Christmas in London is a magical time... and there's no better place in the capital than Covent Garden to get into the Christmas spirit.

Don't worry if you've still got a touch of Scrooge left in you, because this year's offering in Covent Garden looks like an absolute (Christmas) blast.

From magical decorations and trees to the ultimate Christmas sandwich, you'll find everything you need to wrap yourself in tinsel and shout ho ho ho in my roundup.

Covent Garden Christmas - Festive mood

The neighborhood's main square transforms into a magical Christmas village, and there are food stalls, art installations, and exclusive restaurants for you to indulge in during the holiday season.

Warming delicacies galore

The first thing that will cause excitement is the Winter Warmer Festival.

Pop-up stands and old friends offer mulled wine and other hot drinks that will warm you up in the cold season. I'm already excited about the Mulled Rosé.

Covent Garden's many great restaurants and bars serve many different varieties of the popular drink. Laduree, Mariage Frères and Ave Mario are among the places that are upping their game for the holidays.

Christmas Sandwich Festival

Will you stick with the classic turkey and cranberries? Or with stuffing and gravy in the bread?

Whatever you like in your holiday sandwich, nothing is off the table at the Christmas Sandwich Festival in Covent Garden.

Surrounding restaurants and eateries were challenged to create the perfect Christmas sandwich...I'm excited to see who rises to the challenge.

Dolce & Gabbana Pop Up

Italian luxury fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana is bringing a festive pop-up to Covent Garden during the winter season.

Through Jan. 15, 2023, the market's piazza will host a super-instagrammatic Holiday Market where you can buy food and drinks, ready-to-wear fashion (including an exclusive T-shirt) and plenty of D&G gift ideas.

And the famous Covent Garden swing? Yes, D&G has jazzed it up with a bit of Italian flair. Buon Natale!

The sleigh
Covent Garden Santa Claus

But that's not the only Covent Garden Christmas pop-up this year. New for 2022 is a Christmas sleigh that has landed in the area. Unfortunately, though, I can't guarantee that the big man himself will be there.

The traditional sleigh, located in the south hall of the market building, is a refurbished 1884 carriage hand-painted by British artist James Gemmill.

Head out to take some happy photos.

Festive family fun

Last year, Covent Garden introduced random snow flurries as part of the Frozen pop-up - much to the delight of kids (and adults) in the area. This year it's back and we can't wait.

In addition, Covent Garden has a "Festive Thursday" shopping event every week in November and December. Here there are lots of bargains and exclusive discounts for visitors.

The London International Gospel Choir will surprise you with a gospel concert every week - so keep your ears open for their magical sounds.
Wirf einen Blick auf den Covent Garden Weihnachtsbaum

There are plenty of Christmas trees in London every year (although most are dwarfed by the tree in Trafalgar Square) - but if you want to get that all-important photo for your photos, check out the impressive Christmas tree in West Piazza.

At 60 feet tall (up from 55 feet last year), the beautiful tree towers over the rest of Covent Garden - providing a stunning backdrop for a selfie.

Covent Garden Christmas lights

Can't get enough of London's dazzling Christmas lights? Join the club. Covent Garden refuses to be outshone (literally) and is back at it again this winter.

Not only that, but the Market Building will once again be lit up with its popular giant baubles, mistletoe and mirror balls, and the Royal Opera House Arcade will be guarded by giant nutcrackers.

Practical tips for visiting Covent Garden at Christmas

Ich liebe es, Covent Garden zu Weihnachten zu besuchen… und viele andere Leute auch. Mit anderen Worten: Es kann sehr voll werden. Geh früh hin, um den Menschenmassen zu entgehen.
Viele Geschäfte bieten während der Saison Rabatte an, so dass es ein großartiger Ort ist, um Weihnachtseinkäufe zu machen, sowohl bei großen Ketten als auch bei unabhängigen Einzelhändlern.