Why London and New York Are the Two Christmas City Breaks to Compare
These are the two big-city Christmas trips Canadians ask about most. They look similar on a postcard, but the trip you actually take is different. Four things decide which one fits.
Flight time is the biggest gap
New York is roughly two hours from Toronto and Montreal, so a long weekend works. London is an overnight flight of about seven hours from Toronto, which makes a week a better fit than three days. Check the exact schedule for your airport.
Both peak in the same few days
Hotel rates and flights in both cities climb around December 20 to January 2. The days either side of that window are often cheaper, so moving your dates by a day or two can change the total more than changing the city.
Christmas Day works differently in each city
In London most shops, many attractions and the Tube do not run on December 25, and the shopping returns on Boxing Day. New York keeps more going, with the subway running every day and many restaurants open. Plan your Christmas Day before you book the hotel.
The currency and entry rules differ
London prices are in pounds and New York prices are in US dollars, so the Canadian-dollar total moves with the exchange rate. Canadians need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation for London and no visa for New York. Confirm both on the government sites before you pay.
London vs. New York at Christmas: Side by Side
Here is how the two compare for a Canadian traveller. Treat it as a guide, because prices and opening hours change every year. To see current totals, search vacation packages for your dates.
Flight from Toronto
LondonAbout 7 hours, usually overnightNew YorkAbout 1.5 to 2 hoursEntry for Canadians
LondonUK Electronic Travel Authorisation, apply before you flyNew YorkNo visa. Bring a valid passportTypical December weather
LondonCool and damp, often just above freezing to mildNew YorkColder, with a real chance of snowChristmas highlights
LondonOxford Street and Regent Street lights, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Christmas marketsNew YorkRockefeller Center tree, Fifth Avenue windows, Bryant Park Winter Village, skatingChristmas Day
LondonMost shops, many attractions and the Tube are closedNew YorkSubway runs, many restaurants and some attractions are openBoxing Day
LondonBig sales and a busy shopping dayNew YorkPost-Christmas sales, but not a major holidayCurrency
LondonBritish pounds (GBP)New YorkUS dollars (USD), plus sales tax added at the tillBest for
LondonA week-long trip, first Europe Christmas, markets and historyNew YorkA long weekend, families, first big-city ChristmasWhere to look
LondonCompare packages from Canadian travel sitesNew YorkCompare packages from Canadian travel sites
Flight times and weather are typical, not guaranteed. Event dates and opening hours change every year, so check each venue. Prices are not shown here because they move daily. Compare live prices for your dates.
What to Check Before You Book a Christmas City Break
These five checks usually decide which city is the better value for your trip.
Your exact dates
Shift your departure and return by a day or two and compare again. The cheapest days are often just before the December 20 peak or just after New Year's.
Your departure airport
Toronto and Montreal have the most choice to both cities. From Vancouver or Calgary, New York is a long flight too, so compare the time and the price together.
Where the hotel is
A hotel next to a Tube or subway line can save more than a cheaper one far out. In London check the zone, and in New York check the walk to the subway.
Fees and taxes on top
New York adds sales tax and often a hotel fee. London hotel prices usually include tax. Compare totals, not nightly rates.
Cancellation and insurance
Winter weather can delay flights in both cities. Check the change and cancellation terms, and whether your travel insurance covers delays.
COMPARE YOUR DATES
See Christmas Trip Prices Side by Side
Enter your departure city and December dates. TripRadr shows the same trip priced across Canadian travel sites so you can see where it costs least.
How to Choose and Book Your Christmas City Break
Choose New York for a short trip
With a flight of about two hours, you lose very little time to travel, so three or four nights works.
Choose London for a week or more
The overnight flight and time difference are easier to absorb over a longer stay, and the markets and Boxing Day reward the time.
Book as early as you can
The days around December 25 are the most expensive and sell out first. Read our guide on how far ahead to book Christmas and March Break.
Test dates either side of the peak
Compare leaving a day or two earlier or later. Small changes can save more than switching cities.
Plan Christmas Day in advance
Book a Christmas Day meal and check what is open. In London especially, plan around the Tube closure.
Compare the total, not the nightly rate
Add flights, hotel, taxes and fees. Compare vacation packages to see the combined price, and see what a package price includes.
Set a price alert
If your dates are fixed but you are not ready to book, an alert tells you when the price drops.
London and New York at Christmas FAQ
Is London or New York cheaper at Christmas from Canada?
It depends on your dates and departure city, so there is no single answer. New York has a shorter and usually cheaper flight from Toronto and Montreal, while London hotels often include tax. Both cost the most around December 20 to January 2. The reliable way to know is to compare live prices for the same dates.
How long is the flight from Canada to London and New York?
From Toronto, New York is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours and London is about 7 hours, usually overnight. Flights from Vancouver and Calgary are longer for both. Always check the schedule for your airport and date, because routes and durations vary.
Do Canadians need a visa for London or New York?
Canadians do not need a visa for New York, but you need a valid passport. For London, Canadians need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling. Entry rules change, so confirm both on the official government travel pages before you book.
What is open on Christmas Day in London and New York?
In London, most shops and many attractions are closed on December 25 and the Tube does not run. In New York, the subway keeps running and many restaurants and some attractions are open. Check each venue, because hours change every year.
When should I book a Christmas trip to London or New York?
Book as early as you can, because the days around December 25 are the most expensive and sell out first. Booking about 4 to 6 months ahead is a common target for holiday dates. Our guide on booking for Christmas and March Break has more.
Can I compare London and New York packages on TripRadr?
TripRadr compares vacation packages across Canadian travel sites for the same dates and departure airport. Use compare vacation packages to see what is available for your trip, and see how TripRadr works.