The Most Festive London Christmas Hotels to Book for 2026
There’s something truly magical about London during the festive season. The lights twinkle down Oxford Street, carols echo through Trafalgar Square, and the scent of hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts fills the crisp air. When the city transforms into a winter wonderland, finding the perfect place to stay becomes part of the experience.
The best London Christmas Hotels that make this list go beyond luxury, they capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re planning a romantic overnight stay, a family Christmas Eve celebration, or a chic winter escape, the best London Hotels for Christmas promise charm, indulgence, and that unmistakable holiday glow.
From five-star hotels in the heart of London to intimate boutique hideaways, each property embraces the magic of Christmas in its own way.
Picture towering Christmas trees in marble lobbies, live music drifting from candlelit bars, and mince pies served beside a roaring fire.
The most festive London Christmas Hotels on this list are designed for guests who appreciate impeccable service, festive dining experiences, and rooms that feel like a home away from home.
Whether it’s your first time in the city or your annual holiday tradition, these are the best London Hotels for Christmas to make the most wonderful time of the year truly unforgettable.
If you’re visiting London during Christmastime, be sure to check out my full London Christmas Guide, which includes the most festive holiday pop ups, Christmas Markets, places to eat, drink and more!
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frequently asked questions about
LONDON CHRISTMAS HOTELS
What is the best area of London to stay in for Christmas?
For the full festive experience, stay near the heart of London where the holiday lights and Christmas markets shine brightest. Covent Garden, Mayfair, and Soho offer easy access to Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Trafalgar Square, all decorated with festive lights and seasonal displays. These areas are filled with luxury hotels, elegant restaurants, and the best Christmas markets in the city. Staying here means you’re a short walk from Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, festive afternoon tea at Claridge’s, and Christmas shopping at Selfridges or Fortnum & Mason. The best London Hotels for Christmas are all within this central area, offering the perfect base to experience it all.
When do London hotels start decorating for Christmas?
Most London Christmas Hotels begin transforming in early November, just as the London Christmas lights are switched on across the city. By late November, lobbies sparkle with Christmas trees, garlands, and festive trimmings. Some hotels host exclusive tree-lighting ceremonies, while others reveal festive set menus and afternoon teas. If you visit between late November and early January, you’ll catch London at its most magical.
What do London hotels do on Christmas Day?
The best London Hotels for Christmas make the 25th of December feel extraordinary. Expect Christmas Day lunches, three-course festive dinners, and live entertainment. Many offer indulgent festive menus with fine wine pairings, Christmas pudding, and mince pies. Guests can enjoy midnight mass at nearby churches or return to cozy living rooms for a quiet rest of the day. It’s an experience that combines tradition with luxury, all wrapped up in impeccable service.
Are London hotels open on Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve?
Absolutely. The London Christmas Hotels stay open throughout the entire holiday season, from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day. Boxing Day is ideal for exploring festive markets or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Royal Parks. On New Year’s Eve, many of the best London Hotels for Christmas host exclusive celebrations with live music, fine wine, and fireworks views over the River Thames.
the most festive
LONDON CHRISTMAS HOTELS
Located in the heart of Soho, The Broadwick brings festive charm with a bold, glamorous edge. During the Christmas season, this boutique hotel transforms into a jewel box of lights, velvet textures, and the scent of pine. Guests are treated to an intimate yet luxurious experience, complete with indulgent festive dining experiences and creative cocktails at their lively bar. The location offers easy access to Oxford Street and Regent Street, making it the perfect base for holiday shopping. For those seeking a hotel that feels like a private home with the energy of central London, The Broadwick is one of the best London Hotels for Christmas.
The Twenty Two in Grosvenor Square offers a holiday season experience that feels decadent in the best way. With its moody interiors, velvet accents, and festive lights, it’s a newer addition to the London Christmas guide but already one of the most festive places to stay. The restaurant’s seasonal menu and curated cocktail list make it a great place to start or end your evening during Christmas time. It’s glamorous, cozy, and unmistakably London.
The Ritz London is synonymous with tradition, elegance, and festive grandeur. During December, its grand entrance sparkles with lights and garlands, creating the perfect setting for afternoon tea or Christmas dinner. The hotel transforms completely, offering Christmas packages with an overnight stay, Christmas Day lunch, and live entertainment. Guests are invited to enjoy the magic of Christmas Eve in true luxury, with impeccable service and classic décor. This is one of the best London Hotels for Christmas if you want an experience filled with nostalgia, warmth, and pure indulgence.
The London Edition in Fitzrovia feels both modern and cozy, the kind of place that turns Christmas into a laid-back celebration. Its living room bar glows with festive lights, and the Michelin-starred dining room serves elegant seasonal dishes. Guests can enjoy hot chocolate by the fireplace before heading out to nearby Oxford Street or Carnaby Street for Christmas shopping. With spacious rooms and intuitive service, it’s ideal for those who appreciate style without pretension. The London Christmas Hotels scene wouldn’t be complete without this effortlessly cool, contemporary gem.
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Tucked away near Cadogan Gardens, The Emory Belgravia offers understated glamour with a modern edge. Its décor is sleek yet festive, with subtle Christmas decorations that evoke sophistication rather than spectacle. Guests can enjoy festive afternoon tea in the heart of Belgravia, or a quiet evening walk under the holiday lights of Sloane Square. This hotel provides the perfect suite for travelers looking for privacy and elegance during the festive season. It’s one of the best London Hotels for Christmas for those who prefer calm luxury over crowds.
The Rosewood London feels like stepping into a festive storybook. Its courtyard glows with fairy lights, and the grand entrance welcomes guests with mulled wine and carolers. Inside, every corner radiates warmth, from the cozy bar serving hot chocolate and mince pies to the Michelin-starred restaurant offering indulgent Christmas dinners. Families love its one-bedroom apartments that allow for longer stays, while couples adore its festive spirit and impeccable service. For travelers seeking charm and convenience, this is one of the standout London Christmas Hotels.
Claridge’s is London’s holiday icon. Every year, its Christmas tree—designed by a different world-renowned artist—takes pride of place in the marble lobby. Guests can indulge in festive afternoon tea, complete with mince pies and champagne. Each room feels like a private winter retreat, offering luxury rooms with the kind of timeless décor that defines London’s best hotels. Claridge’s embodies the magic of Christmas, making it one of the best London Hotels for Christmas to experience true festive glamour.
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park combines modern luxury with classic British charm. Overlooking the Royal Parks, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a morning walk before Christmas lunch. Guests can book festive packages that include fine dining, live entertainment, and access to the hotel’s spa. Its central location near Knightsbridge and Green Park means easy access to Christmas markets and luxury shopping. The hotel transforms beautifully during the holidays, earning its spot among the best London Hotels for Christmas.
Few places capture the magic of Christmas like The Savoy London. Every detail of this London Christmas Hotel exudes timeless glamour, from the towering Christmas tree in the lobby to the elegant lights lining the entrance. The hotel café royal-style dining rooms serve indulgent festive menus with rich flavors and fine wine. Christmas Day at The Savoy includes live music and a festive set menu that feels straight out of a classic film. With its central location near Covent Garden and the South Bank, it offers easy access to London’s best holiday events and makes for an unforgettable celebration.
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The Ned London feels like stepping into a grand festive movie scene set in the heart of the city. Located near Bank and a short walk from St. Paul’s, it’s one of the best London Hotels for Christmas for travelers who want old-school glamour with a modern twist. The hotel transforms during the festive season with towering Christmas trees, garlands draped across the atrium, and live music filling the air every evening. Guests can enjoy festive dining experiences across its many restaurants, from indulgent three-course meals to late-night cocktails under twinkling lights. The atmosphere captures the magic of Christmas perfectly, with impeccable service and an energy that feels both lively and luxurious. Whether you’re visiting for Christmas Eve celebrations or staying through the New Year, The Ned delivers timeless holiday charm in the heart of London.
Located in the heart of Mayfair, The Connaught is where elegance meets warmth. Its exterior glows under thousands of twinkling lights, and the bar serves some of the city’s best cocktails. Guests can expect festive trimmings, Christmas carols, and a menu filled with classic holiday flavors. The Connaught’s intuitive service ensures every stay feels personal, whether you’re here for Christmas Eve dinner or a Boxing Day lunch. The experience is pure London sophistication, a defining example of the London Christmas Hotels that make the season so special.
There’s no shortage of London Christmas Hotels, but the ones that stand out are those that feel personal, thoughtful, and filled with festive cheer. From the grandeur of The Ritz to the boutique beauty of The Broadwick Soho, these stays offer more than just comfor, they create moments. Every twinkling light, every note of live music, every glass of champagne feels like part of a larger story, one that celebrates the most wonderful time of the year in style.
Whether you’re planning a luxurious Christmas Day lunch, a festive afternoon tea, or a New Year’s Eve celebration, the best London Hotels for Christmas are ready to make it unforgettable. Each one captures a different kind of magic—from the timeless tradition of Claridge’s to the modern charm of The London Edition. Wherever you choose to stay, London in December is pure holiday perfection, a city that knows exactly how to make Christmas feel extraordinary.