The city of London; a bustling city of nine and a half million people and counting, is a hotspot for Christmas revellers each year without fail. Our Christmas markets set the gold standard in Europe, Regent street’s festive lights twinkle after dark and Oxford street gift shopping make any occasion in the city a memorable one.

In our essential Christmas itinerary, travel on the Belmond British Pullman along to Winchester’s festive markets, relax in front of a roaring fire at a swanky hotel, and dine at the finest Italian restaurant in the City.

Our editors have tried and tested the opulent journeys, vibrant markets and delightful festive dishes, so start planning your ideal getaways just in time for Christmas.

1. Discover The Belmond British Pullman at Christmas

Expect luxury, glamour and a dash of adventure on an unforgettable trip through the British countryside aboard the iconic luxury train.

Restored to their former glory, British Pullman's carriages are as famous today as in the heyday of train travel so whether you prefer afternoon tea, flowing champagne or both—as many guests do—there's a journey for everyone.

The Belmond’s festive routes in 2022 include day trips to pretty market towns such as Bath, a visit to a country house owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House and its convivial Christmas market to browse the stalls selling festive brews and hot cross buns. Visit Canterbury and Salisbury to listen to the Christmas carols and escape the City for the day.

Board the beautiful vintage train at London Victoria Station and settle into your plush armchair whilst relaxing and absorbing the scenery through your picture window as the train winds away from London, a glass of chilled champagne in hand.

Day trips start from 375pp.

Book your festive journey at www.belmond.com

2. Dine at London’s most stylish Italian Restaurant, Il Pampero

Situated in the highly sought-after postcode of Belgravia, Il Pampero is the resident restaurant in The Hari London. Dinner at Il Pampero is guaranteed to ignite a passion for Italian cuisine in the City.

Well-heeled clientele frequent the sophisticated restaurant, so a chic ensemble is highly recommended when visiting. Featuring Creative direction and interiors by British designer Tara Bernerd, Vespa-green lacquers and rich velvets adorn the walls and furniture, with eye-catching portraits a playful conversation starter. Circular booths wrap around a striking central bar that throbs with energy each Friday and Saturday night.

The wine and cocktail list are boundless, with the classic Italian Aperitivo, Negroni, a star concoction on the menu. Dining options at Il Pampero range from a sublimely prepared Monkfish with parma ham and sauteed mussels to a delicate truffle tagliolino with cheese and a unique-sounding Red mullet "crazy water", smoked aubergine caviar and lemon confit tomatoes.

Expect the unexpected at Il Pampero, as you’ll be served surprise antipasti in between your dishes so arrive feeling hungry.

A visit to the Italian supper hotspot is not complete without a sample of what is, for Société, the best Tiramisù in London. Prepared to perfection, the espresso-soaked savoiardi provides a subtle bitter hint when married with the decadent mascarpone; a truly saccharine showstopper. In a city with an infinite number of restaurants to choose from, Il Pampero, with its world-class staff (restaurant manager Andre Calva is a master of his craft) is our top Italian destination in the City.

20 Chesham Place, London, SW1X 8HQ, 020 3189 4850

3. Rest and relax at The Goring

In what is London's last remaining family-owned luxury hotel, a property crafted over a century by one family, The Goring truly is the genuine article. A majestic hotel with irreproachable decorum, securing a seat by the fire at The Goring Bar is a must after an action-packed day in London.

With a sprawling private garden, the Royal Parks, magical theatres, Christmas markets and London’s finest shops all within walking distance of The Goring’s welcoming doors, friends and families will undoubtedly have a memorable stay at the iconic hotel.

Let the sweet smells of nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves and orange, vanilla and more lull you into the Christmas spirit with The Goring’s exclusive sugar and spice themed Afternoon Tea. Look forward to all the classics, scones, sandwiches and pastries, infused with all the wonderful Christmas spices!

The Goring, 15 Beeston Pl, London SW1W 0JW

4. Artisanal Gifting In the Heart of Kings Cross

Coal Drops Yard

A magical shopping destination and foodie hotspot just a five-minute walk from King’s Cross St Pancras stations, Coal Drops Yard features everything the Christmas-present-searching heart could desire. Stores, restaurants, bars, and cafés are all open until 10pm every day, you’ll discover independent brands and labels unique to the yard and to the City, ensuring you’ll never get Mum a pair of woolly socks again.

Explore vegan stores, jewellery artisans, book workshops, jeans ateliers, botanical homewares stores and so much more. With more than 50 stores to explore you’ll find plenty to inspire.

Find out more about the brands and personalities which make Coal Drops Yard such a unique space at My Coal Drops Yard.

King’s Cross, London, N1C 4DQ. www.coaldropsyard.com

5. Christmas at Alexandra Palace

Throughout the festive season, the magnificent facade of Alexandra Palace and its neighbouring parkland host a programme of festivities to delight and wonder.

Mark Gatiss will lead an ensemble cast in his personal retelling of Dickens’ classic winter ghost story A Christmas Carol in the Palace’s spooky Victorian Theatre from Friday 26 November–Sunday 9 January.

The venue’s striking East Court is also converted into Santa’s Grotto featuring festive lights, carol singing and decorations due to open from Friday 3–Thursday 23 December. The legendary ice rink will also be back.