Keep scrolling for our reviews of only the best things to do in London in December 2025\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n What to doAttend a star-studded charity carol concert<\/p>\n There’s nothing more festive than a beautiful carol concert \u2013 and there doesn’t get one more star-studded than Christmas with the Stars. Set to take place on 10 December from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the concert will raise funds for Imagine This<\/a>, the charity co-founded by acclaimed actors Sarah Parish MBE and Jim Murray MBE in 2014 in memory of their daughter, Ella-Jayne, who passed away at just eight months old.<\/p>\n The charity is dedicated to supporting the mental well-being of seriously ill children and their families across the UK. The special event will be attended by an array of stars, including David Tennant, Hugh Bonneville, Dame Imelda Staunton, Richard E. Grant, Donna Ashworth and Amanda Holden, with performances from the Sylvia Young Children\u2019s Choir, Northants Sings Out, and ballerina Tara-Brigitte Bhavnani.<\/p>\n You won’t want to miss it.<\/p>\n Book here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Preview by\u00a0<\/strong>Katie Daly<\/a>, Lifestyle Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n Where to eat and drinkA blooming British afternoon tea<\/p>\n The Royal Lancaster London, one of London’s leading luxury hotels, has created a\u00a0festive afternoon tea experience that encourages adults and children alike to explore and\u00a0enjoy their festive offering, bringing friends and family together to make lasting memories\u00a0and enjoy this magical season together.<\/p>\n Their Blooming British Festive Afternoon Tea, created in partnership with the Natural History Museum, has elevated the concept of afternoon tea with its luxurious seasonal twist, taking inspiration from British flora and fauna to create an indulgent feast for the senses.<\/p>\n I brought my seven-year-old fellow foodie along to start the holiday season with some quality\u00a0time together, enjoying his first “proper” afternoon tea.<\/p>\n Strolling past Hyde Park and into the beautifully decorated reception area, complete with trees, sparkling reindeer, penguins and even a post box to Santa, instantly transported us away from the busy London streets and into a magical winter wonderland.<\/p>\n Once we had finished examining and exclaiming over the decorations, we made our way to the caf\u00e9 area.\u00a0The Festive afternoon tea was a treat from beginning to end. Every little thoughtful detail\u00a0served to enhance our experience: the miniature crackers at each place setting, the\u00a0beautifully illustrated china following the theme of British flora and fauna and the warm and\u00a0attentive service from the waiting team.<\/p>\n The finger sandwiches were melt-in-the-mouth delicious. with the adult menu offering fillings ranging from smoked salmon and avocado, traditional turkey and cranberry, roasted beef sirloin with truffle mayonnaise and free range egg flavoured with dill and capers. These are offered with an optional glass of bubbles and, of course, the perfect pot of tea from their extensive tea menu.<\/p>\n The children\u2019s menu features chicken mayonnaise, cucumber and cream cheese and egg filled finger sandwiches, conveniently cut up for little fingers.<\/p>\n Freshly baked scones, both plain and cranberry, fragrant and still warm from the oven, were\u00a0brought over, wrapped in their own little towels, and the jam and clotted cream were so tasty,\u00a0we could (and did) happily eat them on their own after smothering our scones with the\u00a0delicious fillings.<\/p>\n The exquisitely decorated desserts were almost too pretty to eat but impossible to resist. My\u00a0little one tried a bite of every dessert on the adult menu as well as polishing off the child\u00a0menu offerings. We tucked into a glittery Christmas bauble peppermint mousse that melted\u00a0in the mouth, fluffy pear mousse shaped like a beehive, chestnut and chocolate pavlova and<\/p>\n a special Yuletide gingerbread that had all the flavours of a comforting and decadent winter\u00a0treat. The children’s menu desserts were just as impressive with a ladybird mousse,\u00a0chocolate seedball and vanilla cheesecake.<\/p>\n At the end of the tea, diners are presented with a little box of seeds to take away to plant. A lovely memento of the occasion and very fitting to the theme.<\/p>\n My little partner in crime has now discovered his new favourite thing to do in London but I\u00a0fear we will find it difficult to top such a magical afternoon tea experience.<\/p>\n Book here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Reviewed by Laura Bissessar<\/strong><\/p>\n Enjoy elevated Chinese cuisine in Soho<\/p>\n Over the years, Tattu has become one of Soho’s go-to spots for elevated modern Chinese, and their Christmas special takes things even further this season. The cherry blossom canopy, usually pink, glows in a soft wintery blue that sets a magical mood the moment you walk in.<\/p>\n We started with the XO Scallop Skewers: plump scallops wrapped in pancetta with chilli and pork floss. They were melt-in-your-mouth perfect. The Crispy Pork Belly was up next, beautifully crunchy on the outside and tender inside. Delicious.\u00a0<\/p>\n For mains, the Salt Grilled Japanese Black Wagyu arrived sizzling on a Himalayan salt block with enoki mushrooms. It was buttery, succulent and delicately rich. The Wasabi Lobster, a new festive dish, came baked under a wasabi gratin with citrus. Indulgent yet elegant. We shared Duck Fried Rice, along with Spicy Egg Noodles with pak choi. Both were full of flavour and ideal for sharing.<\/p>\n After dinner, we headed out to the terrace, now draped with tinsel trees, fairy lights and heaters. Cosy, dimly lit and the perfect Christmas hideaway above Tottenham Court Road. If you want somewhere with serious style and genuinely impressive food, Tattu\u2019s Christmas specials are absolutely worth it.<\/p>\n Book here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Reviewed by Seni Crofts<\/strong><\/p>\n Enjoy cocktails by Battersea Power Station<\/p>\n Set within the art\u2019otel at Battersea Power Station, Joia offers refined Iberian cooking in a stylish, softly lit setting. The room glows under floating candlelight (literally hanging from the ceiling, a little Harry Potter-esque!). And we picked the best weekend of the year to try out their dinner with a view – from our table, looking away from the Power Station\u2019s iconic chimney, we were treated to the most spectacular fireworks display at Battersea Park.<\/p>\n The fireworks were the piece de resistance, but the food had already blown our minds. We started with seared tuna and octopus, both bursting with flavour: the tuna perfectly pink, the octopus, so tender and tasty. We opted to share a main course of lamb shank with a side of patatas bravas and green beans \u2013 it was an elegant and flavourful meal, the meat literally melting off the bone (our waiter had already taken it off the leg, so literally only had to spoon it into our mouths.<\/p>\n For dessert, we shared a chocolate mousse and a crema catalana \u2013 big portions by the way \u2013\u00a0one is enough to share. But as we watched the fireworks, we easily polished both off!<\/p>\n Joia is a delight \u2013 refined and elegant, a place for a celebration, with attentive service and an\u00a0unhurried pace. With confident cooking, a sense of occasion and standout views, it\u2019s a\u00a0restaurant that makes an impression without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n Book here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/d9c1beef199b-christmas-with-the-stars.jpg\")
\u00a9 Christmas with the StarsAttend a charity carol concert with a host of famous faces<\/p>\n![\"festive](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/52b7641649fd-dessert-royal-lancaster.png\")
\u00a9 Royal LancasterThe desserts were so festive – and delicious<\/p>\n![\"festive](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/69c746c06b25-royal-lancaster-afternoon-tea.png\")
\u00a9 Royal LancasterThe afternoon tea was a gorgeous start to the festive season<\/p>\n![\"view](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/a43c99edbcc5-joia-restaurant.jpg\")
\u00a9 Rebecca HopeThe views at Joia were amazing – and the food was even better<\/p>\n
![\"japense](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/d8ed8bcb84e4-asa-am-05.jpg\")
\u00a9 ASATry Japanese food with a twist<\/p>\n