Christmas in London
7 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16112
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the magic of Christmas in London with this enchanting tour that captures the festive spirit of the city. Begin your journey with a panoramic tour of iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben, before exploring the vibrant Covent Garden. Delight in the twinkling Christmas lights and indulge in the aromas of mulled wine at the bustling markets. Travel like a local on a river bus to Greenwich, where you can uncover its rich history and savor traditional British cuisine on a culinary walking tour. Visit the magnificent Blenheim Palace, transformed into a winter wonderland, and enjoy a traditional Christmas Afternoon Tea. Conclude your festive adventure with a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral and a farewell dinner at a traditional English restaurant, creating unforgettable memories of a London Christmas.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: London
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton London - Tower of London
Get ready for a festive getaway to London. “The Big Smoke” glistens during the holidays and makes for a timeless setting for your Christmas journey.
Day 2 : London, England
Location: London
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to London at Christmastime! There’s nothing like the city when it’s bursting with the excitement of the season. Feel the holiday spirit as you shop the Christmas markets for handmade gifts and colorful decorations. Bask in the scent of warm, mulled wine and cinnamon – a drink that warms the soul on a wintery night in London. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Day 3 : London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: hotel
A local expert leads a panoramic and walking city tour. See Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. End your tour in the bustling Covent Garden, one of London’s oldest marketplaces. Perhaps you’ll be entertained by a street performer - after all, Covent Garden has a popular artistic scene. With some free time, explore Covent Garden before returning to the hotel via a route that showcases the magnificent Christmas Lights of London.
Day 4 : London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: hotel
Climb aboard the local transport river bus en route to Greenwich, seeing the Tower of London from the river. Dock in Greenwich, known as the village of London. Shop the local stalls (perhaps bargaining like a local) or use your included Freedom Pass to pop into local attractions. This afternoon, join a local to experience some traditional and ethnic culinary delights on a progressive foodie walking tour through the town. Later you can choose to take the Clipper boat back to the west end, or further explore Greenwich. No matter where you spend your free evening, the festive atmosphere will add joy to your discoveries.
Day 5 : London - Blenheim Palace - London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: hotel
Visit Blenheim Palace, one of England’s most magnificent homes and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. At Christmas, this UNESCO World Heritage site becomes a true winter wonderland. After an included Christmas Afternoon Tea, spend some time in the afternoon perusing the many market stalls or take some time to wander the beautifully manicured garden. Arriving back in London early evening, you still have time to see the city in all its glory.
Day 6 : London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Today, set off to visit the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral. With its world- famous dome, this is one of the most iconic features in the London skyline. After some free time for lunch, join a local expert on a two hour walking tour along London’s Southbank. Walk across the Millenium Bridge for some wonderful views of the city and see Shakespeare’s Globe, ending the tour at the wonderful Borough Market. This evening, go with your new friends to a traditional English restaurant, for a farewell dinner. Toast the end of a festive trip to an amazing city.
Day 7 : London - Tour Ends
Location: London
It’s time to head home, full of warmth and memories of your Christmastime London adventure.
What's Included
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London Christmas Lights Tour
Experience the festive London Christmas Lights Tour.
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River Bus to Greenwich
Travel like a local on the river bus to Greenwich.
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Culinary Walking Tour in Greenwich
Tap into British culture during a culinary walking tour in Greenwich.
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Traditional English Restaurant Meal
Sit down for a hearty meal in a traditional English restaurant.
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Christmas Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace
Enjoy Christmas Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace.
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Freedom Pass in Greenwich
Use your included Freedom Pass to explore local attractions in Greenwich.
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Welcome Dinner
Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
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Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional English restaurant.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Experiences
London Christmas Lights Tour.Travel like a local on the river bus to Greenwich.
Culinaries
Tap into British culture during a culinary walking tour in Greenwich.Sit down for a hearty meal in a traditional English restaurant.Take Christmas Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace.
Must See
Explore the local stalls of Greenwich and uncover its character and history.Feel the festive vibes at Blenheim Palace as it’s adorned for the season.Walk around Covent Garden, one of London’s oldest marketplaces, and a hub of London’s street performer scene.
Choice Highlights
Buckingham Palace His Majesty the King's residence in London, Buckingham Palace is the ornate icing on the cake of England's capital city. Serving Britain's sovereigns since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the end point for parades and special events in the city as well as the daily Changing of the Guard. Hundreds gather daily to watch the official changing of the King's Guards in the area outside of the palace gates and to get a glimpse of the palace itself.
Big Ben Standing at 315' tall, Big Ben is located in London near the Halls of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. An iconic image of London, Big Ben's clock dials are some of the largest in the world at 23' high. The current structure was built in 1858 after the previous clock tower was destroyed in a fire in the 1830s.
Christmas Markets London at Christmas time is truly magical and the city is transformed at every corner and in many of the shop fronts including Harrods which is an attraction in itself.
Covent Garden Covent Garden is a bustling market square filled with captivating shops, delicious restaurants, and meandering locals. Stroll along outside and perhaps you’ll glimpse a street performing group or head inside where rows of stalls sell their food and crafts.
Greenwich
Culinary Walking Tour
Blenheim Palace Discover the splendid Baroque-style home of Blenheim Palace. This was the birthplace of one of Britain's greatest leaders, Sir Winston Churchill, and is truly magnificent. Built in the 18th century, it is still lived in today but remains paused in time. Take in the elegant ambience that will give you a glimpse into the lifestyle of nobility in Britain. Stroll through the opulent halls that are adorned with magnificent portraits, tapestries and rooms filled with furniture fit for royalty. The palace is set on thousands of acres of stunning natural scenery perfectly designed and manicured, dotted with historic monuments, and home to an abundance of wildlife. As you meander through the palace and grounds you will be awed by the grandeur and beauty of this enchanting palace.
St. Paul's Cathedral The seat of the Bishop of London, St. Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral. Its famous dome was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1962. Services at this site have included the funerals of Lord Nelson and Winston Churchill.
London's South Bank
Mode of Transport
Travel like a local on the river bus to Greenwich, providing a unique perspective of London's iconic landmarks from the water.
Accommodation
Stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton London - Tower of London, offering a comfortable and convenient base for your festive exploration of the city.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour in London?
During the tour in London, you can expect a variety of activities including a panoramic and walking city tour led by a local expert, visiting iconic landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. You'll also explore Covent Garden, enjoy a culinary walking tour in Greenwich, and experience the festive Christmas lights of London.
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Will there be any special experiences related to Christmas during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several special Christmas experiences such as shopping at Christmas markets for handmade gifts and decorations, enjoying the scent of mulled wine, and visiting Blenheim Palace, which is transformed into a winter wonderland for the season. You'll also have a Christmas Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace.
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Is there an opportunity to explore local culture and cuisine during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers opportunities to explore local culture and cuisine, including a culinary walking tour in Greenwich where you can experience traditional and ethnic culinary delights. You'll also have a farewell dinner at a traditional English restaurant.
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour includes traveling like a local on the river bus to Greenwich, providing a unique perspective of the city from the river.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary includes guided tours such as a panoramic and walking city tour of London led by a local expert, and a two-hour walking tour along London’s Southbank with views of the city and landmarks like Shakespeare’s Globe.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025Saturday - Friday
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Dec 12, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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