From the twinkling Oxford Street Christmas lights to the beautiful angels illuminating Regent Street and the shimmering decorations that make Leicester Square even brighter, see the world-famous London Christmas lights as the city is gloriously decked out for Christmas.
The locations below host some of the best Christmas lights in London, which you can see from November until early January.
1. South Bank Christmas lights
Stroll along the South Bank to see the riverside area beautifully illuminated with garlands of glittering Christmas lights. Admire the illuminated artworks dotted around the area as part of its Winter Light (5 Nov-2 Feb) display, browse wooden chalets with a mulled wine in hand at Southbank Centre's Winter Market (5 Nov-26 Dec) or catch a festive show in the Royal Festival Hall. From 5 Nov
2. Oxford Street Christmas lights
Be amazed by some of the most spectacular Christmas lights in London and admire the seasonal window displays across Oxford Street. This year's Oxford Street Christmas lights feature the return of sustainable shining stars brightening up the skies above the famous street. Make sure to bag your tickets for Winter Wonderland (21 Nov-5 Jan), just a short walk away, for a host of festive activities and entertainment. From 5 Nov
3. Leicester Square Christmas lights
Get in the Christmas spirit at Leicester Square this winter. Large lit-up stars are usually stretched along the area's streets to create a joyful scene over the festive season. Make sure to drop by Christmas in Leicester Square to browse the wooden chalets for gifts or catch the exciting La Clique performance in the Spiegeltent. 6 Nov-5 Jan
4. Carnaby Christmas lights
Explore one of the capital's coolest areas, as it glows during an hourly immersive light show as part of this year's Carnaby Christmas lights. Snap shots in front of the quirky display lining Carnaby Street, before exploring surrounding independent boutiques – perfect for some Christmas shopping! From 7 Nov
5. Christmas at Battersea Power Station
Visit Battersea Power Station over the festive season and you'll see the area dressed up for Christmas with sparkling lights and Christmas trees. Spot the art deco decorations inside the iconic building, inspired by its heritage, as you enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping in the shops and winter markets. 7 Nov-5 Jan
6. Regent Street Christmas lights
Experience the magic of Christmas as the beautiful Regent Street Christmas lights set the West End aglow with a seasonal sparkle. See magnificent spirits glittering above the entire length of Regent Street and its surrounding streets, while hunting for luxury gifts and London Christmas ornaments. From 7 Nov
7. St James's and Piccadilly Christmas lights
Walk around St James's and Piccadilly to discover picture-pretty Christmas lights inspired by the statue of Anteros, the Greek god of requited love. Afterwards, enjoy more seasonal fun by popping into Fortnum & Mason for a spot of Christmas shopping or sipping on a festive tipple at The Ritz. From 7 Nov
8. London Christmas lights bus tours
Hop aboard an open-top bus for a top-notch view of London's light displays! See the city covered with twinkling lights on a festive bus tour weaving its way through some of the best Christmas lights in the capital. Marvel at the magnificent views with mince pies, mulled wine and festive tunes during the singalong Christmas lights bus tour. 11 Nov-3 Jan
9. Soho Kids Xmas Lights
Look out for 55 panels of light on display across Soho for the fourth edition of Soho Kids Xmas Lights. Created by local primary school children, the initiative sparks creativity in the young community and adds a touch of festive cheer to every street corner during the dark wintry nights. 12 Nov-5 Jan
10. Covent Garden Christmas lights
Amble around the cobbled streets of Covent Garden and Seven Dials, which are transformed into a winter wonderland over the festive period. Marvel at the Covent Garden Christmas lights, featuring gigantic bells, baubles and mirror balls illuminating the 19th-century piazza, and don't forget to stop by the magnificent Christmas tree. From 12 Nov
11. Christmas at Kew
Explore a twinkling trail with Christmas at Kew, where you can enjoy dazzling immersive installations, trees bathed in light and a spectacular finale lighting up the Palm House. Finish off the enchanting experience with a warming mulled wine and mince pies this Christmas in London. 13 Nov-5 Jan
12. Marylebone Village Christmas lights
Admire the twinkling lights and garlands of Marylebone Village, as the chic area celebrates the Christmas season. Walk past quaint boutiques and top restaurants adorned with wintry wreaths, ornaments and lights during a visit to this popular shopping hub. From 13 Nov
13. King's Cross and Coal Drops Yard Christmas lights
Visit King's Cross and Coal Drops Yard which are packed with cool installations for Christmas in London. Expect an exciting lineup of festive fun including a decorated Christmas tree, bustling Christmas markets and special activities across the trendy district. From 13 Nov
14. Bond Street Christmas lights
See Bond Street, one of the capital's most luxurious shopping districts, garlanded with spectacular Christmas lights, which this year features the iconic Chanel Nº5 bottle in collaboration with the brand. Once you've admired the glow of the Bond Street Christmas lights, look out for the exclusive stores draped in grand decorations and window displays dressed in their festive finest. 14 Nov-12 Jan
15. Shard Lights
Gaze up at The Shard's annual Christmas lights show, Shard Lights, which this year is set to be accompanied by Christmas carols every evening between 5.30pm and 12pm. Listen to Gareth Malone OBE conduct a six-person choir for the dazzling switch-on performance of We Wish You a Merry Christmas. 14 Nov-31 Dec
16. Savile Row Christmas lights
See upmarket Savile Row light up with its Savile Row Christmas lights which feature giant illuminated shears, celebrating the craftmanship of the area that is lined by famous tailors. From 14 Nov
17. Annabel's Christmas facade
Be amazed by Annabel's extravagant decorations that light up Berkeley Square each year. This year's festive facade features a giant golden peacock within a magical snow globe, designed as part of The Caring Family Foundation's Food From The Heart charity initiative – a mesmerising must-see! From 14 Nov
18. Mayfair Christmas lights
Be wowed by the picture-pretty Mayfair Christmas lights. You can spot an array of dazzling displays across Mayfair including the twinkling roses at the Ever After Garden in Grosvenor Square, before indulging in some Christmas shopping. From 14 Nov
19. Chelsea Christmas lights
Head to affluent Chelsea in west London while it's decked out with twinkling lights, Christmas trees and installations. Look out for the extravagant window displays in shops and boutiques along the famous King's Road. From 16 Nov
20. Belgravia Christmas lights
See the boutique-filled streets of Belgravia transformed for the festive season. Marvel at the Belgravia Christmas lights sparkling in wintry skies, search for your favourite seasonal window display and pose next to Insta-worthy light installations. From 17 Nov
21. Camden Market Christmas lights
Find a canopy of shimmering icicles and star lights above Camden Market as you hunt for stocking fillers at the quirky Christmas market stalls. Try to spot all five – yes, five! – of the area's Christmas trees. From 28 Nov
22. London Eye Christmas light show
Watch as the London Eye Christmas light show illuminates the area in an array of festive colours during the countdown to Christmas, with garlands and twinkling lights decorating the waterfront leading up to the iconic London attraction. Cheers to the festive season at breathtaking heights with the London Eye Champagne Experience. 15-25 Dec
23. Best Christmas shop window displays in London
Admire the festive window displays at London’s iconic department stores. Twinkling lights adorn the entire exterior of Harrods at Christmas and picture-pretty window displays add a touch of festive magic. Don’t miss the famous themed window displays of Selfridges at Christmas or the iconic Liberty London Christmas decorations adorning its half-timbered façade.
London Christmas lights information
When do the Christmas lights go on in London?
London Christmas lights are switched on at different times depending on the area. Most London Christmas decorations go up between November and December. Check above to find out the date that each of the top Christmas lights in London start twinkling over the festive season.
When do the Christmas decorations come down in London?
London’s glittering Christmas lights and festive decorations usually stay up until about 6 January, but may vary across different London areas.
Where can I see Christmas lights in London?
You can find London Christmas lights at must-visit locations across the capital, with twinkling lights and shimmering decorations in most central areas – see the roundup of the best London Christmas lights that light up the city in the countdown to Christmas for you to enjoy.
What time are the Christmas lights on in Oxford Street?
You can catch the Oxford Street Christmas lights from 4pm to 12am daily.
What streets are the Christmas angels on in London?
You can find the iconic shimmering spirits hanging above Regent Street in London.
Where are the best Christmas lights in London?
Make your way to central London to see some of the best Christmas lights in London. See the sparkling displays lining Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden – officially named some of the best places in Europe to see Christmas light displays!
Christmas at Kew – the enchanting Christmas display that transforms the famous botanical gardens – is also not to be missed. Get together with friends and family to follow the illuminated path around the gardens and experience the mesmerising and innovative light installations.
What is the most Christmassy street in London?
As London transforms over the festive period, you'll find Christmas cheer wherever you go. Head to Oxford Street to see some of the city’s most dazzling Christmas lights, and don’t forget to wander down nearby Carnaby Street for its cool displays.
Covent Garden is also transformed into a Christmassy wonderland at this time of year. Wander around the delightful 19th-century piazza for traditional lights and decorations.
Download the Visit London app to find the locations of London's best Christmas light displays. Explore the capital's picture-perfect Christmas markets and find plenty more festive things to do this Christmas in London.
