If you have ever wondered where the best places to see Christmas lights are in London, you’ve come to the right place.
London is the pinnacle of Christmas festivities in the UK. There isn’t a shortage of Christmassy things do or see – in fact, you’ll find it hard deciding. To be honest, it gets to the point where the sheer amount of choice is overwhelming.
If you’ve arrived in London and just want to take in all the Christmas-goodness, this post is for you. I want it to be your map for 2025 and guide you through everything there is to see. I’ve even added in a few places to pause and savour.
Best Places to See Christmas Lights in London | Your Quick Guide 2025
How to use this guide
If you want a one-night, one-mile loop that covers the highlights, there’s a ready-made route below.
Read top-to-bottom for a curated walking route (West End → Southbank → Markets), or skip to the neighbourhood you’re most excited about. You can also complete this over a series of evenings if you want to take things a little bit slower.
I’ve also included some of my practical tips (best times, transport, photo advice) so you can enjoy the glow without the stress. London is a really busy place and for many travellers (and locals, for that matter) the festive season can be rather overwhelming.
The West End
Oxford Street
We’re going to start our route to see the Christmas lights in Oxford Street. This is one of the hubs of the city and it is easy to get to. Of course, the best way to travel around London is the Underground and Oxford Street can be accessed via the Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines.
I would argue that the lights on Oxford Street are the backbone of Christmas in London. They form a canopy above the shopping centre of the city and come on from dusk. In December, this is usually from 16:30pm, which is a really good time as it avoids the crowds (especially weekdays).
Tip: If you’ve seen enough of the lights for the day, continue walking down Oxford Street to Hyde Park, the home of Winter Wonderland.
Regent Street
Regent Street is just off of Oxford Street; it curves downwards towards Piccadilly Circus. The Christmas Lights here are incredible and they accentuate the glamour of the Georgian buildings which line it. This year, you’ll find the Spirit of Christmas Angels here, arguably the most elaborate display in London. It makes for one of the most photographable and Instagrammable places during the Christmas period.
Don’t miss: Check out Liberty London for Christmas decorations, beautifully wrapped gifts, and a moment of pure festive escapism.
Bond Street
Before you head down to Piccadilly, check out Bond Street. This is the home of the most luxurious shopping brands in London, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Ralph Lauren. As you’d imagine, the windows of these shops are artwork in themselves and you’ll find elaborate decorations here. The light show does very much continue and you’ll be in a world of unapologetic luxury. In fact, the lights in 2025 are jewell-themed and look straight out of Buckingham Palace.
While you’re here: Why not wander down the pedestrian-friendly South Molton Street for more lights and quaint boutiques.
St James’s & Piccadilly
Picadilly Circus is a fantastic hub to explore more of London. It is a short walk to Leicester Square and Covent Garden, where you’ll find more elaborate lights. At Piccadilly Circus and St. James’s you’ll find more of the Spirt of Christmas Angels, which have to be some of the boldest Christmas lights anywhere in the world.
Whilst you are in this area, I would suggest checking out both Fortnum & Mason as well as the Ritz. Both of these are high-end and put out incredible Christmas displays each year.
Feeling indulgent: Treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea at the Ritz. It is pricey at £120 per adult but it looks fabulous!
Carnaby Street, Soho
Soho is famous for its bold and contemporary Christmas displays. This year the light theme of 2024 – Into the Light– makes a return under a new name; All is Bright. I really like these ones. You’ll find giant (6m long!) geometric shapes suspended above the walkways. They are all in groovy colours (in contrast to last year) and it really makes it feel modern and goes so well with the Soho vibe. If you want something different then this light show is for you.
Afterwards: Check out Kingly Court and stop for a festive drink or casual dinner.
Covent Garden and Seven Dials
Covent Garden is a must-do for anyone wanting to experience the magic of Christmas in London. It is arguably the most atmospheric Christmas spot. As there was for the past two years, there are 40 giant bells, 12 giant baubles and 8 spinning balls. In the Piazza is a 55ft Christmas Tree too and it is home to one of the best Christmas Markets in London.
Nearby is the area of Seven Dials. This is a charming, smaller area with little cobblestone streets and lovely shops. The lights here are less grand than the others in the West End, but are perfect for people wanting a more intimate experience.
Stop for: a hot chocolate at Hotel Chocolat, or if you’re feeling indulgent, the famous festive specials at Santa Nata or Chestnut Bakery.
Leicester Square
The final place to check out for Christmas Lights in the West End is the iconic Leicester Square. Whilst it is known for the red carpet and the stars, this Christmas it will be decorated with… Well, stars! Expect to see plenty of illuminated stars in this area, along with a nearby Christmas Market to end your West End exploration with a glass of mulled wine. The area is also hosting the cabaret and circus show La Clique this festive season.
Southbank
After the West End, I’d recommend coming to Southbank (see the walking loop below). This area is. one of London’s most scenic winter stretches in London.
What I love most about this walkway is the variety. Southbank hosts lights from multiple artists, including Nathaniel Rackowe’s Desire Lines and David Batchelor’s 60 minute spectrum. I think that these are some of the most contemporary displays and these often less-crowded than other ones on the list.
Oh, and did I mention that there are plenty of Christmas Markets on this route?
A gentle walking route: West End → Covent Garden → Southbank (approx. 3 miles)
If you only have one evening and want to see a lot without ever feeling rushed, try this loop.
- Start at Oxford Circus/ Oxford Street — arrive as the lights switch on (check local dates).
- Walk down Regent Street toward Piccadilly Circus (pause for photos).
- Head to Covent Garden for market vibes and street performers (perfect twilight).
- Cross toward the Southbank and walk east along the river — Winter Light installations and riverside markets will keep you warm.
This route is great for couples, groups or a photo-focused evening. Wear layers, bring a portable charger, and keep your plans flexible — a perfect evening is often the result of slow strolls and good snacks.
Other Places for Christmas Lights in London
Marylebone Village
Marylebone hosts the Merry Marylebone event this year. The light designs are humble, but also really beautiful. I think that it perfectly goes with the vibe of Marylebone Village as an elegant, but understated, part of London.
This is ideal for people who just want that slower-paced Christmas shopping. You’ll be able to find plenty of artisanal finds here, along with stylish gifts.
My favourite stops include: The Marylebone High Street Daunt Books for a literary gift, the stylish Monocle Café for a coffee break and KJ’s Laundry, Toast & The Conran Shop for design-led presents.
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is one of the city’s prettiest buildings. This Victorian covered market is hidden amongst some of the largest buildings in London, but still maintains its quaint and traditional feel. The Christmas lights and decorations perfectly reflect this and it has to be one of the most beautiful spots to photograph outside of the West End.
While you’re here: It is a reasonably short walk (10-15 minutes) to Spitalfields market which hosts its own unique Christmas market.
King’s Cross
King’s Cross is perhaps the most surprising addition to this list. The neighbourhood has completely reinvented itself over the past decade and becomes very contemporary over Christmas. There is even club curling which goes on here, as well as a Christmas Market. The Christmas Lights are again quite modest, but go with the contemporary feel of the neighbourhood.
Knightsbridge & Belgravia
If you enjoyed your time on Bond Street with the indulgent displays in windows, then Knightsbridge could be the next best stop. Here, you have Harrods and Harvey Nichols, as well as the entire Sloane Square/ King’s Road for that matter. Expect to see incredibly decadent displays which are both extravagant yet beautiful.
Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station has earned the right to be called one of London’s coolest riverside destinations. Christmas is no exception and it becomes a warm, glowing, illuminated building, complete with an abseiling Santa and his elves.
Whilst the lights on this building are certainly impressive, inside is arguably more so. In 2025 there is the first ice skate trail here, as well as more Christmas food, drink and shopping than you could ask for.
This location is perfect for families, but also for those who love design. It has to be one of the most unique places to enjoy Christmas Lights in London.
Don’t skip: the ice rink just outside. With the Power Station towering dramatically behind, this is one of my favourite festive spots in London.
Greenwich
Greenwich hosts quite an impressive Christmas theme this year, especially on the Peninsula. The entire area is adorned with lights and you can find plenty of shops and market stalls here to really get you into the mood. What’s more is that it feels separate from the central London rush.
Tip: If you happen to be visiting in late November, you can also see the impressive Lantern Parade.
Kew Gardens
If you want something a little different, I would 100% recommend Christmas at Kew. I love Kew Gardens at any time of the year, but they really step it up at Christmas. The Gardens host the original London light trail and really play on botanical artistry. It feels so far removed from the rest of this list, but is simply incredible.
Top Tip: Make sure that you pre-book this one. It can get very busy and tickets sell out fast.
Canary Wharf (21 January – 1 February 2025)
Although technically after Christmas, the Winter Lights Festival at Canary Wharf deserves a spot on this list because it extends the festive sparkle into the cold, dark weeks of January — when we arguably need it most. Expect to see large sculptures and interactive light tunnels; the skyscrapers will feel even more dramatic.
Final thoughts | Best Places to See Christmas Lights in London
The Christmas Lights in London are something that need to be seen by anyone who visits the UK. They range from the dramatic to the more reserved, but all are deserving of admiration. What I love most is the variety and any person or group can find the ones that best suit them, whether it be the loudness of the West End or the sanctuary of Kew Gardens.
I hope that you found this post useful but, as always, do get in touch if you have any questions. I always love hearing from you.
*cover image source: luxurylondon.co.uk
