Last Updated on 13/12/2024
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Is there anything quite as magical as London at Christmas time? The London Christmas lights switch-on marks the countdown to Christmas and there is no better way to start the festivities than by seeing the London lights at night!
Wondering where to see the best Christmas lights in London? Feast your festive eyes on this blog post to give you all the info you need to plan your own Christmas activities in London.
In this post, I’m sharing my own London Christmas lights walking route (including nearby tube stations, cool bars, restaurants and attractions you can see along the way!) Don’t forget to save my London Lights map at the bottom of this post too!
As the saying goes, “the best things in life are free” and you will be pleased to know all my London Christmas lights must-sees are free too! So enjoy London on a budget with the option to splurge on a cocktail or two (with my drinks and dining options also included in this post!) After all, exploring London is thirsty work!
Save this Spectacular London Christmas Lights Walking Route for a later date!
In a rush? Christmas is a busy time of year! If you’re short of time, you can either skip to the section you’re looking for by clicking the contents link options above or save the Pinterest image below to pin to Pinterest to read another time (I won’t be offended I promise!)
Don’t fancy walking – check out these bus tours that cover the places detailed in this post and more:
Open-top bus Christmas Lights London Tour
Gray Line Tours London Christmas Lights by Night Open-top Bus Tour
When is the Christmas light switch on in London?
If you’re wondering when the London Christmas lights switch-on takes place and how long it lasts, please find the London Christmas light switch-on dates for 2024 detailed for each of the London Christmas lights locations.
The dates may vary slightly year on year, but the dates provided will certainly give you an idea of when to plan your visit to see the Christmas lights in London.
If you would also like to check out the London Xmas markets – check out my dedicated blog post below:
Where to Find the Best Christmas Markets in London!
The Best Route to See Christmas Lights in London
Seeing the Christmas lights in London is one of the best things to do at Christmas in England; it’s a truly spectacular sight to see to kickstart the festive period. And it would be rude not to share my own walking route for where to find the best London Christmas lights!
This London Lights walking route covers off all the Christmas light favourites including Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, Regents Street, Bond Street, Covent Garden and I’ve also added some additions (which you may want to see if you have time) including Christmas by the River, Hays Galleria and the infamous Churchill Arms pub.
*I’ve detailed the must-sees (which are numbered 1, 2, 3 and so on) and the optional additions on the map in walking order, therefore I’ll leave it up to you to decide your own London Christmas lights itinerary!*
I personally think this is the best route to see Christmas lights in London as the route is walkable (but has handy tube stops nearby if the Great British weather isn’t playing ball), which let’s face it, it often isn’t!
Where to start your London Christmas Lights Walking Tour
Many visitors to London either travel by train into London Euston or Kings Cross/St Pancras therefore this route will begin from here. If you’ve travelled into London by mainland train services, you will no doubt have a Travel Card which enables you to access all the tube lines (I always purchase a Travel Card for my trips into London and I’ve covered more on this later down the post.)
From Euston take the Victoria Line Southbound on Platform 6 to Green Park Station from here take the Piccadilly Line to Piccadilly Circus where the London Christmas lights tour will begin.
It should be noted, another good place to start the tour is with the Christmas lights on Oxford Street (via Oxford Circus). Still, seeing as I started my tour at 4 pm (as this is when it gets dark in London in Winter) it is also a time when (if visiting on a weekday) all the commuters working on Oxford Street all bombard the tube to leave work for the day. Piccadilly Circus is the quietest of the two central London tube stations, therefore the best place to get started in my opinion!
Piccadilly Circus London Christmas Lights Starting Point
Piccadilly Circus is always a great choice for visiting London at the best of times, as it is not only central but it is a great choice for shopping in London, places to eat and cool bars too! It is located right next to Regent Street and is within close proximity to Oxford Street, Mayfair, Soho and Leicester Square (the latter being somewhere you certainly don’t want to be dining if good food at affordable prices is what you’re looking for!)
If you’re looking to find somewhere to dine in Piccadilly Circus before embarking on the London Christmas Lights Tour – you will be pleased to find some dining recommendations underneath the first stop, which is Regents Street.
1 – Regent Street Christmas lights
Switch on – 7th November 2024
Switch Off – 3rd January 2025
Closest tube to Regents Street – Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly Line) or Oxford Circus (Central Line)
Price – Free
Verdict – Must See
One of the best things about starting the London Christmas lights walking route from Piccadilly Circus is walking up the steps from the tube to be greeted by the iconic Regent Street Christmas lights. The “Spirit of Christmas” angel Christmas Lights on Regent Street have become as iconic as Regent Street itself and are always a joy to see.
Are the Regent Street lights the best London Christmas lights? I think so! The Christmas lights on Regent Street are on from 9th November – 3rd January 2024 and are truly one of my absolute favourite Christmas lights to see in London. Regent Street is a winding street filled with some of the most timeless architecture in London and every time I visit my heart is filled with joy as I picture what London may have looked like in days gone by.
Whilst near Regent Street/Piccadilly Circus here are some places to dine and grab a drink nearby (optional) before we move on to London Christmas Lights location 2.
Before we head to our first stop on the London Christmas lights tour, which happens to be Regents Street I’ve detailed some places to dine near Regents Street (not far from Piccadilly Circus tube station). As I mentioned above, these locations (and dining suggestions) are in walking order (but I’ll let you decide which ones you want to include; it’s your trip to London after all!)
This isn’t an exhaustive list as I generally only recommend places that I have dined at myself or have come highly recommended by people I know and love.
Places to eat around Piccadilly Circus (optional visit during London Xmas Lights Tour)
Looking for places to dine in and around Piccadilly Circus, the places below are some recommendations you can add to your London Christmas lights itinerary:
Brunch near Piccadilly Circus:
Ziggy Green (David Bowie-inspired brunch restaurant – don’t miss The Starman cocktail). Brunch prices at Ziggy Green are reasonable in my opinion and won’t break the bank during your visit.
For other recommendations for David Bowie in London, fans click here.
Fine Dining in Piccadilly Circus:
Hotel Cafe Royal – Luxury hotel with some affordable dining options
Steak Restaurants near Piccadilly Circus:
Goucho (premium steak restaurant)
Hawksmoor (premium steak restaurant)
Flat Iron (budget steak restaurant)
2 – Fortnum & Mason
One of Piccadilly’s most timeless stores, Fortnum & Mason is also a great place to see the Christmas lights in London.
While you’re there, why not stop off at Fortnum’s Lodge 3’6 Bar for a cheese or chocolate fondue?
Burlington Arcade (optional)
Burlington Arcade is one of England’s longest shopping arcades and even if you can’t afford to spend your pennies in the arcade’s designer shops; don’t miss seeing the Christmas display.
Just ensure you don’t whistle whilst walking through Burlington Arcade, as whistling was banned due to use in some unsavoury activities in Burlington Arcade’s sordid past.
3 – Bond Street Christmas Displays London
Switch on – 14th November 2024
Switch Off – 12th January 2025
Closest tube to New Bond Street – Bond Street (District Line) or Oxford Circus (Central Line)
Price – Free
Verdict – Must See
Right next to Burlington Arcade is New Bond Street, which has some of the best Christmas displays in London (for shop fronts, that is!)
Highlights include Cartier Royal Exchange with the signature red ribbon, Dior and Tiffany & Co who are known for their renowned displays.
Why not enjoy the Bond Street light displays with a coffee stop at Ralph’s Coffee, next to Ralph Lauren of course?
Further down you will find more classic London light displays on Old Bond Street. From feathers to crowns, Bond Street’s regal lights often pay homage to royalty. I particularly love the Chanel Christmas lights this year.
The walk from Bond Street to Oxford Street takes only 7 minutes (700 steps) and Bond Street is right next to South Molton Street too, which is detailed further down this post. However, whilst you’re in the area, don’t miss seeing Annabel’s Christmas lights display.
4 – Annabel’s Mayfair Members Club Christmas Display
Whilst the majority of us have not actually stepped inside Annabel’s (anyone want to pay £5,000 for my annual members’ club fee and I’ll love you forever?!) Most of us have seen Annabel’s Mayfair on Instagram as the private members club is famous for its holiday-themed displays, which can be viewed by anyone passing by Berkeley Square.
Annabel’s theme highlights include a collaboration with Swarovski to create a magical gingerbread house Christmas display made with millions of toffee-coloured Swarovski crystals and a bright sparkling emerald-encrusted ribbon.
Last year Annabel’s had a carousel theme, and this year the light display at Annabel’s has a rather beautiful peacock snow globe display:
Don’t miss Annabel’s Christmas display on your London Christmas lights walking route!
Mayfair Bars & Restaurants (optional visit during London Xmas Lights Tour)
Can’t afford Annabel’s annual fee? Check out this selection of Instagrammable bars in Mayfair:
Sexy Fish
Amazonico London
Mr Fogg’s Residence & Secret Garden
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland London
Switch on – 21st November 2024
Switch Off – 5th January 2025
Closest tube to Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park Corner (busy on weekends, Marble Arch (Central Line), Green Park, Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line), Victoria
The walk from Mayfair (Knightsbridge Tube station) area to Hyde Park Corner is 7 minutes (700 steps)
Verdict – Must See for first-timers (otherwise optional)
To visit you need to pre-book your date and entry time. Entry is free during off-peak times and costs between £5-£7.50 at peak times.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is one of the most fun things to do in London at Christmas for families with Christmas rides, ice skating and even a real ice slide! I wouldn’t mind having a go on that myself, followed by a well-deserved drink at Thor’s Tipi of course!
Here are some of the festive things to do in London’s Winter Wonderland:
Magical Ice Kingdom
Zippos Christmas Circus
Ice Slide
Ice Sculpting Workshops
Santa Land
Christmas markets
Carousel Bar
Bavarian Village
*From here you have the option to visit Harrods, which looks amazing lit up at night and has a fabulous Christmas display (don’t forget to get a Christmas Harrods Bear decoration).
34 Mayfair Restaurant (optional)
With Christmas baubles hanging from the ceiling and walls, 34 Mayfair is certainly the place to dine for a festive meal in London.
Failing that, the outside display is cute too!
Claridges Christmas Tree (optional)
Christmas at Claridge’s is one to be marvelled at! The Claridges Christmas tree is always a wonder to see when visiting London at Christmas. This year’s Claridge’s Christmas Tree is named “The Diamond” and is a sparkling futuristic collaboration between Claridges and Jimmy Choo.
It’s well worth a visit to see the ClaridgesXJimmyChoo Christmas Tree – Simply walk into the foyer of the Claridge’s Hotel.
5 – South Molton Street Christmas Lights
Just up from New Bond Street, the blue Christmas light arches on South Molton Street make for a wonderful festive photo.
6 – Oxford Street Christmas lights
Switch on – 5th November 2024
Switch Off – 7th January 2025
Closest tube to Oxford Street – Oxford Circus or Marble Arch
Price – Free
Verdict – Must See
The Christmas lights in Oxford Street are a wonderful place to snap some pictures with the iconic London red buses in the background. Get starstruck viewing Oxford Street’s star Christmas lights, which are suspended on strings of fairy lights.
Whilst Oxford Street isn’t quite the same without Topshop (I have fond memories on secondment in Miss Selfridge on Oxford Street), the Oxford Street lights are unmissable this year!
With a focus on sustainability, the 300,000 stars are lit on reduced hours using two-thirds less energy than in previous years.
Why not sponsor a star as part of Oxford Street’s partnership with Starlight Children’s charity?
St Christopher’s Place
Switch on – 14th November 2024
Located just off Oxford Street, St Christopher’s place is a small street, which always puts on a lovely Christmas display. This year’s display will have vibrant coloured discs and free festive performances every Saturday 1.30pm until Christmas.
Liberty London Store
As one of my favourite shops in London, Liberty London is always worth a visit no matter what time of year. It also happens to be right next to Carnaby Street too.
Hamley’s Toy Shop (optional)
Most parents will be lucky to visit London without a visit to Hamleys! But it must be said, there is something magical about Hamley’s at Christmas.
7 – Carnaby Street Christmas Lights
Switch on – 7th November 2024
Switch Off – 6th January 2025
Closest tube to Carnaby Street – Oxford Circus
Price – Free
Verdict – Must See
It’s not Christmas without visiting the famous Carnaby Christmas lights, which are without a doubt my favourite Christmas lights in London (along with The Regents Street lights, of course!)
Renowned for their colourful displays, I have to admit, I’m not as keen the 2024 display which is lacking the vibrant colours I’ve become used to.
The Christmas lights on Carnaby Street change every year and have a new theme to entice visitors and evoke the magic of Christmas. Most of you will remember the Bohemian Rhapsody lights in 2018, but what about The Carnaby Christmas Party in 2015? I was so sad to have missed Carnaby Project 0. Recent year’s Carnaby Christmas lights have included“Carnaby Kaleidoscope” in collaboration with Choose Love, which had a beautiful colourful display of butterflies, and “Carnaby Celebrates”, pictured below.
Restaurants and Bars around Carnaby Street (optional)
I love browsing the shops on Carnaby Street too, and if you fancy a drink or a bite to eat you will be spoilt for choice on Carnaby Street:
Shakespeare’s Head Pub
Kingly Court’s array of bars and restaurants includes:
Pizza Pilgrims
Cahoots Bar
Sketch Bar & Restaurant (optional)
If you haven’t visited Sketch and taken a classic loo pic in the kooky toilets, you’ve obviously not visited London or you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past six years. Sketch is a fabulous place to enjoy a cocktail and capture a few pics if your London lights itinerary allows.
Chinatown London (optional)
Not exactly a London Christmas lights location, but as it’s on the walking route between Carnaby Street and Covent Garden, it would be rude not to pass through Chinatown on the way (the lights always look so pretty anyway!)
Plus Chinatown has some special Christmas dining additions the kids (and you will love!)
Bubblewrap London have a special Rudolph bubblewrap filled with all your favourite fillings
Taiyakiya has a festive Christmas tree ice cream
Cuppacha has a biscoff special bubble tea
Seven Dials Market
Seven Dials Market has also had a very Christmassy makeover and is worth a nosey on route to Covent Garden. Don’t miss Neals Yard too!
8 – Covent Garden Christmas Lights & Market
Switch on – 12th November 2024
Switch Off – 3rd January January 2025
Closest tube to Covent Garden – Covent Garden Station is busy at weekends (Piccadilly Line), but Covent Garden is walkable from Leicester Square in just 400 steps (Northern Line) or Holborn (Piccadilly Line)
Price – Free
Verdict – Must see
The Covent Garden Christmas Lights have had a brand new look this year, with the mistletoe and baubles seen in the picture below replaced with 40 huge bells, 12 giant baubles and 8 spinning mirror balls, reportedly made with 275 kilos of glitter and 29 miles of gold leaf.
The piazza is also set to sparkle with more lights than ever before!
There’s something magical about the cobblestones of Covent Garden any time of year, but at Christmas Covent Garden comes alive with entertainment and even has snow failing (which you can see until 7 pm each evening).
Covent Garden Restaurant and Bars (optional)
There are also an array of bars and eateries in Covent Garden.
I would particularly recommend passing by Clos Maggiore, which has a lovely Christmas display this year and an absolute must for cocktails is Miracle at Henrietta Hotel, which has some Christmas cocktails served in Christmas mugs (don’t miss Santa Rex, Fa La La and Santa cocktails!)
Check out my London Christmas Bar Miracle at Henrietta Review
Clos Maggiore
Dishoom
Ave Mario
Ave Mario is a great place to stop for a bite to eat – my friend Jo and I enjoyed a pizza, truffle pasta and some cocktails.
Great place for a toilet pic in the neon lights too (move over Sketch!)
Dirty Martini
Other Festive Things to Do in London
Seeing the Christmas lights in London is magical, but there are so many other Christmas attractions in London to see too!
If you have more time to spend in London at Christmas, you may want to add these places to your London Christmas itinerary:
Ice Skate at Somerset House
Missed out on one last opportunity to ice skate at The National History Museum? Somerset House is also a beautiful place to ice skate.
Hay’s Galleria London Bridge
Hay’s Galleria Christmas display is rather beautiful this year and is located right next to the iconic Shard, which is also lit up in Christmas colours red and green.
Find out more about Hay Galleria on my guide for all the Best London Christmas Markets!
Christmas by the River Tower Bridge
Switch on – 16th November 2024
Switch Off – 2nd January 2025
Closest tube to Christmas by the River – London Bridge
Price – Free
Verdict – Optional London Christmas market
A cute London Christmas market located 5 mins walk from Tower Bridge. Tuck into tasty Street food & mulled wine with views over Tower Bridge, as well as make personalised Christmas decorations, browse stalls filled with gifts and jewellery.
Find out more about Christmas by the River on my guide for all the Best London Christmas Markets!
Coppa Club Tower Bridge
Want to dine in an igloo adorned in fairy lights overlooking The Thames and iconic Tower Bridge.
Book an igloo dining experience at Coppa Club!
Greenwich Market
Another fabulous place to buy Christmas gifts in London is Greenwich Market, which is beautifully lit during the festive period.
Christmas at Kew Gardens
Switch on – 13th November 2024
Switch Off – 5th January 2025
Closest tube to Kew Gardens – Kew Gardens (District Line)
Price – starts at £21.50 pp (with family tickets available)
Verdict – Optional London Christmas event & light show
Website – https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas
Christmas at Kew has been on my London Christmas list forever! I’m yet to see the beautiful display of lights in the botanical gardens, but this doesn’t mean you have to miss out!
Map of the Best Christmas Lights in London
As promised, please find my London Christmas lights walking route map, which contains the best places to see Christmas lights in London, as well as the bars and restaurants contained in this post and other festive things to do in London too! You’ll be pleased to know the itinerary is in walking order and can be saved for your own use!
I also have a guide for the best free things to do in London at Christmas, which is handy if you’re looking for free light trails, museums with a Christmas theme, festive Christmas trees, carol-singing events and other London light displays.
London Christmas Lights by Bus
Whilst I truly believe it’s best to see London on foot, as I mentioned at the start of this post, it is possible to do a London bus Christmas lights tour.
Climb aboard a classic London open-top bus adorned with festive decorations as you experience London’s best Christmas lights and attractions.
Book a Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour with Festive music
Book a London Christmas lights tour by vintage bus!
Book a Gray Line Tours London Christmas Lights by Night Tour
When is the best time to see the London Christmas lights?
There’s no denying London is busy at the best of times, but Christmas is a popular time for international tourists to visit London, let alone those who want to do Christmas shopping in London, attend Christmas work parties or even enjoy a Christmas bottomless brunch in London (I mean, I would come to London to enjoy all three of these things!) London at Christmas time is always going to be busy, particularly when you also consider adding commuters and those visiting their families at Christmas into the mix.
That said, it’s still possible to enjoy a stress-free visit to the London Christmas lights (and I can say this having planned and enjoyed my own visit).
The best time to see the Christmas lights in London will depend on a number of factors, including train times (possible strikes), commuters, tourists and, avoiding travel during big events such as gigs or football games when the trains may be busier than usual. I’ve summarised when I think will be the best time to see the London Christmas lights below.
Travelling to London by Train at Christmas
Weekends in London at Christmas can be chaotic and are also a time that sadly the train timetables can be askew due to industrial strikes and staff shortages. Therefore, I would recommend visiting London on a weekday (but after 10 am and returning after 7 pm to avoid peak train prices, which are not only priced much higher but are busier trains too). If there’s a group of you travelling it’s worth enquiring about Group Save Tickets (if you don’t have a National Railcard, which helps you save a ⅓ on rail services). Be sure to ask for a London Travel Card (as this will give you free travel on the tube as well as national rail services).
It’s also worthwhile having a nosey at the train station for any leaflets offering discounts to London attractions that you may want to visit during your time in the capital.
Visiting London at the end of November or the beginning of December is likely to be quieter than visiting in mid-December when all the London Christmas lights photos on Instagram have begun to do the rounds and inspired even more people to visit.
It should also be noted, most of the London Christmas lights are lit up all night, so if you’re in no rush, take your time and see the London lights with fewer crowds.
London Christmas Lights Tour 2024
So now you know where to see Christmas lights in London, will you be embarking on your own London Christmas lights walking tour?
I’m so glad I got to see London’s magical Christmas lights tour, especially after not visiting London in so long!
I hope you enjoyed reading this post and found this London Christmas lights walking route and map helpful in planning your own fun things to do in London at Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Jaz
Xoxo
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