London is enchanting in all the seasons, but when adorned with dazzling Christmas lights and decorations in November and December, its charisma attracts you on a different level. From the stunning starry lights of Oxford Street to the illuminated Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square and the vibrant displays of Covent Garden, Christmas lights in London are indeed a blissful sight to behold.
The Christmas lights switch-on indicates that Christmas is on the way, and there is no better way to celebrate this time than roaming on the roads to see the glittering and shimmering lights, feel the festive spirit everywhere you go and sense the smell of winter warmer drinks in the crisp air. Moreover, watching the lights and decorations is one of the fun-filled free activities to do in London in the winter season.
Wondering where to see the best Christmas lights in London and when to begin? Look no further!
In this blog, I will share the best festive lights and markets in London, the Christmassy bus routes, nearby tube stations, a list of premium hotels to stay in Central London, and much more, so keep reading! If you are in a hurry, scroll down to the main section.
Content Quick Links
- When Do Christmas Lights Switch-On in London?
- Best Christmas Lights in London
- Best Christmas Markets in London
- Best Bus Routes to See Christmas Lights in London
- Nearby Tube Stations
- Best Hotels to Stay in Central London to See Christmas Lights
When Do Christmas Lights Switch-On in London?
You can begin exploring the best London Christmas lights displays and winter markets every year from the first week of November until early January.
Note: I will keep updating this section to inform you about the specific events, locations and dates, so save this post for a later date.
Best Christmas Lights in London
All the festivals, lights and markets are free to visit, except the Winter Wonderland, but I will share a tip to save on the admission fee there, too.
Covent Garden
This is the first location you should visit in London when you are on a hunt for festive lights. In Covent Garden, the decorations begin from the iconic Piazza and go over the Seven Dials to Neal’s Yard and the surrounding streets. The Market Building is decorated with beautiful installations of lights like mistletoes, gigantic bells, baubles, mirror balls and so on.
You will get many fabulous photo moments to make your Insta feed bright and colourful. Additionally, catch the daily snow showers every hour from 12-9 pm over the 60-foot British-grown handpicked Christmas tree twinkling with 30,000 lights and wrapped with a red bow.
Enjoy Festive Thursdays in Covent Garden with discounts on shopping and happy hours in pubs, and when you get tired of shopping, photo clicks and partying, revel in the live performance of London’s International Gospel Choir.
Oxford Street
Not sure about the sky, but the iconic “Sky full of stars” Oxford Street Christmas Lights display fills the busiest shopping lane in Europe with thousands of white stars over your head. The lights display comprises 30,000 light bulbs and recycled materials. Keep an eye on exclusive deals in the world’s famous fashion stores on the street, along with watching the lights.
Regent Street
“The Spirit of Christmas” theme sparkles Regent Street, St James’s, and across the network streets with 3,00,000 twinkling lights each year. Regent Street was the first street in London to feature Christmas lights in 1954, and it remains the most impressive until now. The best section of decorations is visible between Oxford and Piccadilly Circus.
New Bond Street
For many years, New Bond Street had a peacock feathers display, but since 2021, they got inspired by “The Crown Jewels” theme to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II and installed the Christmas display accordingly that is made up of 93,652 LEDs using recyclable and sustainable materials.
New Bond Street is also known for its renowned jewellery brands, such as Cartier, De Beers (created a beautiful diamond crown for the Diamond Jubilee) and Tiffany & Co, which Queen Victoria gave the Royal Warrant in 1882.
These brands also contribute to Christmas decorations through the stunning installations outside their stores. Ralph Lauren unveils a Christmas Tree every year on New Bond Street to support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Carnaby Universe
Soho is one of the most exciting places to enjoy nightlife in London, and the installation of Christmas lights in various themes on Carnaby Street enhances its beauty. Special events, offers and pop-ups are hosted each year during this season.
The line-up of international brands, boutiques, concept stores, pubs, and dining restaurants exist throughout the year, making it a perfect place for shopping and partying enthusiasts.
Chelsea Christmas Lights
The entire King’s Road walk from Sloane Square via Duke of York Square to Ivy Restaurant is must to see all the installations, twinkling trees, Christmas markets and enjoy the festive food and drinks.
Christmas Tree at Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall market is popular due to its magnificent architecture and being one of the Harry Potter movie locations. Additionally, the giant Christmas tree, gorgeous fir garlands and stunning array of twinkling lights make this Victorian market even more tempting to visit. There is also a pop-up bar where you can enjoy seasonal drinks and festive treats. The market also hosts workshops ranging from wine tasting to wreath making.
Churchill Arms
Churchill Arms is London’s most Christmassy pub, as mentioned on their website. The Christmas display of Churchill Arms is composed of 80 trees with more than 20,000 lights.
The pub was built in 1750, and Churchill’s grandparents used to visit it frequently. It serves amazing Thai cuisine, and the best part is you can just walk in to have lunch. We tried this twice, and both times, my husband and I got the table. This pub is at 5-10 mins walking distance from the Notting Hill tube station.
Best Christmas Markets in London
Greenwich Christmas Market
Festive markets in London under the dazzling canopy of lights offering a range of delicacies, cakes, chocolates, and winter warmers, such as Mulled Wine, Hot Chocolate and Oatnog always get me in the holiday mood.
Greenwich Christmas markets are known for selling delectable treats from various cultures, handicrafts and jewellery. This year, the Royal Borough of Greenwich has created seven of London’s best Christmas markets, including the winter farmer’s market on Greenwich Peninsula and Greenwich Market. While the former opens only on every Saturday and Sunday, the latter opens daily from 10 am to 5 am until the first week of January.
The other five markets, which include Eltham Christmas Market, Woolwich Market, Thamesmead, Charlton House Indoor Market and Royal Arsenal Riverside Festival, were opened only on specific dates in November.
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
South Bank Winter Market is perfect for watching the twinkling lights and listening to glorious music while strolling along the Thames River. Additionally, devour delicious food and drinks at the seasonal pop-ups and buy Christmas gifts. Various groups also organise dance and art events to participate. You can find more info here.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Leicester Square Christmas Market is a mini winter wonderland at the heart of London’s West End, where musical theatre shows, film premieres, and concerts happen. There are plenty of stalls selling sumptuous food, drinks, chocolate dipped marshmallows, art, craft and jewellery items to keep you busy.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market consists of 34 wooden chalets adorned with lights and ornaments to give an Bavarian vibe. At this market, you will also see the UK’s famous Christmas tree which is gifted by Norway every year.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Winter Wonderland is an excellent combination of a Christmas market, an amusement park and the Magical Ice Kingdom. There are games, rides, skate rinks, circus shows, food, live music, and much more to keep everyone entertained.
Usually, you need to pay the admission fee to enter, but you can skip it if you book the rides and other activities in advance, or go there during off-peak time between 11 am and 2 pm.
Best Bus Routes to See Christmas Lights in London
139: This bus route should cost you between £1.75-2.00. Take the 139 bus from Waterloo Station towards Golders Green and see the magical lights. Get down at Oxford Circus or Selfridges and begin walking towards Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street.
22: Enjoy the Christmas lights in Chelsea and take bus number 22 from Sloane Square to get down at Oxford Circus. Along the way, you will reach Knightsbridge where you will see the Harrods lit up with the festive lights.
94: The bus route begins from Marble Arch station and takes you towards the Piccadilly Circus.
When taking these bus routes, you can marvel at some of the prominent Christmas lights while sitting inside the bus in the chilly weather of London.
Nearby Tube Stations
Take the tube and get down at the following stations to begin your walking tour depending on which area you prefer to cover:
Notting Hill Gate (Churchill Arms)
Marble Arch (Winter Wonderland)
Bond Street (New Bond Street, Winter Wonderland)
Sloane Square (King’s Road, Chelsea)
Oxford Circus (Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street)
Leicester Square
Charring Cross (Trafalgar Square)
Embankment (Southbank Centre)
Bank/Monument (Leadenhall Market)
Cutty Sark (Greenwich Market)
Covent Garden Underground Station
Best Hotels to Stay in Central London to See Christmas Lights
If you are a regular visitor to this website, you would know that I recommend mainly two websites to book hotels in any range, which are Trip.com and Booking.com.
Here are some of my premium recommendations from Trip.com:
The Clermont London, Charring Cross
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels at Chelsea Football Club
DoubleTree by Hilton London Angel Kings Cross
The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton
Booking.com
If you haven’t find your hotel yet, click on the link and book an excellent property on Booking.com.
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