Illuminating the Season at Hotel Café Royal

As London dons its winter coat and the possibility of a snow flurry excites, the city becomes a spectacle of lights. From our vantage point on Regent Street, the trail begins just beyond the doors where winged spirits take flight.

Regent Street Spirits and Bond Street Brilliance

Regent Street’s ‘Spirit of Christmas’ angels sweep overhead in a constellation of twinkling lights, guiding visitors through one of the city’s most iconic shopping avenues. From here, a five-minute stroll brings you to New Bond Street where Cartier’s festive display features a stunning music and light show every half hour from 4.30pm until 10.30pm.
Tiaras of sparkling gold, silver and luminous pearls, and four magnificent crowns light up the length of Bond Street, new and old. They’re inspired by The Crown Jewels and the renowned jewellery houses that have made Bond Street their home. Upholding the spirit of giving, the Ralph Lauren tree – a handsome five-metre-tall Nordmann fir – is a lovely way to donate to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, in exchange for a personalised star. From there, look out for top-hatted gentlemen welcoming you into a charming covered alleyway full of old-world appeal. Burlington Arcade knows how to do Christmas. Stunning light displays illuminate jewel-like shops from 12 festive chandeliers, a nod to the pendants that once lit the nineteenth-century arcade. At the far end, arrive at Fortnum & Mason to see windows open on December evenings like doors on an Advent calendar, each revealing one less sleep until the big day.

Oxford Street, Disney at Selfridges and Marylebone village

An alternative outing is to Oxford Street, where hundreds of shimmering LED bulbs illuminate the thoroughfare. On your way there, detour via Berkeley Square to see how the façade of Annabel’s has been given a Narnia-like makeover. A wintry world shows Aslan, the lion, framed by ornate wardrobe doors and moonlit columns, suggesting a mystical world beyond.
Arriving at Oxford Street, follow the fairy dust to Selfridges. Tinkerbell leaves a trail of light looping across the shopfront, as the glowing display travels more than 100 metres around the building to reveal a fantastical Disney castle on the corner. From there, seek out the narrow streets of St Christopher’s Place which feel like a hidden secret. Don’t miss it on your way to Marylebone, where boutique shops and artisan cheesemongers La Fromagerie conspire to create a more intimate village-like experience.

Carnaby Street and Covent Garden

Carnaby Street delights with its playful, creative displays — from bold neon motifs to whimsical installations that change year to year, revealing the neighbourhood’s signature irreverence. Meanwhile, Bond Street dazzles with understated elegance, its lights complementing the street’s luxury boutiques and adding a festive glow to the designer façades.
The cobbled streets of Seven Dials and Covent Garden are where lampposts are wrapped in golden light, and tucked-away courtyards reveal artisan shops. Follow the sound of bells to a historic covered market and marvel at the giant tree and disco balls – the perfect setting for gift shopping.

Mayfair and the Heart of London

Shepherds Market offers quieter surprises for those in the know – delicate, twinkling displays tucked into a charming square, perfect for a peaceful stroll away from the crowds.
Lined with galleries and restaurants, it’s a quaint part of central London hiding in plain sight down a little lane off Piccadilly.
No Christmas in London would be complete without the tree in Trafalgar Square, a post-war tradition that’s been upheld since 1947. Just a short walk from Hotel Café Royal, this towering Norwegian spruce is adorned with thousands of lights, illuminating the square nightly from Thursday, 4th December 2025. It’s a sight that draws locals and visitors alike, a symbol of London’s festive tradition.

The Nutcracker, en pointe at Hotel Café Royal

Returning to Hotel Café Royal, where Nutcracker-themed decorations and graceful ballet dancers are unveiled, the city’s energy becomes a soft hum and warmth takes centre stage. At Cakes & Bubbles, a glass of champagne and a delicate pastry offer the perfect interlude – a moment to savour before the night unfolds. For those staying later, the Café Royal Grill and Alex Dilling provide the ultimate culinary coda, where seasonal ingredients and artful presentation mirror the city’s sparkling exterior.
From our windows, the lights of London dazzle across the skyline, as they tell a story of tradition and celebration. Each is a display of creativity, enlightening the city’s architecture and presenting quiet moments of wonder.

Join us at Hotel Café Royal, and enjoy the brilliance of London at Christmas, as light, style, and the city’s unmistakable spirit meet.