The best Christmas hotels in London for the ultimate festive stay in 2025

At Christmas, The Dorchester doesn’t just lean into the season – it goes full Mariah Carey. From the moment you step through those revolving doors, it is like you’re part of a festive film set. The marble lobby is a glittering winter wonderland: giant nutcrackers stand guard, fir trees twinkle from floor to ceiling, and garlands so decadent they’d make your nan’s baubles blush are draped over every bannister. It’s bold, brassy and exactly as extra as you’d hope from London’s most famous grande dame. 

The heart of the hotel – the long, sweeping Promenade – turns into one of the city’s most dazzling Christmas spots. By day, it’s the place to book in for the Dorchester’s legendary afternoon tea, which swaps finger sandwiches and scones for festive takes: think spiced cakes, glossy pastries and plenty of champagne under a canopy of twinkling chandeliers. By night, the atmosphere gets even more cinematic, with carol singers wandering through, cocktails being shaken at the bar, and the whole place bathed in a warm golden glow. You can even book in for Christmas Eve dinner or lunch on Christmas Day.

It’s all unapologetically indulgent, of course, but that’s the point. Christmas at The Dorchester is less about subtle seasonal touches and more about delivering full-throttle festive fantasy. You come here for the drama, the decadence, and the sheer sense of occasion. Whether you’re stopping in for a champagne nightcap, booking yourself a table for tea, or going all-out with an overnight stay, it’s an experience that feels like a once-in-a-lifetime treat.

And yes, you know it is going to be expensive. But if you’re looking for somewhere in London that captures the sparkle, the spectacle and the spirit of Christmas in one hit, The Dorchester might just be unbeatable.

Time Out tip: Don't forget to get a cocktail in the decorated Vesper Bar. You won't regret it. 

Address: 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA

Price: Starting from approximately £900 per night

Closest transport: Hyde Park Corner Underground Station is a seven-minute walk

Let’s be real, London’s Kimpton Fitzroy is a pretty nice place to stay at any time of year. But, in the festive season, it’s where Bloomsbury’s bold Edwardian swagger meets real Christmas soul. Forget sleepy holiday clichés: this place is unapologetically theatrical, yet somehow still feels like home (if your home had a 16-foot tree dressed in architecture-inspired baubles).

Location? Chef’s kiss. Nestled right by Russell Square, you’re a press-of-a-button away from the West End shows, ice-rinks and market stalls – yet once inside, the city’s noisy circus quiets to a hushed hum. That makes it the kind of spot where finding your Christmassy groove is effortless.

Inside, the festive magic unfolds like a perfectly pitched rom-com. Kick off the evening at Social Hour – with complimentary tipples, of course – then saunter into Fitz’s, where velvet-sofa decadence meets cocktails with as much sparkle as the décor. Feasting here is a packaged delight. Stays come with Champagne on arrival and feast-credits for dinner, ensuring you never want to leave your room – or even your food coma. Christmas Day? Sorted. New Year’s Eve? They’ve got layered menus and soirées planned that make the chime at midnight feel earned.

And if you love a bit of meaning with your merry-making, there are heartfelt installations, guestbook-style, featuring real stories from care-leavers. But the glorious gothic lobby should be more than enough to convince you to book a stay. It is gorgeous anyway but at Christmas, it is just wow. 

Time Out tip: Visit the nearby cult bakery Fortitude.

Address: 1-8 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, WC1B 5BE

Price: Doubles start at £310

Nearest transport: Russell Square tube station is a two-minute walk. 

If you’re after a Christmas stay that feels like a proper seasonal treat, The Landmark London hits the sweet spot. Nestled in Marylebone, it’s big, elegant, and festive – think soaring glass atrium and a 24ft Christmas tree that manages to be impressive without ever tipping into tacky.

The hotel’s seasonal packages make it easy to lean into the holidays. Families can enjoy the All I Want for Christmas package, with overnight stays in spacious rooms, traditional breakfasts, and surprise gifts for the little ones. Couples might prefer the Christmas in the Capital deal, complete with Champagne on arrival and indulgent pastries from the award-winning Pastry Chef. Essentially, it’s a festive stay designed to feel effortless – just turn up and soak it all in.

Dining at The Landmark is equally compelling. Afternoon tea goes full seasonal, with scones, spiced cakes, and glossy pastries that practically demand a photo. Christmas Day sees a lavish buffet spread, from fresh seafood to traditional roasts, all served alongside unlimited Rosé Champagne. And when it comes to cocktails or a quiet post-market mulled wine, the lounges make a cosy retreat after a day exploring London’s festive lights, ice rinks, and riverside markets.

The Landmark doesn’t need to shout to feel festive – its combination of understated elegance, central location, and thoughtful seasonal touches makes it a strong contender for anyone wanting a refined, fuss-free Christmas in London

Time Out tip: Don’t forget to have a trraditional English breakfast in the hotel's Winter Garden

Address: 222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ

Price: Rooms start at £500

Nearest Transport: Marylebone station is a one-minute walk away

Every year, this iconic London hotel receives a magical Christmas transformation, courtesy of renowned designers. In 2021, ‘The Celestial Snow Globe’ by Kim Jones, Artistic Director of the Dior men’s collection, stole the show, while 2022 showcased a sculptural masterpiece complete with reflective mirrors and radiant light designed by Sandra Choi for Jimmy Choo. In 2023, Claridge’s once again teamed up with a heavyweight in fashion: Louis Vuitton. What was born was a towering 5.2 tree made entirely from two stacked wardrobe trunks (honestly quite something).

Then in 2024, it was the turn of Sir Paul Smith – a longtime Claridge’s friend – to sprinkle his signature whimsy. His 20-foot tree was classic in shape but utterly unique in detail, festooned with more than 100 bespoke birdhouses (featuring quirky roofs sporting playing cards, postage stamps, dice). The whole setting was scented with Paul Smith’s Merrymaker fragrance, no less. And you bet there was a roaming “Pick ’n’ Mix” trolley dispensing sweet treats.

What’s in store for 2025 is still under wraps but if history’s any indicator, it’s sure to be a showstopper. As for the rest of the hotel? Think lavish festive decor, classy Art Deco-style rooms, luxury marble ensuite bathrooms, and cutting-edge technology. On Christmas Day itself, you can expect a visit from jolly Old Saint Nick and a horse-drawn carriage ride through Mayfair with The Fumoir’s legendary hot chocolate to warm your hands.

Time Out tip: If you book in advance, you sometimes can bag yourself a sweet 20 percent off deal. 

Address: 55 Brook Street, W1K 4HR

Price: Rooms start at £700

Nearest transport: Less than a 10-minute stroll from Bond Street

London at Christmas is a full-sensory experience, and there are few places better positioned to Christmas in London than The Hoxton, Holborn.

You’re a stone throw from Oxford Street’s shining lights, Covent Garden’s giant Christmas tree, and the West End shows that suddenly feel essential once December hits. Inside, the rooms are effortlessly stylish without trying too hard. There are parquet floors, muted tones, clever touches of mid-century design – and whether you’re in a cosy Shoebox or sprawling Biggy, it feels like a proper home base for the holidays. 

Start the morning with a breakfast bag delivered to your room, wander downstairs for coffee in the lobby, or head to La Cave, the basement wine bar, where natural wines and small plates make it easy to linger between festive excursions. Dinner at Rondo is another highlight: seasonal dishes that feel contemporary but comforting, celebrating British ingredients in inventive ways – rich roast turkey sits alongside lighter, creative options, making it a win for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. What really makes The Hoxton special over Christmas is how it somehow balances the city’s chaos with a sense of zen: the lobby is nicely busy with laptop tapping yuppies, the occasional evening DJ sets give it just enough sparkle. 

Step outside and you’re straight into the heart of London’s festive magic – lights, markets, carol singers, the lot. The Hoxton, Holborn is where to experience it all, front row.

Time Out tip: Child menus are available in most of The Hoxton's restaurants!

Address: 199-206 High Holborn, WC1V 7BD

Price: Prices start at £200

Nearest transport: Holborn is a three-minute walk

What could be better than a holiday stay high above London in one of its most iconic buildings? Yep, the views from this place are pretty spectacular, especially when the city’s Christmas lights twinkle below.  

And wow do they know how to do it right. In 2023, the Shangri-La Hotel launched their ‘Enchanted Wonders’ theme in spectacular fashion, collaborating with Jo Loves and Warner House to debut a scent-infused Christmas tree, immersive fragrance moments, wreath-making workshops – and a festive afternoon tea suspended 35 floors above the city.

In 2024, things went delightfully left-field. The lobby got a retro-futuristic glow-up with an aviation-themed Christmas tree (a red airoplane actually featured) and, best of all, a giant advent calendar where every door hid something outrageous – think Jo Loves fragrances, fancy dinners and even stays at Shangri-La hotels around the globe. (Yep, they really do like to treat us).

The plans for 2025 have still not been announced, but with history like that, expectations are sky-high (get it?!). So far, the hotel has revealed an ongoing “Dine in the Sky” experience: intimate, three-course dinner with champagne and fine wine, all while gazing across London’s skyline. It’s available through September 2025 and if it’s this magical off-season, imagine what the festive version will look like. The nearby Borough Market is arguably at its absolute best in the festive season too. And don’t forget to try the hotel’s festive afternoon tea; last year’s delights included a parsnip and truffle burger (finger-sized of course) and baked scones with cranberry jam. Yum.

Tip Out Tip: If you can afford it, consider staying here for the hotel’s cabaret-inspired New Year’s Eve celebration. Shangri-La boasts some of the best views of London’s annual firework displays, best enjoyed from GONG on level 520 London’s highest bar.

Address: Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London

Price: Rooms start at £650

Nearest transport: London Bridge tube station is a one-minute walk away.

Is there anything more festive than staring out across the Thames as the city’s Christmas lights shimmer in the distance? Okay, maybe a mulled wine in hand helps. But still – the Southbank has long been one of London’s top festive destinations, and December really brings it alive. Take a riverside stroll beneath the fairy lights, catch a seasonal show at The National Theatre or The Globe, or book one of those cosy igloos that pop up along the riverbank and settle in for a cocktail (or three). Add in the Christmas markets brimming with handmade gifts, steaming hot chocolate, and the odd bratwurst and you’ve got one of the capital’s most atmospheric winter playgrounds.

To be at the centre of it all, book a stay at  Sea Containers London. This is a hotel that leans into its riverside setting with style. Designed by the ever-innovative Tom Dixon, its interiors nod to the golden age of transatlantic travel: there are brass accents, curved walls and a lobby that feels more like the deck of a sleek cruise liner than a hotel. The rooms are equally distinctive, with soft colour palettes, retro touches, and if you’re lucky views that sweep straight across the Thames towards St Paul’s. It’s the kind of backdrop that makes even a grey December day feel worth staring out at.

Festive dining here is another draw. Sea Containers Restaurant lays on seasonal menus with all the trimmings, while the rooftop bar, 12th Knot, is where you’ll want to toast Christmas against that iconic skyline. Downstairs, Lyaness, one of London’s most inventive cocktail bars, shakes up festive specials that are guaranteed to beat your average mulled wine.

Tip Out tip: If you’re still in search of a Christmas Day treat, reserve a table at the hotel’s restaurant and gather your loved ones along the South Bank for a delicious four-course set menu.

Address: 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD

Price: From £200 a night

Nearest transport: Southwark tube is a seven-minute walk

Whether you’re planning an extended stay in the city or just a one-night festive escape, this hotel sets the stage for an unforgettable Christmas experience. Spoil yourself with a stay in one of its effortlessly stylish rooms adorned with Eames-designed furniture and indulge in festive treats at the hotel’s seven bars and restaurants. 

You definitely won’t go hungry. In fact, you could easily spend your whole stay eating and drinking your way through the building. Expect generous festive menus that lean into the classics (turkey with all the trimmings, fat soaked roast potatoes, indulgent puddings – you know the thing), plus a few contemporary twists that make it more than just a traditional Christmas spread. The bar scene is just as strong – whether it’s mulled wine before heading out to see the lights, or a late-night cocktail to round off your evening, you’ll be well catered for.

Part of the joy of staying here in December is the sense of being plugged into the city’s seasonal rhythm. Step outside and you’re surrounded by the buzz of the Square Mile, but walk a few minutes further and you’ll stumble into proper Dickensian London – narrow lanes, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old churches where carol services are still going strong. St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate, right across the road, is a must for that spine-tingling Christmas singalong moment. And when you’re done belting out the descant, retreat back to the hotel’s steam room to warm up, unwind and, quite literally, find your voice again.

Tip Out tip: If you’re considering hosting a company event or looking for a venue to organise an intimate celebration, the setting at Andaz London will make your gatherings extra special.

Address: 40 Liverpool Street, EC2M 7QN

Price: Prices start at £440

Nearest station: Liverpool Street station is a one-minute walk.

If you’re a certain way inclined and don’t mind lots and lots of people, then Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland might just be the crown jewel of London’s festive season.

From the moment you step inside, you’re plunged into a winter playground. There are fairy-lit avenues lined with wooden chalets selling everything from handmade gifts to mulled wine, a giant Ferris wheel, and the Magical Ice Kingdom, where ice installations transport you to a frozen fantasy world. Add to that not one but two circuses, and for the brave among us, a hub of heart-stopping rides to queue for. You could easily lose a whole day wandering, eating, and soaking up the festive atmosphere. If you think that sounds exhausting, you'd be absolutely right.

So, after all that, you’ll want somewhere nearby to rest your feet, and that’s where Stylotel in Bayswater comes in. Rooms here are compact but smart, with en-suite pod bathrooms, and the hotel’s location is ideal for popping back into Hyde Park for the night-time lights or exploring nearby Notting Hill or Kensington. For those on a tighter budget, StyloSuites, just a few minutes’ walk away, start at £99 a night and include The Sussex Arms on site, where guests are greeted with a complimentary drink — the perfect way to raise a glass to the season before venturing out to the lights and markets. Having a convenient, well-located base makes all the difference after a day of revelry in Christmas cheer, and that’s exactly what these hotels provide.

Time Out tip: Enjoy easy access to Winter Wonderland, the perfect spot for a festive date night if that's your thing.

Address: 160-162 Sussex Gardens, W2 1UD

Price: From £99

Nearest transport: Paddington Station is a two-minute walk away.

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Well, dream on baby, because The London EDITION’s lobby bursts with vibrant colour and energy each festive season. In fact, this stylish Berners Street hotel has become as famous for its Christmas displays as it is for its sleek, contemporary interiors. In 2024, the tree was designed by Ashish Gupta, a visionary artist known for his bold use of colour and texture. Inspired by his own childhood in India, it flushed the hotel lobby in jewel tones and metallic accent. If you didn’t get the chance to see it, basically it was covered in tinsel.

This year, the hotel promises yet another (soon to be announced) show-stopping installation. What it will look like is anyone’s guess but it is bound to be just as jaw-dropping. The hotel’s central Berners Street location also makes a perfect base for exploring London. You’re a short walk away from Covent Garden’s towering Christmas tree, Oxford and Regent Street’s glittering lights, and the West End. Whether you’re spending a single night or treating yourself to a longer festive escape, The London EDITION combines striking design, cosy winter indulgence, and easy access to the capital’s seasonal spectacle.

Time Out tip: The Edition hosts a programme of cultural events – don’t forget to check them out during your stay. 

Address: 10 Berners Street, W1T 3NP

Price: Prices start at £550

Nearest transport: Oxford Circus is about a six-minute walk

Right in the thick of Leicester Square’s glitz and glow, The Londoner is a luxury hotel that knows how to do Christmas with a sense of occasion. It’s stylish all year round, of course, but once the festive season rolls in, the hotel leans into cosy indulgence and seasonal sparkle in a way that makes a stay here feel extra special.

The star of the show is Whitcomb’s, the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, where Christmas Day is marked with a five-course lunch and dinner. There’s the smoked duck tarte tatin to start, delicate agnolotti pasta as a main, and a thick, picture-perfect yule log to finish. It’s festive dining done with a continental twist – sophisticated, generous and a bit of a break from tradition if you’ve had enough turkey and sprouts already. The setting itself, all sleek lines and soft lighting, adds to the celebratory mood.

But The Londoner is just as much about atmosphere as it is about the food. At night, head upstairs to 8, the rooftop izakaya bar, where the vibe turns properly wonderful. Picture sipping warm sake by the fire pit, looking out over London’s skyline lit up with Christmas lights, or tucking under a blanket with cocktails as Leicester Square buzzes below. It’s one of the few spots in the city where you can feel simultaneously in the heart of the action and floating cloudlike above it.

Beyond that, the hotel leans into understated festive touches—wreaths, lights, and warm, welcoming spaces that make it feel like a retreat from the chaos outside. The Londoner manages to balance glamour and cosiness perfectly. But, what else would you expect?

Time Out tip: Check out the hotel's New Year programme too.

Address: 38 Leicester Square, WC2H 7DX

Price: Rooms start at £316

Nearest transport: Leicester Square station is only a one-minute walk away 

If we had to pick the most Christmassy place in London, Covent Garden would take it. Mulled wine wafts through the air, there’s lights hanging off every shop and that Christmas tree in the centre? Well, it just about demands a photo. Even the most seasoned Londoner can’t help but stop, grin and feel a festive glow. If you’ve ever daydreamed about starring in a famous Christmas movie, this is about as close as you’ll get.

Luckily, the Covent Garden Hotel doesn’t miss out on the fun either and knows all too well how to match the magic outside its doors. Step inside and you’ll find Kit Kemp’s already colourful interiors dressed up for the holidays – think playful, eclectic touches with a Christmassy flourish. It’s warm, inviting and stylish without ever feeling stuffy, the kind of setting that immediately puts you in the holiday mood. 

Food is where the hotel really comes into its own. Fingers crossed, their festive afternoon tea returns this year – it’s become a bit of a tradition for Londoners in the know, with spiced cakes, wintery pastries and plenty of fizz served in the hotel’s cosy drawing room. Then there’s Christmas Day itself, which Brasserie Max – the hotel’s elegant 1920s Paris-style restaurant – takes seriously. Expect a proper banquet: Champagne and canapés to start, refined takes on classics like crab and prawn cocktail, followed by indulgent mains such as roast bronze turkey with all the trimmings or a seriously rich beef Wellington. And yes, there will be pudding.

The festive cheer doesn’t stop with food, either. The Covent Garden Hotel also runs a Festive Film Club in its plush little screening room, pairing classic Christmas movies with drinks and nibbles. A stay here would even put a smile on Santa’s face.

Time Out tip: Why not check out the Royal Opera House when you're in the area? The Nutcracker is on every Christmas.

Address: 10 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9LF

Price: Rooms start at £360

Nearest transport: Covent Garden is a three-minute walk 

Nothing says Christmas in London quite like lacing up your skates and gliding across the ice – even if you spend more time clinging to the barrier than elegantly twirling. Guests at the ME Hotel are perfectly placed for one of the capital’s most magical rinks: Somerset House, just a short stroll away. With its 18th-century courtyard twinkling under fairy lights, it’s basically Christmas postcard material. Add in the rink’s special Skate Lates club nights, where DJs spin house, disco and funk while you wobble your way round, and you’ve got one of the coolest festive experiences in town (literally).

Newbies don’t need to stress either – the rink’s Skate School will have you gliding in no time, while non-skaters can cosy up in the rink-side alpine lodge with a mulled wine in hand. Afterwards, retreat back to ME London’s sleek white leather–panelled rooms, which are soundproofed to guarantee a peaceful night’s sleep after all the festive chaos outside. With 157 rooms and 15 suites, there’s plenty of space to hibernate in style.

The hotel itself is just as much of a draw as the skating. Think understated modern design, calming interiors and, come December, festive touches that’ll make your stay feel like a proper holiday treat. For 2025, we’re expecting the return of ME’s festive packages – Christmas brunches, seasonal stays and cocktails with a yuletide twist. And if you’re really looking to end the year with a bang? Book your spot at the hotel’s famous Radio Rooftop for New Year’s Eve. With panoramic views over the Thames, St Paul’s and the London Eye, it’s easily one of the city’s most spectacular countdowns.

Time Out tip: Check out the exhibitions in Somerset House while you're there. 

Address: 336-337 Strand, London, WC2R 1HA

Price: Prices start at £348 

Nearest transport: Temple station is an eight-minute walk