Recently updated on August 1st, 2023 at 01:32 pm
The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us, and of course no Christmas season would be complete without a festive rom com. This year, the movie of the moment is the Last Christmas film, a rom com with a twist, inspired by George Michael’s 1984 classic Christmas sing along anthem.
Directed by Paul Feig and starring Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians) and Dame Emma Thompson, who also co-wrote the screen play for the movie, Last Christmas follows the story of protagonist Kate, who works in a Christmas shop open all year round.
But the best bit about Last Christmas’ release, is the fact that the movie spotlights London in all its twinkling, ice skating, tinsel bedecked glory. The movie is set and filmed exclusively in London, giving you the chance to fall in love all over again with some of the city’s most iconic locations.
Want to know where to head in the English capital for your slice of Last Christmas film magic? How about any of the below…
1 – Covent Garden
Top of the list for any first time visitor to the big smoke, Covent Garden is a London must, especially at Christmas time. The Last Christmas crew built an entirely new shop in Covent Garden called ‘Yuletide’ for the movie, which is where Kate works as an elf. In reality the shop does not exist, however shopping opportunities are plentiful in this historic location. From flea markets to designer boutiques, Covent Garden is one of the city’s premier shopping destinations. Street performers, cosy cafes and upmarket restaurants are also in abundance here, as are some London’s most famous theatres and performance spaces, such as the Royal Opera House.
FUN COVENT GARDEN FACT – The Theatre Royal on Drury Lane in Convent Garden is the oldest theatre in London, dating back to 1663. It’s also rumoured to be haunted with several ghosts. One of the ghosts is the famous “Man in Grey”, an 18th-century nobleman who was stabbed to death in the theatre. His skeletal remains were found in a walled-up passage in 1848. He is often seen in the upper circle moving near the royal box where his remains were discovered, wearing a tricorne hat, cape, riding boots and a sword.
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2 – Regent Street
Second only to Oxford Street as London’s most famous shopping street, it’s only right that Regent Street takes on a starring role in the Last Christmas film. To avoid the crowds that flock here year round, the cast of the movie filmed their Regent Street scenes at night, starting at midnight and working into the early hours of the morning, much to the bemusement of passing party goers.
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3 – Embankment
Stretching from Westminster to Blackfriars Bridge, Embankment comes alive at Christmas time as twinkling lights and festive markets get locals and tourists alike well and truly in the festive mood. Walking along the North Bank of the River Thames, Embankment is one of the best spots in all of the city to really appreciate the famous London skyline. Spot icons such as Big Ben, the London Eye, the Gherkin and the Houses of Parliament, then warm up at one of our favourite bars in the city, Gordon’s Wine Bar, a place you’d never know existed unless someone told you where to go.
RELATED CONTENT: How to spend 24 festive hours in London
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4 – Brixton Market
Branching away from Central London and travelling South, the Last Christmas film also shines a spotlight on lively, multicultural Brixton. In the film, Kate is kicked out of her flat on Electric Avenue, one of the busiest streets in the Brixton neighbourhood, and a good place to head for the chance to experience a little of ‘real’ London. Located at the end of the Victoria Line (Southbound), the highlight of Brixton today is undoubtedly Brixton Market. Here you can eat your heart out at some of London’s best independent restaurants, in an informal and relaxed setting, then head over to Pop Brixton for locally brewed beers and chats with locals.
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5 – Cecil Court
With its Victorian era shop frontages and quaint book shops, Cecil Court is the kind of place that lends itself perfectly to the big screen. Connecting Charing Cross Road to St. Martin’s Lane, this cobbled street is home to over 20 second hand bookstores, giving it the appropriate nickname ‘Booksellers’ Row’. Walking here feels like taking a stroll down memory lane, helped along by the antiquarian stores selling everything from maps, to classic first editions, to one of a kind jewellery.Â
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6 – Alexandra Palace
Dating back to 1863, Grade II listed Alexandra Palace in Muswell Hill, Haringey, has been entertaining Londoners for almost 150 years. Today it is one of the city’s most popular music venues – if you’ve ever heard people talking about ‘Ally Pally’, this is where they mean. And of course it is also the home of the Alexandra Palace ice rink, which is instantly recognisable in the Last Christmas film.Â
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Feel like a little last minute trip to London for a spot of Christmas shopping and movie magic? Trafalgar’s London Explorer trip will have you seeing all of the icons, from Westminster Abbey, to Buckingham Palace.