Discover the Best Place to See Christmas Lights in London This Year
- comedyinyoureye
- 2 hours ago
- 11 min read
London really goes all out at Christmas, doesn't it? It feels like every street corner is twinkling with something festive. If you're wondering where to find the best place to see Christmas lights in London this year, you've landed in the right spot. It can get a bit much with so many options, so I've put together a little guide to help you find the most dazzling displays without all the fuss. Get ready to soak up that Christmas magic!
Key Takeaways
Oxford Street offers a canopy of lights, forming the backbone of London's Christmas glow.
Regent Street is known for its extravagant 'Spirit of Christmas' angels, making it very photogenic.
Covent Garden provides a magical atmosphere with giant baubles, bells, and a huge Christmas tree.
Kew Gardens offers a unique botanical light trail experience, a bit different from the city centre.
Carnaby Street presents bold, contemporary light displays with groovy colours, perfect for a modern vibe.
1. Oxford Street
Right then, let's talk about Oxford Street. This place is basically the main artery for Christmas lights in London, and honestly, it’s hard to miss. The sheer scale of the lights stretching overhead creates a proper canopy of sparkle, making it feel like you're walking through a tunnel of pure festive cheer. It’s one of the first places to get its lights switched on, usually kicking things off in early November, so you can get your dose of Christmas early doors.
Getting there is a doddle, too. You can hop off at Oxford Circus, Bond Street, or Marble Arch on the Tube, depending on where you want to start your stroll. It’s a good idea to aim for the early evening on a weekday if you can, just to avoid the biggest crush of people. You know how it gets – packed!
Getting the Most Out of Your Visit:
Timing is Key: Aim for early November for the switch-on and try to visit on a weekday evening to dodge the worst of the crowds.
Transport: The Underground is your best bet. Lines like the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria all stop right here.
Beyond the Lights: If you've had your fill of the dazzling displays, you're perfectly placed to wander down towards Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland, which is always a good shout.
Oxford Street really sets the tone for the whole city's festive decorations. It's a classic for a reason, drawing in crowds year after year with its impressive light installations that drape across the entire street, making it a truly iconic spot to begin your Christmas light tour.
2. Regent Street
Regent Street is a bit of a classic when it comes to London's Christmas lights, and for good reason. It's just a stone's throw from Oxford Street, curving its way down towards Piccadilly Circus. The Georgian architecture along the street really suits the festive sparkle, making the whole area feel quite grand.
The main draw here is the 'Spirit of Christmas' display, featuring a whole host of angels. Honestly, they're probably the most impressive light installation you'll find anywhere in the city. It's the kind of display that makes you want to stop and take loads of photos – definitely one for the 'gram.
Here's what makes Regent Street special:
The Angels: These aren't just any lights; they're a whole spectacle that really captures the festive spirit.
Architectural Harmony: The lights complement the elegant buildings, creating a beautiful, cohesive look.
Photogenic Charm: It's one of those places where every angle seems to be perfect for a festive snap.
While you're in the area, it's worth popping into Liberty London. Their Christmas decorations are usually something else, offering a bit of festive escapism and some lovely gift ideas.
3. Covent Garden
Covent Garden really goes all out for Christmas, and it's definitely one of the most atmospheric spots you can visit. The main Piazza is usually dominated by a massive Christmas tree, often standing at an impressive 55 feet tall. Around it, you'll find a dazzling display of decorations – think giant bells and enormous baubles, plus some spinning balls that add a bit of movement to the scene. It's a proper festive feast for the eyes.
Beyond the main square, the nearby Seven Dials area offers a slightly different vibe. It's a bit more intimate, with its charming cobblestone streets and smaller shops. The lights here aren't as grand as in the West End, but they create a lovely, cosy feel, perfect if you prefer something a little less overwhelming.
Covent Garden is a must-do for anyone wanting to experience the magic of Christmas in London. It is arguably the most atmospheric Christmas spot.
If you're looking for a treat while you're there, you're in luck. You can grab a hot chocolate from Hotel Chocolat, or if you're feeling a bit more indulgent, try the festive specials at places like Santa Nata or Chestnut Bakery. It’s a great place to soak up the Christmas spirit, especially when combined with a visit to the Christmas market that's usually set up there.
Here's what you can typically expect:
A huge Christmas tree in the Piazza.
Dozens of giant bells and baubles.
A vibrant Christmas market.
A more intimate light display in Seven Dials.
Plenty of food and drink options to warm you up.
4. Kew Gardens
If you're after something a bit different from the usual street displays, Kew Gardens is a fantastic option. They put on what they call 'Christmas at Kew', and it's really something special. It's not just about hanging lights on trees; they use the whole botanical garden as a canvas. Think glowing pathways, illuminated plant structures, and light projections that make the place look totally magical.
It feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of central London, offering a more serene, nature-focused festive experience. They often have a specific light trail you follow, which is great for a wander.
This is London's original light trail, and it really showcases botanical artistry.
Here's what you can generally expect:
Illuminated Trails: Follow a set path through the gardens, lit up with dazzling displays.
Botanical Projections: Lights are often projected onto the trees and glasshouses, creating stunning visual effects.
Festive Food & Drink: Usually, there are stalls selling seasonal treats and warm drinks to enjoy.
Family-Friendly: It's a great outing for all ages, though it can get busy.
Make sure you book your tickets well in advance. They tend to sell out quickly, especially on weekends, and you'll need a timed entry slot. It's definitely worth planning ahead for this one to avoid disappointment.
5. Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street in Soho always brings something a bit different to the Christmas light scene. This year, the theme is 'All is Bright', a fresh take on last year's 'Into the Light'. Forget traditional baubles and bows; here, you'll find massive, 6-metre long geometric shapes hanging overhead. They're done in these really cool, vibrant colours that just scream modern London and fit the Soho vibe perfectly. If you're after something that feels a bit more edgy and contemporary, this is definitely the spot.
It's a great place to wander and soak up the atmosphere. The whole area feels alive with energy, and the lights really add to that.
Carnaby Street's light display offers a refreshing, modern twist on festive decorations, making it a standout choice for those seeking something beyond the usual.
After you've had your fill of the lights, don't forget to explore the nearby Kingly Court. It's a fantastic little spot for grabbing a festive drink or a bite to eat, rounding off your visit nicely.
6. Bond Street
Bond Street is definitely one for those who appreciate a bit of sparkle with their shopping. This is where you'll find all the big luxury names, like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and honestly, their window displays are usually a work of art on their own. When Christmas rolls around, they really go all out. The lights here are often themed, and in 2025, they were particularly stunning, with a jewel-like theme that made the whole street feel incredibly glamorous. It’s a world of pure, unadulterated luxury, and the lights just add to that feeling. It's like stepping into a jewellery box.
If you've got time after soaking up the Bond Street glitz, take a wander down South Molton Street. It's a more pedestrian-friendly lane that's just off Bond Street, and it has its own collection of smaller boutiques and, you guessed it, more festive lights. It’s a nice contrast to the main street and offers a slightly more relaxed vibe.
The decorations here are less about overwhelming scale and more about refined elegance, perfectly complementing the high-end brands that line the street. It’s a sophisticated display that feels very much in keeping with the area's reputation.
Here's a little breakdown of what to expect:
Luxury Brands: Home to flagship stores of world-renowned designers.
Window Displays: Expect elaborate and artistic displays that are festive and chic.
Jewel-Themed Lights: In 2025, the illuminations were inspired by precious gems, adding a dazzling effect.
South Molton Street: A charming adjacent street with boutiques and its own lights.
It's a great spot if you're looking for some high-end window shopping and a sophisticated festive atmosphere. You can explore more of London's dazzling West End Christmas lights for 2025 here.
7. Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is a real hub, and while it might not have its own dedicated light display in the same way as Oxford Street, it's a fantastic spot to be in during the festive season. It's the perfect place to transition between different areas, being just a stone's throw from Leicester Square and Covent Garden. You'll often find the area buzzing with people, and the general atmosphere is electric.
If you're looking for a place that connects you to other major light displays, this is it. It's a busy junction, so expect crowds, but the energy is infectious.
Being in Piccadilly Circus means you're right in the heart of the West End's Christmas magic. It's a place where you can easily hop between different festive attractions, making it a great starting or ending point for your light-seeing adventures.
8. Leicester Square
Leicester Square, usually buzzing with film premieres and red carpets, gets a starry makeover for Christmas. This year, expect the whole place to be lit up with illuminated stars, twinkling away above you. It’s a really nice spot to wander through, especially if you’re already in the West End checking out other displays.
Right next to the lights, you'll find a Christmas Market. It’s the perfect place to grab a warm drink, maybe some mulled wine, and just soak up the festive atmosphere. They often have some great stalls selling gifts and treats.
This year, Leicester Square is also hosting the La Clique show, which adds a bit of cabaret and circus flair to the festive season. It’s a bit different from just looking at lights, but it definitely adds to the buzz of the area.
While it might not have the sheer scale of some of the other big displays, Leicester Square offers a charming and concentrated dose of Christmas cheer, making it a great place to end an evening of light-spotting.
Here's what you can expect:
Starry illuminations: The main attraction is the abundance of star-shaped lights.
Festive Market: Browse stalls for gifts and seasonal treats.
La Clique Show: Enjoy a unique cabaret and circus performance.
Central Location: Easy to get to and combine with other West End sights.
9. Southbank
After the hustle and bustle of the West End, a stroll along the Southbank offers a different, often more relaxed, kind of festive sparkle. It's a really scenic stretch, especially as you walk along the Thames. What's great here is the variety; you'll find light installations from different artists, which can feel a bit more modern and less crowded than some of the bigger West End displays. It's a lovely way to see some contemporary art while soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.
The Southbank is a fantastic spot for a winter walk, especially if you're looking for a mix of art, atmosphere, and riverside views.
Here's what you might encounter:
Artistic Light Installations: Keep an eye out for unique pieces that add a creative flair to the riverside.
Riverside Markets: Often, there are charming Christmas markets dotted along the Southbank, perfect for picking up unique gifts or festive treats.
Iconic Views: The backdrop of the Thames, with the city skyline lit up, is pretty special.
It's a route that works well if you've already explored Covent Garden, as it's a relatively easy walk across the river. You can just keep heading east along the water, taking in the sights.
This part of London really comes alive during the festive season, offering a slightly different vibe to the more traditional West End lights. It's a place where you can enjoy the sparkle without feeling completely overwhelmed.
10. Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station has really transformed into a bit of a hotspot, and at Christmas, it's no different. It becomes this warm, glowing building, all lit up for the season. They've got some really unique projections happening on the building itself, which is quite something to see.
For a few years now, they've been projecting winning designs onto the Power Station, turning it into a massive canvas. It's a bit different from the usual fairy lights, isn't it? These are often iPad-designed trees, which sounds a bit modern, but honestly, it looks pretty cool when it's all lit up.
Here's what you can expect:
Light Projections: Daily displays from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. until Christmas Eve. You'll see 24 different designs projected onto the iconic structure.
Festive Atmosphere: The whole area around the Power Station usually has a nice buzz, with food and drink options available.
Unique Setting: It's a really striking backdrop, especially with the Thames nearby. Definitely one of the more contemporary spots for Christmas lights in London.
It's a great place to go if you're looking for something a bit different from the usual West End displays. The scale of the building combined with the light art makes for a memorable experience, and it's often a bit less crowded than some of the more central locations.
If you're around the area, it's definitely worth a wander over to see the Battersea Power Station lights. It's a good spot for families or anyone who appreciates a bit of modern festive flair.
Wrapping Up the Sparkle
So there you have it, a good few spots to get your Christmas lights fix in London this year. From the big, flashy displays in the West End to the more chilled-out vibes in places like Greenwich or Kew Gardens, there really is something for everyone. It can get a bit much trying to see it all, I know, but hopefully, this gives you a good starting point. Don't forget to wrap up warm, maybe grab a hot chocolate, and just enjoy the glow. Happy light hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Christmas lights usually switch on in London?
Most of London's stunning Christmas lights start to appear in early November, with the main switch-on events often happening in mid-to-late November. Some might even be on by the start of December, so it's always a good idea to check the specific dates for the areas you want to visit.
What's the best way to see the Christmas lights?
Walking is a brilliant way to soak up the festive atmosphere and see the lights up close. Many of the best spots are quite close to each other, especially in the West End. You can also hop on and off the Tube or buses if your feet get tired.
Are there any free ways to enjoy the Christmas lights?
Absolutely! Wandering through streets like Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street to see their dazzling displays is completely free. Many public squares and markets also have fantastic lights without any entry fee.
Which areas are best for families?
Kew Gardens often has a magical light trail that's great for all ages. Covent Garden, with its market and big Christmas tree, is also a hit with families. Plus, many of the main shopping streets have a lively, exciting feel that kids enjoy.
Can I see the lights on a budget?
Yes, you can! While some attractions might have a cost, simply walking around the main shopping districts and seeing the street decorations is free. You can also find affordable festive food and drinks at various markets.
What if I want to see something a bit different?
For something unique, try the light installations at Southbank, which often feature more modern art. Kew Gardens offers a beautiful, nature-focused light trail. And Battersea Power Station's display is set against a really cool, iconic building.