Christmas in London is magical. The city fills with lights, markets, and festive energy, and everything feels more special once it gets dark. This year, my best friend came to visit me from Italy, so I planned a small “London Christmas tour” to show her the city at its best.
If you’re in London during the festive season and want an easy, student-friendly way to enjoy it, this was our itinerary.

Christmas Markets Around Central London

We started in the afternoon by visiting a few Christmas markets close to each other.
Leicester Square Christmas Market was our first stop. It’s small but lively, with stalls selling gifts, decorations, and festive snacks. It’s also right in the city centre, which makes it easy to fit into a day out. There’s also an ice skating rink!

From there, we walked to Trafalgar Square, which felt calmer and more atmospheric. The location alone makes it worth visiting, especially if you’re seeing London for the first time. Trafalgar Square is also home to London’s famous Christmas tree, a long-standing tradition gifted each year by Norway as a symbol of friendship and gratitude following the Second World War.

Next, we headed to Covent Garden, one of my favourite places at Christmas. The decorations are beautiful, and the area feels very festive. It’s perfect if you plan to buy some unique, handmade gifts!

We finished our market tour at King’s Cross, which felt more relaxed compared to the busier central areas. It’s a nice spot if you want festive vibes without big crowds. We also stopped at one of the market stalls for amazing cookies, which were perfect to recharge while walking around.

A Walk Through London’s Christmas Lights

Once it got dark, we started our Christmas lights walk, one of the best free things to do in London during December.
We began at Bond Street (Old and New), then passed Claridge’s and Annabel’s, both famous for their Christmas decorations. Even from the outside, they’re worth seeing.
We continued through Berkeley Square and Burlington Gardens, which felt quieter and cosier, before reaching Piccadilly, where the atmosphere becomes much busier.
Fortnum & Mason was one of our favourite stops, thanks to its festive windows. From there, we walked along Regent Street, home to some of London’s most iconic Christmas lights.

We ended the walk on Oxford Street and Carnaby Street. Oxford Street was bright and crowded, while Carnaby Street felt more creative and colourful, making it a perfect place to finish the tour.

Final Thoughts

What I loved about this Christmas tour is that it didn’t require bookings or expensive tickets. Most of it was simply walking, exploring, and enjoying the atmosphere. It’s a great way for students to experience London at Christmas without spending too much.

Sveva

For more insights from international students studying at the University of Westminster and living in the heart of London, please visit International Student Blogs