Top 15 Christmas lights in London

Explore a twinkling trail with Christmas at Kew. Look out for dazzling immersive installations including a tunnel of bells and trees bathed in light, before taking a selfie surrounded by thousands of pea-lights and spotting a spectacular finale light up the Palm House. Finish off the enchanting experience with a warming mulled wine and mince pies this Christmas in London.

Be amazed by some of the most spectacular Christmas lights in London and admire the seasonal window displays lining Oxford Street. Last year's Oxford Street Christmas lights display brought 27 dazzling curtains of light made up of more than 200,000 twinkling bulbs, which showcased a heartwarming poem to celebrate the nation's heroes and show gratitude for their service throughout 2020.

Experience the magic of Christmas as the beautiful Regent Street Christmas lights set the West End alight with a seasonal sparkle. See the return of the magnificent spirits glittering above the entire length of Regent Street and its surrounding streets, while hunting for luxury gifts and London Christmas ornaments.

Smile at every step you make around one of the capital's coolest areas, as it glows with a themed display each year as part of Carnaby Christmas lights. Last year, you could spot positive messages hung above Carnaby Street, which is filled with independent boutiques. You could even visit the festive Choose Love pop-up shop – perfect for some Christmas shopping!

Amble around the cobbled streets of Covent Garden, which are transformed into a winter wonderland over the festive period. Marvel at mistletoe chandeliers, a magnificent Christmas tree and 115,000 twinkling Covent Garden Christmas lights illuminating the 19th-century Piazza.

Admire the twinkling lights and garlands of Marylebone Village as this chic area buckles up for the annual Merry Marylebone festivities. Spot famous names clad in twinkles and seasonal displays and get ready to grab special discounts throughout the magical season.

Visit the area while it's bedazzled with "traditionally untraditional" installations for Christmas in London. Previously, you could pose underneath the colourful lights and explore a sculptural festive forest on Granary Square, spot a giant terrarium tree in Coal Drops Yard and check out the interactive tree at Battle Bridge Place. Then, shop for gifts from the area's trendy stores or join a festive craft workshop.

In 2020, South Bank welcomed you for a stroll along the riverside area which was beautifully illuminated with artworks as part of the outdoor exhibition, Winter Light. You could spot 17 thought-provoking pieces pop-up as you wandered the Riverside Walk, which illuminated the area for the entire winter.

Take a stroll around St James's and Piccadilly to discover picture-pretty Christmas lights. In previous years, they were inspired by the statue of Anteros – the Greek god of requited love. You could then enjoy more of seasonal fun by popping into Fortnum & Mason for a spot of Christmas shopping or sipping on a festive tipple at The Ritz.

Watch the London skyline light up as The Shard puts on its annual Christmas lights show. In 2020, the Shard Lights display payed tribute to the nation's NHS workers, beaming a massive "thank you" in Morse code, into wintry skies during the evening light displays. 

You can usually also keep a look out on New Year's Eve for a special display celebrating the start of the new year!

See Bond Street, one of the capital's most luxurious shopping districts, garlanded with spectacular London Christmas lights. 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. 

Connected by Light, Canary Wharf's wintry light festival, showcases epic installations illuminating the estate, bringing in the festive atmosphere to the sky-scraped Canary Wharf. Past features included an inspiring poetry trail from Elisa Artesero in Jubilee Park, a geometric exhibition by Mandylights at Westferry Circus and much more.

Last year, you could snap a selfie with angel wings at Halkin Arcade before checking out the rainbow-coloured banners sparkling away at Belgravia’s Motcomb Street, as new lit decorations were brought to the boutique-filled areas. You could also spot the iconic arch illuminating South Molton, before indulging in some Christmas shopping and a hot drink at a festive lodge in Brown Hart Gardens.

Feel the Christmas twinkle at Leicester Square as you shop for your special ones this winter. With large lit up stars stretched along the area's streets, you're sure to feel joyful and cosy. 

Each year, you can head to Seven Dials’ pretty cobbled streets for its annual Christmas lights display. Full of hidden gems, quirky boutiques and eclectic eateries, last year's installation had a lovely naturalistic feel with white twigs featuring at the famous roundabout, with pink and silver baubles weaving through.