Best 10 Christmas Lights in London
It does not take too long after Halloween for London to dazzle, dazzle, dazzle the skies and bring on the festive spirit in style. Experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of London. Christmas lights display in London is incredible and special. The dazzling array of winter lights all over London has brought a irrepressible sparkle and much festive cheer to brighten up winter nights and the challenging year 2020 has been. With the ‘staying at home order’ coming to an end soon, London’s sparkly winter destinations will be buzzing again. For some festive fun and cheer at Christmas, come over to London (subject to government guidelines) and experience the best 10 Christmas lights in London.
This article lists the best 10 Christmas lights in London you could visit during the festive season to experience the magical dazzling lights in London.
Georgina says: Get on your walking shoes and explore London City by night 🙂 The best time to view these lights and to capture good photos from various angles is in the evenings after the shops close for business. Less crowd. You could easily walk from one block to another (except the Winterfest in Wembley which is about 25 minutes train journey from central London and Kew Gardens which is about 30 minutes) to view. Most of my night-time photos in this article were taken between 10:00 pm and 01:00 am. I am sure you would love an adventure such as this too, if you so desire. I think this is an experience to top any list.
Best 10 Dazzling Christmas Lights Display in London
Every year, the dazzling Christmas lights display in London are a must-see event. The following best 10 Christmas Lights is by no means an exhaustive list. However, it should top any list.
1 | Oxford Street London Christmas Lights Display
You know Christmas is here when you are in Oxford Street. The amazing seasonal window displays line up the infamous shopping street in the world and the sparkly lights above you.
Last year, Oxford Street installed new and spectacular lights. The display feature 27 LED light curtains, made up of 222,000 sparkling lights draped over the length of the shopping street. This year, the lights pay tribute to NHS staff and key workers, with the name of a nominated ‘Hero’ appearing on lights display. Oxford Street lights remains switched on up until 5th January.
FREE Event | From: November 2 2020 – January 5 2021 | Nearest Stations: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, Marble Arch and Piccadilly Circus | Website: https://www.oxfordstreet.co.uk/
As you walk along Oxford Street, look at the side roads too. The incredible Christmas lights display in Bond Street and South Molton Street are not to be missed.
Suggested Read: London’s Christmas Lights | An Unmissable Festive Cheer
2 | New Bond Street London Christmas Lights
New Bond Street, a glamorous part of London is looking even more flamboyant this year with its giant illuminated peacock feathers.
The lights are technically white but radiate a dash of blue hues, illuminating the whole street.
As one of the best 10 Christmas lights in London, the magical lights at Bond Street does not just stop at brightening up the streets for the festive season, The window-displays of London’s grandeur shopping district adds sparkle and good cheer as the countdown begins for the reopening in December of their famed luxury boutiques, galleries and bars.
FREE Event | November 2020 – January 4 2021 | Location: W1 | Nearest Underground Station: Bond Street – Central and Jubilee Lines | Website: https://bondstreet.co.uk/
3 | Mayfair/South Molton Street, London
There is no Christmas lights display in central London that is quite so sparkly blue as that in South Molton Street. A traffic-free shopping area, the street dazzles with starry-arches for pedestrians to walk through. These photogenic lights are not hung high up. You could walk up close and take a few selfies as festive memories.
Located just next to Bond Street Underground Station, you can’t miss it.
FREE Event | November – January 5 2021 | Location: W1 | Nearest Underground Station: Bond Street – Central and Jubilee Lines
4 | Carnaby Street London Christmas Lights Display
Carnaby’s Christmas lights are always a special treat. The theme that Carnaby chooses to highlight each year relates to current issues that are close to people’s hearts.
In 2019 Carnaby chose a quirky underwater theme. It teamed-up with ocean conservation charity Project 0 for this sustainable display. The display featured bubble-blowing whale, glittering underwater creatures such as giant clusters of jellyfish and 200 illuminated vampire squid. All made using recycled and reusable materials.
The 2020 Christmas Lights display was another event that reflect the spirit of Londoner’s and what we have all been experiencing this challenging year. Carnaby teamed up with charity, Choose Love to display a message of Hope and Kindness with bright pink neon lights. Each light displays a positively strong message such as ‘Give’, ‘Heart’, ‘Hope’, ‘Love’, just to name a few, making Carnaby Street as one of the best 10 Christmas lights in London.
FREE Event | November 2 2020 – January 5 2021 | Location: Carnaby Street, Soho | Nearest Station: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Piccadilly Circus | Website: https://www.carnaby.co.uk/
5 | Regent Street London Christmas Lights Display
The glorious and amazing golden angels over Regent Street are back this year. Adding that glittering sparkle to our festive cheer in London. “The Spirit of Christmas” by Regent Street this year is better, bigger and dramatic representing “spirits” sweeping through the length of the street.
Looking up at the sweeping canopy of twinkling lights in varying shades of white creating a coordinated ripple effect is simply quite magical – making Regent Street sparkle and dazzle bright in the moonlight. This is one Christmas lights display that brings light, warmth and joy to everyone who come to experience Regent Street lights in London at Christmas. Switched on in the evenings only, from 4 pm to midnight to ensure a sustainable display.
FREE Event | November 14 2020 – January 3 2021 | Location: Regent Street, London | Nearest Stations: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Tottenham Court Road | Website: https://www.regentstreetonline.com/
Suggested Read: Christmas Markets in London | Unmissable Best 3 Christmas Markets
6 | Marylebone Village London Christmas Lights
The sparkly lights are on in Marylebone Village. Bringing festive cheer and celebrations to the residents, businesses and visitors to this boutique filled neighbourhood.
To continue with Merry Marylebone tradition, there’ll be a live stream of Santa’ s Grotto as well as a virtual Christmas service on December 20 which may involve some donation.
FREE Event | Location: Marylebone, London | Nearest stations: Bond Street, Baker Street | Website: https://www.marylebonevillage.com/
7 | Kings Cross, London at Christmas
Kings Cross is pulling out all the stops this year by bringing not one but three unique Christmas trees, together with all the festive finery. First though, you will find this illumination just outside Kings Cross Station.
7.1 | The Nemeton Tree, Granary Square
The Granary Square feature the 36ft high Electric Nemeton Tree, designed by local architecture practice, Sam Jacob Studios. It brings together the origins of Christmas tree traditions, a fairy-tale forest and the symbolism of midwinter tree with modern architecture.
Inspired by ancient Celtic religion, Nemeton or Nemeta (plural) were sacred spaces situated in natural environment, often involving trees. They were known as sacred groves, called Nemeton,
7.2 | Terrarium Tree at Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross, London
At Coal Drops Yard, there is the sustainable creation Terrarium Tree by Botanical Boys.
The Terrarium Tree is 28 ft tall and feature 70 terrariums, each a living miniature garden surrounded by 168 mirrored baubles. Each comes in varying sizes.
7.3 | People’s Tree, Battle Bridge Place, Kings Cross, London
The final piece at Battle Bridge Place is the People’s Tree.
It is interactive, and multicoloured. It illuminates by the sensory movements of people when they place their palm over the sensory button.
Location: Kings Cross, London | November 23 2020 – January 1 2021 | Nearest Station: Kings Cross Station | Website: https://www.kingscross.co.uk/
8 | St Pancras International, London and it’s Christmas cheer
The magical Christmas tree at St Pancras, International is a beautiful 34ft high tree, dressed in pink. The ‘Tree of Hope’ pays tribute to the NHS and key workers who have carried the UK through the challenging times of 2020.
Adorned in 1200 metres of pink ribbons with printed messages of love, hope, and empathy together with a whimsical carousel at the base. Designed in partnership with EL&N, the tree carries a festive message ‘Wishing you a season of sweetness’ adding a festive feel to the somewhat quiet but a delightful concourse.
FREE Event | Location: Concourse, St Pancras International | November 6 2020 – January 3 2021 | Nearest station: Kings Cross St Pancras | Website: https://stpancras.com/
Suggested Read: Christmas in London | Magical Markets, Dazzling Lights and Fairytale Ice Rinks
9 | Christmas in London – Christmas at Kew Gardens
Christmas at Kew is a perfect festive winter event of magical light trail across its gardens. Their sparkling after dark trail holds new surprises each year for visitors young and old. A sell-out event, visitors can expect to enter a botanical world of magical colours and enchanting optics of a mile long of illuminations. The trail features trees with swirls of neon lights, glowing cherry blossom walkway, singing Rose Garden and so much more. The magical evening draws to a close with the Temperate House springing to life with illuminations. A dancing spectrum of colours to seasonal music envelopes the iconic glasshouse.
New in 2020 is a tunnel adorned with canopy of starry lanterns.
The 2019 highlight of “Waterfall of Lights” cascading from their 18 metre high Treetop Walkway with “spiralling columns of light cascading from the canopy above” makes a return for 2020. Another firm favourite year on year, Cathedral of Lights makes a return as well.
This truly mesmerising experience is one not to be missed as well if you are in London.
Christmas at Kew is a ticketed event. Tickets must be purchased in advance. You can select a time slot that is convenient for you at the time of purchase.
Ticketed Event | Location: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE | 4 December 2020 – 17 January 2021 | 4 pm – 10 pm | Nearest station: Kew Gardens, Disctrict Line on the Richmond branch | Website: Christmas at Kew 2020 for tickets availability and related information.
10 | Aurora Arbour at Wembley Park, London
Christmas is on at Wembley Park, home to the iconic Wembley Stadium. The scheduled Winterfest and the ‘Reflections of Future’ illuminations are now postponed to November 2021, but the ‘United in Light’ Christmas display is on in Wembley.
The theme ‘United in Light’ will feature the hugely popular London’s tallest LED tree at the Royal Triangle, outside London Designer Outlet. This year, the tree is adorned with a very special design with a heartwarming message of unity, hope and joy, ‘Aurora Arbour’ by artist, Siân Bliss. ‘Aurora Arbour’ is based on the concept of movements of a winter night’s sky. We can all see the same sky even when we are separated. Watch the video at the top of this article for a virtual experience.
In keeping with the spirit of unity, hope and joy, the Christmas Lights Display at Wembley Park will also feature an inspiring artwork by East London artist, Tash Randolph. The artwork reflect the strength of the community facing the pandemic together at a time when they are asked to stay apart.
Along with the spectacular tree, the neighbourhood will be lit up with digital animations of sunrises, moon cycles and aurora borealis across Bobby Moore Bridge. As well, visitors can take that perfect photo for their Instagram feed in the designated selfie spots.
FREE Event | Location: Wembley Park, | 24 November 2020 – 9 January 2021 | Nearest stations: Wembley Park Station – Jubilee and Metropolitan lines; Wembley Central Station – London Overground Line | Website: https://wembleypark.com/christmas-wembley-park/
Practical points to consider when visiting London at Christmas
Whenever you do visit London or wider UK, ensure you:
Have adequate travel insurance to cover all eventualities and unforeseen situations. I highly recommend World Nomads as they provide one of the best covers for travellers. You can read all about travel insurance here so you are fully informed.
I would also suggest that you check out some evening tours around the city of London. Organised activities add value to experiences and you learn so much from knowledgeable local guide. The following selected four are great and fun to go for:
London: Christmas Lights Tour in a Black Cab
Southbank Photography Tour at Night
Best of London Sights and Sounds Tour – Private
Jack the Ripper Happy Hour Tasting Tours
For places to stay, take a look at the luxury boutique Hotel du Vin for elegance and unique style.
Finally…what do I think…
I truly believe that Christmas in London is special! For some of us, I would go as far as to say that it is magical! If you have the opportunity to visit, please do visit us at Christmas.
Have a wonderful festive season, whatever you get up to 🙂
Georgina xx
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Kings Cross area has certainly changed – beyond what I expected. Beautiful restaurants and high-end shopping…
Thank you so much Sue, I am glad you enjoyed the ‘virtual tour’ hopefully Christmas Lights 2021 will bring more festive cheer
I love the London lights & even though I live really close, this must be the first time for years that I haven’t been to see them. Thank you for the tour, now I feel like I (almost!) made it. My favourites are always the Regent St lights (my Mum used to love these, maybe that’s why?). However the quirkiness of Carnaby Street are always the ones I enjoy too. Kings Cross & St Pancras look like they have done a good job this year too. Thank you for my “virtual tour”.
Brings back childhood memories. I used to love going up to London to see the lights around Regents St and Oxford St. Kings Cross looks very funky, guess that area has changed a bit since I was last there lol.
Wow you have captured the magic of Christmas in London so well through this post. We’ve visited London quite a few times but somehow never had the chance to be there during the holiday season – i would love to do so the next time around and will definitely add an evening walking tour to our list. Love how Carnaby Street lights are based on a particular theme each year and that Cathedral of Lights at Kew Gardens is simply stunning.
Thanks for this post. It put a little holiday cheer into my day. I love all the variety of Christmas light decorations that you found around London. Some of these great outdoor displays may even be good even for social distancing. There have been several new ones put up as drive through sites at home in Toronto. Botanical gardens often do a great job at creating walking paths full of varying illuminations.
I’ve been to London twice over Christmas and New Year and it’s really very festive. I don’t know what it is that make England so christmassy – maybe it’s the whole tea by the chimney-thing?! Anyway, from these beautiful light installations, I like the feathers over Bond Street best – so artistic!
2020 is the first year in about 30 that I haven’t been to London to see the Christmas Lights. They are so beautiful and you can be guaranteed that they will bring the Christmas spirit alive.
As always, thank you so much for your visit and thank you also for recommending the article on Coal Drops Yard. I am so glad that my article on Christmas lights in London has brought back happy memories for you. Sincerely hope you will visit London next Christmas.
This has taken me back to my child hood when driving down Oxford St was possible. We used to come to London from Bristol just to see the lights. I had planned to rewalk those moments this year until of course that all got stopped. This is a wonderful reminder of a a city that still does amazing displays at Christmas and I also recommend your blog on Coal Drops Yard.
Thank you so very much. I am so glad that you love my post on Christmas lights in London. Kings Cross is beautiful! Each display has come with beautiful messages for this season and it makes Christmas 2020 really meaningful.
Oh my gosh! I love christmas lights! Kings Cross Station’s display is so unique. Wembly Park look beautiful as well. What a great time of year!