Christmas Lights in London

Step into a festive adventure in the West End with the latest Race Across The World experience!

Like the original, the race takes place over three legs filled with puzzles, challenges, and budget-management decisions. 

In this festive edition, however, you’ll bundle up and dash through Covent Garden, Mayfair, Soho and beyond on a Christmas-themed quest to track down the guest book, and see some of the West End’s most glorious Christmas lights as you go.

Important Info: You must be 18+ to purchase tickets. The experience is designed to be accessible and inclusive. See FAQs for details.

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.

Last year, 2024, the theme was “Into the Light”, and it involved a display of 60,000 LED lights entirely powered by green energy. This year, in 2025, the theme is "All Is Bright" and it's somehow even more vibrant and multicoloured than ever before. Do not miss it!

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 78th 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.

According to Oslo Council, the tree that will be presented to London in 2025 is 60 years old, around 20 metres tall and named “Ever Oslo”. 

“Ever Oslo” grew in Aurtjern, a popular hiking spot in Norway, along the forest road between Ullevålsseter and Kobberhaugen. The tree will be felled on Friday, November 21 at 10:00am on the dot, and three possible candidates have been put forward to initiate the tree-felling ceremony. 

The Mayor of Oslo gets the final say of who will actually fell the three, but we know that the candidates were put to the popular vote on social media, and around 2,000 people participated in the vote.

This festive season, Harrods is continuing its tradition of transforming its iconic Knightsbridge façade and lavish interiors into a shimmering festive spectacle.

Outside, the majestic building will be covered in soft white lights, and inside you’ll discover the celebrated “Christmas World” on the lower-ground floor.

What's that, you ask? Well it's already been turned into a glistening winter wonderland featuring garland-draped archways, colour-coordinated trees, walls of glittering baubles and timeless wooden nutcrackers.

There's also a new introduction this year: Alfie, the limited-edition 2025 Christmas bear, snug in his cable-knit jumper, bobble hat and scarf.

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

As the lively heart of London’s West End, Leicester Square will don its festive best this year, transformed by twinkling star-themed lights stretching across the skies above the pedestrianised plaza.

By day you’ll find a bustling Alpine-style Christmas market, brimming with warming drinks and artisan treats; by night, the glow from the market huts and the new open-air ice rink (a first for 2025) combines to create a joyous atmosphere perfect for a relaxed stroll or a cheeky mulled wine with friends.

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.

If I had to pick my favourite Christmas lights in London, I think the Soho Kids Xmas Lights would be it. 

For the last five years, Soho Parish Primary School, Westminster City Council, RIBA Learning, The National Gallery, and local sponsors have clubbed together to give local school kids a chance to design their own Christmas lights, and they’re as gorgeous and chaotic as you’d imagine.

In the past, we’ve seen festive pineapples, Christmas croissants, and even a lucky cat wearing a Santa hat. 

But this year we’re even more excited than ever because the theme is Lighting, Identity of Place, and Women in Soho, which encourages pupils to explore local heritage and history (all things we at CityDays are extremely passionate about!).

This festive season, the historic halls of Old Spitalfields Market will sparkle with *magic* as the lights go live on Wednesday 12 November 2025.

From 3pm on switch-on day, the market will ring with the sounds of a gospel choir, roaming elves, craft stations for kids and grown-ups alike, and live portraits by artist Ella De Souza.

As always, alongside the twinkling decorations you’ll find mulled wine, mince pies and street-food treats, plus plenty of independent shops and stalls perfect for unique Christmas gifts.

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.

If you ask me, Chelsea is home to some of the most elegant and understated Christmas lights in London, which is fitting, given 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 bit different, but worth a look nevertheless!

Christmas can be an extremely difficult time of year for many, especially for those who have lost someone special to them. 

If you’re after something a little quieter and more meaningful this Christmas, the Ever After Garden at Duke of York Square is a must-see. 

This glowing installation fills the square with thousands of illuminated white roses, each one dedicated in memory of a loved one, with donations supporting The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. 

It’s always as stunning as it sounds, especially after dark when the lights create a soft, dream-like glow across the gardens. It’s not your typical busy Christmas lights display, but more of a peaceful spot to wander, reflect and take in a different kind of festive magic.

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.

Anyone who is anyone apparently shops here at Savile Row (not me, I’m part of everyone) but even we’re allowed to enjoy Savile Row’s Christmas lights.

No, we might not be able to afford the fine tailored bespoke suits that are created here but we can enjoy the Christmas lights displays that typically take the form of scissors and ribbons.

I always love seeking these out, even if they do remind me I need to buy another roll of Sellotape (last year’s has always gone missing since last Christmas).

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).