17 best outdoor Christmas lights in London 2024

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 usually host some of the best Christmas lights in London – check back later in the year for confirmed details of London's best Christmas lights for 2024.

1. Christmas at Kew

A woman and child stand next to a giant venus fly trap light installation at christmas at kew. — The John Lewis Snapper Installation at Christmas at Kew 2023. © RBG 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

2. Oxford Street Christmas lights

Christmas lights above Oxford Street, London, at night — Christmas lights on Oxford Street. Credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

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. 5 Nov

3. Covent Garden Christmas lights

Giant bells, baubles and Christmas trees line Covent Garden market — Covent Garden Christmas lights. Credit: Covent Garden. Image courtesy of Mission.

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. Nov TBC

4. Carnaby Christmas lights

Carnaby Universe planets fly overhead on Carnaby Street — Planets fly overhead at Carnaby Street's Christmas lights. Credit: Carnaby London. Image courtesy of Sister London.

Explore one of the capital's coolest areas, as it glows with a themed display each year as part of Carnaby Christmas lights. Snap shots in front of the quirky display lining Carnaby Street, before exploring surrounding independent boutiques – perfect for some Christmas shopping! Nov TBC

5. Leicester Square Christmas lights

Snowflakes and white twinkling lights fall from the trees above Leicester Square Christmas market — Lights decorate Leicester Square for Christmas. Credit: Pasco Photography. Image courtesy of Underbelly.

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. Nov TBC

6. Regent Street Christmas lights

View on Illuminated decorations in form of Angels over Regent Street in London — Christmas lights on London's Regent Street. Credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

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. Nov TBC

7. Marylebone Village Christmas lights

Marylebone Christmas lights hover above the bustling streets — Marylebone Christmas lights. Credit: Dave Parry/PA Wire. Image courtesy of Sister London.

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. 13 Nov

8. King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard Christmas lights

Christmas shoppers at Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross, London, at dusk — Christmas shoppers at Coal Drops Yard. ©John Sturrock/Coal Drops Yard.

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 activities across the trendy district. Nov TBC

9. 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. Nov TBC

10. South Bank Christmas lights

Colourful lights illuminate the riverside walkway of Southbank Centre — Winter Light festival at Southbank Centre. Image courtesy of David Ogle/Southbank Centre.

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 display, browse wooden chalets with a mulled wine in hand at Southbank Centre's Winter Market or catch a festive show in the Royal Festival Hall. Nov TBC

11. Annabel's Christmas facade

Hot air balloon and stars light up the front of Annabel's in Berkeley Square — Annabel's Christmas facade. Credit: Annabel's. Image courtesy of The Birley Clubs.

Be amazed by Annabel's extravagant decorations that light up Berkeley Square each year. The festive facade previously featured a giant hot air balloon surrounded by twinkling stars and bulb lights – a mesmerising must-see! Nov TBC

12. 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. Nov TBC

13. Savile Row Christmas lights

Giant gold shears light up Savile Row for Christmas. — Savile Row Christmas lights. Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Wire. Image courtesy of Sister London.

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. 14 Nov

14. Mayfair Christmas lights

Two female friends take a selfie in front of Mayfair Christmas lights, featuring a bright blue bow — Snap a photo in front of Mayfair Christmas lights. Credit: Simon Jacobs/PA Wire. Image courtesy of Four Agency.

Be wowed by the picture-pretty Mayfair Christmas lights. You can spot an array of dazzling displays across Mayfair and the iconic arch illuminating South Molton Street, before indulging in some Christmas shopping. 16 Nov

15. Bond Street Christmas lights

Christmas lights on Bond Street inspired by the Crown Jewels — Bond Street Christmas lights. Image courtesy of Matt Crossick/PA Wire.

See Bond Street, one of the capital's most luxurious shopping districts, garlanded with spectacular Christmas lights, previously inspired by the Crown Jewels. 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. Nov TBC

16. Shard Lights

The Shard Snowman lights up the Shard for Christmas — The Shard Snowman. Credit: The Shard. Image courtesy of The Shard.

Gaze up at The Shard's annual Christmas lights show, Shard Lights. Dazzling sequences light up the highest point of the London skyline, illuminating the top 20 floors of the landmark in colour. Nov TBC

17. London Eye Christmas lights

The London Eye is illuminated at night of a purple colour, with buildings on the riverside displaying a rainbow of colours. — The London Eye at night. Image courtesy of Ali Khademolhosseini/Unsplash.

Watch as the London Eye shines in an array of festive colours during the countdown to Christmas, with garlands and twinkling lights usually decorating the waterfront leading up to the iconic London attraction. Dec TBC

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 back 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 6 January.

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 usually expect to catch the Oxford Street Christmas lights from the late afternoon into the evening, last year they went on between 3pm to 11pm 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 their quirky themed 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.

Events

Search Events