34 Instagrammable London spots to visit this December

Whether you’re spending Christmas in London on your own, with friends, or with family, our top picks should give you plenty to add to your December calendar. From carol-singing climbs on the O2 and enchanted festive forests to cookie dough creations with marshmallow fluff and Instagrammable cafes, we have something for everyone. Disclosure: this article is probably going to make you hungry! 

1. Claridge’s
As if we needed yet another reason to visit this beloved London hotel, Claridge’s has given us exactly that: their spectacular Christmas tree. The Tree of Love (pictured above), which is unlike any other you’ll find in London, was designed by fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg, and is nothing short of spellbinding.

2. Dalloway Terrace
This famed brunch and Instagram spot has done it again with ‘Winter at Dalloway’ returning after last year’s very popular makeover. This spot is one not to miss for all you truffle lovers out there, as truffle cheese fondue is on their festive menu this year.

3. Covent Garden
Like Dalloway, our next Instagram spot is perfectly situated within walking distance from UCL, and is brimming with festive cheer. Instagram savvy travellers are loving the stunning green car packed to bursting with presents, the giant Christmas tree, fairy-lit shop fronts, and most captured of all, the Apple Market.

4. The Chalet at Madison
With its gorgeous views of St Paul’s Cathedral, Madison is stunning any time of year, but at Christmas it’s even more irresistible, with the restaurant becoming an Alpine-inspired winter wonderland, complete with faux fur and tartan blankets for an extra dose of cosiness.

5. The Shard + Borough Market
After you’re done marvelling at London’s highest snow globe at Aqua Shard, head over to Borough Market for some warm hot chocolate, just-out-the-oven mince pies and festive shopping from some of the market’s many tempting stalls.

6. Christmas Carol Climbs at the O2
Climbing the O2 is made slightly less terrifying by the introduction of the new ‘Carol Climbs’, which include a free mulled wine/Aero hot chocolate and magnificent views.

7. Coppa Club Igloos
Ever wanted to eat in an igloo without sacrificing your warmth? At Coppa Club you can! Watch a chilly Tower Bridge light up for the evening while you snuggle into inviting sofas, festive drink in hand.

8. Backyard Cinema
If exploring ‘secret enchanted tunnels’, gorging on Christmas food, and movie watching in an indoor winter woodland are your idea of a perfect evening, you can’t miss Backyard Cinema.

9. Kew Gardens
Night Instagrammers should head over to Kew Gardens for the most enchanting festive photos against the backdrop of spectacular fairy-lit installations. It’s one of the most magical sights you can find in London.

10. Belowzero Ice Bar
If snuggling into a sofa in a warm igloo at Coppa Club isn’t your kind of thing, why not head over to ice bar Belowzero? Swap your hot mulled wine for a glass made of ice, filled with your favourite tipple at this ultimate arctic spot. 

11. Natural History Museum Ice Skating
There’s nothing quite like ice skating to get into the festive spirit! The Natural History Museum is the venue every Instagrammer is visiting as it’s the most picturesque in London, especially at sunset.

12. Miracle at Henrietta Hotel
Not only is this hotel super Instagrammable from the exterior, but now offers an Alpine experience like no other at its new pop up bar, which features some very festive drinks and treats. Don’t just take our word for it though – check out the super long queues outside in the evening!

13. The Berkeley’s Winter Rooftop Cinema
This spot is my personal favourite and is on my agenda every year, not only for their delectable Christmas menu, but enchanting atmosphere and kind staff. Oh, and their popcorn too.
 
14. Yolkin
Instagram foodie hangout Yolkin- famous for their ice cream sandwiches- has started making Christmas macarons and they are terrific. The cutest ones include snowmen-shaped and Christmas pudding-shaped macarons.

15. Tiffany & Co
Easily one of the most beautifully decorated jewellers in London, Tiffany on Old Bond Street captures all the magic of the season while giving toned down colour lovers a relaxing addition to their Instagram feeds.

16. The Churchill Arms
London’s most Instagrammable pub has revamped once again! Once you’ve snapped a photo outside of its amazing festive makeover, check out The Churchill’s interior- hint: it’s just as beautiful.

17. Annabel’s London.
Annabel’s is iconic for its uber picturesque loos but all the talk has now turned to the fact that it has transformed into a Christmas tree – literally. Entering and leaving has never before been so lovely.

18. St. Pancras International
St. Pancras’ Christmas tree is a little bit taller than most Christmas trees. At 43 feet, it’s no wonder it took over 1800 decorations to fully decorate. The tree is the offspring of a partnership between St Pancras and Tiffany & Co, and smells divine because Tiffany’s Eau de Parfum fragrance is diffused from it “at key intervals each day”. Talk about tree goals.

19. Peggy Porschen
The most pink café in London has embraced Christmas by going full on festive, with seasonal cupcakes, snowflake-decorated lattes and charming decorations making this spot a must-visit whether you’ve never been or already visited a hundred times before.

20. Sketch
Just when we thought that Sketch’s famous egg-shaped loos couldn’t get any more Instagrammable, the restaurant pulled off the impossible, decorating them in Christmas wrapping paper and ribbons. It doesn’t stop there though; the entire restaurant has transformed into a haven for us Christmas-loving Instagrammers. It’s a must on any foodie and photographer’s list!

21. Dominique Ansel
Once you’ve finished taking hundreds of photos outside Dominique Ansel’s fabulous winter shopfront, step inside to try their new dessert creations, which include a pine cone-shaped gingerbread cake covered in chocolate and edible snow among other mouth-watering treats.

22. Brown and Rosie
Famed brunch spot Brown and Rosie serves some gorgeous and tasty foodie creations and they have now added some Christmas cheer to their friendly café with huge colourful Christmas baubles and soft blankets.

23. Neill Strain Floral Couture
Neill Strain is my favourite go-to florist in London, and it was a brilliant surprise to discover on my last visit that his familiar shop had become a winter paradise. This is hands down one of the most stunning shopfronts you will see in London!

24. Les Senteurs
Check out this famous blogger photo spot for a photo with London’s biggest Christmas baubles. It’s festive overdose!

25. Liberty London
Liberty London have unveiled their new Christmas look and it’s incredible. While most department stores have focused on outdoor decoration, Liberty is a little different. Walk to the centre of the store to find a giant festive hot air balloon instalment.
 
26. Zetter Townhouse
Stop by the Zetter Townhouse for one of London’s most photographed Christmas doors. It’s an eye-catching turquoise colour, decked with festive decorations and a Christmas wreath, and is popping up all over Instagram.

27. Doughnut Time
Calling all foodies! This social media famous doughnut shop has gone Christmas crazy with their new seasonal menu, which features a ‘Make it Rein’ Reindeer doughnut as well as other inventive doughnut treats. They’ve even redecorated their classic green boxes red to mark the festive period (but their pretty shopfront is still a pretty green).

28. 10 Bedford Street
Visiting your bank has just become Instagrammable- yes really. Outside the HSBC on 10 Bedford Street you’ll find an enormous red gift ribbon hung up on the white building.

29. The V&A
Art lovers take note: the V&A has announced a super exciting new exhibition, The Museum of Architecture’s Gingerbread City, and it looks fantastic, not least because the exhibits are actually made of gingerbread! Pack your own treats – this one’s sure to make you very hungry…

30. Mount Street Deli
This hidden away Instagram spot recently had a Christmassy makeover and it’s marvellous. Popular with locals, it’s a nice place to sit down and enjoy a warm latte (or two or three…)

31. One Aldwych
Head over to One Aldwych this December for a unique afternoon tea experience- festive style. This afternoon tea, which is inspired by a sweet shop and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, is sure to be a hit with those who have a sweet tooth. Their Christmas tree is also made entirely from bell jars containing individual wintery scenes like mini snow globes. 

32. Queen of Hoxton
If you like quirky winter rooftop bars, the Queen of Hoxton’s wigwam is for you. This season, it has been decked out as Lady Celeste’s, a Belle Epoque music hall. They have events on almost every night, and fans of old school music won’t want to miss this spot for a trip down memory lane!

33. The Winter Forest Broadgate Circle
Considering their offering of live music, craft classes and a gorgeous spot to enjoy a drink and heart-warming food, it’s no wonder that so many Londoners love to come here. If you haven’t yet been, make sure you do visit!

34. Naked Dough
Love cookie dough? Then you’ll adore this next Instagrammable entry. Naked Dough are offering a seasonal twist on their beloved cookie classic with their new Gingerbread cookie dough. It comes with marshmallow fluff and tiny gingerbread people and sounds too good to be true. Luckily, it’s real, and available until the 23rd December at Camden Market, Intu Lakeside and Westfield.

Image courtesy of Claridge's