The most beautiful restaurants in London that transform for Christmas

Is there anywhere more beautiful than London at Christmas time? From as early as October, the capital transforms into something of a Winter Wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and stunning displays. Leading the charge are some of London’s best restaurants, with many giving their interiors (and exteriors!) a major overhaul for the season. From incredible bauble installations to festoons of flowers and fairy lights, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful restaurants in London that transform especially for Christmas. You might find that many of our favourites offer Christmas-themed afternoon teas or put on some of the best festive brunches in London, just in case that's your thing. 

While Christmas seems to be getting earlier and earlier every year, we’d argue that the festive season officially starts in London with the switching on of its famous Christmas lights. This year, Londoners will be able to visit the iconic light displays on Oxford Street from 3 November, while Covent Garden’s festive decorations are set to go live from 12 November, featuring 30,000+ lights and an enormous 55-foot Christmas tree. London’s most festive restaurants typically follow suit not long after that, so keep your eyes peeled as the capital’s cafes, bars, hotels, and eateries add a touch of festive flair to their façades this year.

As expected, London's dining scene has gone all-out when it comes to festive decorations. They always do! For a taste of what to expect, we’ve included details on their displays for 2025. From incredible bauble installations to ski resorts in miniature, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful restaurants in London that transform especially for Christmas.

These beautiful spots have come up with all sorts of fantastical wizardry when it comes to their festive decorations. So, without further ado, have a scroll through the London restaurants that have undergone fantastic festive transformations this year.

Annabel's, Mayfair

What: The interiors at Annabel’s are breathtaking all year round, but at Christmas, this exclusive private members’ club in Mayfair gets a makeover with bells on. Last year gave us a brilliant snowglobe installation. This year the team have gone down a different route, revealing a wardrobe spectacle reminiscent of the wintery tale of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Designed in collaboration with The Caring Family Foundation's Food from the Heart Campaign, Tatiana Kharchylava's creation celebrates light in the darkness, 'capturing the feeling of stepping into a childhood memory - a moment when the world felt full of possibility and light.'
Where: 46 Berkeley Square, W1J 5AT

The Little Scarlet Door, Soho

What: Tucked away on Soho’s Greek Street, The Little Scarlet Door has had a full festive makeover of its flat-style bar and restaurant. Red and silver tinsel has been strung across the ceilings, with a dramatic tree taking centre stage. Be sure to order one of the Dirty Dancing cocktails, which comes served in a disco ball, for the ultimate festive celebration.
Where: 12-13 Greek Street, W1D 4DL
Book now: The Little Scarlet Door

Sketch: Lecture Room & Library, Mayfair

What: This year, Christmas at Sketch is about ‘The Art of Apres’, with the reception and The Glade transformed into a multi-sensory Alpine wonderland, and a snow-covered ski resort with a mountain rising from the East Bar and Pods. In The Gallery, expect handcrafted paper constellations, while at the three-Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library, you’ll find Mehbs Yacqub’s crystal tree decorated by artist Maya Heritage. Reflecting the alpine night sky, this installation is reminiscent of ice crystals glistening under moonlight.
Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
Book now: Sketch: Lecture Room & Library; Sketch: The Glade; Sketch: The Gallery

The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea

What: We shout about this place a lot once the months turn colder, we know. But there’s a good reason for that: aside from balancing old pub nostalgia with a very Chelsea level of polish, as soon as the first frost hits, the fires are lit and the mantlepieces are dressed in full festive regalia. This, plus a great menu of classic pub fare, means it’s at the top of our list for all cosy season occasions.
Where: 298 King’s Road, London, SW3 5UG
Book now: The Cadogan Arms

Dovetale, Green Park

What: This glamorous British restaurant is a rather spectacular spot all year round, but come December, it’s a must-visit. This year, Dovetale has undergone a winter transformation, turning its courtyard into a cosy winter village serving festive food and drink. The heated terrace has also transformed with the season, creating an ideal spot for seasonal British dining, Sunday roasts and Knickerbocker Glories - never too cold for ice cream, right?
Where: 3 Berkeley Street, W1J 8DL
Book now: Dovetale at 1 Hotel Mayfair

34 Mayfair, Mayfair

What: It’s impossible to stroll by 34 Mayfair in the winter months without taking stock of its striking Christmas display. It’s hard to step into this place without craning your neck to marvel at the bauble display above, showcasing Christmas in all its green, gold, and red hues. You’ll also find a limited edition Christmas cocktail menu here, which includes a Silent Night (Cap) to get your daily dose of festive fun.
Where: 34 Grosvenor Square, W1K 2HD
Book now: 34 Mayfair

Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden

What: It’s already got the Instagrammable factor nailed, but in the lead up to Christmas, Clos Maggiore takes its beautiful floral displays to a whole new festive level. The roaring fire certainly helps with the Christmassy restaurant vibe, but with the addition of gingerbread men, festive garlands and a sleigh and reindeer display outside, no list is complete without this stellar French restaurant.
Where: 33 King Street, WC2E 8JD
Book now: Clos Maggiore

SUSHISAMBA, City of London

What: The ceiling here has had a very glittery makeover, thanks to a swarm of giant baubles that now hang from above. Expect a blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours, either on the a la carte menu or as part of the festive taste of samba menu, offering six courses that celebrate the seasons in classic SUSHISAMBA style. Matched by incredible city views, this one’s truly unforgettable.
Where: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate (38-39th floor), EC2N 4AY
Book now: SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower

The Churchill Arms, Kensington

What: Chances are you’ve spotted this jazzed-up boozer on your social media feed. In fact, with its impressive Christmas tree displays and fairy-lit frontage, The Churchill Arms might just be the most Christmassy pub and restaurant on this list. It’s a Fullers, so expect classic beers and brews alongside a fiery Thai menu to keep the chill out.
Where: 119 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LN
Book now: The Churchill Arms

The Ned, City of London

What: The Ned’s halo-like wreath is always one of the most beautiful festive decorations in London. Or at least we think so! Hanging above the Nickel Stage in the Nickel Bar, guests can enjoy a cocktail while gazing at the masterpiece and relaxing to live music. Don't miss its majestic Christmas tree in the foyer, too.
Where: 27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ
Book now: The Nickel Bar at The Ned

Daphne’s, Chelsea

What: Daphne’s dreamy Tuscan Christmas installation took our breath away last year, and the team have done it again, with the Chelsea restaurant sporting hundreds of baubles, foliage, and green and gold trinkets, for their rendition of ‘A Silent Night’. Guests are invited to lounge in its light-filled, conservatory-style dining room while enjoying comforting Italian dishes and refined cocktails. Can you imagine anything more magical?
Where: 112 Draycott Avenue, SW3 3AE
Book now: Daphne’s

Langan's, Mayfair

What: Boasting multiple Christmas trees, festive ornaments and bauble-decked garlands, this winter Langan's is putting on a stunning display, with this timeless transformation across its spaces. You can expect seasonal tipples, as well as a group menu made especially for groups meeting at Christmastime, crafted in partnership with Champagne house Maison Perrier-Jouët to bring a little extra sparkle to the festivities this year.
Where: Stratton Street, W1J 8LB
Book now: Langan's Brasserie

Coppa Club, Tower Bridge

What: Coppa Club’s famous igloos are an iconic part of Christmas in the capital, and these gorgeous globes are making a return this year. They’re always dressed for the season, with fur-lined seating and twinkling lights. Our favourite are the igloos at its Tower Bridge site, which offer unbeatable views of the River Thames and the Shard.
Where: 3 Three Quays Walk, EC3R 6AH
Book now: Coppa Club Tower Bridge

Scott’s, Mayfair

What: You can expect both of Scott’s restaurants to be dressed to the nines for Christmas, but its Mayfair site truly pulls out the stops. Following a 'Ruby Reverie' theme, guests can expect crimson reds at every turn. It's a celebration of romance, and with December a solid favourite for proposals, this elegant candelit spot is sure to get the mood right. All this, plus a glass of Nyetimber? Sounds magical. 
Where: 20 Mount Street, W1K 2HE
Book now: Scott’s Mayfair

One of the most popular winter trends in London is eating inside an igloo. Check out our guide to the best igloos and winter pop-ups in London to try it out for yourself.