Christmas in London

Christmas in London

London

London's Millennium Bridge with a view to St Paul's Cathedral, UK

Days 1-3
London

London's city skyline along the River Thames, UK

Days 5-7

Map
17 Views
7 Days From

$2869

Christmas in London

7 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom

Visiting: London, Greenwich, Blenheim Palace

Tour operator:

Collette

Tour code:

16112

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Special Events

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2869 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 10-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Experience the magic of Christmas in London with this enchanting tour that immerses you in the festive spirit of the city. Begin your journey with a panoramic tour of iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace, and explore the vibrant Covent Garden. Delight in a culinary walking tour in Greenwich, where you can savor traditional and ethnic delights. Travel like a local on the river bus and enjoy the stunning views of London's skyline. Visit the magnificent Blenheim Palace, adorned for the season, and indulge in a Christmas Afternoon Tea. Discover the grandeur of St. Paul’s Cathedral and enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional English restaurant. Stay at the comfortable DoubleTree by Hilton London - Tower of London, your perfect base for this festive adventure.

Highlights

  • 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.

  • Enjoy a London Christmas Lights Tour.

  • Visit the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral with its iconic dome.

  • Discover the splendid Baroque-style home of Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

  • Tap into British culture during a culinary walking tour in Greenwich.

Places You'll See

London's city skyline along the River Thames, UK

London's city skyline along the River Thames, UK

Victoria Embankment with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, UK

Victoria Embankment with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, UK

Big Ben, London

Big Ben, London

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Overnight Flight

Tower Bridge, London, UK
Hyde Park
London's city skyline along the River Thames, UK
Tower of London, seen from the south bank of the River Thames
Kensington palace and Monument to queen Victoria at sunset, London, UK
Victoria Embankment with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, UK
St. Paul's cathedral and double-decker bus, London, UK
A beautiful shot of London Eye and River Thames London

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

London's city skyline along the River Thames, UK
Kensington palace and Monument to queen Victoria at sunset, London, UK
Hyde Park
Tower Bridge, London, UK
A beautiful shot of London Eye and River Thames London
St. Paul's cathedral and double-decker bus, London, UK
Victoria Embankment with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, UK
Tower of London, seen from the south bank of the River Thames

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

Victoria Embankment with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, UK
Buckingham Palace
Tower of London, seen from the south bank of the River Thames
Hyde Park
Big Ben, London
St. Paul's cathedral and double-decker bus, London, UK
London's city skyline along the River Thames, UK
Tower Bridge, London, UK
A beautiful shot of London Eye and River Thames London
Kensington palace and Monument to queen Victoria at sunset, London, UK

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: Greenwich

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

Tower of London, seen from the south bank of the River Thames
Kensington palace and Monument to queen Victoria at sunset, London, UK
Victoria Embankment with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, UK
A beautiful shot of London Eye and River Thames London
Hyde Park
Tower Bridge, London, UK
St. Paul's cathedral and double-decker bus, London, UK
London's city skyline along the River Thames, UK

Location: London, Blenheim Palace

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

St. Paul's cathedral and double-decker bus, London, UK
Tower Bridge, London, UK
London's city skyline along the River Thames, UK
A beautiful shot of London Eye and River Thames London
Victoria Embankment with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, UK
Hyde Park
Kensington palace and Monument to queen Victoria at sunset, London, UK
Tower of London, seen from the south bank of the River Thames

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

Hyde Park
Tower of London, seen from the south bank of the River Thames
Victoria Embankment with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, UK
London's city skyline along the River Thames, UK
Tower Bridge, London, UK
A beautiful shot of London Eye and River Thames London
Kensington palace and Monument to queen Victoria at sunset, London, UK
St. Paul's cathedral and double-decker bus, London, UK

Location: London

It’s time to head home, full of warmth and memories of your Christmastime London adventure.

What's Included

  • London Christmas Lights Tour

    Experience the festive London Christmas Lights Tour.

  • River Bus to Greenwich

    Travel like a local on the river bus to Greenwich.

  • Culinary Walking Tour in Greenwich

    Tap into British culture during a culinary walking tour in Greenwich.

  • Traditional English Restaurant Meal

    Sit down for a hearty meal in a traditional English restaurant.

  • Christmas Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace

    Enjoy Christmas Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace.

  • Freedom Pass in Greenwich

    Use your included Freedom Pass to explore local attractions in Greenwich.

  • Welcome Dinner

    Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

  • Farewell Dinner

    Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional English restaurant.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • 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

  • What kind of transport is used to travel to Greenwich?

    The tour includes travel to Greenwich on a local transport river bus, offering a unique perspective of London's iconic landmarks from the water.

  • What can I expect during the culinary walking tour in Greenwich?

    During the culinary walking tour in Greenwich, you will experience traditional and ethnic culinary delights, tapping into British culture as you explore the town.

  • What is special about the visit to Blenheim Palace during the tour?

    Blenheim Palace is adorned for the Christmas season, transforming into a winter wonderland. The visit includes a Christmas Afternoon Tea and time to explore the market stalls and beautifully manicured gardens.

  • What activities are included in the tour of London's Southbank?

    The tour of London's Southbank includes a two-hour walking tour with a local expert, crossing the Millennium Bridge for views of the city, seeing Shakespeare's Globe, and ending at Borough Market.

  • What is included in the London Christmas Lights Tour?

    The London Christmas Lights Tour allows you to see the city's magnificent Christmas lights, showcasing the festive atmosphere of London during the holiday season.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Valeri White (Google Reviewer)  

If you’re looking for a...

06-Jan-2024

If you’re looking for a worry free group travel experience, Collette is perfect! You’ll be picked up at your door and taken to the airport. When you land at your destination, one of their professional tour managers will meet you at the airport. From there, you will be part of the highest quality tour company. They take pride in taking care of their travelers and creating memories in each location. Have loved every tour!

Rachel Epple (Google Reviewer)  

In 2024 I took two...

16-Dec-2024

In 2024 I took two Collette trips and had a wonderful time! I recommend Collette for travelers who are looking to learn and be active while touring new destinations. The Canadian Rockies by Train tour in Fall was beautiful. My Collette Tour Manager, Clare Martin, was amazing- knowledgeable, kind and very organized. The itinerary was so much fun and the hotels were great. We spent a lot of time outdoors, exploring the national parks, lakes, mountains and towns. Banff & Lake Louise were stunning! The food selections were varied and incorporated a lot of local flavors. There was a fair amount of down time if you do not elect to partake in the optional excursions. Sunny Portugal in October was the perfect time to go. My Tour Manager, Jose Eleuterio Alves Nunes Ferreira, ensured our group saw the best of Portugal! He was able to surprise us with live music and wonderful local treats each day. The optional excursions for a cave and grotto boat cruise as well as the Fado night were exceptional. I enjoyed the Algarve the best, but our itinerary was outstanding. We even had a picnic, on a mountain side, with a bread making demo. On both trips, Collette used brand new Mercedes Benz motor coaches with excellent drivers. We were kept safe and well attended to the entire trip. From the hometown pick up transportation to the airport to the flight scheduling, all our needs were met. I cannot recommend Collette enough! You’ll have a wonderful time, eat plenty of local food/drinks, and meet many fun loving individuals while seeing the best sights.

Dirk Ebener (Google Reviewer)  

We visited Italy with Collette...

16-Feb-2025

We visited Italy with Collette Tours, and toured Tuscany and Umbria. It was a 5 Star experience! Everything was extremely well planned, the hotel selection was fabulous, and the program very well done. It was the perfect mix of sight seeing, culture, education, and local impressions. Our tour guide Luca, together with our bus driver, was very, very knowledgeable, and they provided an excellent tour experience. The restaurant recommendations and selections were spot on. We always felt independent and part of a great tour. Collette Tours is the very best way to travel in a tour experience.

Deborah Bozarth (Google Reviewer)  

I went on a group...

24-Oct-2023

I went on a group tour through Collette. It was fabulous. Our Tour director, Paula, could not have been better. We went to Sicily and Southern Italy. Everything we did was so fun and the dinners were delicious. Paula made sure those with food issues had exactly what they needed. I am planning another tour next Spring and will definitely be using Collette Tours!

Diane Clifton (Google Reviewer)  

More than half of our...

01-Nov-2024

More than half of our tour days were rainy. Our tour manager said it was Italy’s rainy season when we complained. Why offer a tour during the rainy season? Half of our group came down with colds. A few tours were canceled due to the weather. Definitely don’t go to Italy in October.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Friday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
$2869 (USD)

Saturday - Friday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
$2869 (USD)

Friday - Thursday

Dec 12, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025
$2869 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Collette requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of collette charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.