christmas lights in london
The festive season is upon us, and there’s no better place to soak up that twinkling Christmas magic than in the heart of London. Below are five of the best Christmas‐light displays in London for 2025, each offering a unique mood and setting — whether you’re after a stroll with hot cocoa or an evening walk with wow‐factor moments.
1. Covent Garden
A true festive classic, Covent Garden transforms into a glittering winter wonderland. For 2025, the switch‑on is scheduled for 12 November and the space will feature over 40 giant bells, a towering 40‑foot tree, sleighs and enormous baubles.
Why it's special:
The courtyard setting gives it a warm and charismatic feel — ideal for pictures, hot drinks and soaking in the atmosphere.
Amid the lights you’ll find live music, popping up events and plenty of cosy cafés.
Tip: Arrive just after dusk so you catch the lights but also still see the architecture and decorations clearly.
2. Oxford Street
If you’re after a bold, festive spectacle, you can’t miss Oxford Street. The display is one of the biggest in town and kicks off early in the season (for 2025, around 4 November).
Why it works:
Overhead stars, thousands of LED bulbs, and the bustle of London’s busiest shopping street create a real “wow” effect.
Great for pairing with some evening shopping, a meal, and seeing the lights just as darkness falls.
Tip: Try going on a weekday evening if you can to avoid the worst crowds, and wear comfortable shoes (lots of walking and sightseeing).
3. Regent Street
Regent Street brings elegance and tradition to the festive lights scene, with its famous “Spirit of Christmas” angels flying overhead.
What makes it stand out:
The arching angels create a visual signature — very London, very festive.
It’s in the heart of the West End, so you can combine lights with a show or dinner out.
Tip: To get the best photo, look for vantage points near Regent Street’s mid‑section where the angels are most visible.
4. Carnaby Street
If you’re after something a bit offbeat and artsy, Carnaby Street is for you. For 2025, expect bright colours, modern design and a twist on the traditional Christmas lights.
Highlights:
Each year has a new theme; recent displays have included neon, sculptural forms and LED installations.
Situated in Soho, it’s ideal for a fun dinner + lights combo.
Tip: Because the street is narrower and more boutique‑filled, it tends to get busy — go earlier in the evening or midweek if possible.
5. Kew Gardens (Christmas Trail)
Stepping slightly outside the city centre, Kew Gardens offers a more immersive light experience: a walk through illuminated trees, glowing tunnels and magical outdoors.
Why it’s worth the trip:
This is an event rather than just street lights – you’ll walk a trail, see installations, and feel more “enveloped” in the display.
Great for families, dates or anyone wanting something beyond window‑shopping and streets.
Tip: Book ahead (tickets required), wrap up warm (it’s outdoors), and aim for the early slot to avoid the busiest time.
📝 Practical Tips for Your Lights Tour
Best time: After twilight but before too late (say 5pm‑7pm) gives a good balance of light + ambience.
Footwear: Comfortable! You’ll likely walk several thousand steps.
Photography: Use a phone or camera with good low‑light performance. A small tripod might help if you want sharp night shots.
Weather: London evenings can be cold & damp in November/December — layered clothing recommended.
Crowds: Central London gets busy — if you prefer something calmer, try going slightly off‑peak evening.
London is packed with Christmas sparkle beyond the big names like Oxford Street and Covent Garden. Here are additional London locations that offer magical, lesser-known or uniquely themed Christmas lights displays worth visiting in 2025:
✨ 1. South Bank & Winter Festival at Southbank Centre
A riverside wonderland with twinkling lights, food stalls, and festive markets. Walk along the Thames from the London Eye to the Royal Festival Hall to see fairy-lit trees, cosy bars, and pop-up alpine lodges.
Why go: Beautiful views across the river and a festive vibe without the crowds of Oxford Circus.
Tip: Head here after visiting Covent Garden or crossing Waterloo Bridge for stunning skyline views.
✨ 2. Seven Dials
Tucked behind Covent Garden, this hidden gem has its own switch-on event and light installation. The seven streets radiating from the central monument are all individually decorated.
Why go: Quieter, more romantic, and filled with independent shops and cafés.
Perfect for: A low-key evening with mulled wine and boutique browsing.
✨ 3. Leadenhall Market
One of London’s oldest covered markets goes full Dickensian at Christmas, complete with a huge tree, wreaths, and warm golden lights reflecting off the Victorian architecture.
Why go: Feels like stepping into a Christmas movie. Less crowded than the West End.
Best for: Harry Potter fans (this was the filming location for Diagon Alley!).
✨ 4. St Katharine Docks
This hidden marina near Tower Bridge transforms into a calm, candle-lit haven with boats strung with fairy lights and a quiet festive atmosphere.
Why go: Unique setting — Christmas lights reflected in the water, far from the crowds.
Top tip: Grab a hot drink at one of the dockside cafés and enjoy the view.
✨ 5. Chelsea’s King's Road
Often overlooked, the King's Road and Sloane Square go big on elegant, classy decorations — think white lights in trees, boutique shopfronts, and glowing archways.
Why go: Less chaotic, more stylish, and feels very “local London.”
Perfect for: Couples or groups who want something more relaxed than the main hotspots.
✨ 6. Belgravia (Elizabeth Street & Motcomb Street)
Boutique heaven! These beautifully decorated shopping streets offer pastel-coloured lights, stunning shop window displays, and chic Christmas trees.
Why go: Instagrammable, charming, and luxurious.
Bonus: Nearby Pimlico Road and Eccleston Yards also get a glow-up this time of year.
✨ 7. Canary Wharf Winter Lights (late season)
Technically just after Christmas, the Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival (usually mid-Jan) features incredible light art installations and interactive displays.
Why go: A different take on Christmas lights — more modern and immersive.
Great for: Families and light-art lovers.
✨ 8. Greenwich Market & Old Royal Naval College
Greenwich Market is beautifully lit up at Christmas, with lanterns and decorated stalls, while the nearby Old Royal Naval College is bathed in light projections during special events.
Why go: A beautiful riverside setting with loads of history and festive charm.
Don't miss: Greenwich Park gives a brilliant nighttime view of the London skyline.
✨ 9. Coal Drops Yard & Granary Square (King’s Cross)
This revitalised area hosts one of the coolest modern light installations every year — from kaleidoscopic trees to light tunnels.
Why go: Artsy, creative and slightly off the beaten path.
Perfect for: A mix of Christmas shopping and trendy dining.
✨ 10. Hampstead Village & Highgate
North London goes for cosy and classy — these areas don’t go big, but the streets, pubs and local shops have a charming twinkle that makes for a peaceful evening stroll.
Why go: Quaint, quiet, and very “local London” vibes.
Top tip: Combine with a winter walk on Hampstead Heath for a snowy escape from the city bustle.
