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Holiday Season in London: Festive December to New Year’s Celebration

Viewed by 131 travelers

Day 1: Christmas Eve Charm

London, United Kingdom on December 24, 2024

9:00am

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club Soho

Start your day with a hearty English breakfast at The Breakfast Club Soho, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious comfort food. They open at 8:00am.
GBP15, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Westminster Abbey

Explore this historic Gothic church known for royal weddings and Christmas services; ensure you arrive before the special Christmas Eve mid-day services here. Open till 3:00pm on Dec 24.
GBP28, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Borough Market

Enjoy festive street food and holiday treats at Borough Market’s Christmas Market stalls, open until 5:00pm on Christmas Eve.
GBP20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Stroll along Southbank Christmas Market

Walk along the Thames and browse charming Christmas stalls from 11:00am to 9:00pm to soak in the holiday atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Rules Restaurant

Indulge in classic British cuisine at London's oldest restaurant, open 12:00pm to 10:00pm, for a festive yet intimate dinner.
GBP45, 1h30m

7:00pm

Evening Walk to Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

View the iconic Christmas tree gifted by Norway, beautifully lit up through Christmas night.
Free, 45m
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Day 2: Christmas Day Treat

London, United Kingdom on December 25, 2024

11:00am

Christmas Day Church Service or Quiet Walk in Hyde Park

Many attractions are closed; consider attending a Christmas service at St Martin-in-the-Fields or enjoy a serene winter walk in Hyde Park, which is open all day.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Christmas Day Lunch at The Ritz

Pre-book a festive Christmas lunch at The Ritz offering luxury dining; the restaurant opens at 12:00pm and lasts around 3 hours.
GBP150, 3h0m

4:30pm

Relax by the Thames or Indoor Leisure

Enjoy a walk by the river or cozy up at hotel while many public places remain closed.
Free, 2h0m
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Day 3: Boxing Day Shopping

London, United Kingdom on December 26, 2024

9:00am

Breakfast at Duck & Waffle

Enjoy spectacular city views alongside your meal at Duck & Waffle, open from 7:00am, perfect to fuel up for a busy day.
GBP25, 1h0m

10:30am

Boxing Day Sales Shopping at Oxford Street

Dive into the annual Boxing Day sales along Oxford Street and Regent Street, many stores open from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
Variable, 3h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Carnaby Street

Discover trendy eateries in Carnaby Street; try Dishoom for excellent Indian dishes, open from 12:00pm to 11:00pm.
GBP30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Tower of London

Explore the iconic Tower of London, including the Crown Jewels; it is open from 9:00am till 5:30pm.
GBP33, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Padella

Enjoy some of London’s best handmade pasta near Borough Market with a cozy atmosphere, open till 10:00pm.
GBP25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Culture & Museums

London, United Kingdom on December 27, 2024

8:30am

Breakfast at Gail’s Bakery

Light and fresh pastries and coffee from Gail’s Bakery, which opens from 7:30am, perfect before a museum day.
GBP12, 45m

9:30am

Visit British Museum

Explore vast collections ranging from ancient Egypt to the Rosetta Stone. It is open 10:00am to 5:30pm, free entry.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Great Court Restaurant

Enjoy an elegant lunch inside the British Museum, open 10:00am to 4:30pm, featuring modern British cuisine.
GBP30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Tate Modern

Discover modern art from international artists; it is open 10:00am to 6:00pm and offers free general admission.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Swan, Shakespeare’s Globe

Dine with a scenic view of the Thames and Tower Bridge at Swan, open until 9:30pm.
GBP40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Historical Highlights

London, United Kingdom on December 28, 2024

9:00am

Breakfast at Regency Cafe

Classic British cafe experience with early breakfast from 7:00am, very atmospheric for a London day start.
GBP10, 45m

10:00am

Visit Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard

See the famous palace and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, typically starting at 11:00am.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Goring Dining Room

Enjoy a refined British lunch at this prestigious hotel restaurant, known for royal connections, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
GBP50, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Natural History Museum

Fascinating exhibits including the dinosaur hall, open daily 10:00am to 5:50pm, free to enter.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Dishoom Kensington

Experience Bombay’s flavors at Dishoom, open till 11:00pm, vibrant and cozy setting.
GBP30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Southbank & Views

London, United Kingdom on December 29, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at Roast, Borough Market

Enjoy locally sourced British breakfast with river views; Roast opens at 7:30am weekdays.
GBP25, 1h0m

9:30am

London Eye Ride

Take a spectacular morning ride on the London Eye for panoramic city views, open 11:00am to 6:00pm.
GBP35, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk along Southbank to Tate Britain

Enjoy riverside walk and visit Tate Britain, open 10:00am to 6:00pm, free entry.
Free, 2h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Sea Containers Restaurant

Savor stylish lunch on the Thames with modern European cuisine, open 12:00pm–10:00pm.
GBP45, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour

Explore this iconic reconstruction and learn about Elizabethan theater, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
GBP17, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at OXO Tower Restaurant

Dine with spectacular skyline views from OXO Tower, open until 10:30pm.
GBP50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Markets & Neighborhoods

London, United Kingdom on December 30, 2024

8:30am

Breakfast at Farm Girl Cafe

Quirky and healthy breakfast options in Notting Hill, open from 8:00am.
GBP15, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Portobello Road Market

Explore antiques, crafts, and local eats at this vibrant market open 9:00am to 6:00pm Mondays through Fridays.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Ledbury

Michelin-starred fine dining in Notting Hill, offers seasonal British cuisine, open 12:00pm to 2:30pm for lunch.
GBP80, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Camden Market

Eclectic stalls and food stands in Camden Market, perfect for an afternoon stroll, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mildreds

Popular vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Camden, open till 10:30pm.
GBP20, 1h30m
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Day 8: New Year’s Eve

London, United Kingdom on December 31, 2024

9:00am

Breakfast at Regency Cafe

Classic breakfast to start the special day, opens 7:00am.
GBP10, 1h0m

10:00am

Leisurely Thames Walk & Piccadilly

Enjoy a calm morning walk by the Thames followed by shopping and sightseeing around Piccadilly Circus.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sketch

Dine in extraordinary pink interiors with Michelin-starred cuisine, open from 12:00pm, perfect treat before celebrations.
GBP70, 1h30m

3:00pm

Rest and Prepare for Evening

Return to hotel for rest or freshen up for the night’s festivities.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Aqua Shard

Indulge in exquisite dining high above the city with spectacular views, open until after midnight for New Year celebrations.
GBP120, 3h0m

11:30pm

London New Year Fireworks Viewing

Head to the Thames riverside or designated viewing areas to watch the famous London fireworks at midnight.
Free, 1h0m
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Day 9: New Year Relax

London, United Kingdom on January 1, 2025

10:00am

Brunch at Dishoom King's Cross

Enjoy a relaxed brunch with delicious Indian cuisine, open from 8:00am.
GBP25, 1h30m

12:00pm

Walk in Regent’s Park

Stroll through beautiful winter gardens and lakes in the expansive park, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

3:00pm

Visit Sherlock Holmes Museum

Explore the famous fictional detective’s home at 221B Baker Street, open daily 9:30am to 6:00pm.
GBP17, 1h0m

5:00pm

Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason

Experience a quintessential British tea in elegant surroundings, reservations recommended, open until 6:00pm.
GBP40, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Palomar

Enjoy vibrant Jerusalem-inspired cuisine close to Soho, open until 11:00pm.
GBP40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Final Day Leisure

London, United Kingdom on January 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gail’s Bakery

Recharge with fresh pastries and coffee, open at 7:30am.
GBP12, 45m

9:30am

Visit Greenwich Park and Royal Observatory

Enjoy panoramic views from Greenwich Park and learn about time at the Observatory; open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
GBP16, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Godard’s at Greenwich

Taste traditional London pie and mash in a historic eatery open until 3:30pm.
GBP15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Cutty Sark

Tour the famous historic clipper ship, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
GBP16, 1h0m

4:00pm

Leisure and Souvenir Shopping

Relax at Greenwich Market and pick last-minute souvenirs before departure.
Free, 1h30m
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