Wondering what to wear in London for Christmas? This guide shows you exactly how to dress warm and festive for every holiday plan.
London winters require cozy layers, warm coats, chic holiday outfits, and the right accessories to keep you comfortable while exploring.
In this post, you’ll learn how to stay warm during Christmas markets, holiday dinners, and nighttime events without sacrificing style.
You’ll get practical winter outfit formulas that make dressing for London at Christmas easy and enjoyable.
This post is all about what to wear in London for Christmas.
What to Wear in London for Christmas
Weather & Climate 🌫️
London on Christmas Day is cold, often damp, and occasionally frosty. Expect temperatures between 3°C and 8°C (37°F to 46°F), with plenty of cloud cover.
Rain is possible, and the air often feels colder than the thermometer suggests. There may be misty mornings and chilly evenings, so it’s important to dress in layers that keep you warm from brunch to a late-night stroll past holiday lights.
Cheerful Puffer Jacket Look for Festive Outdoor Days
Bright outerwear meets playful plaid and navy layers—this outfit is made for chilly days and Christmas markets.
✨ Get the Look:
Red Puffer Coat 🔴 / Navy Cable Sweater 💙 / Tartan Scarf 🧣 / Dark Wash Skinny Jeans 👖 / White Pom Knit Hat ❄️ / Tan Fur-Lined Boots
How Locals Dress ✨
Londoners dress smartly but comfortably on Christmas. For daytime walks or casual meals, think wool coats, chunky knits, and waterproof boots.
For Christmas lunch or mass, outfits lean toward tailored dresses, dress trousers, or a cashmere sweater over a collared shirt. Even in festive moments, style is elegant and unfussy. Add subtle sparkle or rich textures like velvet or tweed for a seasonal touch.
Bold Red Puffer & Burberry-Inspired Scarf for Holiday Street Style
A statement red puffer meets cozy neutrals and distressed denim, adding playful edge to your Christmas day look in Europe.
✨ Get the Look:
Glossy Red Puffer Jacket 🎄 / Camel Knit Sweater 🤎 / Light Ripped Skinny Jeans 👖 / Plaid Scarf 🧣 / Taupe Combat Boots 🥾 / Ribbed Taupe Beanie 🧶
Neutral Winter Outfit for Mild Holiday Weather
This soft, beige-toned winter look balances warmth and minimalism—ideal for sunny yet chilly days in Europe or Vegas.
✨ Get the Look:
Beige Puffer Coat 🧥 / Tan Knit Sweater ☕ / White High-Waisted Jeans 🤍 / Light Gray Beanie 🎩 / Off-White Lace-Up Boots 👢
Outerwear 🧥
A wool-blend coat is ideal: warm, elegant, and easy to dress up or down. Choose one in a festive tone like deep red, navy, or forest green—or stay classic in camel or black.
If you’re outdoors a lot (visiting Christmas markets, walking by the Thames), a lined trench or hooded parka will help in light rain. A coat with a belt or fitted silhouette keeps you polished even over chunky layers.
Shearling Aviator Jacket with Red Sweater Dress for Festive Nights
This cozy-glam outfit balances a bold red knit dress with a structured shearling jacket—ideal for Christmas markets or evening dinners.
✨ Get the Look:
Brown Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket 🧥 / Red Turtleneck Sweater Dress 🎄 / Black Tights 🖤 / Black Lace-Up Chunky Boots 👢 / Glossy Red Handbag ❤️
Layers & Fabrics 🧵
Start with a base layer like a thermal tee or long-sleeve jersey, then layer with a knit sweater or cardigan. Choose merino wool, cashmere, or brushed cotton for softness and warmth.
A velvet blazer or festive topcoat adds instant holiday charm. Focus on layers that work in both heated indoor spaces and crisp outdoor air.
Cream Wool Coat & Red Knit Combo for Stylish Christmas Strolls
This polished winter ensemble layers a bold red knit with wide wool outerwear and denim, perfect for London’s festive social calendar.
✨ Get the Look:
Cream Wool Overcoat 🤍 / Red Knit Sweater 🎁 / Light Wash Jeans 👖 / Nude Ankle Boots 👢 / Red Knit Scarf 🧣 / Large Brown Tote 👜
Tops 👚
For daytime, go with a cozy turtleneck, plaid flannel shirt, or classic knit pullover. For meals or events, elevate your look with a silk blouse, lace-trimmed top, or a subtly shimmery holiday sweater.
Stick to tops that layer well and feel festive without going full novelty jumper—unless you’re embracing the charm of a Christmas jumper party, of course.
Bold Red & Sleek Black for Holiday Glamour
This standout combination of a textured red sweater and black thigh-high boots brings confident festive charm to your winter gatherings.
✨ Get the Look:
Red Cable Knit Sweater ❤️ / Black Skinny Pants 🖤 / Over-the-Knee Suede Boots 👢 / Pom-Pom Knit Hat ❄️ / Small Black Quilted Purse 👜
Bottoms 👖
Wool trousers, corduroy pants, or tailored jeans in a dark wash work beautifully. For a holiday meal or gathering, opt for pleated culottes or wide-leg slacks.
Comfort matters—Christmas in London is full of walking, sitting, and mingling. Add thermal leggings under trousers if the cold bites harder than expected.
Faux Leather Leggings & Plaid Scarf for Festive London Layers
This holiday-ready outfit pairs glossy leggings with a cozy red knit and layered plaid accents for a festive vibe that’s both stylish and warm.
✨ Get the Look:
Black Quilted Parka with Faux Fur Trim 🖤 / Red Knit Sweater ❤️ / Black Faux Leather Leggings 🧷 / Cream Pom-Pom Beanie ❄️ / Red and Navy Tartan Scarf 🧣 / White Platform Winter Boots 👢 / Red Knit Socks 🔴
Dresses 👗
Opt for a sweater dress, midi knit dress, or velvet wrap dress—pieces that offer both style and comfort. A plaid midi or festive floral dress works well for church or lunch.
Layer with wool tights and ankle boots. Add a statement earring or jewel-tone headband to complete the holiday look.
Statement Sweater Dress for a Stylish Celebration
Comfortable yet festive, this vibrant red sweater dress is paired with dramatic thigh-high boots and neutral accessories—ideal for a winter dinner or show.
✨ Get the Look:
Red Knit Sweater Dress 🎄 / Tall Black Heeled Boots 👢 / Beige Check Scarf 🧣 / Red Beanie with Grey Pom 🧶 / Black Crossbody Bag 🖤
Shoes 👢
Leather ankle boots or flat knee-high boots are ideal for walking and warmth. Heeled boots or loafers work indoors or for a dressier vibe. Opt for waterproof styles—puddles are always possible in London.
For Christmas Day spent at home or a hotel, festive slippers or velvet flats are both cozy and chic.
Festive Red & Black for Effortless Holiday Glam
A bold red knit and sleek black pairings make this a go-to look for cozy yet polished Christmas city strolls.
✨ Get the Look:
Chunky Red Cable Sweater 🎄 / Black Skinny Jeans 🖤 / Black Suede Knee-High Boots 👢 / White Pom-Pom Beanie ❄️ / Quilted Black Crossbody 👜
Accessories 🧣
Add a soft wool scarf, cashmere beanie, and leather gloves to your ensemble. A structured handbag or mini crossbody works for Christmas Day outings.
Sparkly earrings, a velvet clutch, or a statement brooch bring a subtle holiday twist. If you’re outdoors a lot, a hooded coat or foldable umbrella is essential.
Textured Black & Bold Red for Luxe Winter Parties
This glamorous winter outfit blends edgy textures with holiday-ready red accessories, perfect for seasonal soirées or dressy dinners.
✨ Get the Look:
Fuzzy Black Faux Fur Jacket 🖤 / Black Turtleneck Top 🧥 / Black Leather Pants 👖 / Red Knit Pom Beanie ❤️ / Red Quilted Shoulder Bag 👜
Color Palette & Style Vibe 🎨
Think rich holiday tones—deep red, pine green, navy, burgundy, and gold. Neutrals like cream, camel, and charcoal provide a soft winter base. The overall style vibe is festive sophistication—not overdone, just quietly elegant.
Think textures (velvet, wool, satin) more than sequins, and layers that feel just as lovely as they look.
Modern Holiday Outfit with Creams and Pops of Red
This outfit plays with contrast—cozy white tones meet a statement red sweater for the ultimate festive daywear vibe.
✨ Get the Look:
Long Ivory Coat 🤍 / Bright Red Knit Sweater ❤️ / Light Wash Wide-Leg Jeans 👖 / Ivory Block Heel Booties 👢 / Brown Tote Bag 👜
Daytime vs Evening Outfits 🌞🌙
During the day, aim for warmth with layered knits, boots, and a smart coat. Whether walking through Regent Street or visiting a Christmas market, practicality counts.
In the evening, dress it up with a velvet dress or tailored blouse and trousers, swapping scarves for jewelry and boots for heeled shoes. Even at home, Londoners dress a bit smart for Christmas dinner—it’s a tradition of understated refinement.
Layered Neutrals with a Pop of Holiday Plaid
This look layers textures and festive prints for a cozy, cheerful outfit that’s ideal for winter dinners and events.
✨ Get the Look:
Camel Teddy Coat 🧸 / Cream Knit Sweater 🧵 / Red Plaid Scarf 🧣 / Cream Ribbed Beanie ❄️ / Red Pattern Mittens 🧤
Common Mistakes / What to Avoid 🚫
Don’t rely on one bulky jumper all day—it won’t suit all settings. Skip stilettos or anything open-toe unless you’re staying indoors. Avoid flimsy coats that won’t block the wind or drizzle.
And while festive is great, avoid novelty gear unless it’s for a themed party—Londoners lean chic over kitschy.
Final Tips & Best Practices ✅
Plan outfits that work from day to night and across indoor and outdoor settings. Bring one statement piece—a velvet blazer, holiday dress, or jewel-toned coat—and anchor it with classic, warm layers.
Add festive accessories rather than full outfits, and focus on feeling polished, warm, and celebration-ready.
Final Outfit Checklist 📝
On Christmas Day in London, wear a wool coat or tailored trench over a cozy knit or holiday blouse, paired with wool trousers or a midi dress with tights, finished with ankle boots or healed loafers, topped with a wool scarf, gloves, and festive jewelry—ensuring your holiday looks are stylish, seasonally elegant, and comfortably warm.
