Festive fun in the City of London

From magical lanterns to recycled Christmas trees, there’s lots to see and do in the City this Christmas! Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and shopping all against a backdrop of iconic sights. Plan your visit now with our Christmas in the City map.

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. A two-week exhibition of lanterns is currently illuminating the high streets and local windows in a vibrant community-created display.
• Aldgate Square: Make sure you take a stroll through bustling Aldgate Square, where you’ll find this year’s Aldgate 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 is sparkling with light thanks to its giant Christmas tree, decorations and beautiful garlands.
  Head to the Market for 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 8 December.
• 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.
• 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. Panpacific.com

Christmas Cheer in Cheapside

• Borealis at Guildhall Yard: Borealis by Dan Acher offers a mesmerising must-see moment of awe and wonder, lighting up the heart of the City of London.
• This spectacular immersive installation, inspired by the Northern Lights, will light up the skies over Guildhall Yard. Businesses in the area are offering a range of Borealis deals to celebrate the event. Head to https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/events/borealis for details!
• 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.
• St Mary-le-Bow: Make your way to the historic home of the Bow bells. In the courtyard, you’ll find the Cheapside BA Christmas tree.
• 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.

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 5 December.
• 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.
• Carter Lane: Head down to cosy Carter Lane for drinks and nibbles. The Rising Sun is a snug, old-fashioned hunt with a fireplace and beer on tap; while Epic Pies offers warming lunches and dinners and can host your Christmas party.