London is a pretty city all year round, but at Christmas it gets taken to the next level. Anything and everything gets bedecked in decorations. Restaurants, bars, shops all get a festive makeover. Tinsel, baubles, and so, so many lights. It's a pretty spectacular sight, and makes for some great photo ops!
I've been shooting my way around London at Christmas for years, so I wanted to compile a guide to some of the best Instagrammable Christmas locations in London. From my favourite light displays to the best festive restaurants, there's a bit of everything. These spots are perfect whether you're a pro photographer looking to get the perfect gram shot, or just keen to explore the best of what London has to offer this festive season.
Instagrammable Christmas Displays in London
Regent Street Christmas Lights
If there's one iconic Christmas display in London, it's the famous Regent's Street lights. Every year countless tourists and locals alike flock to see the glittering angels soar above the street. This year they're lit up between 3pm and 11pm to conserve energy. If you're looking to take photos, I'd recommend visiting towards 11pm to avoid the bulk of the crowds and traffic.
Covent Garden
The Covent Garden area is without a doubt one of the most Instagrammable Christmas locations in London. It's best known for the classic oversized bauble and mistletoe motif that adorns the roof of the market. There's also countless trees and festive pop ups, as well as unique festive displays such as this year's hand painted sleigh. Head there on the hour every hour between noon and 9pm for snow flurries.
It's not just the Piazza that's worth a visit though, with neighbouring Seven Dials also lit up and extravagantly decorated for the festive season.
Read More: The Covent Garden Area Guide
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market in East London rose to fame as the location of The Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. It's reality is not so different, being home to many restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. Though it's Christmas decorations tend to be fairly low key, the gold, red and green tones of the Market lend themselves particularly nicely to festive shots.
Annabel's Mayfair
I'm not suitably fancy to have ever had the opportunity to step inside swanky private members club Annabel's. But don't worry, for us mere paupers they install a yearly Christmas display to the exterior of the building. It's always one of London's more unusual Christmas decorations, with themes including carousels and gingerbread houses. Be careful, it's on a busy main road so can be tricky getting photos!
Instagrammable Christmas Restaurants and Bars in London
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
The Ivy is well known for the extravagant seasonal displays that adorn the exterior of it's Chelseas outpost. Christmas is when it's at its very best, with past years including transforming into a snow kingdom, an ode to The Grinch, and many more. This year is a quirky animal themed takeover complete with towering gold birds and cheeky monkeys all nestled under an oversized green bow. The interior is equally worth seeing, with the classic eclectic Ivy decor as well as a beautiful outdoor terrace area for alfresco dining.
Daphne's
Swish Italian restaurant Daphne's in Chelsea makes for a gorgeous festive Instagram shot with a bauble covered conservatory area. This year they've gone for a saccharine pastel-hued theme, complete with dancing carousel horses.
Read More: The Christmas in London Guide
The Churchill Arms
Come Christmas, Insta-famous Notting Hill pub The Churchill Arms swaps it's floral hanging baskets for a sea of light-covered Christmas trees precariously perched on the exterior. It's quite a sight to behold, and makes for a great nighttime shoot if you're willing to dodge the pub's drunken revellers!
Instagrammable Christmas Shops in London
Harrod's Knightsbridge
Harrods is one of London's fanciest and best known department stores, and is on my recommended London itinerary year round. Ride up and down the sumptuous Egyptian escalator, gawp at the bougie designer goods (and the wealthy people who buy them!), sample goodies in the food hall, and unleash your inner child in the toy section. However, it's at it's sparkly, decadent best at Christmas. This year has had a gold Dior themed makeover, with exterior lights and a cafe inside. I love this spot for both day and nighttime shooting, although it does take some patience with a lot of people and cars to negotiate.
Cartier Bond Street
I've highlighted Cartier as it's my favourite, but really all of Bond Street is a must-visit come Christmas. The well-heeled residents of the street are given festive makeovers, including highlights at the aforementioned Cartier, Dior, and Tiffany and Co, amongst others. The street itself is also given the festive treatment, with plenty of lights making it a magical shopping experience. It gets extremely busy though, so come early for a clear shot before the shoppers descend.
Let me know if you have any other recommendations for Instagrammable Christmas Locations in London. Or if you visit and snap any of these, please do tag me - I'd love to see!
