London's West End sees increased festive footfall

"Getty Images Footfall in London's West End reached its highest level since 2020 over the 2025 festive season, new figures show. The Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) said visitor numbers in December were up 19% on the same month in 2024 across its central London district. The area, which includes Piccadilly, Leicester Square and Haymarket, also recorded longer visits, with people staying an average of 42 minutes more than in December 2024."

"Although the HOLBA area accounts for about 12% of the wider West End, it contributes more than 12.8bn to the UK economy, supports more than 117,000 jobs and attracts about 83 million visitors a year, the body said. Its deputy chief executive, Mark Williams, said: "Today's figures show that London's West End continues to outperform national trends, with visitor numbers on the rise.""

Footfall in London's West End reached its highest level since 2020 during the 2025 festive season. Visitor numbers in December were up 19% on the same month in 2024 across the central HOLBA district. Footfall during December 2025 was 20% above the average recorded between 2022 and 2024, and between 15 and 29 December visits were 35% higher than the post-pandemic average. Average dwell time rose by 42 minutes to two hours and 38 minutes, with the largest increases on Sundays and Mondays. The HOLBA area accounts for about 12% of the wider West End but contributes more than 12.8bn to the UK economy, supports over 117,000 jobs and attracts about 83 million visitors a year. Despite the recovery and growth of the experience economy, businesses face pressures from rising business rates and operating costs.

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