From magical lanterns to recycled Christmas trees, there’s lots to see and do Christmas in the City of London.
Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and shopping all against a backdrop of iconic sights. Plan your visit now with this super helpful Christmas in the City map.
Getting festive in Fleet Street Quarter
St Bride’s Church: The beautiful St Bride’s Church was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and its spire is said to be the inspiration for the tiered wedding cake that we know today. Head to the church to enjoy carols each Sunday from December 5.
stbrides.com/whats-on
Apex Temple Court Hotel London: Looking for the perfect spot for your office Christmas party? Apex Temple Court Hotel is available for festive soirees, including private dining and drinks receptions.
apexhotels.co.uk/destinations/london/apex-temple-court-hotel/meetings-events
Carter Lane: Head down to cosy Carter Lane for drinks and nibbles. The Rising Sun is a snug, old-fashioned haunt with a fireplace and beer on tap; while Epic Pies offers warming lunches and dinners and can host your Christmas party.
risingsun.pub/booking and epicpies.co.uk
Christmas cheer in Cheapside
The Royal Exchange and One New Change: Shop ‘til you drop at two of the City’s best shopping centres. The Royal Exchange is one of London’s grandest and most iconic buildings for luxury shopping and all-day dining. Down the road, One New Change boasts 60 stores (including a new Zara), several restaurants and a public roof terrace with views of St Paul’s Cathedral.
theroyalexchange.co.uk, onenewchange.com
St Mary-le-Bow: Make your way to the historic home of the Bow bells. In the courtyard, you’ll find the Cheapside Business Alliance Christmas tree – which will be illuminated, along with the other Christmas lights in Cheapside, on Wednesday November 17.
stmarylebow.org.uk
Bloomberg Arcade: After you’ve worked up an appetite Christmas shopping, head to Bloomberg Arcade and take your pick from nine independent restaurants serving up culinary delights in the heart of the City.
bloombergarcade.com
All the festive feels in Aldgate
Aldgate in Winter and Petticoat Lane: The brilliant winter festival returns for its fifth year, bringing with it a lantern parade, winter market, performances, creative workshops and more.
The event launches with festive workshops (wreath making and baubles) on Thursday December 2 in the Petticoat Lane Dining Quarter on Middlesex Street.
On Friday December 3, local schools will weave their way through Aldgate in a lantern parade – culminating at the winter market on Petticoat Lane. Performances and activities from across the area will accompany the eclectic range of stalls, with local restaurants part of the festive feast.
Following the Friday event day, there will be a two week exhibition illuminating the high streets and local windows in a vibrant community-created display. Maps will be available soon.
cityoflondon.gov.uk/events/aldgate-in-winter-2021
Aldgate Square: Make sure you take a stroll through bustling Aldgate Square, where you’ll find this year’s Aldgate Christmas tree.
ourcitytogether.london/inspire/the-history-of-the-christmas-tree
Eat, drink and be merry in the Eastern City
Leadenhall Market: The iconic Victorian splendour of the City of London’s Leadenhall Market will be sparkling with light as its giant Christmas tree, decorations and beautiful garlands are unveiled on Friday November 19. As part of the much-loved annual ceremony, The Lord Mayor of London will switch on the lights at 6pm, accompanied by firework fountains to kick-start Christmas.
A fun filled festive evening of late-night shopping and Christmas workshops – from wreathmaking to whisky tasting – with Leadenhall Market’s talented tenants follows on Wednesday December 8.
leadenhallmarket.co.uk/festive-celebrations
Sky Garden: View the Christmas lights of London from above at the beautiful Sky Garden. Whether you are looking for sit down meals or to enjoy drinks and dancing this festive season, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. Head to the website to book your visit:
skygarden.london/festive-2021
Pan Pacific: Put down your shopping bags and indulge in the Festivi-tea at Pan Pacific London: featuring traditional sandwiches, turkey sausage rolls and cranberry scones as well as a selection of hand-made patisseries. Book now and enjoy from November 11.
panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-london.html
