London Christmas Lights Guide — Top 11 & Key Dates [2025]

It doesn’t take long after Halloween for London to dazzle and light up the skies with festive magic. Experience the true spirit of Christmas in the heart of the city, where the Christmas light displays in London during its festive dates are nothing short of spectacular. The dazzling array of winter lights across London adds an irresistible sparkle and brings festive cheer to brighten up the winter nights. London’s twinkling winter destinations will once again be buzzing with excitement.

For a dose of festive fun and enchantment, come to London and explore the 10 best Christmas light displays, along with their key dates, that will make your holiday season magical. This article highlights where to go for the top Christmas lights in London, and when to experience the magical display for a truly unforgettable experience.

The Best Christmas Lights in London – An Unbelievable Dazzling Array of Sparkles

Every year, the dazzling Christmas lights displayed in London are a must-see event. The following top Christmas Lights is by no means an exhaustive list. However, it should top any list.

1. Carnaby Street London Christmas Lights Display

Carnaby’s Christmas lights are always a special treat in London. 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 reflected 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 Christmas lights in London.

In 2021, along with a partnership with Choose Love, a display of over 600 fluttering neon butterfiles illuminates Carnaby this Christmas.

—Carnaby in 2025

Fast-forward to this year, Carnaby’s 2025 ‘All is Bright’ Christmas lights display in London is set to launch on Thursday November 6. This year’s “All is Bright” theme brings a vivid transformation of the 2024 “Into the Light” installation.

The immersive display shines throughout the festive season, continuing a five-year sustainability initiative that blends art, innovation, and environmental care.

Visitors will also be greeted by star-shaped decorations at the Carnaby Street entrance, with the installation extending all the way to Kingly Court. Expect dazzling cascades of light along the balconies, transforming the area into a festive wonderland.

Exciting Christmas-themed tours in London

For the ultimate, quintessential Christmas experience in magical London, consider joining one of these festive tours, specially curated to make the season even more enchanting. From walking under the city’s iconic holiday lights to indulging in seasonal treats, these tours are designed to immerse you in the best of London’s Christmas spirit.

Here are five exciting Christmas-themed tours in London, featuring both Harry Potter and food experiences:

Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Christmas Edition): Explore the magic of the Harry Potter films with a special Christmas twist. See iconic sets like the Great Hall dressed in festive décor, and experience behind-the-scenes insights into the films’ magical world. A must-do for Harry Potter fans, you can BOOK this tour HERE or HERE.

London Christmas Lights Bus Tour: Hop on an open-top bus to see London’s dazzling Christmas lights from a unique vantage point. This tour takes you past famous streets like Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Piccadilly Circus, all while you enjoy the magical atmosphere from the comfort of a vintage double-decker bus. BOOK HERE or HERE.  

London: Guided Christmas Walking Tour by Night: Embark on a festive walking tour that highlights London’s best Christmas lights. This tour takes you to iconic spots like Covent Garden, South Molton Street, and more, all while immersing you in the holiday spirit with a knowledgeable guide. BOOK NOW.

—Christmas Lights and Food Tours in London

London Christmas Lights and Food Tour: Discover the best of London’s festive lights while indulging in traditional British holiday food. Enjoy treats like mince pies and mulled wine as you wander through the city’s most iconic light displays. This tour blends holiday cheer with culinary delights at Christmas Markets. BOOK NOW.

Winter Marketa Food Tour: Visit London’s Christmas markets and indulge in seasonal treats from artisan stalls. This food tour is perfect for those looking to sample festive street food while enjoying the sights of London’s holiday lights along the river. BOOK NOW.

2. Regent Street Angels, one of the Best Christmas Lights in London

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 in London during its festive dates that brings light, warmth and joy to everyone who comes to experience the magical Regent Street. Switched on in the evenings only, from 4 pm to midnight to ensure a sustainable display.

3. Christmas at Kew Gardens, London

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.

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.

4. 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 famous shopping streets in the world and the sparkly lights above you.

The Oxford Street Christmas Lights Display is one of London’s most iconic festive attractions, and the 2025 edition promises to be just as spectacular. This year, Oxford Street will be illuminated with over 300,000 energy-efficient LED bulbs, arranged in stunning patterns to light up the entire stretch of the famous shopping avenue. The display, running from early November to early January, creates a magical atmosphere, drawing both Londoners and tourists alike.

—Oxford Street Lights 2025

In 2025, the theme of the Oxford Street lights is “Sky of Stars,” with shimmering star-shaped installations suspended above the bustling street. These sparkling stars are designed to create a sense of wonder and elegance, as they twinkle against the winter skies, casting a soft glow over the busy shopping crowds below. The lights have been crafted with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly materials and low-energy lighting to ensure an environmentally conscious approach to the festivities.

In addition to the lights, Oxford Street is also home to special events, late-night shopping, and pop-up festive markets, making it a must-visit destination during the Christmas season. Visitors can enjoy the lights while exploring the street’s world-class retail stores and festive window displays, adding to the seasonal charm of this iconic London location.

5. New Bond Street Christmas Lights in London

New Bond Street takes festive glamour to new heights with its dazzling 2025 Christmas lights display, now reimagined as “The Crown and Jewels” theme. Drawing inspiration from the street’s historic association with royalty and luxury, this year’s display is a true visual spectacle.

Giant, illuminated crowns, twinkling diamonds, and shimmering jewellery motifs stretch across the street, celebrating Bond Street’s reputation as the jewel in London’s luxury crown. The lights, designed to reflect the timeless elegance of the area, bathe the street in a sophisticated glow, creating a sense of festive opulence.

—Bond Street Christmas Lights 2025

The Christmas lights don’t just illuminate the street—they highlight the area’s famed fashion houses and high-end boutiques, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, and Cartier. These prestigious brands, known for their lavish window displays, will showcase sparkling holiday collections and unique festive designs, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the experience.

In addition, New Bond Street will host exclusive VIP shopping events, where luxury retailers such as Dior and Tiffany & Co. will offer private in-store experiences, champagne receptions, and access to limited-edition holiday pieces, making it the ultimate destination for an indulgent Christmas in London. For visitors, the 2025 display on Bond Street promises an unforgettable blend of regal beauty, luxury shopping, and festive magic.

6. Mayfair/South Molton Street, London

For those excited to witness the festive Christmas lights in London, the enchanting South Molton Street display kicks off in early November 2025, and will shine through to early January 2026.

Known for its striking blue starry arches, this traffic-free shopping area transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland, providing an immersive festive atmosphere perfect for capturing magical selfies and holiday memories. The arches are set at a low height, allowing visitors to walk right through them, adding a personal touch to the experience.

With 63,000 twinkling lights creating a dazzling effect, the Christmas lights display in South Molton Street, London, promises to be a memorable highlight of the city’s holiday season. For a quieter visit, consider going after the shops close in the evening for a more serene stroll under the festive glow.

Located just next to Bond Street Underground Station, you can’t miss it.

7. Marylebone Village Christmas Lights, London and Dates

The Marylebone Village Christmas Lights offer a quaint yet charming festive experience in the heart of London. The lights will illuminate the streets from Wednesday, November 12, 2025, adding a magical glow to this chic shopping area through early January 2026. What makes this display truly special is its intimate, village-like atmosphere, a stark contrast to the larger, more commercial Christmas light displays in central London.

One highlight of the area is the Marylebone Parish Church, which adds a historic and serene backdrop to the festive lights. This iconic church, with its grand portico and elegant Greek Revival architecture, is often bathed in the soft glow of the holiday lights, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere amidst the Christmas festivities.

In addition to the festive illuminations, Marylebone Village is known for its boutique shopping, elegant restaurants, and independent stores, all of which participate in the festive spirit with beautifully decorated windows. The area offers a quieter, more relaxed holiday experience compared to the hustle and bustle of other London hotspots.

9. Christmas Lights in Wembley Park, London

The Wembley Park Christmas Lights 2024 will light up the area starting from November 26, 2025, through to January 17, 2026, featuring an exciting array of festive attractions.

One of the key highlights this year is The Luminaze, a free, neon-lit maze and art installation located along Olympic Way. This immersive light maze invites visitors to explore its creative scenes and features, including a stunning four-meter-tall sculpture in the centre.

Wembley Park will also host its Festive Markets on the first three weekends of December, offering a variety of gifts, artisan crafts, and delicious festive treats. Additionally, live choir performances and seasonal entertainment will take place on weekends, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The area will also feature a nine-meter-tall Christmas tree adorned with neon decorations and illuminated artwork throughout, making it a wonderful destination for families and holiday shoppers.

For those looking to complete their Christmas shopping, the London Designer Outlet will offer deals on premium brands during this period.

10. Christmas Lights in Covent Garden, London

Covent Garden is undeniably one of London’s prime spots for experiencing the magic of Christmas lights. Each year, it undergoes a festive transformation, complete with breathtaking decorations, including its iconic giant Christmas tree, glowing mistletoe chandeliers, and thousands of twinkling fairy lights.

Running from mid-November through early January, this spectacular display makes Covent Garden a must-visit destination during the holiday season.

The charm of Covent Garden extends beyond just the lights—its cobbled piazza and historic Apple Market buildings provide the perfect backdrop for the festivities. The highlight of the display is the 20-metre (60-foot) Christmas tree, adorned with 30,000 sparkling lights, casting a warm glow across the square.

—Sparkling Lights and Mistletoe Chandeliers…

The beauty of the tree, paired with the timeless appeal of the cobblestone streets, creates an enchanting atmosphere, making it a magical setting for photos and festive memories. Instagram-worthy spots like the giant Christmas tree, adorned with 30,000 sparkling lights, and the romantic mistletoe chandeliers hanging in the Market Building offer perfect backdrops for holiday snapshots.

For more immersive photo opportunities, Covent Garden often features installations like the Infinity Chamber and the festive Floral Christmas Sleigh, ensuring there’s no shortage of charming spots to capture the season’s magic.

Whether you’re wandering through the market or enjoying the seasonal events, Covent Garden offers an unparalleled Christmas experience in London, full of joy, light, and charm.

FREE Event | Location: Covent Garden | From November 12, 2025, through to early January 2026 | Nearest Station: Covent Garden Station on the Central, Northern and Piccadilly Underground lines. Covent Garden website.

11. Christmas Lights in Trafalgar Square, London

Trafalgar Square is a notable spot for its Christmas Market, but the famous Christmas Tree steals the show. The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree is an enduring tradition that began in 1947, when the city of Oslo, Norway, gifted the tree to London as a gesture of gratitude for Britain’s support during World War II.

Each year, a 20-metre Norwegian spruce is carefully selected from the forests near Oslo, transported to London, and displayed in Trafalgar Square, symbolizing peace, friendship, and solidarity between the two nations.

The tree is beautifully illuminated with hundreds of white lights, and the surrounding area is often decorated with additional festive lights, enhancing the holiday atmosphere. While Trafalgar Square may not have the elaborate light displays of places like Regent Street or Covent Garden, the iconic tree, carol singing events, and the Christmas market stalls make it a key Christmas destination.

The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree will be lit on Thursday, December 5, 2025, in a special ceremony from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. taking centre stage in the square. The lighting ceremony typically features carol singing and poetry readings, creating a festive atmosphere to officially kick off the holiday season in central London. It’s a key highlight of London’s Christmas celebrations, with the tree staying illuminated throughout the festive period until early January.

FREE Event | From December 5, 2025 to January 6, 2026 | Nearest Station: Trafalgar Square on the Piccadilly Line.

Beyond the Festive Cheer of London’s Christmas Lights

London offers a wide range of enchanting spots to enjoy the festive season beyond its iconic Christmas lights.

Leadenhall Market captivates visitors with its Victorian charm, grand Christmas tree, and festive decorations, creating a magical old-world atmosphere. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a festive favourite, offering ice skating, a Christmas market, live shows, and thrilling rides, all illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.

At the Southbank Centre Winter Festival, you can enjoy holiday markets and winter-themed events along the Thames. King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard provide a unique festive vibe with creative holiday decor and boutique shopping. Leicester Square Christmas Market offers artisan stalls, festive treats, and a vintage Spiegeltent, making it an ideal stop for a cosy Christmas experience.

For more unique festive displays, Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly is renowned for its advent calendar-style decor, while St Christopher’s Place just off Bond Street adds a quaint, charming touch with its holiday lights. Liberty London impresses with indoor festive displays, and The Ritz transforms its entrance into a winter wonderland perfect for festive photos. Hamleys on Regent Street offers a magical experience for both children and adults, and The Ivy Chelsea Garden charms visitors with its beautiful seasonal decorations.

Each of these spots offers a unique blend of holiday cheer, making London an unforgettable destination for the festive season.

Have a lovely Christmas…

The best way to experience London’s Christmas lights is by night when the crowds have thinned out, so get on your walking shoes and explore! With fewer people around, you can fully appreciate the festive magic and capture stunning photos of the displays. Most lights are walkable from one display to another, except for Winterfest in Wembley and Kew Gardens, which are a short train ride away.

I found the best perfect time for photography between 10:00 pm and 01:00 am, when the streets are peaceful. For those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the view, a night bus tour is a fantastic option, allowing you to soak in all the city’s twinkling displays in comfort. This is an experience that should definitely be on your holiday list!

Have a wonderful festive season, wherever you are and whatever you get up to 🙂

Georgina xx

This post about the Best Christmas Lights in London was first published on November 30, 2020, by timelesstravelsteps.com and updated annually for the festive season. The last update was on October 19, 2025, by Georgina.