London Christmas walking tours have a certain outcome: they fire up your festive spirit.

The holiday mood doesn’t sweep over me as fast as it used to. But stepping out into that chilly December night air and taking a walk to see London in Christmas glory fixes that. Everywhere the city is glowing with cheer. It’s really infectious.

Let me give you an idea of some of the brilliant spectacles you can enjoy in London this Christmas. Your self-guided walking tour will start from Charing Cross and end in the area of Westminster (or, vice-versa!)

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree: Symbol of Gratitude and International Friendship

Trafalgar Square is home to London’s most famous Christmas tree, perhaps not so much for its glamour appeal, but moreso for the symbolism.

Every December, a special gift arrives in the UK, all the way from Norway: a massive spruce! This slim gal stands at 25 feet tall.

A gracious gesture from the Norwegians, extended to Britons since 1947 (a thank you to Britain for her support during World War II).

Next to the giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square lies a small nativity scene.

Christmas in Leicester Square

The next stop on your London Christmas walking tour is tourist hotspot: Leicester Square.

You’ll find a variety of Christmas Markets stalls scattered across Leicester Square. All adorned with beautiful Christmas lights, of course. Before you go, here is fair warning: in true Leicester Square fashion, it will be full of crowds over the December weekends and weeknights.

An eager Mary Poppins awaits, ready to deliver a dynamic lesson in hope and cheer. Anything can happen if you let some Christmas magic in!

Christmas in London Chinatown: Colourful Cheer

Chinatown London is an explosion of colour and light thanks to the recent installation of vibrant lights and lanterns which replace the red ones which previously hung there for decades.

While these are not Christmas fixtures, the colourful lanterns project an abundance of seasonal cheer so we happily accept them as part of our London Christmas holiday displays tour!

Christmas in London: Spirit of Christmas soars on Regent Street and St. James’s

Spirits soar at Christmas across London’s Regent Street.

Do any of these images seem somewhat familiar to you? The Regent Street Christmas Lights tradition goes all the way back to 1954!

Follow the guiding lights all the way south to St. James.

Central London’s sparkly airborne displays will sure to leave you in high holiday spirits!

Holiday Storefronts: Christmas Carousels

Christmas in London also means enjoying the festive holiday store fronts, of course.

Get ready to be wow’ed because these are no run-of-the-mill displays. Retailers in the city go to great artistic lengths to produce beautiful and unique Christmas showcases.

Stores such as Aspinal of London in St. James tout displays that will undoubtedly awaken your inner child.

Merry-Go-Round anyone?

London Restaurants: An Edible Christmas

All of London’s food establishments are adorned with lovely Christmas decorations. Today’s adventure is only an afternoon stroll but gosh, it’s tough not to be tempted inside!

Mmmm…care to pop in for a Christmas cocktail at The Ivy, or a themed afternoon tea at Kona, anyone?

Westminster Cathedral: Glorious Lights

The last stop on our London Christmas walking tour is a beautiful historical building: Westminster Cathedral. (Not to be confused with the more famous Westminster Abbey, the “coronation church”)

Westminster Cathedral has a new seasonal accessory, and boy does she dazzle.

Adorning the stunning red brick structure is a well-placed Christmas tree. The site, especially at dusk, is a sight to behold.

If you are in the city this December, don’t sleep on the chance to take this spectacular London Christmas walking tour! The brilliant decorations and displays will be sure to wake up your holiday spirits.