London takes on a special charm during the festive season, with each neighbourhood offering its own take on tradition and celebration. Whether you’re a London local or new to the city, the perfect Christmas day balances unique experiences and familiar rituals. From the refined calm of Mayfair to the creative bustle of Soho, the team at Hyde Park Residence have put together the ultimate festive itinerary for our guests.
A Relaxed Mayfair Morning
Coffee and Pastries at The Connaught
We’d recommend starting your day with a gentle stroll followed by coffee and pastries – and in the pastry department, it’s hard to beat Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught on Mount Street. Nicolas Rouzaud’s approach to French patisserie brings together classic techniques with a modern flair. Enjoy seasonal pastries including a delectable pear tart, freshly baked croissants, and the signature Connaughty Hound – a chocolate hazelnut cake shaped after the hotel’s doggy emblem. With a full day of activities ahead of you, a Mayfair morning is the perfect way to start.
A walk through Mayfair at Christmas would not be complete without a moment to admire The Connaught Christmas Tree on Carlos Place. In 2025, the vision for the 31-foot Nordmann Fir came from the mind of contemporary artist Urs Fischer. This year’s tree combines subtle innovation with tradition and is decorated with illuminated spheres featuring gentle, abstract faces.
Festive treats from Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught Patisserie. Photos: © Justin de Souza
Time for some window shopping
After your breakfast, it’s time to wander through some of London’s most iconic streets to take in the most fabulous Christmas window displays. Head down to Berkeley Square to gasp at Annabel’s, its facade transformed into an open wardrobe with a lion and winter wonderland inside – inspired by the wondrous world of Narnia. Don’t miss the famous Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly, with a fantastical display of unicorns, lions, fireworks and glittery landscapes. Bond Street is worth seeing too, for the Cartier boutique dazzling with neon light panthers and many other boutiques bedecked outside and in for the festive season.
Festive Cheer in Central London
Discover Carnaby Street's 'All Is Bright'
As midday approaches, make your way towards the West End, and some of London’s most creative historic streets. We recommend exploring the pedestrianised lanes of the iconic Carnaby Street, which rose to prominence as a hub of creativity and rebellion in the 1960s. Known for its vibrant colours, new cultures, and groundbreaking music, the street attracted legends like Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and Brigitte Bardot, cementing its place as a cultural hotspot.
Today, the street is a focal point for Yuletide frivolity with an annual thematic Christmas light display. For 2025, All Is Bright adds gentle flashes of colour with its geometric crackers and stars, illuminated by energy-efficient LED lights.
It doesn’t hurt that Carnaby Street is absolutely packed with amazing shops, if you want some light retail therapy. The world famous designer department store Liberty is renowned for putting on particularly lavish holiday displays.
Festive Tea At The Ritz
Whether you’re looking for something relaxed and informal or craving a more traditional dining experience, London has endless options. For us afternoon tea in London is the epitome of Christmas activities and to that end, it’s hard to beat the Festive Afternoon Tea at The Ritz. The Palm Court, adorned in red and gold, is transformed into an Edwardian wonderland. The experience is a chance to enjoy tiny sandwiches, Christmas cakes, baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and fresh patisserie (we firmly believe one can never have too many treats in a day!). Choose from a range of fine teas, or add a glass of fizz should the mood strike. Carols from The Ritz choir add to the atmosphere, and for younger guests, Father Christmas might even make an appearance.
An Enchanting Evening at Kew Gardens
To round off your day, we recommend heading out to West London for an evening at Kew Gardens, where the iconic 3km light trail transforms the gardens into a sparkling winter wonderland. This year’s highlights include eight new installations, including the Palm House Pond welcome show, featuring 100 illuminated lilies and stunning projections, and Submergence, an immersive experience of endless twinkling lights. Beloved attractions like the Fire Garden, with its flickering flames and glowing sculptures, and the Christmas Cathedral, adorned with thousands of fairy lights, return to delight visitors. The trail concludes with a breathtaking finale at the Temperate House, celebrating the beauty of nature and the festive season. Along the way, enjoy delicious food, drinks, and festive shopping.
A nightcap at The Barley Mow pub offers a relaxed end to your day. Courtesy: The Barley Mow
A Cosy Nightcap in Mayfair
After a day spent enjoying London in full festive swing, why not make one final stop on your way home through Mayfair? A nightcap at The Barley Mow pub offers a relaxed end to your day. This classic institution’s calm, comfortable setting is well-suited for unwinding, whether you prefer a warming mulled wine, a classic cocktail, or something from their curated selection of ales.
