As the Christmas season approaches, one of the easiest ways to get into the holiday spirit is hunting for the best Christmas lights, and London is THE place to do it! From festive displays to twinkle lights lining the streets, London is absolutely transformed around the holiday season!
Having lived in London for two years, my friend and I made it a yearly tradition to explore the city for an evening, searching for the best Christmas light displays around the city. Between the iconic storefronts, charming Christmas markets, and famous streets decked out in festive décor, it’s easy to see that the city loves celebrating the holidays.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to experience London in winter, this guide will help you find some of the most festive spots to enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations.
Keep reading to discover my top recommendations for where to see Christmas lights in London, and start planning your trip now!
*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips for visiting London during the holidays:
📍 Book well in advance! It might seem obvious, but Christmas in London is a massive affair, and is one of the most popular times to visit the city. With its festivities, colourful lights, and numerous events – its a beautiful time to visit and things tend to book up quickly! This includes hotels, West End shows, and special holiday events. Do yourself a favor and book your accommodations, tickets, and activities as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
📆 Plan your visit for the end of November! Most of the Christmas lights in London start going up between early and mid-November. If you’re interested in attending lighting ceremonies, Regent Street and Leadenhall Market host fun events (more details below!). But for those just looking to be around for Christmas spirit, planning your trip for the end of November is a great choice when all the lights are officially up.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Bruges Christmas Market: FAQs & Visiting Tips
🎄 There is more to see than just Christmas lights! From holiday-themed afternoon teas, to Christmas shows, to nightly markets and special tours – there is A LOT going on in London around the holidays. If you’re planning to visit during this time of the year, make sure to enjoy all the city has to offer! This includes outdoor skating rinks, holiday markets, outdoor events such as Winter Wonderland or Christmas at Kew and so much more!
BEST spots to see Christmas lights in London
Regent Street
You can’t talk about Christmas lights in London without mentioning Regent Street! Home to one of the most iconic Christmas displays, the street is transformed by stunning sweeping angels creating a warm canopy of lights. During my time in London, the street was closed to traffic and completely open to pedestrians to fully enjoy the festive experience.
The Regent Street Christmas lights will be turned on November 7th, 2024! This is normally quite the affair – featuring a concert, fireworks and a countdown leading up to the official lighting! This was probably our favourite Christmas display – despite the crowds its worth the visit!
✨ Top off your festive experience with a visit to Hamley’s Toy Store! This is the oldest toy shop in the world, perfect for last minute holiday shopping.
Fortnum and Mason
Fortnum and Mason is decorated all year round, but they definitely pump things up with Christmas spirit around the holidays. During our time in London, the storefront’s facade was designed to look like an advent calendar, with illuminated windows counting down to Christmas Day. They are especially known for their window displays – don’t forget to take a look and admire incredible attention to detail.
Don’t forget to pop inside for some Christmas shopping—their hampers, ornaments and seasonal goodies are perfect gifts to take home! Every year, the Christmas preparations take place from the beginning of November!
✨ Pair this with a visit to Buckingham Palace! Less than a 15-minute walk away from Fortnum and Mason is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Most visitors visit for the changing of the guard or appreciate it from outside, but if you can, I highly recommend taking a tour inside – I’m so glad we did it! It was probably the best palace tour I’ve ever done!
Burlington Arcade
To be clear, the Burlington Arcade is not the place to find a pinball machine. An ‘arcade’ is a covered shopping street! And this particular arcade is simply beautiful at Christmas time and probably one of my favourite hidden gems in London! The shops are all draped in lights and garland, with a large gold ribbon flowing overhead and twinkle lights dangling from the glass ceiling. It’s just so festive and charming, perfect for a quick indoor break on your hunt for Christmas lights!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How to spend the BEST Christmas in Alsace
Seven Dials
Another wonderful twinkling display is found in London’s theatre district. Seven Dials decorates its streets with a new theme each year. In 2019, the theme was “Stars” and the entire neighbourhood was draped in a blanket of hanging stars and snowflakes. In 2020 and 2021, the theme was “Festive Woodland” and I can’t wait to see what theme Christmas 2024 with bring!
In 2024, the lights will switch on November 12th and stay lit until early January!
✨ Why not visit a West End show while you’re there? One of my favourite apps from living in London helped us find amazing deals on last-minute theatre tickets. I highly recommend checking out TodayTix if you’re interested in seeing a show in London!
Covent Garden
I love visiting Covent Garden no matter the time of year. And at Christmas, it is also home to the largest Christmas tree in London! Decorations vary from year to year, but you can find some of the largest decorations inside the market! While we were there, we saw some giant mistletoe chandeliers paired with enormous baubles.
They even surprise visitors with daily ‘snow showers’. It’s unclear to me how they actually do this but it’s their way of making the season feel a little more magical! The lights will be switched on at Covent Garden on November 12th, 2024!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Which markets in London are the best?
Leicester Square
Leicester Square transforms into a Christmas market each holiday season with gingerbread-style booths selling everything from warm drinks to handmade gifts to tasty treats. It’s also the perfect spot to catch a show. When I was last there, I was able to enjoy listening to carolers while drinking mulled wine and shopping for stocking stuffers. What’s more Christmassy than that!?
The Christmas Market is due to take place from November 6th, 2024 until January 5th, 2025!
✨ Add a Christmas theme bus tour to your itinerary! Not too far from Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square, there are a few options for festive bus tours that will take you to some of the top spots to admire the Christmas lights in London. I’ve looked through a few reviews and this one has pretty impressive reviews considering almost two thousand people have taken the tour!
Harrods
Although the Harrods Department Store is known for having beautiful bright lights on its facade all year round, its a must-see during the holiday season. At Christmas, they amp things up a bit by adding trees, extra decorations and some pretty impressive window displays.
But I think the true holiday experience can be found inside! It’s often decorated from floor to ceiling and has Christmas displays as far as the eye can see! If you’re a fan of holiday shopping, this is the place to be. Christmas mode will be fully activated at Harrods the beginning of November!
✨ Combine this with an evening at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. For a full winter festivel, complete with rides, games and attractions head to Hyde Park! You’ll need to book tickets in advance – learn more about Winter Wonderland here!
Carnaby
Carnaby is another spot that is often well-lit all year around. Similar to other spots, their displays usually follow a theme however they are known to be super colourful and eccentric! In the past, they’ve had themes centred around marine life and most recently, the Carnaby Kaleidoscope, which filled the streets with brightly coloured butterflies!
The lights will be switched on at Carnaby on November 7th 2024 and they celebrate with a Christmas Shopping Party! Typically, on the day of the lights being switched on, many restaurants and shops in the area all participate in a sale! The evening can be spent enjoying the discounts, live music and giveaway! You can find out more and grab your tickets for the even here!
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is always a magical spot, but it’s even more enchanting during the holidays. Known for its Harry Potter filming connections, the market is draped in garlands and hosts a gorgeous Christmas tree at its center. The lights will be switched on November 14th, 2024, at 5:30 pm – its one of the coziest spots to find Christmas lights in London!
✨ Major Harry Potter fan? Combine this spot with a Harry Potter experience! Whether you make the trip out the the Harry Potter Studios in Watford or you visit iconic filming spots in London, there are lots of Harry Potter experiences to enjoy!
New Bond Street & Mayfair
These luxury areas are home to some of the most elegant decorations, displays and Christmas lights in London. Luxury brands like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Scotts, and Annabel’s all go above and beyond with their storefront displays – its definitely worth a visit even if you’re just window shopping. The best way to experience these neighbourhoods is to wander the streets and see what other shops have impressive decorations to admire. Most decorations will be fully ready by [2024 dates TBD]!
Christmas Lights in London: MOBILE-FRIENDLY GUIDE
Looking for a mobile-friendly version of this list? Save my FREE Thatch guide!
🔎 Looking for help planning your trip to London? I’ve successfully helped several travelers, just like you, craft their dream trip to London. Whether you’re looking for personalized recommendations, a customized itinerary or a consultation call, I’d love to help you make the most of your trip. Click HIRE ME to learn more about my travel planning services!
Ready to find the best Christmas lights in London?
This list is just the tip of the iceberg! Fortunately, there are countless ways to enjoy Christmas in London. You can explore the festive fun at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, ice skate in front of the Natural History Museum, or experience the magical light display at Kew Gardens.
No matter what you choose, don’t miss the chance to simply wander the streets and soak in the free Christmas light displays all over the city. London truly transforms into a a magical place this time of year, making it one of my favourite holiday destinations!
If you enjoyed this guide and want a more travel-friendly version, be sure to save my FREE Hunting for Christmas Lights in London Guide! It’s the perfect companion while you’re out and about exploring the best lights in the city.
If you’re looking for a more tailored experience, I offer custom travel planning services on Thatch! Like with other clients I can help you can build your dream itinerary, discuss your trip details, or receive personalized recommendations. I’d love to help make your trip to London a memorable one!
