1. Raffles London at The OWO

The spirit of Christmas is well and truly alive at Raffles London, when the historic building’s Edwardian heritage shines all the brighter. From the charm of jolly carols drifting through the restaurants and bars to glittering festivities unfolding throughout the hotel, this is Christmas at its most British: think grace, tradition, togetherness. From extra nights to dining delights, visiting during the festive season comes with a whole host of special additions to make memories you’ll cherish forever, perfect whether you are booking for yourself, treating your partner or surprising a loved one with the heartfelt gift of a city staycation they’ll never forget.

Give the gift of an unforgettable stay at Raffles London at The OWO this Christmas. Book at raffles.com/london

Feeling lucky? Read to the end of this email for your chance to win a stay for two including breakfast, a Michelin starred dinner and a spa treatment…

2. Theatre

Just a stone’s throw from Raffles London, the West End gets a festive makeover come December, with a plethora of A Christmas Carols, Elf and everything in between. This year is very special thanks to Stephen Sondheim’s spellbinding fairytale musical Into The Woods returning to London for the first time in a decade (2 Dec-18 Apr). Elsewhere Kendall Fever’s playful Ballet Shoes is back at the National Theatre (17 Nov-21 Feb), and for a pre-Christmas treat families should catch Ella Hickson’s JM Barrie inspired Wendy and Peter Pan at the Barbican (21 Oct-22 Nov). Here’s our full guide to the season.

3. Decadent Special Menus

London is a foodie’s dream whatever the season, but Christmas spells an influx of special seasonal menus, magical afternoon teas and cosy terraces bedecked in furs and blankets. And while a slap-up turkey dinner will certainly be on offer, you can also rest assured more adventurous Christmas dishes will be served, from spiced pumpkin falafel to crispy duck rice croquettes. You could even push the boat out and dine at a top London restaurant on the big day…

4. Ice Skating

With an annual tradition of taking over some of the city’s most historic spots with slippery ice rinks and festive pop-ups, there’s no better time to skate in the city than Christmas. New for 2025 include the city’s highest skating rink at Peckham’s Bussey Rooftop Bar and the most central in Leicester Square, along with the return of Hampton Court Palace, The Queen’s House and our ever beloved Skate at Somerset House. Here’s our full guide to the coolest rinks.

5. Festive Markets

Most cities are home to one or two wood-clad seasonal markets come December, but London doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to Christmastime shopping. From the Southbank’s bustling Winter Market (perfect for a post-theatre stroll) to the more local Greenwich Christmas Market and Covent Garden’s romantic showing, here’s our insider’s guide to the action.

6. Christmas Shopping

With magical lights around every corner, special pop-ups and showstopping facades, Christmas shopping in London isn’t a chore – it’s a festive pleasure. If you have little ones in tow, make sure to stop by Hamleys for the very best Santa’s Grotto in the city. And new-for-2025, Royal fans can stop by Buckingham Palace’s Royal Mews where a special festive pop-up will offer royal gifts, homeware, food and drink and year-round heroes (14 Nov-5 Jan).

7. Immersive Dining

Combining our two loves (theatre and food), London’s festive immersive dining scene is top class. In 2025 The Great Christmas Feast returns to West Kensington for its eighth year, immersing audiences in Charles Dickens’ Victorian parlour with a captivating one-man-show, an indulgent three-course dinner and a spellbinding live score (14 Nov-4 Jan). On the other side of the city, The Nutcracker Noir spins a whimsical tale across five rooms and a three-course dinner at Shoreditch’s Protein Studios (25 Nov-21 Dec).

8. Christmas At Kew

Is this the country’s best winter light trail? We think so. The annual Christmas at Kew extravaganza brings a dose of festive magic to the world’s largest and most diverse botanical collection. Think immersive light installations, tasty food stalls and festive drinks, all surrounded by beautiful plants and trees.

WIN A Weekend Stay At Raffles London At The OWO

Your dream festive city staycation is just one click away. We’ve teamed up with Raffles London at The OWO to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a weekend bed and breakfast stay for two at the historic property, including a tasting menu dinner at the Michelin starred Mauro Colagreco restaurant, plus a signature treatment and atelier treatment (either a speedy facial or hair treatment) at the Guerlain spa. Enter here. Good luck!