If you’re a fan of twinkling lights in every colour, shape and size, London is one of the best cities on Earth to visit at Christmas. Between festive shopping, cups of hot chocolate and the scent of roasted chestnuts wafting through the air, the capital transforms into a glittering wonderland each Christmas.
Seeing London lit up at Christmas is always a highlight of my year. From iconic streets to hidden gems, there’s something magical for everyone. Whether you’re exploring with family, friends, or solo, I hope this guide helps you plan your festive adventure and enjoy London Christmas lights 2025 to the fullest.
Burlington Arcade
Dates: Usually mid November
Closest Tube Stations: Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus
Elegant and timeless, Burlington Arcade always delivers when it comes to festive style. Expect a magical festive destination — Nordic fir trees, velvet bows, twinkling lights and chandeliers transform the historic arcade into a winter wonderland. It’s one of my favourite spots if you enjoy a stylish and sophisticated festive display.
Oxford Street
Dates: From Monday 3 November
Closest Tube Stations: Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Marble Arch, Tottenham Court Road
Oxford Street is typically first to light up London, officially kicking off the city’s festive season. The iconic zig-zagging stars along the street are instantly recognisable, and the window displays in flagship stores are always spectacular. Walk the full length of Oxford Street to soak up the festive atmosphere, especially as the evening crowds gather and the city sparkles.
Regent Street
Dates: From Thursday 6 November
Closest Tube Stations: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Green Park
From Thursday 6 November, Regent Street comes alive with its iconic glittering angels, known as The Spirit of Christmas. These thirty illuminated figures watch over shoppers, and with more than 300,000 LEDs lighting up the street, and its truly magical when evening falls. Regent Street’s lights are an essential stop for anyone wanting that iconic London Christmas feel.
Carnaby Street
Dates: From Thursday 6 November
Closest Tube Stations: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Tottenham Court Road
Carnaby Street has long been known for its creative and quirky displays. Continuing its five-year sustainability scheme, the 2025 display will once again feature sculptural LED lights designed by London studio Sculptivate. Expect mesmerising hourly light shows, six-metre-long light sculptures and thousands of energy-efficient bulbs – all the Carnaby personality you’d expect, with a futuristic twist.
Old Spitalfields Market
Dates: 12 November
Closest Tube Stations: Liverpool street, Aldate East, Aldgate
This historic London market will transform into a festive winter wonderland for Christmas, with their lights being turned on the 12th November. Their winter programme features everything from late-night Christmas Shopping Wednesdays to a Kids Festive Treasure Trail.
West End
Dates: Mid November
Closest Tube Stations: Charing Cross, Leicester Square
There is always some glitz and glamour in the West End and their festive displays really get you into the Christmas spirit. The Christmas lights here are impressive with displays typically stretching across St Martin’s Lane, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly, as well as Coventry Street, Cranbourn, Irving & Bear Street.
Annabel’s
Dates: Usually mid November
Closest Tube Stations: Green Park, Bond Street
Annabel’s in London is famous for its elaborate and often over-the-top Christmas lights and decorations on its Berkeley Square facade, which change each year. Previous years have included a giant snow globe-themed display with a large peacock inside, a carousel, the Nutcracker, and a massive Christmas tree.
Chelsea
Dates: From 15 November
Closest Tube Stations: Sloane Square, Knightsbridge, South Kensington
Chelsea’s annual Christmas Light Switch-On is a joyful affair, complete with a festive market, face painting, cookie decorating, mulled wine, and of course Santa himself to press the all-important ‘on’ switch at 5pm. The fun returns on Saturday 15 November 2025, kicking off the neighbourhood’s season-long 360-degree light display (complete with music and even a flurry of snow on the day itself). The nearby Royal Hospital Chelsea hosts the pop-up Chelsea Winter Village with street food stalls and a magical light trail — a perfect festive stop.
Bond Street
Dates: TBC, usually mid-November
Closest Tube Stations: Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Green Park
Bond Street has been synonymous with festive luxury at Christmas for over 60 years and one of the most iconic festive streets in London. After years of shimmering peacock feathers, the street has taken a new creative direction. In 2023, sparkling crowns celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee; in 2024, a collaboration with Chanel saw glittering Chanel No.5 bottles suspended above the road.
Covent Garden
Dates: From Wednesday 12 November
Closest Tube Stations: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Charing Cross, Embankment, Holborn
Covent Garden is magical at Christmas. From Wednesday 12 November, a 60 ft British-grown Christmas tree stands proud in the Piazza, joining the plaza’s iconic gigantic bells spinning mirror balls and more than 300,000 lights. In the evening the square truly sparkles, making it perfect for photos or just soaking up the festive spirit.
Marylebone Village
Dates: From Wednesday 12 November
Closest Tube Stations: Marylebone, Bond Street, Baker Street, Regent’s Park
The picturesque Marylebone Village hosts the Merry Marylebone festivities from 3 pm on Wednesday 12 November. Marylebone High Street is transformed with artisan markets, live music, and festive activities light up this charming street. The big light switch-on that bathes the area in a golden glow for the rest of the season
Leadenhall Market
Dates: From Thursday 13 November 2025
Closest Tube Stations: Bank, Monument, Liverpool Street
Step into Leadenhall Market at Christmas and it’s easy to see why it reminds visitors of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. The ornate Victorian market hall features a magnificent 18-foot Christmas tree, colour-changing LEDs, hanging baubles, fir trees and a twinkling light tunnel. This beautifully old covered market feels enchanting and magical and a must visit in the city of London
Trafalgar Square
Dates: Thursday 4 December – Monday 5 January 2026
Closest Tube Station: Charing Cross
Trafalgar Square’s giant Christmas tree arrives from Thursday 4 December, remaining until 5 January 2026. While not a light display, Trafalgar Square’s famous Christmas tree deserves a special mention. This towering fir is an annual gift from Oslo, Norway, given in thanks for Britain’s support during WWII. Decorated with golden lights and placed in the square from the first Thursday in December, it’s a beautiful London tradition watched by millions every year.
Mayfair
Dates: Usually early November
Closest Tube Stations: Green Park, Marble Arch, Bond Street
Mayfair’s iconic Mount Street is illuminated with a sparkling set of opulent Christmas lights which are turned on at the beginning of November.
Savile Row
Dates: From Thursday 13 November
Closest Tube Stations: Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, Green Park
New to London’s festive map, Savile Row’s tailoring-inspired display features shimmering golden shears – a nod to the tools of the trade – along with a glowing Savile Row Christmas sign made from over 5,000 energy-efficient LEDs. If you’re nearby, it’s worth a quick stop to admire the creativity, it’s perfectly suited to its surroundings.
The Shard
Details: From Tuesday 25 November to Wednesday 31 December
Closest Tube Station: London Bridge, but best seen from far away.
London’s tallest building celebrates the season with a spectacular and unique light show visible from up to 40 miles away. In partnership with the London School of Mosaic, The Shard’s top 20 storeys illuminate with colourful designs including snowmen, candles and festive motifs inspired by Scottish artist Eduardo Paolozzi. The 30-minute light show repeats from 5.30pm to 1am every night through December.
The Strand
Dates: Usually mid November
Closest Tube Stations: Covent Garden, Temple, Charing Cross, and Embankment
Last year the lights took inspiration last year from the theatrical history of the iconic Savoy Theatre. This stunning light display featured over 93,000 glittering LED lights showing fairy figures flying through the air with glowing trails of light behind them over the Strand and Villiers Street.
Connaught Village
Dates: Usually early November
Closest Tube Stations: Marble Arch
Another one of London’s most beautiful hidden gems which is situated a stone’s throw from Marble Arch and Oxford Street, will come to life with a line-up of festivities and Christmas lights. Expect dazzling Christmas lights, and festive fun across this charming neighbourhood including a Christmas market.
St Christopher’s Place
Dates: Usually from mid-November
Closest Tube Stations: Bond Street, Oxford Circus
Tucked just off Oxford Street, St Christopher’s Place really is a hidden gem transforms into St Christmas Place each winter. The pretty pedestrian square sparkles with bold, colourful lights and a joyful festive vibe. Look out for the purple clock and bright signage pointing the way down a hidden alleyway – it’s one of London’s loveliest festive surprises.
Christmas At Kew
Details: Friday 14 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026
Closest Tube Stations: Kew Gardens
For me, Christmas at Kew is the ultimate festive outing. From Friday 14 November to Sunday 4 January, a 3 km trail takes you through the illuminated gardens, glowing tunnels, light projections and immersive installations, food stalls, and festive drinks. It’s magical, and booking ahead is essential — tickets start from £21.50, this one sells out fast.