Best Christmas Lights In London UK 2025

A Magical Glow Over London This Christmas

The best Christmas lights in London 2025 transform the city into a warm, golden glow of angel wings, with each street offering its own festive story. From the famous angels soaring over Regent Street to the underwater neon corridor of Carnaby Street and the glittering stretch of Oxford Street, the capital shines brighter than ever. This guide will show you where to enjoy the festive lights, complete with an interactive map and insider tips to make your festive stroll unforgettable.

Best Christmas Lights in London | Sparkling Streets and Neon Wonders

12 best christmas lights in london

1. Oxford Street Christmas Lights
2. Regent Street Christmas Lights
3. Piccadilly Circus Christmas Lights
4. Covent Garden Christmas Lights
5. Kew Gardens At Christmas
6. South Bank Christmas Lights
7. Carnaby Street Christmas Lights
8. Trafalgar Square Christmas Lights
9. South Molton Street In Mayfair
10. Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights
11. New Bond And Old Bond Streets
    
12. Christmas At The Shard

Check out a few other locations around London for lights.

Check out our map pinpointing the street locations in London.

We are excited to share the best insights in this guide to Christmas lights in London. Come along as we explore the city’s most festive spots, from Oxford Street and Regent Street to Covent Garden, Carnaby, and the iconic displays at Harrods and Selfridges.

To make it even easier, we have included a map highlighting all the streets mentioned on this guide.

1. Oxford Street Christmas Lights

Oxford Street London Lights

The spectacular Christmas light display that illuminates Oxford Street in central London is known all over the world. Every year, Oxford Street comes alive as the holiday season approaches with sparkling lights and captivating decorations that stretch as far as the eye can see. When you stroll down this busy retail area, you'll feel the holiday spirit surround you, especially when you stop to admire the festive window displays at various establishments, making it a must-visit during the holidays.

• ✨ What to Expect: Mile-long canopy of LED star “curtains” strung above the shops
• 📅 Dates: [TBC]. Oxford Street typically opens in early November; last year, the lights ran from roughly 4:00 pm to 12:00 am daily.
• 🚇 Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus (Central, Bakerloo, Victoria), Bond Street (Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth), Marble Arch (Central), Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern, Elizabeth).
• 🎁 Nearby Attractions: Selfridges Christmas windows; stroll to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland afterwards.
• 🎟️ Cost/Access Info: Free to view • Busiest Fri–Sat eves; try weekday “blue hour”
• 🍷 Nearby Food & Drink: Mulled wine & treats in Selfridges Foodhall; cosy spots in St Christopher’s Place-

2. Regent Street Christmas Lights

Regent Street London Christmas

Regent Street's magical transformation during the holidays enchants the West End. Throughout the street, customers are directed to renowned retailers like Hamleys and Liberty for holiday gifts. Markets selling mulled wine, chestnuts and other seasonal treats bring life to the pavements during the holidays. Enjoy a spectacular Christmas experience in London with handcrafted ornaments and bespoke apparel among this seasonal fervour.

• ✨ What to Expect: The iconic “Spirit of Christmas” angels spanning the curve from Oxford Circus toward Piccadilly
• 📅 Dates: From Thursday 6th November till 5th January 2026
• 🚇 Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central & Victoria) / Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo, Piccadilly)
• 🎁 Nearby Attractions: Hamleys, Liberty; pop into Carnaby (2 mins)
• 🎟️ Cost/Access Info: Free • On a timer nightly; biggest crowds 6–8pm
• 🍷 Nearby Food & Drink: Kingly Court (multi-vendor dining), Heddon Street mews bars

3. Piccadilly Circus Christmas Lights

Piccadilly Christmas Lights

The area around St. James's Market and Jermyn Street in St. James's, London, has beautiful Christmas decorations. There is something magical about Piccadilly Circus with its captivating lights and recognisable advertisements that encircle all the streets surrounding it like a centrepiece. There is a lot of holiday glitz at Fortnum & Mason and other nearby stores. Enjoy traditional tastes of mince pies and mulled cider at the Somerset House Winter Market or ice skate at Somerset House.

• ✨ What to Expect: Festive displays across Piccadilly and St James’s that usually coordinate with Regent Street’s angels
• 📅 Dates: Mid-November 2025 [TBC]
• 🚇 Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly, Bakerloo)
• 🎁 Nearby Attractions: Fortnum & Mason windows; China Town; Leicester Square market; M&M'S London
• 🎟️ Cost/Access Info: Free • Peak crowds at the Eros statue; aim pre-5:30pm
• 🍷 Nearby Food & Drink: Fortnum’s Parlour for treats; St James’s Market restaurants

4. christmas lights in Covent Garden

London Covent Garden Christmas

During the Christmas season, Covent Garden's old market hall is illuminated with charming Christmas lights that draw both locals and tourists. Market booths, boutiques, and designer stores are full of handcrafted items. Indulge in delectable street food while sipping handcrafted hot chocolate or mulled wine. A huge Christmas tree lights up the area, casting a warm glow over the crowds, while street performers enliven the event. Winters in Covent Garden are breathtaking.

• ✨ What to Expect: 300,000+ lights, giant gold bells in the Market Building, and a 55-ft tree in the Piazza
• 📅 Dates: Wednesday 12 November 2025; display runs into early January
• 🚇 Nearest Tube: Covent Garden (Piccadilly) / Leicester Square (Piccadilly, Northern)
• 🎁 Nearby Attractions: Apple Market crafts; photo-op sleigh; street performers
• 🎟️ Cost/Access Info: Free • Gets packed weekends; go weekday evenings
• 🍷 Nearby Food & Drink: Mulled-wine huts on the Piazza; Henrietta Street restaurants

5. kew gardens at Christmas

With its spectacular light displays, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew changes into something magical throughout the holiday season. Wander through enchanting forests and sparkling tunnels that have been brilliantly coloured-lit. Explore the quaint Christmas market stalls to discover one-of-a-kind gifts, and savour seasonal delights like warm mince pies and spiced cider. Don't miss the lovely vintage fairground, which enhances the joy of Kew's seasonal celebration by fusing old-world fun with contemporary magic.

• ✨ What to Expect: A 3km after-dark trail of illuminations through the botanic gardens (timed entry)
• 📅 Dates: Friday 14 November 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026, 4:20–10 pm (last entry varies).
• 🚇 Nearest Tube: Kew Gardens (District + London Overground)
• 🎁 Nearby Attractions: Temperate House, Palm House projections
• 🎟️ Cost/Access Info: Ticketed; sells out early. Not included with daytime entry; book specific gate/time.
• 🍷 Nearby Food & Drink: Festive stalls along the trail; warm up with hot chocolate and churros

6. South bank Christmas Lights

Enjoy the South Bank Christmas decorations along the Thames. While the riverbank glitters with enchanting decorations, the Southbank Centre Winter Market tempts with artisan items, international cuisine, and holiday beverages. Ride the London Eye for breath-taking views of the city. Visit art exhibits, enjoy mulled wine, and shop in quaint chalets. Along with other attractions, the South Bank is a must-see destination for a satisfying holiday in London.

• ✨ What to Expect: Riverside chalets of the Southbank Centre Winter Market and ambient lighting along the Thames
• 📅 Dates: Monday 3rd November till Sunday 4th January 2026
• 🚇 Nearest Tube: Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, Waterloo & City Line)
• 🎁 Nearby Attractions: London Eye; Winter Festival events; riverside views to Big Ben
• 🎟️ Cost/Access Info: Free to wander; pay for food/drink; busiest Fri–Sun evenings
• 🍷 Nearby Food & Drink: Mulled wine and raclette at the chalet stalls

7. Carnaby Street christmas lights

Carnaby Street Christmas Lights

Christmas lights at Carnaby Street are distinctive and creative. Unique items are available in the several outlets within this area. At Carnaby Christmas Carnival, visitors can dine and shop while surrounded by colourful displays.

These lights pay homage to rock bands, robins, and even outer space. Those looking for exceptional holiday décor should visit Carnaby's landmark Christmas installations. Unlike typical lighting displays, this is an unusual experience.

• ✨ What to Expect: Design-led overhead installation
• 📅 Dates: Thursday 6 November 2025 to 5 January 2026 [TBC]
• 🚇 Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus
• 🎁 Nearby Attractions: Liberty; Newburgh St; quick hop to Regent Street
• 🎟️ Cost/Access Info: Free • Pedestrianised; great for photos before 6pm
• 🍷 Nearby Food & Drink: Dishoom Carnaby; lots of options in Kingly Court

8. Trafalgar Square Christmas Lights

As a yearly gift from the Norwegian people, an enormous Christmas tree is decorated with stunning ornaments and lights. This adds to Trafalgar Square's holiday decorations. Enjoy the amazing holiday centrepiece and carol-singing events. Trafalgar Square also features a traditional Christmas market that offers a wide selection of seasonal delicacies and homemade items to make the Square an enjoyable experience for family and friends during the holidays.

• ✨ What to Expect: London’s famous Norwegian Christmas tree with nightly carol singing in December
• 📅 Dates: Lighting ceremony expected Thursday 4 December 2025, 5:30pm [TBC]
• 🚇 Nearest Tube: Charing Cross (Bakerloo, Northern)
• 🎁 Nearby Attractions: National Gallery; St Martin-in-the-Fields carols
• 🎟️ Cost/Access Info: Free • Ceremony evening very busy; arrive early
• 🍷 Nearby Food & Drink: Pubs around St Martin’s Lane; Christmas market stalls on the Square (dates vary).

9. South Molton Street In Mayfair

South Molton Street London Lights

During Christmas time, South Molton Street in London's Mayfair is dazzling thanks to its lavishly decorated lights. A car-free shopping paradise near Oxford Street is a popular spot for holiday shopping around the holidays.

A magical atmosphere is created when the sparkling arches illuminate the facades of independent boutiques and world-class luxury stores. This hidden gem is the perfect place to browse unusual items in boutique stores and stuff stockings for loved ones during the holidays.

• ✨ What to Expect: Instagram-famous blue-lit archways over a pedestrian shopping lane
• 📅 Dates: 28th November 2025 (often follows Oxford/Bond Street timelines). General guidance routes include it as a staple stop.
• 🚇 Nearest Tube: Bond Street (Central, Elizabeth, Jubilee)
• 🎁 Nearby Attractions: Quick link to Oxford Street and New Bond Street
• 🎟️ Cost/Access Info: Free • Least crowded earlier evenings
• 🍷 Nearby Food & Drink: St Christopher’s Place restaurants and wine bars

10. Leadenhall Market Christmas lights

Leadenhall Market, a Victorian shopping arcade with magnificent architecture that is transformed into a magical wonderland and decked out in Christmas decorations, attracts both locals and tourists. The City of London's Magical Leadenhall Market will have Christmas lights turned on by the Lord Mayor of London.

Discover a variety of upscale boutique stores, gourmet food vendors, and inviting pubs, making it a must-visit location for the holiday season.

• ✨ What to Expect: Victorian arcade with an 18-ft tree, garlands and a lively switch-on show
• 📅 Dates: Thursday 13 November 2025 – switch-on from 4:30 pm; lights at 6:00 pm
• 🚇 Nearest Tube: Bank (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City Line) / Monument (Circle, District)
• 🎁 Nearby Attractions: City of London heritage; nearby Sky Garden
• 🎟️ Cost/Access Info: Free • After-work crowds on switch-on night
• 🍷 Nearby Food & Drink: The Lamb Tavern and other historic pubs inside the market

11. Bond street Christmas lights

A majestic festive mood is created by sophisticated Christmas lights on New Bond and Old Bond Streets during the holiday season. On this famous boulevard, upscale boutiques and designer stores entice shoppers with expensive gifts and clothes. Additionally, nearby Christmas markets offer handcrafted goods and delicacies such as champagne and fine chocolates.

• ✨ What to Expect: Luxury-house façades and themed street lights (last year featured Chanel)
• 📅 Dates: Mid-November 2025 [TBC] (2024 was Thursday 14 Nov, 4:30 pm).
• 🚇 Nearest Tube: Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria) / Bond Street (Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth Line)
• 🎁 Nearby Attractions: Burlington Arcade; flagship boutiques (Cartier, Tiffany, Dior)
• 🎟️ Cost/Access Info: Free • Best after dark on weekdays
• 🍷 Nearby Food & Drink: Ralph’s Coffee (Ralph Lauren); cafés along Albemarle St

12. christmas at The Shard

There is no doubt that London's most recognisable skyscraper, the Shard, is known for its incomparable light display, which covers its exterior with a stunning display of LED lights. The interiors of its pubs and restaurants are warm, inviting, and tastefully seasonal. The Shard's viewing platforms and dining locations offer panoramic views of London's lit-up skyline, which makes it a great way to see the city at night.

• ✨ What to Expect: Nightly illuminated shows crowning London’s tallest building; occasional “special shows”
• 📅 Dates: Late November – December 2025 [TBC]
• 🚇 Nearest Tube: London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern)
• 🎁 Nearby Attractions: Borough Market; Thames riverside walk to Tower Bridge
• 🎟️ Cost/Access Info: Free to watch from street level; best vantage from London Bridge & More London
• 🍷 Nearby Food & Drink: Bars/restaurants inside The Shard (Oblix, Aqua Shard); Borough Market mulled wine stalls

Other Locations you can visit

• Churchill Arms Pub, Kensington - It is famous for its extravagant Christmas light displays.
• Elizabeth Street, Belgravia - The lights are put up along this street.
  
• Seven Dials Christmas Lights - A formation of seven roads culminating in an epicentre.
• King’s Cross and Neal's Yard is close to Covent Garden
• Leicester Square is located very close to Piccadilly Circus
  
• Coal Drops is located at the back of St. Pancras International Train Station at King's Cross.
  
• Marylebone Village is in the centre of Marylebone

We have reached the end of our guide to the best Christmas lights in London. 

We hope this has helped you with planning your Christmas lights trip to London. London is just fantastic during the holidays. To make your trip even better, check out our other pages like "Christmas Tours," "Visiting London in December," "4-Day Itinerary for Christmas" and plenty of fun things to do in the city.

map of the best christmas markets in london

Frequently asked questions about the markets in london

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Photo sources

• Oxford Street Lights - Kyle Taylor from London, 84 Countries, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Leadenhall Market London - Jack Torcello, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• South Molton Street, Mayfair, London, UK - Photo by George Ciobra on Unsplash
• Regent Street Lights - William Warby, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Piccadilly Circus - Photo by Tom Chen on Unsplash
• Covent Garden - Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Carnaby Street - Image by d3Mn from Pixabay

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