Belgravia is one of the wealthiest areas in London and it has a long and fascinating history dating back to the early nineteenth century. Belgravia was developed by Richard Grosvenor, the second Marquess of Westminster. The Grosvenor family had acquired the land through a marriage in the seventeenth century and it had remained largely a rural setting until the 1820s when they began to develop it.
The Marquess commissioned the architect Thomas Cubitt (also responsible for the east front of Buckingham Palace) to design a collection of terrace houses and squares to create the elegant, stuccoed buildings for which the area is now famous. The British elite flocked to Belgravia and the neighbourhood became home to aristocrats, diplomats, and wealthy industrialists, remaining a bastion of wealth and privilege ever since. Following World War Two, however, the demographic shifted slightly away from aristocrats to international buyers and business people.
In more recent years, Belgravia has become home to embassies, high-end shops, and luxury hotels. It is known for its refined elegance, gorgeous historic buildings and its ostentatious Christmas light displays, making it a wonderful attraction for the whole family at this festive time of year. Belgravia becomes a hub of festivity in December, with lights, cosy places to eat and drink, and even a Christmas Trail of Cheer. Below we explore some of the most exciting things to do in Belgravia at Christmas.
Christmas Light Switch On
Every year, festivities in Belgravia are launched by a spectacular Christmas Light Switch On event. This takes place on Pimlico Road, Elizabeth Street, and Motcomb Street accompanied by music, a market, and Father Christmas and his reindeer. The Switch On is usually hosted by a member of the Grosvenor family (which will please those interested in the history of the area) and sometimes by a celebrity. For example, in 2019, the lights were switched on by Jim Carter, who starred in the hit show, Downton Abbey.
The Trail of Cheer
The Trail of Cheer leads revellers through the twinkling streets of Belgravia, stopping to see the stunning window displays in the area’s boutique shops, Christmas trees, light displays, and window decorations. There are plenty of opportunities along the way to enjoy festive treats and themed activities hosted by local businesses partaking in the festive spirit. Sometimes there are even scavenger hunts or photo opportunities, making the event even more delightful for families. Along the way, there are carol singers, musicians, and performances. The event combines the traditional charm of Belgravia with the joy of the Christmas season.
Where To Eat And Drink During Christmas In Belgravia
There is no shortage of places to eat and drink in Belgravia, and this Christmas season you might consider getting cosy and enjoying at one of the venues listed below.
The Thomas Cubitt
One can celebrate the heritage of the area at this characterful pub, with its wood panelling, fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling French doors, and its gorgeous solid oak bar. The pub serves a range of cocktails and warming spirits and is the perfect place to settle in for the evening after finishing the Trail of Cheer.
The Library Bar at the Lanesborough
This is a simply exquisite spot to stop and recuperate from the toils of the festive season. With beautiful neoclassical surroundings and an impressive collection of vintage cognacs, this pub is located on Hyde Park Corner, perfect for those who have just finished their Christmas shopping and want to unwind before hitting the twinkling streets of Belgravia.
Buns from Home
For those wanting a sweet treat, Buns from Home is a fantastic bakery that started as a home cooking endeavour in 2020 and is now a bricks-and-mortar experience. Buns at Home specialise in hand rolled laminated buns and their cinnamon variety is the perfect treat for a cold, Christmassy day or evening.
Harry’s
This lovely restaurant is nestled on the corner of Grosvenor Gardens and features two terraces, an open restaurant, and a raised bar area. They serve food all day, from breakfast through to dinner and their terrace is the perfect place to sit and watch the sparkling lights on a brisk, winter’s evening.
Peggy Porschen
For coffee fiends, Peggy Porschen is a must-visit. This exquisite bright pink boutique coffee shop serves divine hot beverages and the prettiest cakes you’ve ever seen, so you can drop in to warm up after a bracing Christmas walk.
Christmas Gifts in Belgravia
With a wide variety of boutique shops, Belgravia is the place to get all your Christmas shopping finished. However, the area also benefits from Christmas Markets selling handcrafted wares. The market features an array of one-of-a-kind ceramics, as well as other artisanal objects. If you want to gift something truly unique then don’t miss these wonderful markets.
Belgravia offers the perfect setting for a truly picturesque Christmas, with its historic charm, winding streets, quaint boutique shops, and pretty open squares. One could hardly dream of a better place to spend an evening or an afternoon with family and friends during the festive season. Whether it’s to watch the Christmas lights being switched on, to meander and browse through all the shopping opportunities the area offers, or to stop and have something to eat and drink, this festive season in Belgravia will have you ready to celebrate.
