This Christmas, Covent Garden will once again turn into one of the world’s most iconic festive hotspots, the ultimate destination for unrivalled holiday fun and Christmas shopping for loved ones (or yourself). Starting 12th November, visitors can enjoy a host of seasonal events and unique to Covent Garden experiences, bringing festive cheer to the heart of London’s West End. With live performances, magical events, exclusive pop-ups, drinking & dining experiences and unforgettable shopping moments, the Christmas line-up is unmatched. Throughout the Piazza, Market Building, Seven Dials, and surrounding streets, there’s a packed programme of fun festivities for all —making Covent Garden the place to be this season.
Immerse Yourself in Covent Garden’s world-famous Decorations and Lights
From 12th November, Covent Garden’s famous Christmas lights and iconic decorations return. The historic Market Building welcomes back its 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles and 8 spinning mirror balls, with over 29 miles of gold leaf and 275 kilos of glitter suspended in the air. This year also promises to bring something exciting to the neighbourhood, with a brand-new festive lighting installation sweeping the streets of Seven Dials, featuring a further 150,000 LED lights across the streets and within the much-loved Neal’s Yard. Covent Garden’s iconic 55ft Norwegian Spruce Christmas Tree also makes a much welcome return, with nearly 30,000 LED lights and 200 baubles, the iconic tree will stand proud on Covent Garden’s West Piazza. Against the backdrop of the historic Market Building’s gold bells and red baubles, don’t forget to pay a visit to the destination’s Instagram famous Santa Sleigh to capture a photo worthy of the family Christmas card.
Exclusive Pop-Ups and More
This year, visitors to Covent Garden can expect an exciting array of exclusive and immersive pop-up experiences taking place throughout the neighbourhood for all to enjoy.
On the East Piazza, Jo Malone London’s ‘Christmas Special’ pop-up takes guests through an interactive game show-inspired world. From 31st October – 24th November, visitors can step through the entrance framed by presents piled high, spin the Jo Malone London festive prize wheel, be the star in a dazzling show set and get snapped with friends, all before exploring the brand’s luxurious and legendary Christmas scents and gifts.
Nearby, Sipsmith celebrates a Classic British Christmas with the return of their iconic 1950s Sipsmith Express Bus and the all-new Sipsmith Gin Shop. From the 8th November – 1st December, the vintage bus will be serving festive gin cocktails, hot mulled sloe gin, zesty orange hot chocolate, and festive non-alcoholic cocktails. Sipsmith will also be hosting gin masterclasses, where guests can dive into the rich history of London’s gin scene sampling drinks like the 1639 Gin Punch and a Classic Martini – ideal for learning some festive gin facts to impress your guests with on Christmas Day.
Adding to the Piazza pop-ups from 12th – 24th November is the return of the Thirsty Farrier. Set to delight visitors with a winter-inspired drinks menu of Mulled Wine, Baileys White Russians and Gingerbread Espresso Martinis served from its mint-green horsebox bar, and new for 2024, The Covent Garden Chalet will open its doors on 29th November, inviting visitors to relax, snuggle up and escape to the mountains in central London. Mull over your Christmas shopping with a fine mulled wine, sip luxurious hot chocolates or tuck into seasonal favourites like pigs in blankets and churros. Finish your visit with a photo in the ‘ski lift’ to share your trip with friends.
New festive shops will also be popping up throughout the neighbourhood this season. Over on Floral Street, British fine lingerie brand Bluebella makes its bricks and mortar debut with a pop-up store offering its trend-led collections, accessories and nightwear styles. Opening just in time for Christmas on 7th November, the pop-up at 22 Floral Street has gift wrapping and monogramming stations – ideal for picking up personalised gifts this holiday season.
For those looking to upgrade their Autumn-Winter wardrobe or find perfect party dresses, cult British womenswear brand Pretty Lavish is now open at 29 Henrietta Street. The pop-up offers the brands wide-ranging collection of luxury and affordable timeless pieces that can be worn day to night, season to season, and loved for years to come.
On Russell Street, Visit London, the city’s official visitor guide, has opened their first-ever pop-up shop, where visitors can purchase tickets to the city’s top attractions such as West End shows, bus and walking tours, iconic attractions and hidden gems. The pop-up, open now until 24th November, also includes merchandise and gifts available to purchase from talented London creators and artists including prints, greetings cards, souvenirs, clothing and accessories.
Save the Children Christmas Shop
Covent Garden is delighted to be continuing its partnership with international children’s charity Save the Children. From 12th November until 15th December, the festive pop-up shop at 28 Henrietta Street will feature a selection of beautiful homewares and gifts adorned with artwork created by children supported by Save the Children’s global programmes. Visitors will be able to shop for unique Christmas cards, decorations, and more, making it a one-stop shop for meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts that give back. Best of all, the store will also offer Christmas jumpers in support of the charity’s annual Christmas Jumper Day fundraiser on 12th December. Open daily from 10AM to 7PM (and 8PM on weekends), 100% of the shop’s proceeds go to Save the Children’s vital work in the UK and globally.
Start the Festive Fun with Covent Garden’s Winter Warmer Festival
This winter, create magical memories with friends and loved ones and enjoy hot beverages and seasonal treats with Covent Garden’s Winter Warmer Festival, returning 12th November to 1st December. From over 75 charming alfresco options with outdoor heaters, to in-store experiences and offers, visitors are spoilt for choice with special spots to enjoy hot Christmas classics of Mulled wine and more.
The festive favourite will be available at the likes of Chez Antoinette, Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, HENRI, La Goccia, Mariage Frères, Seven Dials Market, The Petersham Wine Bar & Deli, and more. Adding to the festival line up, Nappa Dori will be serving made-to-order hot masala chai, Aguamiel is offering Ponche – a Mexican spiced fruit punch, and traditional Mexican Hot chocolate, and The Chestnut Bakery is adding their homemade hot chocolate to the menu, consisting of nutty chocolate, hazelnut, halva & crushed pistachios.
Also taking part in the Winter Warmer Festival offering; SUSHISAMBA’s Piazza terrace will transform into a winter hideout in partnership with Patron, serving a curated menu of hot and cold cocktails, Story Cellar is offering their spiced mulled cider alongside a special baked truffled honey Tunworth with mulled spices, Ladurée’s heated Piazza terrace will host their hot drinks cart serving mince pies, hot chocolate and mulled wine, and live for the festival and throughout December will be the return of the traditional Christmas Mulled Wine Cart in the Market Building’s Central Avenue, dispensing delicious take away mulled wine and mince pies.
Unforgettable Christmas Dining Experiences
Whether planning a big festive gathering or wanting something a little more intimate, food and drink enthusiasts can indulge in a wealth of dining experiences across the neighbourhood throughout November and December.
For a festive feasting, Ave Mario, Balthazar, GAUCHO, NOTTO, Pivot, The Royal Ballet & Opera Piazza Restaurant, Story Cellar, Sticks’n’Sushi and SUSHISAMBA have all introduced seasonal specials and set menus, and if you’re after something a little more unique Din Tai Fung are offering a Taiwanese festive set menu, showcasing beloved Xiao Long Bao and indulgent Chocolate Lava Buns. For visitors seeking an extra special Christmas experience, The Ivy Market Grill, Ladurée, The Petersham and the Opera Café have introduced new afternoon tea menus featuring an enticing selection of festive treats.
Returning for its seventh year, Miracle at Henrietta invites guests to relax in its Christmas-kitsch haven, ideal for festive cocktails with friends. Situated in the secret mezzanine at 14-15 Henrietta Street, this year’s menu includes a ‘Snowball Old-Fashioned’ served with gingerbread, a ‘Christmapolitan’ including absinthe mist, and ‘Naughty’ and ‘Nice’ shots. Bookings are now open for 11th November – 23rd December, with a small selection of tables available each evening for walk-in guests.
Experience the Magic of Christmas with Surprise & Delight Experiences Every Thursday
‘Festive Thursdays’ returns to Covent Garden with a series of unforgettable entertainment, exclusive offers and surprise and delight moments taking place every Thursday from 14th November until 19th December.
Live performances will take place throughout the neighbourhood from The London International Gospel Choir and London Gay Men’s Chorus every Thursday at 6.30pm and 7.15pm, raising donations for Save the Children. Additional Festive Thursday’s activity includes festive tipples, gifts with purchase and personalisation in store at Aesop, Bluebella, Elemis, Miller Harris, Nappa Dori, Olivia Burton,
Saint + Sofia, Strathberry and more. Moleskine will be hosting guest calligrapher Phebe on 28th November for ‘Festive Notebook Customisation’ and Diptyque is offering personalised baubles with purchases at their new King Street store.
Visitors can also enjoy food and drink offers, including a festive menu at STEREO featuring a live band playing carol covers, warm cocktails and Panettone offers at La Goccia, and wine and cheese pairings at The Petersham Wine Bar & Deli.
Christmas For All the Family
There is no better place for families to rejoice in Christmas than Covent Garden. From 23rd November to 5th January, the London Transport Museum will transform into a winter wonderland, featuring festive activities and a special visit from Father Christmas himself! Little ones can climb aboard Santa’s interactive sleigh, enjoy heartwarming festive stories, and embark on a digital trail to discover the museum’s hidden treasures. Families can also experience magical performances at The Royal Opera House, watching the captivating rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella or being pulled into the whimsical world of Hansel and Gretel. The Linbury Theatre will be presenting a unique twist on holiday storytelling with Lost Dog’s alternative Christmas show, Ruination.
Unique Gifts and Iconic Advent Calendars
With a wide array of world-class fashion, lifestyle, beauty, jewellery and watch retailers, you’ll find gifts for all your loved ones in Covent Garden this season.
Explore unique collections from the latest brands to call the neighbourhood home, such as Aspinal, Longines, NN.07, Peak Performance, Pretty Lavish, Strathberry and Saint + Sofia, or stock up on stocking fillers from renowned beauty favourites Benefit, Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel, Creed, Elemis, Glossier, Guerlain, Jo Malone London, Kiehl’s, Le Labo, Penhaligon’s, NARS and Tom Ford.
Discover must-have items for fashion enthusiasts from Axel Arigato, GANNI, HOKA, Missoma, Mejuri, Messika, Mulberry, Odd Muse, Polo Ralph Lauren, Reformation and Vintage Threads or give the gift of time from Gerrard Perregaux, Hublot, Longines, Omega, Tag Heuer, Tissot, Tudor and more.
For those wanting to count down the days in style, Covent Garden also offers a selection of iconic advent calendars. Beauty lovers can indulge in L’Occitane’s Luxury Advent Calendar, featuring 24 iconic products for just £68. Jo Malone London’s delightful calendar includes twenty-five scented surprises, from seasonal colognes to mini candles. Kiehl’s Limited Edition Advent Calendar showcases beloved skincare favourites, beautifully crafted by studio Public/Official. For a touch of elegance, Missoma presents three luxurious jewellery advent calendars in gold, silver, and solid gold, starting at £365 (worth £827) or sweet enthusiasts will also enjoy the Lakrids by Bülow large advent calendar, brimming with over a hundred gourmet liquorice treats. The countdown continues with advent calendars also available at Charlotte Tilbury, Diptyque, Godiva, Happy Socks, Hotel Chocolat, Ladurée, Molton Brown and Neuahus.
With a festive programme like no other to be discovered throughout the Piazza, Seven Dials and surrounding streets, featuring Christmas celebrations, shopping events and dining festivities for all to enjoy, Covent Garden remains the most magical neighbourhood to visit this time of year.
For further information on new openings, experiences, shopping and dining visit Coventgarden.london
