Mayfair is one of the most elegant and exclusive districts in London. At Christmas, it becomes truly magical as each shopfront and luxury hotel are lavishly decorated, creating a festive atmosphere. You will find chic cafes, holiday window displays and cosy spots for a festive drink! Follow this walk to see the best of decorations at this festive time of year.
Carnaby Street
Begin your Mayfair Christmas Lights walk at Carnaby Street which is famous for its bold and creative Christmas displays. Each year, the decorations have a different theme, making it one of the most photographed streets in London. I would recommend arriving at Piccadilly Circus tube station so you can walk up Regent Street which is a sight to behold at Christmas.
Read more: How to use London Public Transport
If you want an indulgent hot chocolate to begin your walk, then I would recommend Italian Bear Chocolate Café who have my favourite hot chocolate in London. If hot chocolate is not your thing, then try a doughnut from Donutelier. The doughnuts are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Before you move away from Carnaby Street, do not miss Liberty London. This iconic Tudor-style department store is stunning, with the Christmas shop on the top floor a must-visit to pick up some unique baubles, ornaments and gifts.
Regent Street at Christmas
Liberty London is right next to Regent Street which has some of the most famous Christmas lights in London. Take a moment to take in the atmosphere even if the horns are honking in the background! I love looking at all the window displays up and down Regent Street so before moving on, walk up and down each side of the street to admire the decorations.
Luxury Hotels in Mayfair
Cross over Regent Street to walk down Hanover Street. On your left you will find the Mandarin Oriental hotel which always has a stunning Christmas tree both inside and out. You are more than welcome to pop inside the foyer to take a look.
Further down the road on the left is Claridge’s. Inside, you will find a Christmas tree decorated by a different high-end designer each year. There is an archive section on the Claridge’s website showing the designer trees each year if you’re interested. The exterior of the hotel is also highly decorated and worth pausing to take it all in.
At the end of the road, diagonally to your left, you will see The Biltmore. This hotel is also worth going into the foyer for their beautiful festive displays. Last year, I loved their teddy bear and floating candle display.
Ever After Garden at Grosvenor Square
Each year for a month, Grosvenor Square is host to the Ever After Garden. This beautiful, tranquil but haunting display is a tribute to those lost during the year. In support for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, you can dedicate a rose in memory of a loved one. You receive a marker to write your dedication and plant your rose where you can reach. The illuminated roses have a suggested donation of £15. It is so quiet and peaceful here, make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to wander around.
Exit Grosvenor Square in the corner by The Biltmore to walk down Carlos Place. Here you will find The Connaught Hotel. There is always a magnificent tree right outside where you can take some great photos. Don’t miss the Hot Chocolate and Crepe stand next to the tree on the corner. Alternatively, you can either have a drink inside the hotel in The Connaught Bar or walk another 20 metres to sit outside Marchesi for a handcrafted chocolate or sweet. If you don’t stop, do take a minute to look at Marchesi’s store window. It is a work of art.
Annabel’s
From Carlos Place, turn right onto Berkeley Square. Walk parallel to the park until you arrive at Annabel’s. This members only club is only for the rich and famous so you won’t be able to look inside. However, their Christmas displays are legendary and you will find a hoard of people across the street trying to get a photo.
Mayfair Christmas Market
From Annabel’s, walk straight down Curzon Street, taking a right onto Bolton Street until you hit Piccadilly. Turn left onto Piccadilly, then immediately left again by Green Park Station onto Stratton Street. Here you will start to see a queue forming to enter the Mayfair Christmas Market hosted by Novikov Restaurant. Be prepared to queue to get in. When I arrived around 6pm, there was a 30 minute wait. I have to be honest, I gave up. It looked fun inside the gated area but I hate queuing!
Fortnum and Mason
When you exit the Mayfair Christmas Market, turn right to reach Piccadilly. Turn left to walk along the main road. This also give you a good view across the street of The Ritz and The Wolseley.
Take a moment to pop into the Burlington Arcade which will be on your left. Their Christmas displays are beautiful and the shops are definitely worth a look in.
Keep going on Piccadilly until you see Fortnum and Mason, the famous department store which always has the most fabulous display out front. Last year, the whole store was decorated like an advent calendar. Brilliant.
Inside, be prepared for crowds but it is fabulous to walk around and enjoy the displays of both gifts and decorations. I love the Ice Cream Parlour upstairs if you have time. If not, then make sure you do check out the other floor levels as there are different displays on each floor.
Bars on Piccadilly
You have now reach the end of the Mayfair Christmas Walk so refreshments are in order! I love Maison Assouline, a book store and bar. It is refined, petite and extremely classy.
For a different yet similar feel, pop into Waterstones. Head up to the top floor where there is a fabulous bar which if you time it right, has an amazing cocktail hour.
Waterstones is very close to Piccadilly Circus to catch any public transport home as needed.
