In the run-up to Christmas, London shows its most magical side - with sparkling facades, fragrant festive menus and a wintry magic that will warm the heart of even the most stubborn Grinch.
Especially in winter, London shows its festive side. Perhaps the best compliment to the metropolis; the feeling of suddenly seeing new facets of the British capital, a feeling that never leaves you. London never ceases to amaze.
Without Emiel Danneels, "The OWO" in London would just be a brick shell filled with Murano chandeliers, marble staircases and alabaster columns. But thanks to the concierge, the history of the former government building comes to life - every morning at 10:30 a.m. in the lobby of the luxury hotel, when he begins the guest tour of the former Old War Offices.
The OWO has brought new life to the government district of Westminster, filling the sometimes dead corner between Big Ben and Trafalgar Square with life. The central square with its monumental lions is just a five-minute walk away. Before Christmas an Advent market is held there, huts with red roofs stand in front of the National Gallery and London's official Christmas tree, a Norwegian spruce, stretches its top into the cool sky.
If you want to combine this excursion with art, you can enter the National Gallery through the recently reopened Sainsbury Wing. It is located on the right flank; the German star architect Annabelle Selldorf designed the extension with a great deal of courage and lightness. An Italian restaurant and a spacious entrance area are now part of the ensemble, a great deal of church art from the 13th to 16th centuries adorns the walls in the adjoining wing - and you can admire the elaborate portraits by Botticelli or Bellini with fascination.
From Trafalgar Square, the path leads almost automatically to Piccadilly Circus, into the upmarket district of Mayfair. The best gateway is the Burlington Arcade, a covered shopping arcade, almost 200 meters long, opened in 1819. Dozens of small and very fine stores and cafés line the streets, while the hat makers at Borsalino and the cashmere manufacturers at Johnstons of Elgin offer Christmas gifts for the ages.
The exit is close to the famous Savile Row, where bespoke tailors receive their customers. All the major luxury brands have a lavishly designed store around New Bond Street. Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Dior, Montblanc, Boss. Especially in the run-up to Christmas, labels outdo each other with spectacular window displays.
After so much hustle and bustle, it's time for a break. "The Beaumont" hotel has used the corona pandemic for a thorough renovation; there is still a lot of dark wood shining in the rooms, but cheerful jazz murals give the house a decidedly 1920s aesthetic. On the left in the foyer, "Le Magritte Bar" awaits walk-in and house customers.
Across Regent Street, Soho, the city's famous nightlife district, opens up to visitors. A village with noisy alleyways, many café chains, but just as many beautifully painted stores and a new hotel at the heart of the district: the "Broadwick Soho" hotel aims to usher in a new era of nightlife. The rooftop terrace, which is open to everyone, offers an Ibiza feeling - if the English weather gods are really kind to their subjects. The DJ booth gleams in the finest shades of gold.
The neighborhood's music tradition - record studios and clubs contribute to Soho's legendary status - is still upheld by dozens of record stores. There are still plenty of them, small stores with vinyl albums in plastic cases, the most idiosyncratic of which is Third Man Records on Marshall Street.
For dinner, things get lively in nearby Regent Street, or rather in a small side street. The "Ambassadors Clubhouse" has been serving Indian fine dining for almost two years, and the grandfather of the three founders looks on gravely from a photo at this colorful hustle and bustle with pleasantly spicy food and high-proof digestive aids.
In Notting Hill, the extremely popular "Dorian" serves British cuisine with a Japanese twist, and guests sometimes reserve their tables months in advance - except for pop star Dua Lipa, who regularly visits the "Dorian".
Legado" recently opened its doors in the East End: experimental Basque tapas cuisine, the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho. She herself calls the hearty dishes - pork head aspic with lemon, black fideuà with rock shrimps - a trip down memory lane; for many guests they are a revival experience.
The branch of the Victoria & Albert Museum will also open in east London next year. The associated storehouse is already open to interested parties. They can admire the museum's treasures on four floors: from column capitals and Art Nouveau ceramics to electric guitars and obscure paintings. The highlight, however, is the recently opened archive of the exceptional artist David Bowie. Tattered stage costumes hang in display cases, visitors can browse through old magazines and videos of the pop star are constantly shown on a large screen.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Until January 1, 2026: With lots of events, shows and street food, this funfair leaves nothing to be desired and is a Christmas fixture, especially for families. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Christmas in Covent Garden
Hundreds of thousands of lights will illuminate the popular district until January 1, 2026. The motto of this year's program is "The Theatre of Christmas". coventgarden.london
Ice skating at Somerset House
Until January 11, 2026: Once again this year, the building's enormous courtyard will be transformed into an ice rink. somersethouse.org.uk
Pop-up store at Buckingham Palace
Until January 5, 2026: For the first time, a special Christmas store will open in the historic Royal Mews. royalcollectionshop.co.uk
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