When it comes to capturing the essence of Christmas, few places in the world can rival the enchanting atmosphere of The Ritz London. As you step through the revolving doors on Piccadilly, you’ll find yourself in a magical realm where beloved British traditions harmonise with exquisite festive luxury.

This holiday season, The Ritz is your perfect sanctuary from the vibrant hustle and bustle of London. Picture yourself surrounded by the twinkling glow of fairy lights and shimmering chandeliers, while the delightful aroma of cinnamon and pine fills the air. Every detail, from the first note of holiday carols to the final toast of celebration, has been carefully curated to create an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants for Christmas in London, seeking a Michelin Star Christmas dinner, or in search of the ideal hotel to call home during the festive season, The Ritz offers a unique blend of elegance and warmth. This isn’t just a stay; it’s an experience steeped in tradition and holiday cheer that you won’t want to miss.

Join us at The Ritz London this Christmas and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Step into Festive Elegance: The Ritz’s Iconic Christmas Decorations

The Christmas season at The Ritz is legendary in London. Each year, around mid-November, the hotel reveals its stunning Christmas tree, a grand event that officially marks the start of the festive period in the capital. Standing elegantly beneath the hotel’s gilded ceilings, the tree sparkles with hundreds of twinkling lights, baubles, and delicate satin ribbons in shades of gold, ivory, and red.

But the magic doesn’t end there. Every corner of The Ritz is draped in exquisite décor from the marble lobby to The Palm Court. Garlands of holly and fir sweep across balustrades, wreaths trimmed with velvet bows frame doorways, and the soft flicker of candlelight dances across the hotel’s opulent interiors. The scent of warm mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and fresh pine lingers throughout, evoking a nostalgic sense of Christmas past.

The air is alive with the music of Festive Live at The Ritz, where the hotel’s resident band performs festive favourites in elegant evening sessions. Guests pause to listen, champagne in hand, as the notes drift beneath the ceilings. It is, quite simply, Christmas as it should be, steeped in tradition, polished in presentation, and delivered with effortless sophistication.

For guests and diners, the hotel’s décor also provides the perfect festive photo opportunity. Families gather by the tree, couples pose on the grand staircase, and visitors capture memories against the shimmering backdrop of one of London’s most photographed Christmas scenes.

Indulge in a Decadent Christmas Afternoon Tea: An Inimitable Seasonal Tradition in The Palm Court

There is perhaps no experience more emblematic of Christmas in London than Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz. A long-standing British ritual, elevated by The Ritz to the pinnacle of indulgence.

Served in the resplendent Palm Court, a room famed for its mirrored walls, golden detailing, and elegant pastel hues, this festive edition of Afternoon Tea is the very definition of refined celebration. Beneath the glow of chandeliers, guests are serenaded by live music while they savour a perfectly curated menu of seasonal delicacies.

Expect delicate finger sandwiches with seven different fillings; warm scones served with clotted cream and strawberry preserve; and a tempting selection of handcrafted pastries and mince pies adorned with gold leaf. Each creation is as beautiful as it is delicious, a testament to the craftsmanship of The Ritz’s pastry chefs.

For an added touch of indulgence, guests may enjoy a glass of vintage champagne. Whether shared with family, friends, or as a romantic seasonal treat, this Christmas Afternoon Tea in London experience is more than a meal; it is a moment to be cherished, a ritual of luxury that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.

Experience Christmas Day Dinner at Our Two Michelin-Starred Restaurant

For those seeking the pinnacle of Christmas Day dinner in London, The Ritz Restaurant offers a feast befitting the grandeur of the season. A holder of two Michelin Stars, it stands among the best restaurants for Christmas in London, renowned for its impeccable service, artistry, and classical French/ English-inspired cuisine.

On Christmas Day in London, guests are invited to indulge in an exquisite four-course menu crafted by Executive Chef John Williams MBE. The menu celebrates the finest British ingredients prepared with precision and flair. Traditional favourites are reimagined with The Ritz’s signature refinement. Complement your meal with carefully selected wines and Champagnes, chosen to enhance the season’s flavours.

The dining room is a spectacle, with gilt-edged mirrors, sweeping drapery, and chandeliers that sparkle like frost. The tables are laid with crisp linen and crystal, and the service is nothing short of impeccable. It is the epitome of luxury Christmas dining, a setting where elegance reigns supreme and every detail tells a story of tradition and taste.

For those wishing to celebrate before the big day, the restaurant also offers pre-Christmas menus and seasonal tasting experiences, ideal for festive gatherings or corporate celebrations. But with tables in high demand, guests are encouraged to book early to secure their place at what is undoubtedly the Michelin Star Christmas Dinner of the year.

Stay in Style at the Best Hotel in London for Christmas

For the ultimate festive indulgence, there is no finer experience than waking up at The Ritz London on Christmas morning.

Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodation with The Ritz’s world-class dining and Christmas events. From the comfort of your room, you might watch the soft winter light fall over Green Park, or prepare for an evening of fine dining and celebration steps away in The Ritz Restaurant, awarded the title ‘Restaurant of the Year’ by The National Restaurant Awards 2025.

Christmas in one of The Ritz busiest times of the year so we would advance you to book a room as soon as possible.

The hotel’s prime location makes it the perfect base for exploring the magic of London at Christmas. Stroll through Mayfair’s glittering streets, admire the Burlington Arcade decorations, or take in the festivities of Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, all within easy reach. Then return to the warmth and splendour of The Ritz, where hot chocolate, soft carols, and impeccable service await.

To stay at The Ritz during the holidays is to experience Christmas as it was meant to be: serene, sumptuous, and surrounded by beauty. It is little wonder the hotel is regarded as the best hotel in London for Christmas.

Explore the Magic of Christmas Shopping

No festive stay at The Ritz would be complete without exploring London’s glittering streets and elegant boutiques, all just steps from the hotel’s front doors. Christmas shopping in London takes on a new dimension when experienced from The Ritz. Begin your morning with a stroll down Bond Street and Regent Street, where world-famous fashion houses unveil their Christmas window displays in a dazzling competition of creativity and luxury.

Just a short walk away, Fortnum & Mason and Burlington Arcade sparkle beneath their festive garlands, offering everything from gourmet hampers and bespoke gifts to timeless British craftsmanship. As dusk falls, the city transforms into a spectacle of light, Piccadilly, Regent Street, and Oxford Street awash with golden glow, their iconic Christmas lights glittering against the night sky.

Guests of The Ritz are perfectly positioned to enjoy these enchanting scenes, returning after an evening of shopping to a glass of Champagne or cocktail in The Rivoli Bar. Whether searching for the perfect gift or simply revelling in the magic of London’s winter lights, the experience captures the essence of a Christmas in the capital.

Immerse Yourself in Exclusive Christmas Events at The Ritz

No festive season at The Ritz would be complete without its programme of exclusive Christmas events, each one designed to capture the very essence of celebration. The Christmas Eve Gala Dinner is a highlight of the calendar, a glittering evening of fine dining, music, and elegance. Guests arrive in black tie to a setting worthy of a royal ball.

Meanwhile, Festive Live at The Ritz fills the air with melody and merriment throughout December. These live performances transform The Ritz into London’s most enchanting festive stage, from classic carols to jazz-infused renditions of holiday favourites. Every note, every gesture, every detail is designed to create a sense of joy and occasion that lingers long after the music fades.

With limited availability, these events are among the most coveted in London, moments of connection and celebration that define the very heart of Christmas at The Ritz.

A Timeless Christmas Awaits

From its glittering Christmas tree to its world-famous Afternoon Tea and Michelin-starred restaurant, The Ritz London remains the epitome of festive refinement. Every light, every floral arrangement, every note of music works in harmony to create an atmosphere of sheer enchantment.

Whether you are joining for Christmas Afternoon Tea London, a Christmas Day Dinner London, or an extended stay in one of The Ritz’s magnificent rooms, each experience is crafted to perfection.

Step beyond the ordinary this Christmas and into a world where every moment sparkles. Discover a luxury Christmas to remember at The Ritz, a celebration of tradition, style, and joy that defines the very best of the season.