The Ultimate Christmas Guide to the Eastern City
Revel in the Christmas magic this year with a carefully curated selection of our favourite festive events, drinking spots, kid-friendly activities and gifting ideas at the heart of the Eastern City. From traditional festive boozers, carol-singing in the Tower of London to cabaret and burlesque revelry, we have all the festivities covered. So, grab your friends, family and colleagues and put a date in to enjoy our top picks to make the most of the Christmas delights that the Square Mile has to offer.
Live Events
Festive Music Nights with Moët & Chandon at Sky Garden
Share in the charm of the festive season at Sky Garden as they host a series of exclusive music nights in collaboration with Moët & Chandon. As London sparkles beneath you, sip on a drink from the ski chalet bar and enjoy live sets from ALR Music and resident DJs.
Music, a glass of bubbles and incredible London views- what could be better?
Where: 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
Proud Cabaret All-Stars Christmas Special All Night Show
For a naughty yet nice treat, Haus of Cabaret are hosting a series of very special Christmas evenings with a burlesque and circus revelry dining experience. From world-class singers and dazzling dancers to breath-taking circus acts, the cast brings the season to life in spectacular style. Expect elegant choreography, show-stopping costumes, and a few magical surprises along the way- Santa himself may even make an appearance.
Where: 1 Mark Lane Opposite Fenchurch St Station, 1 Mark Ln, London EC3R 7AH
East Cheap Records- Woodford presents: Xmas Special Inside Out ft. Alec Harper Quartet
Swing into Christmas with the Alec Harper Quartet and catch regulars perform for the final jazz night of the year as they kick off the festive fun with the best free entry jazz gig in London. An incredible evening of musical delights is the perfect way to kick off the holidays.
Where: 20 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1DT
Pubs & Bars
The Lamb Tavern
For the cosiest vibe and most raucous cocktails, look no further than The Lamb Tavern.
Relish in the buzzing atmosphere on the market cobblestones outside, enjoy a hot mulled wine or party starter cocktails under the Leadenhall Market Christmas Tree with their festive drinks selection.
Where: 10-12 Leadenhall Market, London EC3V 1LR
Davy’s
Davy’s at Plantation Place is the perfect place to relax and get into the holiday spirit. With a selection of wine tasting and Christmas menu packages, this elegant space has the ideal cosy ambience to enjoy the festivities.
Where: Liverpool Street Station, 2 Exchange Square, London EC2A 2EH
The Bull
Come to The Bull for a welcoming pint or even stay at their intimate boutique hotel for a pre-Christmas getaway treat. Exuding local charm and London tradition, this is the perfect boozer that is conveniently a stone’s throw away from Liverpool Street Station, Bishopsgate and Shoreditch.
Where: 4-6 Devonshire Row, London EC2M 4RH
Lucky Voice
Join the Lucky Voice team for a Christmas cocktail masterclass hosted by their head bar elves! You can make and try a number of festive cocktails before moving on to karaoke to belt some tunes…Ooh Santa Baby!
Where: Building 10, The Avenue, Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YP
Fun For All the Family
Christmas Lights Switch On 2025 at Leadenhall Market
To kick off the festive season, the most magical night of the year returns to Leadenhall Market. This year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On Ceremony includes live performances from the Super Tenants, who will fill the air with Christmas classics to get everyone in the festive spirit. The official switch-on will take place at 6pm led by Dame Susan Langley DBE, the newly appointed 697th Lady Mayor of London – and the first to use the title “Lady Mayor”, marking a historic moment for the City of London. Visitors can also experience the magic of snowfall for the first time in years, as a flurry of snow will fall through the Market at 6pm! Whether you’re joining after work or visiting for the evening, this beloved annual celebration promises to be a joyful start to the Christmas season in the heart of the city.
Where: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT
When: Thursday 13 November 5:15pm
Pan Pacific – Children’s Festive Afternoon Tea
Let the little ones’ creativity shine as they can decorate their own cupcakes and biscuits and choose from a rainbow selection of icing, sprinkles and toppings to make each treat uniquely theirs. Combining sweet treats and creative Christmas flair, this is the perfect afternoon for kids to enjoy.
Where: 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
Tower of London – Carols by Candlelight
Step into the Tower of London and join a feast of carols and readings this festive season. The programme will include two commissions composed especially for the magnificent choir. Experience living history with one of the nation’s finest chapel choirs and enjoy the candlelit, intimate setting within the Tudor chapel for a special evening of music and word celebrating the winter season.
Where: Chapel Royal of St Peter Ad Vincula, 35 Tower Hill, London EC3N 4DR
Gifting Ideas from the Eastern City
Leadenhall Market
With a wide selection of choices, this is the perfect place to give someone the present they’ve always dreamed of. With unique and personal crafty pieces from a variety of independent crafty creatives at Solo Craft Fair Shop to thoughtful gifts of cigars, drinks and confectionary from Kandies for those that are hard to buy for, Leadenhall Market brings the Christmas cheer to all.
Where: Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT
The Wolseley
Don’t have time to traipse around the shops in a panic? Purchase an exclusive experience at The Wolseley City for your beloved. There are various offerings available including an indulgent Champagne Weekend Afternoon Tea experience that will make put you in anyone’s good books.
Loake Shoemakers
For an elevated and refined gift For Him, look no further than Loake Shoemakers. With stunning suede and leather weekender bags, comfy leather slippers, stylish and smart gloves and a luxury leather care kit to keep shoes looking their best, there are plenty of gifting options for the man that has everything.
Donation to Theatre Deli
If you’re stuck and don’t know what to buy, how about the gift of giving on your loved one’s behalf. Theatre Deli is an incredible organisation that runs a year-round artistic programme in their venues, with performances, events, development opportunities, residencies, workshops, classes and more. All the activities are created with affordability and access in mind and they reach 10,000s of people every year without regular public funding.
Every little helps so get donating!