Christmas Lights in London

Ready to see London’s Christmas lights like never before? Grab your friends and family and embark on our Christmas Lights Hunt! Explore dazzling displays, solve fun clues, and uncover hidden gems along the way.

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Prepare to be dazzled by London's most famous shopping street! 

Oxford Street’s Christmas lights are iconic, with thousands of sparkling bulbs stretching above bustling crowds–and yes, you’d better believe there will be crowds, huge ones, the closer to Christmas you get.

But it’s not all bad. The crowds add to the festive atmosphere and it’d be a thousand times worse if you didn’t have all those twinkling lights guiding your way.

By far the grandest Christmas display in the West End, Regent Street's majestic "Spirit of Christmas" angels soar high above.

The beautifully illuminated angels provide a magical backdrop for the area’s luxury shopping and fine dining–and the perfect Christmas selfie.

Get a window into pure luxury on Bond Street–and window is the key word here.

As you might expect, the Christmas lights and decorations on Bond Street reflect the high-end fashion and jewellery stores below, with elegant, sparkling displays that scream sophistication. 

In fact, the London Christmas lights here are so opulent that some of them are actually crown-shaped.

Covent Garden pulls out all the stops with its giant 60 ft Christmas tree, festive market, and twinkling lights that make this historic area feel extra magical. 

Keep an eye out for the spectacular mistletoe chandeliers inside the market, as well as the hand-painted carriage from 1884 that’s been made to resemble Santa’s Sleigh in West Piazza South Hall.

At any time of the year, Carnaby Street is one of the most vibrant and colourful streets in all of London. As such, it’s got big boots to fill during the festive season–and the planners like to keep us guessing.

We’ve come to expect something fun, colourful, and, paradoxically, unexpected each year. Past themes have included everything from neon rainbows to a tribute to the 60s, so what’s to come is almost entirely up in the air.

In 2024, it’s been hinted that the theme is “Into the Light”, and we also know that it’ll involve 60,000 LED lights, entirely powered by green energy.

Every year since 1947, Norway has gifted the United Kingdom a giant Christmas tree that is traditionally placed in Trafalgar square–and the tradition continues.

This year makes the 77th year that the Norwegian fir tree has been a centrepiece of London Christmas lights and decorations, and even though it’s copped a bit of friendly banter for its lack of needles in the past, it’s a poignant reminder of international cooperation and gratitude and shouldn’t be missed.

Harrods doesn’t just do Christmas lights—it practically glows! Each year, the iconic department store is lit up with thousands of golden bulbs, making it impossible to miss. 

It's a glamorous beacon for anyone craving luxury Christmas shopping in London, and as 2024 marks the department store’s 175th birthday, we can expect something particularly glitzy and ritzy from its decorations.

If you need a helping hand to get your festive spirit uplifted, head to Leicester Square.

Each year, Leicester Square undergoes a transformation from meeting place and public garden to a festive wonderland with Christmas lights brightening the area and a pop-up Christmas market taking over the square. 

It’s a great place to enjoy some mulled wine while taking in the twinkling decorations (typically hanging stars cascading from the trees) as well as the glowing wooden, alpine shed-chalets.

Sophisticated and stylish, Mayfair’s Christmas lights are usually as posh as the area itself. 

The elegant displays light up the streets, making it the perfect backdrop for a luxurious stroll or a high-end shopping spree.

Mount Street in particular gets its fair share of big Christmas lights displays, but also check out South Molton Street (I really hope the dazzling blue arches make a comeback, they’re so gorgeous!).

Notoriously tall and iconically shaped, The Shard is never going to let us down by not going all out for Christmas. 

As one of London’s tallest buildings, The Shard gets into the festive spirit by lighting up its top floors with stunning Christmas illuminations. 

Visible from miles away, it’s a modern twist on London’s Christmas lights that you literally can’t miss! 

PRO TIP: Like with most of London’s taller buildings, to get the best view of The Shard’s Christmas lights (and the rest of London’s skyline), I’d recommend heading over to the Garden at 120. It’s free to enter, and you get 360° panoramic views of the entire city, and it’s incredible to see the festivities happening below from a bird’s eye perspective.

Don’t just admire the lights—experience them! Our London Christmas Lights Treasure Hunt is the perfect way to light up your festive season with adventure, laughter, and discovery. Sign up today and make your Christmas in London unforgettable!

If I had to pick my favourite Christmas lights in London, I think these would have to be it.

Why? Because they’ve turned local kids’ creativity into real designs, and they’re as random, bright, colourful and cheeky as Soho itself.

Ever seen a festive pineapple? Wondered what a Christmas croissant would look like? A lights display inspired by a pub logo featuring a Lucky Cat wearing a Santa hat? These kids did, and they’re all real London Christmas lights that you can enjoy.

Old Spitalfields Market combines twinkling Christmas lights with its vintage charm. 

During the festive season, Old Spitalfields Market will be the place to stroll through under the festive glow, browse quirky market stalls, and enjoy some delicious street food. 

On the day the lights are switched on, there’ll also be face-painting and workshops for kids, and for grown-ups, plenty of mulled wine and minced pies stalls.

Tucked away from the hustle of Oxford Street, Marylebone Village’s Christmas lights feel delightfully quaint without losing any of their impact.

The main Christmas lights displays hang above Marylebone High Street (last year, glowing, giant holly and mistletoe designs made the red phone boxes twinkle), but keep an eye out for window displays along here, too.

Leadenhall Market is spectacular any time of the year, but I have a special soft spot for it at Christmas.

There’s something about the Victorian architecture being adorned with sparkling lights and a grand Christmas tree that adds a bit of old-fashioned Christmas charm, and there are plenty of cosy pubs nearby for warming up after.

Elegant and understated, Chelsea’s Christmas lights reflect the neighbourhood’s stylish charm.

Wander down King’s Road under glowing arches of festive lights, bask in the glow of Sloane Square and make sure you get a glimpse of Albert Bridge all lit up to enjoy a more serene, refined side of London’s Christmas sparkle.

Speaking of refined, Belgravia’s Christmas lights are the definition of classy. 

Typically, the white and golden displays twinkle above luxury boutiques creating a picture-perfect festive atmosphere, and the many ritzy hotels around this area also tend to go all out in their decorations: The Lanesborough is one of my particular favourites.

Glasshouse Street is an unexpected gem just off Regent Street.

Its bright Christmas lights entwined within planters offer a refreshing contrast to the more traditional displays nearby..

A peaceful and touching tribute at Christmas, the Ever After Garden at Grosvenor Square is lit up with glowing white roses.

This unique and moving display creates a reflective atmosphere, allowing visitors to dedicate a rose to a loved one while enjoying the beauty of the lights, as well as supporting an important cancer charity.

The exterior of Annabel’s private members’ club becomes a dazzling spectacle each Christmas.

Known for its extravagant, jaw-dropping festive decorations, (the pic is of last year's design, and I think you'll agree, it's stunning!) Annabel’s is a hidden gem worth seeking out, even if you’re only peeking from the outside!

King’s Cross is fast becoming a festive hotspot, with its Christmas lights brightening the new Granary Square area.

Along with stunning illuminations, the surrounding restaurants and shops make this a perfect spot for a winter evening out. Don’t forget to check out Coal Drops Yard and the Club Curling après-ski chalet (as the name suggests, this is where you can give Scotland’s favourite winter Olympic sport a try).

This little street off Oxford Street transforms into “Christmas Place” during the festive season. 

A hidden gem with lovely twinkling lights, it’s a charming, quiet escape from the nearby shopping madness.

Savile Row’s Christmas lights are as tailored and sleek as the suits that line its famous shops. With a chic, understated glow, this hidden gem offers a taste of luxury for those in the know.

Last year, these took the shape and form of scissors to give a hint at its tailoring expertise, and I’m hoping for their return–they’re quirky, speak to the history of the street and remind me I’ve got a lot of wrapping to do when I get back from town.

Well, you wouldn’t expect any less of somewhere with this much theatre pedigree, would you?

Tucked between Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square, St Martin’s Lane boasts a subtle yet festive glow.

Its Christmas lights add a touch of magic to the area’s charming theatres and cosy cafes, and they’re usually just as theatrical and impressive as what happens beyond the stage doors.

Ok, so this is a little further afield than you might be willing to go but I promise you, it’s worth it!

A residential treat, the locals on Lower Morden Lane in South London go all out with their Christmas light displays. Expect a neighbourhood spectacle with colourful, over-the-top decorations that are a festive joy to see—and an insider tip for those looking for something off the beaten path.

The residents also have collecting buckets for charity, which is a lovely way to give back to the community during the festive season.

Last but not least on our list of Christmas lights in London, another iconic building that takes Christmas decorations seriously. 

During December, Battersea Power Station’s newly redeveloped area shines bright with modern, striking Christmas lights–as well as a sparkly ice rink and unrivalled views of the Thames.

The combination of the industrial backdrop and sparkling decorations makes this a unique place to enjoy some festive cheer (and get your skates on).