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.

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 5 November, while Covent Garden’s festive decorations are set to go live from 12 November, featuring 140,000 lights and an enormous 60-foot Christmas tree. London’s 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 their festive decorations. They always do! For a taste of what to expect, we’ve included details on their displays for 2024. From incredible bauble installations to Narnia-themed celebrations, 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.

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

Duck & Waffle, City of London

What: As far as Instagrammable restaurants in London go, Duck & Waffle is high on the list with its jaw-dropping views and indulgent dishes. Throw in a Narnia themed festive scene and you have yourself a winter wonderland worthy of a pic on the 'gram. Head on up to the 40th floor to see its beautifully decorated trees, snow-capped tables and glowing lamp posts. 
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Book now: Duck & Waffle

Sketch: Lecture Room & Library, Mayfair

What: Sketch's flamboyant installation takes centre stage in its three-Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library. This year it’s all about the sweet delights of Christmas, so you can expect this eye-catching gingerbread house, with more extravagance and sweet treats around every corner, for the ultimate wow-factor.
Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
Book now: Sketch: Lecture Room & Library

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 terrace into a cosy ski lodge where you can celebrate. Wood-paneled walls, roaring fires, and extravagant wreaths make for the perfect backdrop to delve into après-ski goodies such as fondue pots and some bespoke cocktails from the Knickerbocker Glory trolley.
Where: 3 Berkeley Street, W1J 8DL
Book now: Dovetale at 1 Hotel Mayfair

Randall & Aubin, Soho

What: A staple of Brewer Street since 1996, Randall & Aubin have gone all out this Christmas, dressed to the nines with twinkling lights and baubles in every direction. Both the exteriors and interiors have been completely transformed, from the statement ceiling centrepiece to the addition of a Santa hat on its iconic crab logo. Indulge in comforting, French cuisine and be sure to feel that festive glow this December.
Where: 16 Brewer Street, W1F 0SG
Book now: Randall & Aubin

34 Mayfair, Mayfair

What: It’s impossible to stroll by 34 Mayfair in the winter months without taking stock of its striking Christmas display. Falling under the campaign 'The Golden Age', guests can gaze at its well-dressed Christmas trees and a bauble-adorned ceiling while they dine at the restaurant, taking you on a journey back to the roaring 20s. You can also find a limited edition drinks menu on offer, showcasing Perrier-Jouët Champagne and several signature Monkey 47 cocktails.
Where: 34 Grosvenor Square, W1K 2HD
Book now: 34 Mayfair

KOYN, Mayfair

What: Mayfair has really nailed the market when it comes to the best Christmas transformations, and KOYN is no exception. You’ll find its eye-catching red mini parked outside the restaurant all year round, but for this festive season it's had a bit of a makeover, adorned with a ginormous tree, sprawling wreaths and a whole load of glittery baubles and candy canes.
Where: 38 Grosvenor Street, W1K 4AG
Book now: KOYN

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. Partnering with Maison Perrier-Jouët for the festive season, you can expect seasonal tipples, with a Santa's Grotto pop-up happening on weekends throughout December.
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

Annabel’s, Mayfair

What: The interiors at Annabel’s are breathtaking all year round, but at Christmas, this private members’ club in Mayfair gets a makeover with bells on it. Think glistening bauble displays and more twinkling lights than you can shake a stick at. It’s not just the interiors that get the glam treatment either. Every year, the venue dresses up its entrance with an OTT scene, with previous installations including a fantastical festive fun-fair façade, or last year's extravagant hot air balloon design. This year, passers by can gawp at this magical snow globe scene, designed in collaboration with The Caring Family Foundation's Food from the Heart Campaign. It's designed to represent 'a journey of childhood joy and wonder', and it truly is a site to behold.
Where: 46 Berkeley Square, W1J 5AT

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. Inspired by the beloved Christmas film ‘It's a Wonderful Life’, guests can catch a glimpse of its twinkling festive decor reminiscent of a starry night’s sky out front. Look out for greenery carved in the shape of crescent moons, and lots of fairy lights! 
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.