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, which you can see from November until early January – check back later in the year for confirmed details of London's top Christmas lights for 2025.
1. South Bank Christmas lights
Stroll along the riverside area of South Bank during winter and you'll often be greeted with beautiful garlands of glittering Christmas lights. Admire the illuminated artworks dotted around the area as part of its annual 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
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. Last year's Oxford Street Christmas lights featured the return of sustainable shining stars brightening up the skies above the famous street. Make sure to bag your tickets for Winter Wonderland, just a short walk away, for a host of festive activities and entertainment. Nov TBC
3. Leicester Square Christmas lights
Get in the Christmas spirit at Leicester Square where you can normally see large light-up decorations 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 keep eyes peeled for exciting performances that often take place in the area. Nov TBC
4. Carnaby Christmas lights
Explore one of the capital's coolest areas as it glows during the festive season. Last year, the Carnaby Christmas lights featured an hourly immersive light show. Snap shots in front of the quirky displays lining Carnaby Street, before exploring surrounding independent boutiques – perfect for some Christmas shopping! Nov TBC
5. Christmas at Battersea Power Station
Visit Battersea Power Station over the festive season and you'll usually see the area dressed up for Christmas with sparkling lights and Christmas trees. Spot the themed decorations inside the iconic building as you enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping in the shops and winter markets. Nov TBC
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. You can expect to 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. St James's and Piccadilly Christmas lights
Walk around St James's and Piccadilly to discover picture-pretty Christmas lights which were last year 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
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. Nov TBC
9. Soho Kids Xmas Lights
Look out for the brightly coloured Christmas lights that are usually on display across Soho. The last four years have featured panels created by local primary school children as part of an initiative to spark creativity in the young community and add a touch of festive cheer to every street corner during the dark wintry nights. Nov TBC
10. Covent Garden Christmas lights
Amble around the cobbled streets of Covent Garden and Seven Dials, which are typically transformed into a winter wonderland over the festive period. Marvel at the Covent Garden Christmas lights, which in 2024 featured gigantic bells, baubles and mirror balls illuminating the 19th-century piazza, and don't forget to stop by the magnificent Christmas tree. Nov TBC
11. Christmas at Kew
Explore a twinkling trail with Christmas at Kew, where you can expect 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. Nov TBC
12. Marylebone Village Christmas lights
Admire the twinkling lights and garlands that usually light up 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. Nov TBC
13. King's Cross and Coal Drops Yard Christmas lights
Visit King's Cross and Coal Drops Yard which are typically 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. Nov TBC
14. Bond Street Christmas lights
See Bond Street, one of the capital's most luxurious shopping districts, garlanded with spectacular Christmas lights, which last year featured 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. Nov TBC
15. Shard Lights
Gaze up at The Shard's annual Christmas lights show, Shard Lights, which last year was accompanied by Christmas carols and saw Gareth Malone OBE conduct a six-person choir for the dazzling switch-on performance of We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Nov TBC
16. Savile Row Christmas lights
See upmarket Savile Row light up with its Savile Row Christmas lights which featured giant illuminated shears in 2024, in celebration of the craftmanship of the area that is lined by famous tailors. Nov TBC
17. Annabel's Christmas facade
Be amazed by Annabel's extravagant decorations that light up Berkeley Square each year. Last year's festive facade featured a giant golden peacock within a magical snow globe, designed as part of The Caring Family Foundation's Food From The Heart charity initiative. Nov TBC
18. Mayfair Christmas lights
Be wowed by the picture-pretty Mayfair Christmas lights. You can often 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. Nov TBC
19. Chelsea Christmas lights
Head to affluent Chelsea in west London over Christmas where you can expect to see it 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. Nov TBC
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. Nov TBC
21. Camden Market Christmas lights
Hunt for stocking fillers at the quirky Christmas market stalls at Camden Market as it lights up for the festive season. In 2024, the iconic area was lined with a canopy of shimmering icicles and star lights and five – yes, five! – Christmas trees. Nov TBC
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 usually decorating the waterfront leading up to the iconic London attraction. Cheers to the festive season at breathtaking heights with the London Eye Champagne Experience. Dec TBC
23. Best Christmas shop window displays in London
Admire the festive window displays at London’s iconic department stores. Twinkling lights normally 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 back later in the year 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?
Each year varies slightly, but the Oxford Street Christmas lights were switched on from 4pm to 12am daily last year.
What streets are the Christmas angels on in London?
You can normally 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 that usually line 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 annual 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 typically 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.
