The Journal

Belgravia is one of the wealthiest areas in London and has a long and fascinating history dating back to the early nineteenth century. Developed by Richard Grosvenor, the second Marquess of Westminster – whose family had acquired the land through a marriage in the seventeenth century – the area remained largely rural until the 1820s, when it began to be developed
 
Thomas Cubitt (also responsible for the east front of Buckingham Palace) was commissioned to design a collection of terrace houses and squares to create the elegant, stuccoed buildings for which the area is now famous. The British aristocracy, eager to own property in such a modern area, flocked to Belgravia, and the neighbourhood became home to politicians, 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 – and those looking to take advantage of the area’s flourishing rental market.
 
In more recent years, Belgravia has become home to embassies, high-end shops, and luxury hotels. It is known for its exquisite townhouses and penthouses, refined elegance, sophisticated historic buildings, and its ostentatious Christmas light displays, making it a wonderful attraction for the whole family at this festive time of year. Becoming a hub of festivity in December, with lights, cosy places to eat and drink, and even a Christmas Trail of Cheer, here we uncover some of the most exciting things to do in Belgravia at Christmas.