- Mr Plane Guy
- Sep 30
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 1
My One-Day London Christmas Itinerary
By Flight, Travel & London Based Blogger Mr Plane Guy
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There’s something magical about London during Christmas. From sparkling lights to cozy pubs, the city transforms into a festive wonderland with countless things to do in London at Christmas for locals and visitors alike. If you’re short on time but want to soak up the holiday spirit, here’s a one-day itinerary to help you make the most of your day in the capital. With scenic boat rides, indulgent hot chocolates, and dazzling decorations, this plan will leave you in awe of London’s Christmas charm.
Things to Do in London at Christmas in One Day
Short on time? This itinerary covers the very best festive experiences, from indulgent hot chocolates to iconic light displays.
Quick Guide: One Day London Christmas Itinerary
Start your day right:
Afternoon adventures:
Take a Thames Clipper riverboat from Tower Pier to Battersea Power Station, festive riverside vibes, great shopping, and usually an ice rink.
A perfect stop for last-minute Christmas shopping.
Coffee and lights:
Stop at Ralph’s Coffee on Regent Street for a chic mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Step outside afterward to enjoy Regent Street’s dazzling Christmas lights.
Evening magic:
Head to The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill for a pint and fish and chips under thousands of fairy lights.
Wrap up the night on London’s Christmas Lights Bus Tour Route 139 or 453 takes you past Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Trafalgar Square.
Tours and extras to make life easier:
Book a London Christmas Lights & Markets Walking Tour to see the best festive highlights in just a few hours.
11:00 AM: A Festive Start with Viral Hot Chocolate
Every Christmas adventure needs a delicious kickoff, and what better way than with an indulgent hot chocolate? Head to Dark Sugars on Brick Lane, famous for their extravagant hot chocolate. It’s an Instagram-worthy treat and the perfect warm-up for a chilly London day.
Nearest Tube: Aldgate East (District & Hammersmith & City lines) ~5 min walk
2:30 PM: Thames River Cruise to Battersea Power Station
With your hands warm and your sweet tooth satisfied, make your way to Tower Millennium Pier, just a short walk from Brick Lane. From here, hop on a Thames Clipper riverboat heading west to Battersea Power Station. This ride isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s a journey through London’s iconic landmarks.
Book your Thames Clipper tickets with Get Your Guide to skip queues and enjoy the best river views.
Boarding Pier: Tower Millennium Pier, a short 10-min walk from Brick Lane
Nearest Tube: Tower Hill (District & Circle lines)
Ticket: ~£6.90 one-way adult (check Thames Clippers website for exact pricing)
Frequency: every 20–30 minutes
Duration: ~35 minutes to Battersea Power Station
Tip: Sit on the top deck for best skyline photos, bring gloves for winter
Enjoy views of the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye as you cruise the Thames. Arriving at Battersea Power Station, you'll find a festive riverside with shops, restaurants, and holiday cheer.
Travel Tip:Check the timetable for the riverboats in advance to avoid long waits.
No London Christmas itinerary is complete without Battersea Power Station. This festive hub features a riverside ice rink, seasonal pop-ups, twinkling lights, and shops perfect for last-minute gifts.
🎄 Battersea Power Station Christmas 2025
Battersea Power Station is a must-visit for things to do in London at Christmas. Highlights include:
Wallace & Gromit Light Show – festive projections on the chimneys, perfect for Instagram.
Glide Battersea Ice Rink – riverside skating with holiday vibes.
Christmas Markets – 100+ stalls for gifts, treats, and decorations.
Santa’s Grotto – magical meet-and-greet for kids (pre-book recommended).
Christmas Cinema – cozy screenings of holiday classics.
Lift 109 Chimney Ride – panoramic skyline views, stunning with Christmas lights.
Stuck on what to gift the traveller in your life? Here are 10 Christmas gifts every travel lover will actually love!
5:00 PM: Coffee Break at Ralph’s Coffee
Next stop: Ralph’s Coffee & Bar, a chic cafe on Regent Street. This place oozes sophistication, with its dark wood interiors and plush leather seating. It’s a slice of Manhattan in the heart of London. Regent Street’s Christmas lights are just outside, so you’re perfectly positioned for some festive people-watching.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central, Victoria lines) – 2 min walk
Travel Tip:This cafe gets busy, so try to visit during quieter hours for a guaranteed spot and take a stroll down Regent Street after your coffee to enjoy the Christmas lights.
Book your London stay with Lastminute.com for great deals on top hotels, perfect for saving more to spend at the Christmas markets!
👉 For a stress-free way to see all the highlights, I recommend this London Christmas Lights and Markets Walking Tour it covers the best festive spots in just a few hours.
Pro travel tips for Christmas in London:
Keep your phone secure and out of sight in crowded areas. phone theft is common, especially around busy markets and lights.
Bring a brolly, London weather is unpredictable.
Grab an Oyster card or use contactless for easy Underground travel.
Join the Pret Coffee Subscription (Club Pret) 50% off up to five barista-made drinks daily for just £5/month. Pret is everywhere in London, making it a reliable stop for both coffee and facilities.
6:00 PM: The Churchill Arms at Dusk
As the sun sets, make your way to The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill, one of London’s most famous pubs. This isn’t just any pub; it’s a festive masterpiece. Covered in thousands of lights and adorned with Christmas trees, it’s like walking into a winter wonderland.
Inside, the cozy atmosphere and traditional pub fare await. Order a hearty meal or just a pint of your favorite ale and soak in the history of this iconic spot. The Churchill Arms is the perfect place to wind down and reflect on your day of festive fun.
Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle, District lines) – 5 min walk
Travel Tip: Arrive early to grab a good seat; this pub is extremely popular during the holiday season.
If you’re looking for something more upscale than pub fare, consider Sexy Fish in Mayfair. With its striking ocean-themed interiors, fresh seafood, and creative cocktails, it’s one of London’s most stylish dining spots, perfect for ending your festive day in style.
Top Tip: Book your Christmas tours in advance to skip queues and make the most of your festive day, you won’t have time to buy tickets on the spot!
Bonus: The Viral Christmas Lights Bus Route
If you still have energy after your visit to The Churchill Arms, why not cap off the evening with a ride on London’s most festive bus route? The 139 bus takes you past some of the city’s best Christmas lights, including Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Trafalgar Square. Sit on the top deck at the front for the best views of the glittering displays.
Alternatively, the 453 bus is another great option, offering a similar route with equally stunning views. It’s the perfect way to see London’s festive sparkle without breaking the bank.
Routes: 139 or 453
Stops / Highlights: Oxford Street, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square
Duration: ~1 hour if continuous, but hop-on-hop-off possible for photos
Cost: Standard bus fare ~£1.75 with Oyster card / contactless
Tip: Sit on the top deck at the front for best views; bring a warm drink/snack
Travel Tip: Bring a warm drink or snack for the ride to make it even cosier.
or plan in advance and get the organised Christmas Lights tour, book in advance it gets very popular,I’ve done this tour a few times, and it’s always magical, get your tickets early to secure a spot.
👉 Book your London stay with lastminute.com and unlock unbeatable prices on top hotels perfect for saving more to spend at the Christmas markets
Also Check out Booking.com for some great offers on hotels in London
Final Boarding Call Thoughts
London during Christmas is an experience like no other. This one-day itinerary proves you don’t need a whole week to enjoy the very best things to do in London at Christmas from sipping hot chocolate on Brick Lane to seeing Regent Street sparkle at night. . Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover London’s holiday magic or a visitor soaking it all in for the first time, this plan has something for everyone.
So bundle up, grab your Oyster card, and get ready for a day filled with lights, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Happy holidays!
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Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading My One-Day London Christmas Itinerary.
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