London truly comes alive at Christmas, and nowhere is that more evident than in its festive sweet scene. From spiced pastries and mince pie twists to luxurious chocolates and winter-inspired desserts, the city’s bakeries and cafés go all out during the festive season. Whether you’re shopping for edible gifts, planning cosy catch-ups, or simply indulging in something sweet after a winter walk, these festive treats showcase the very best of London at Christmas.
London’s Best Festive Sweets for Christmas
1. Dominique Ansel – Best for Iconic Limited-Edition Christmas Pastries
Location: 17-21 Elizabeth St, Belgravia, London SW1W 9RP
What to try:
- Christmas Cronut flavour (changes monthly)
- Gingerbread apple tart
- Peppermint hot chocolate cookie shot
Why it’s festive:
Dominique Ansel releases some of the most innovative limited-edition pastries in London every December, often selling out before midday.
Website:dominiqueansellondon.com/
2. Crosstown – Best for Festive Doughnuts
Locations: Shoreditch, Soho, Victoria + more
What to try:
- Mince Pie Doughnut
- Cranberry & Orange Doughnut
- Dark Chocolate Truffle Doughnut
Why it’s festive:
Crosstown’s seasonal doughnuts use winter spices, mulled wine reductions and rich ganaches.
Website: https://www.crosstown.co.uk/
3. Peggy Porschen – Best for Christmas Cupcakes
Location: 116 Ebury St, Belgravia
What to try:
- Snowman Vanilla Cupcake
- Mince Pie Spiced Cupcake
- Chocolate & Peppermint Cupcake
Why it’s festive:
The shop itself becomes a Christmas landmark, and the limited cake collection is designed specifically for Instagrammable moments.
Website: https://www.peggyporschen.com/
4. Said Dal 1923 – Best for Italian Hot Chocolate & Sweet Treats
Location: 29 Rathbone Pl, Fitzrovia
What to try:
- Thick Italian hot chocolate
- Hazelnut truffles
- Chocolate-dipped gingerbread
Why it’s festive:
Their triple-dipped hot chocolate is a winter essential and pairs perfectly with their handmade chocolate sweets.
Website: https://www.said.it/
5. Crème London – Best for Giant Christmas Cookies
Location: 4 Pancras Sq, King’s Cross
What to try:
- Winter Spiced White Chocolate Cookie
- Gingerbread Cookie
- Peppermint Chocolate Cookie
Why it’s festive:
These gooey, NYC-style cookies get a seasonal makeover with warming spices and festive toppings.
Website: https://cremelondon.com/
6. Pierre Marcolini – Best for Luxury Chocolates & Advent Treats
Location: 37 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4QE
What to try:
- Winter praline collection
- Festive chocolate truffles
- Luxury Advent chocolates
Why it’s festive:
A world-renowned chocolatier known for the city’s most elegant winter gift boxes.
Website: https://eu.marcolini.com/en/
7. Biscuiteers – Best for Gingerbread & Christmas Iced Biscuits
Locations: Notting Hill & Belgravia
What to try:
- Hand-iced gingerbread houses
- Nutcracker biscuit tin
- Snowflake vanilla biscuits
Why it’s festive:
Their iced collections are Christmas staples and make for beautiful edible gifts.
Website: https://www.biscuiteers.com/
8. Chestnut Bakery – Best for Festive Buns & Sweet Pastries
Locations: Covent Garden, Belgravia
What to try:
- Cinnamon Sugar Buns
- Pistachio Christmas Stars
- Festive Babka Rolls
Why it’s festive:
Expect flavourful, warming pastries infused with cardamom, cinnamon and festive nuts.
Website: https://chestnutbakery.com/
9. China Tang at The Dorchester – Best for Luxury Oriental Festive Desserts
Location: The Dorchester, Park Lane
What to try:
- Festive custard tarts
- Chocolate sesame bonbons
- Spiced lychee puddings
Why it’s festive:
This refined spot offers unique seasonal desserts inspired by Chinese patisserie.
Website:chinatanglondon.co.uk
10. Gelupo – Best for Winter Gelato Flavours
Location: 7 Archer St, Soho
What to try:
- Panettone Gelato
- Mulled Wine Sorbet
- Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato
Why it’s festive:
Their Christmas flavours are designed to mimic classic Italian festive sweets.
Website: https://gelupo.com/
Conclusion
From artisan gingerbread to luxurious truffles and giant cookies, London’s festive sweet scene offers something for every Christmas craving. If you're exploring London for the season, discover beautifully designed rental homes at Essential Living, or search available apartments.
For home inspiration and festive styling ideas, also visit Homequarters.co.uk.
FAQ: Festive Sweets in London
Where can I find the best Christmas desserts in central London?
Belgravia, Soho and Covent Garden offer some of the best festive sweets, including Peggy Porschen, Gelupo, Chestnut Bakery and Biscuiteers.
What is the most popular festive sweet in London?
Seasonal doughnuts (Crosstown), gingerbread biscuits (Biscuiteers) and Christmas cronuts (Dominique Ansel) top the list for 2025.
Which London bakeries release limited-edition Christmas treats?
Dominique Ansel, Crème, Crosstown and Peggy Porschen all release exclusive winter flavours each year.
Where can I buy festive sweets as gifts?
Pierre Marcolini, Biscuiteers and Said Dal 1923 sell beautifully packaged festive sweets and chocolate gift sets.
Are there vegan festive sweets in London?
Yes, Crosstown’s vegan mince pie doughnut and Gelupo’s dairy-free winter sorbets are great options.
