

  • Oxford Street: Famous for thousands of dangling lights (often stars or similar themes).

  • Carnaby Street: Always has a unique, quirky theme that changes yearly.

B. Visit the Christmas Markets & Attractions

  • Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park): London’s largest festive event, featuring the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, a huge Christmas market, rides, and food stalls. Proximity tip: The Churchill Arms is close to Hyde Park.

  • South Bank Winter Market: Located along the Thames, this market has wooden chalets offering food, drinks, and crafts, with the Thames and the London Eye as a backdrop. It offers a fantastic contrast to the historic Mayflower Pub nearby.

  • Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree: A gift from the people of Norway since 1947, this is the center of London’s festive spirit. Check the schedule for free carol singing sessions in the early evenings.

C. Ice Skating

Skate under the stars at one of London’s iconic outdoor rinks:

  • Somerset House: Often considered the most beautiful ice rink, set in a neoclassical courtyard.

  • Queen’s House Ice Rink (Greenwich): A scenic alternative, offering views of Greenwich Park and the London skyline.

D. Festive Shows

  • Pantomime: For a fun, traditional, and often chaotic British Christmas experience, book tickets for a pantomime (a family-friendly musical comedy).

  • Royal Opera House or London Coliseum: For a more classic experience, catch a festive ballet like The Nutcracker.

  • St. Paul’s Cathedral/Westminster Abbey: Check their schedules for beautiful, often free, Christmas Carol services.

Suggested Festive Day Itinerary

  1. Morning: Head to the South Bank Winter Market for some browsing and festive brunch.

  2. Afternoon: Visit the historic The Mayflower pub (Rotherhithe) for a cozy pint by the fire.

  3. Early Evening: Head west to see the light displays on Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Carnaby Street.

  4. Dinner & Pub Stop 1: Stop at The Argyll Arms (Soho) for a drink after the shopping, then head to The Grenadier (Belgravia) for a festive dinner.

  5. Night: End the evening at the spectacular The Churchill Arms (Kensington) to marvel at the lights and grab a final drink.

Scroll to Top