christmas in mayfair

Discover the best places to eat, drink, shop and visit during the holiday season in Mayfair

Christmas is coming! Whether you’re looking for last minute gifts, tree decorations, or festive food, there are plenty of options in and around Mayfair. From handmade jewellery to one-of-a-kind clothing, to some of the city’s finest restaurants and bars, cosy cafes and stunning walks, there’s something for everyone here. Welcome to Christmas in Mayfair.

the best places for christmas shopping in and around mayfair

mount street and north audley street

You may be forgiven for thinking you are in a Dickens film whilst wandering through Mayfair at Christmas. The area’s architecture and heritage is most magical when adorned with twinkling lights and traditional decorations in the windows of its shops and boutiques. Mount Street and North Audley Street in particular are a delight for an evening stroll. For in-depth recommendations, don’t miss a day in the life of a Hyde Park Resident, and this guide to Mayfair, in which we reveal our favourite haunts.

Address: Mount Street, London, W1K3NW

harrods

Known as the world’s leading luxury department store, Harrods stocks 5,000 brands across designer fashion, accessories, luxury, beauty, fine jewellery and watches, food and furniture. A visit to its toy section will make you feel like you’ve wandered into Santa’s workshop! This year Harrods presents a special immersive experience in collaboration with the House of Dior where you can explore the maison’s history. The Fresh Market Hall has fare from over 150 chefs, so we recommend taking plenty of food and drink breaks, or at least unwinding after a busy day with a cup of tea chosen from over 100 varieties on offer.

Website: https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/
Address: 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL

liberty london

A heritage icon and a hub for art, culture and design, Liberty was founded in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty. Built using over 4,000 cubic feet of oak timber taken from two old naval ships, this department store is renowned for its architectural beauty and its support for up-and-coming designers and British brands. If you’re in the Soho area, make sure to browse the Berwick Street Market and surroundings – a hub for festive revellers and Christmas shoppers alike – before heading to Liberty for a moment of calm and sophistication.

Website: https://www.libertylondon.com/
Address: Regent Street, London, United Kingdom, W1B 5AH

fortnum and mason

For over 300 years Fortnum and Mason has been serving customers at 181 Piccadilly, right on the border of St James’s and Mayfair. Famed for its chinaware, tea rooms and sweet treats (they have over 500 types of chocolate on offer) Fortnum and Mason has for centuries held a reputation as a purveyor of delectable foods, often challenging traditional English tastes with unusual flavours and ingredients. If you are looking for something special for a “foodie” loved one, then the Fortnum and Mason hampers are the pinnacle of luxurious gifting. Inside you will discover beautifully selected items to eat, drink and enjoy are presented in a trademark “F&M” wicker basket – truly second to none.

Website: https://www.fortnumandmason.com/
Address: 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER

oxford street

Perhaps one of the most famous shopping destinations in the world, Oxford Street is a hive of activity over the holiday season. Alongside the big high street brands and British staples like John Lewis and Marks and Spencer, Oxford Street is home to a few absolute gems. James Smith & Sons has been selling umbrellas for 150 years and Selfridge’s is yet another world-class department store. As part of its wider Project Earth mission, Selfridge’s is running an initiative called Reselfridges, stocking a range of pre-loved items. (If you do check out Selfridge’s, make sure to stop by for cocktails with Santa as well as fun family shows at Dolly’s Christmas Café.)

Website: https://www.oxfordstreet.co.uk/

best places to eat and drink in and around mayfair

There’s no better place than Mayfair and its neighbouring areas to spend some quality time with friends and family during the holidays. We are lucky to have on our doorstep a wide variety of critically acclaimed restaurants, dazzling bars and cosy pubs where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks. Find our top all-year-round picks in this guide to the best restaurants in Mayfair, and keep reading here for our particular festive favourites.

the connaught

A place where “Christmas shines brighter” the Connaught hotel experience begins on Mount Street, with the world famous Connaught Christmas tree, designed this year by East London-born artist and sculptor Suzy Murphy, with garlands of playful white neon dogs leaping around the tree. Inside, the festive scene continues through the hotel and onto the food and drink menus of its luxury bars and restaurants. Jean-Georges serves up seasonable cakes and pastries as part of its festive afternoon tea alongside sandwiches including Scottish smoked salmon and miso butter or pickled vegetables, nasturtium leaves and rye bread. Finish off your lunch with a chestnut tart cranberry compote. For the most gorgeous dinner, make sure to book for the Michelin-starred cuisine at Hélène Darroze.

Website: https://www.the-connaught.co.uk/
Address: The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London, W1K 2AL

34 mayfair

On clear cold December nights, you can watch the world go by from 34 Mayfair’s heated terrace, wreathed in garlands of festive greenery (and cosy blankets, should you require them). With an exceptional wine list, a lavish menu of sustainably sourced food and live jazz on certain nights, 34 Mayfair offers a slice of comfort and luxury to refuel tired shoppers or switch off after a busy day. Make sure to check out the festive cocktails like “Let it sloe”, which mixes Monkey 47 sloe gin with mulled cranberry juice, winter-spiced orange liqueur and a hint of cinnamon. Warming and delicious.

Website: https://34-restaurant.co.uk/
Address: 34 Grosvenor Square, S Audley St, London W1K 2HD

the market tavern

Soak up some classic British pub cheer in this charming Victorian establishment, just a stone’s throw from the original May Fair, after which our district was named. Serving up a selection of hearty pub fare and traditional ales, beers, wines and spirits, The Market Tavern has been privy to many a Christmas moment since welcoming patrons into its wood-panelled warmth back in 1808. With full roast options including a loch-reared rainbow trout or roasted pumpkin with Cropwell Bishop Stilton, The Market Tavern is an ideal spot for end-of-year drinks as well as full-on festive feasts.

Website: https://www.themarkettavernmayfair.co.uk/#/
Address: 7 Shepherd St, London W1J 7HR

our favourite festive activities in mayfair

take in london's christmas lights

A favourite tradition marking the Christmas season is to dress the city in twinkling lights, from Kew Gardens to Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross. Special mention should be given to the Mayfair and Belgravia Christmas lights – Mount Street alone has over 60,000 lights on display – and South Molton Street glitters with the return of its blue cathedral-like arches, a perfect location for the most festive selfies.

Other must-see installations include the “Ever After Garden”, where 20,000 glowing roses light up Grosvenor Square again this winter. The work is a place for reflection, where Londoners can remember absent loved ones in the run-up to Christmas. Any stroll through the Mayfair area should be sure to pass by Annabel’s – one of London’s most iconic members’ clubs – for some of the most extravagant Christmas displays!

christmas festival at the royal albert hall

The Royal Albert Hall is one of Britain’s most distinctive and iconic buildings. This world-renowned concert hall is a shining example of Italianate architectural grandeur, a dome decorated with magnificent friezes and brickwork that was completed on Christmas Day in 1870. The festive programme covers Christmas carols, classical concerts, ballet, soul and even drag. Highlights include Trevor Nelson’s “Soul Christmas” and Tachaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” performed by the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Website: https://www.royalalberthall.com/
Address: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP

winter wonderland

If you’re looking for an all-round sensory extravaganza, Winter Wonderland is for you. Each year the Christmas fair takes over a large swathe of Hyde Park, filling it with a Bavarian beer hall, mulled wine and hot chocolate stands as well as fairground rides, family activities, art installations and an ice rink. Marvel at over 500 tonnes worth of ice sculptures, dance your way through classic hits at the ‘80s après-ski themed Bar Ice or take your family for a show at Zippos Christmas Circus.

Website: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/
Address: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH

skating at somerset house

A classic Christmas activity – strap yourself in and push off for a night of wobbly fun at Somerset House. Installed in its stunning neoclassical courtyard, Somerset House’s ice rink is one of the most picturesque spots to skate in the city. With Moët & Chandon champagne on hand and “Skate Lates” nights with DJ sets courtesy of UNIQLO, we think this skating experience overlooking the Thames and London’s Southbank is hard to beat. But for those of you who can’t get enough of ice rinks, check out the rink over in East London’s Canary Wharf. It’s surrounded by impressive skyscrapers and over 300 shops, cafes and bars to pick from as well as a plethora of public art installations. Suddenly a skating trip turned into a full-day adventure.

Website: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/
Address: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

places of worship in mayfair

Although many people in London celebrate Christmas, other faiths outside Christianity do not. Despite this, it seems that December is a month for reflection, thanks-giving and appreciation of life. From celebrations of the Winter Solstice to Hanukkah, Tulsi Pujan Diwas and Ōmisoka, whatever your beliefs or rituals, London is a proudly multicultural city and Mayfair an exemplary neighbourhood within it. Here are some places of worship nearby:

The Church of the Immaculate Conception – Farm Street Church
Address: 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AH
Tel: 020 7493 7811

Westminster Synagogue
Address: Kent House, Rutland Gardens, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1BX
Tel: 020 7584 3953

Grosvenor Chapel
Address: 24 South Audley St, Mayfair, London W1K 2PA
Tel: 020 7499 1684

Mayfair Islamic Centre
Address: 19 Hertford Street, London W1J 7RU
Tel: 080 7495 8283

If you have any questions about the establishments listed above, or are looking for alternatives, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our front of house staff.