Christmastime in London: A Family Exploration

Day 1: Arrival and Evening Delights

London welcomed us with open arms as we landed in this bustling city. My brothers and I arrived first, so we took advantage of our time by exploring the bars and restaurants in the area.

Settling into Victory House Hotel, we freshened up and recharged. Jet lag couldn't hold us back for long, not with so much to see and do.

The Connaught Bar was our first stop, crowned the world's best bar in 2021 and famous for its custom martini cart. My personal preference for a martini is a little dirty, but being in London, I was quickly corrected that olive brine has no place in a gin martini. The bartender masterfully crafted our martinis with a vermouth washer and a bitter of our choice. It was a strong start to the night, but I still missed the hint of salt in my martini. Reservations are not required for a visit to The Connaught Bar. You may experience a short wait, where you can enjoy an evening of sophisticated indulgence amid opulent surroundings.

For dinner, we knew we wanted the world-famous Indian food that London has to offer. Dishoom Covent Garden offered a taste of Bombay's street food, while Gymkhana promised a Michelin-starred journey through Indian cuisine. We knew that no matter what we chose, our taste buds were in for a treat. Ultimately, we went to Dishoom in SoHo. Come early and be prepared to wait in line, but don’t let this deter you! The line moves quickly and the food is well worth the wait.

Traveling between the Connaught Bar and our dinner options allowed us to experience Regent Street, which is famously known for its festive Christmas decorations. If you’re feeling brave, you can opt for a scooter or bike to save time on walking, while enjoying the thrill of navigating traffic on the left side of the road. The cold air on my face and the beauty of Christmas lights as I flew down the street was definitely a highlight of my trip.

Day 2: Icons and Markets

Getting up early, we prepped for a journey through London's iconic landmarks and festive markets.

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at LSQ Rooftop Restaurant. We enjoyed a full English breakfast with a view to match. After filling ourselves with sausage and crumpets, we delved into a London Discovery Tour with Toot Tours. We got to hop on and off as we pleased, exploring hidden gems and savoring local delights. My family particularly loved the Tower of London, where we got to see the Crown Jewels. Be sure to get a photo with the Tower Bridge in the background, as this spot provides perfect scale.

After our day of touring, we explored the Christmas markets in the area of Covent Garden and Leicester Square. The aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts guided us through this winter wonderland. Another great photo op is the giant Christmas tree outside the Covent Garden Christmas Market.

For dinner, we indulged in classic British fare at Rock and Sole, where fish and chips reigned supreme. It was the perfect end to a day filled with sightseeing and festive cheer.

Image 1: Travel advisor standing in between two grand, marble columns inside of a luxurious lobby, with crystal chandeliers above him. Image 2: A group standing inside of a capsule of the London Eye, with a view of London lit up at night in the background.

Image 1: Travel advisor having fun on the Harry Potter Studio Tour, in front of the Hogwarts Express sign. Image 2: Travel advisor and family posing in front of the lit up and decorated Christmas tree at Covent Garden.

Day 3: Magic and Majesty

Magic awaited us as we embarked on a journey into the world of Harry Potter. After grabbing a quick bite at Costa Coffee, we took the tube to London's Euston Station and caught a direct train to Watford Station. From there, we hopped on the Harry Potter shuttle to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Taking transit from central London was extremely convenient and required minimal walking, which was great for my parents.

Stepping into the Great Hall, we opted for a magical afternoon tea. While it may not have been the best tea service we had during our trip, it was worth the experience of dining in the Great Hall. We then lost ourselves in the wonders of the Harry Potter Studio Tour, exploring the sets, props and costumes that brought the world of wizardry to life. You could easily spend hours exploring what the tour has to offer.

After a day of enchantment, we returned to the comforts of our hotel for a well-deserved rest. For dinner, we indulged in authentic Italian cuisine at Ave Mario, just a stone's throw away from our hotel. Ave Mario comes from the Big Mama Group that has trendy restaurants all over Europe. Don’t miss my personal favorite, la gran carbonara, which is served inside of a hollowed-out wheel of of pecorino cheese.

Day 4: History, Shopping and Afternoon Tea

Family trips are a great way to bond and spend quality time together. But there comes a time in the trip when everyone could use some space. My parents and brothers explored more sites like Westminster Abbey and the British Museum. My partner and I parted ways and spent some time shopping and having tea at one of London’s trendiest restaurants.

We started our day with a visit to Westminster Abbey, where centuries of history were etched into every stone. Afterward, we treated ourselves to a traditional British afternoon tea at Sketch. With its whimsical decor and delectable treats, it was an experience fit for royalty.

In the afternoon, we explored the treasures of the British Museum before immersing ourselves in the Fabulous World of Dior at Harrods. As evening fell, we came together for a final family supper at a cozy spot in the heart of London.

Day 5: Driving through History and Family Celebrations

Today is a day of exploration and celebration as we venture beyond the city limits of London.

We started our day bright and early, picking up our rental car at 7:30am, and were ready for an 8am departure. With Highclere Castle as our destination, we set off from Euston Station at 10am, embarking on a journey through the picturesque English countryside. Highclere, famously known as the setting for the beloved TV series Downton Abbey, awaited us with its grandeur and history. The drive took approximately 1.5 hours, offering scenic views along the way.

After a day filled with awe-inspiring sights and fascinating history at Highclere Castle, we returned our rental car to Avis at 4pm. The drive back to London took us through charming villages and rolling hills, providing a peaceful conclusion to our countryside excursion.

We were back in London by 4:45pm, and had just enough time to freshen up and prepare for the evening. With supper plans at The Old King's Head, we aimed to leave by 5:30pm. This allowed us ample time for pre-dinner drinks, and to explore the area around London Bridge and The Shard.

As the clock struck 8pm, we gathered at Roast for a special Christmas dinner to celebrate my mom's birthday. With reservations confirmed, we indulged in a festive feast surrounded by the warm ambiance of this renowned London restaurant. It was a fitting end to a day filled with adventure and familial joy.

Day 6: Farewell London

As the sun rose on our final day in London, we took a moment to reflect on the memories we'd made and the adventures we'd shared. While enjoying a leisurely breakfast at Bill's Covent Garden, we explored the bustling market one last time.

Then, it was off to the theater for the grand finale - The Cursed Child. We lost ourselves in the magic of this spellbinding production, knowing that London would always hold a special place in our hearts.

As we bid farewell to this vibrant city, we took comfort in the knowledge that the memories we'd made would last a lifetime. Until we meet again, London. Cheers to the adventures that await!

There’s nothing like London during Christmas time. The lights, food and history all make for a great family vacation. It can be difficult arranging travel for a family, especially when everyone is coming in from different locations. But I have years of experience arranging flights, hotels, cars, train transfers and sightseeing to fit my family's diverse needs. Reach out to me and let me help plan your next family vacation!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to London. In need of further inspiration? Check out Jennifer Lopez’s guide, London 4–Day Itinerary.