If you are spending time around Christmas in London, you are in for a treat. London has the best Christmas lights and Christmas decorations of any city I have ever seen. London, in general, should be on your travel bucket list, but London at Christmas deserves a spot as well.
Luckily, the Christmas lights in London stay up for weeks before Christmas and even a week or two after Christmas. Our visit to London in December and January included as many Christmas lights as we could possibly squeeze in along with all of London’s best spots (find our 3 day itinerary here!).
To find the best Christmas lights in London, you do not have to look very hard. Many of the best streets for Christmas lights are all connected and close to each other. You can easily see most of these in just a couple of evenings. If you want them to yourself for pictures though, go early in the morning.
Here you will find the ultimate guide to Christmas Lights in London including where to find the best Christmas Lights in London in 2023 (and which ones to skip). Also included in this post is a map to show where these locations are and to make it even easier to plan your magical Christmas in London.
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How to Find the Best Christmas Lights in London in 2023
Regent Street Christmas Lights 2023
Start: November 9, 2023
End: January 3, 2024
Closest Tube Station: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus
Verdict: MUST SEE
The Regent Street Christmas lights are a must for anyone in London at Christmas. Christmas angels span the street, one of London’s main shopping streets in the West End.
The “Spirit of Christmas” display is one of the biggest and best known of the Christmas light displays, and this shows in the crowds that gather. Because it takes a while to put them up and bring them back down, they are likely to be up before and after this but not turned on at night.
The night the Christmas lights turn on is a full event. The Regent Street Christmas lights for 2023 turn on the evening of November 9, 2023. The lights will be on from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. each night in an attempt to make the display more sustainable.
As this is one of the best displays of Christmas lights London has to offer, expect large crowds to gather and watch the angels come to life.
If you prefer seeing the Regent Street lights in a more quiet setting, your best bet is to go early in the morning even though the lights won’t be on. We went at night in the rain the first time we saw them around 8 p.m. Locals and tourists filled the sidewalks and crosswalks.
If you want the picture in the divider in the middle of the road, it is harder to get in the evening with the crowds out Christmas shopping, enjoying the lights, and going home from work. In the mornings, fewer people are around and there is less traffic in the background as well.
The best time to go for the street to be empty is on a weekend morning. A weekday morning also works, but you will have some locals hurrying to get to work on time. When we went back to try again, we went on a Saturday morning.
The streets were pretty empty other than a handful of people walking by. Traffic was almost non-existent other than the iconic double-decker buses and black taxi cabs.
Another option would be to get there close to the time they turn on or turn off as there are likely to be fewer people around to see them compared to the after dinner rush.
If you can only see one Christmas light display in London, go see Regent Street. If you have just an hour though, you can see Regent Street as well as some of the other nearby streets such as our other favorite street, Oxford Street. The intersection of Oxford Street and Regent Street makes for magical Christmas light displays in every direction.
Oxford Street Christmas Lights
Start: November 2, 2023
End: January 5, 2024
Closest Tube Station: Oxford Circus or Marble Arch
Verdict: MUST SEE
The Oxford Street Christmas lights usually switch on in early November, making them the first Christmas lights in London to turn on.
The Oxford Street Christmas lights switch on the evening of November 2, 2023. The event is usually huge, drawing a million people to the area. In addition to switching the lights on, there is often entertainment and shopping deals on the popular shopping street.
Each year, the theme changes slightly, but this year there is a whole new display. Gone are the large balls of lights looking like large snowballs strung across the street and the 27 LED light curtains of 2019 and 2020.
For 2022 and 2023, the street is covered in strings of lights with stars on them, making a starry night sky above the famous street. With 5,000 illuminated stars, this display makes for a magical London Christmas lights display.
The biggest display is likely to still be at the intersection of Oxford Street and Regent Street where you can enjoy the intersection of the two best streets for Christmas lights in London.
Again, due to the popularity of this display and the popularity of the street in general, the evening time with London’s early winter sunset time brings out crowds to enjoy the display. If you want to avoid the crowds, go in the early morning or just after sunrise, especially on the weekends.
To make the display more sustainable, in 2023, the lights will be on from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. each day to match the Regent Street Christmas lights.
New Bond Street & South Molton Street
Start: By November 2, 2023
End: January 5, 2024
Closest Tube Station: Bond Street or Oxford Circus
Verdict: SEE THEM (while at Oxford Street)
The New Bond Street Christmas lights were another favorite. It might have something to do with the fact that they are less popular but so close to Oxford Street and Regent Street.
Walking around this area, many of the side streets have some sort of Christmas lights or decorations. Sometimes the lights go across the street and other times it is individual stores and businesses that decorated for the holidays. This is how we found New Bond Street.
New Bond Street’s theme the last few years related to peacocks. The peacock feather lights stretch out over the streets with a unique circular peacock feather design every so often down the street.
However, in 2022, this street got both a Christmas tree and a royal theme that is continuing into 2023. Some of the lights this year are inspired by the Imperial Crown. The 16 foot tall tree (5m) will be on display outside of Ralph Lauren where you can make a donation to charity.
The street is not crowded, even in the evening rush of crowds filling Oxford Street. It allows you to step away and find some peace and quiet after the craziness of Oxford Street and Regent Street with their holiday crowds.
If you plan to stop by Oxford Street, check out Bond Street while you are there. Most people don’t go to the area for Bond Street alone. Most seem to take a quick picture from Oxford Street, but make sure to take time to walk down the street a few blocks to see the different designs.
While you are at New Bond Street, stop by St. Christopher’s Place too. This pedestrian-only shopping street is just north of the Bond Street station. Christmas lights cover it starting in mid-November.
Because it is a narrow street and one of the busiest shopping street displays, it stays crowded during store hours. Visit when the stores are closed for fewer people in your pictures.
Just a street or two away is South Molton Street (switch on is November 4). If you are looking for Instagrammable places in London, you won’t want to miss this one. With large blue arches featuring stars connected by strings of lights, step off of Oxford Street for a great Christmas photo op.
Piccadilly Circus
Start: November 9, 2023 (same as Regent Street each year)
End: January 3, 2024
Closest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus
Verdict: SEE THEM (while at Regent Street)
The “Spirit of Christmas” display is not limited to the popular section of Regent Street from Oxford Street to Piccadilly Circus. It actually continues on Regent Street past Piccadilly Circus and on Piccadilly as well.
If you plan to visit Regent Street, head down to Piccadilly Circus to see the display with smaller crowds of people around. The angels still hang above the streets, sparkling throughout the night, but there are fewer people on the other side streets and on this part of Regent Street.
If you want a picture with the angels above you, this area might work better for you during the crowded evening hours. The crowds stick mostly to the main section of Regent Street and Oxford Street, so the area past Piccadilly Circus is mostly empty.
The angels also go down Piccadilly, so you have multiple options if you start in Piccadilly Circus. If one of the streets is too crowded, just pick another street to use.
Coppa Club Igloos
Start: October 2023
End: Year round but winter igloos typically end in spring (March/April)
Closest Tube Station: Tower Hill
Verdict: MUST SEE
The igloos at Coppa Club’s Tower Bridge location are up all year long. In the summer, they are opened up and have a summer theme. In the winter, they are fully enclosed to keep you warm inside and offer a perfect view of Tower Bridge from the warmth of the igloo.
The winter-themed igloos typically open in October and close in late spring. The theme typically involves some lights to give it an extra magical feeling.
There is no extra cost to dine in the igloos, and the prices are normal London food prices. If you plan to eat in the Coppa Club igloos, book an igloo as soon as possible. They tend to release a few months at a time and fill up quickly.
Keep checking back if reservations are not open yet for when you plan to go. Even if the reservations are all taken, check back a day or two in advance to see if there are any last-minute cancellations. If you can’t get a reservation, click here to find out how to eat in the Coppa Club igloos without a reservation.
Tower Bridge & Winter by the River Market
Start: November 29, 2023
End: January 1, 2024
Closest Tube Station: London Bridge
Verdict: SEE IT
If you want to experience a Christmas market in London, stop by Winter by the River to enjoy a Christmas market with views of many of London’s most famous landmarks. The market stretches from London Bridge City Pier to the Scoop at More London, following the Queen’s Walk along the River Thames.
From the market, enjoy views of Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Tower of London, and the city skyline. Within the market, enjoy food and drinks, handmade gifts, and even craft workshops.
While Tower Bridge does not have much in terms of holiday decorations, there are usually some Christmas trees with lights up along the river including those in the Christmas market. This offers a unique picture of Tower Bridge to show the holiday season compared to other times of the year.
While you are in the area, enjoy the view of Tower Bridge from Christmas by the River Market on one side and the Coppa Club igloos on the other side.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Start: November 18, 2023
End: January 2, 2024
Closest Tube Station: Marble Arch, Green Park, Victoria and Knightsbridge (Hyde Park Corner gets busy on weekends)
Verdict: SEE IT (if you like Christmas markets)
Located in Hyde Park, this is the biggest of London’s Christmas festivals. Entry is free, but most things inside cost money. Tickets for the attractions can be purchased now at the event website.
Winter Wonderland includes over 100 fairground rides and attractions (including a 60-meter observation wheel), Santa Land, Christmas markets, themed bars and shows, ice sculpting workshops, and the U.K.’s largest open-air ice skating rink.
If you are in London during the days of the Winter Wonderland, stop by and get your fill of Christmas festivities all in one place. Schedule in at least a few hours there one evening. Plan your adventure ahead of time and find out more about the event on the Winter Wonderland website.
Carnaby Street Christmas Lights
Start: November 2, 2023
End: January 14, 2024
Closest Tube Station: Oxford Circus
Verdict: SEE IT
Carnaby Street is another popular shopping street taken over by Christmas lights each year. In past years, the theme featured colorful parrots to represent Christmas in warmer climates, a Bohemian Rhapsody theme, and a “One Ocean One Planet” theme.
The 2023 theme is Carnaby Universe with lots of neon colors and light waves. On top of the display, you can stop by Choose Love (3 Carnaby Street) starting on November 22 to purchase items to be sent out by humanitarian projects to locations worldwide.
Carnaby at Christmas also includes discounts at the local shops and restaurants. Last year, most places offered 20% off on the night of the ceremony to switch on the lights. The lights typically turn on in early November each year.
Covent Garden Christmas Decorations
Start: November 7, 2023
End: January 5, 2024
Closest Tube Station: Covent Garden
Verdict: SEE IT
We missed Covent Garden at Christmas, but I would recommend seeing the Covent Garden Christmas lights if possible. We did not have time to see it on our one night in December, and the Christmas decorations disappeared before we returned in early January.
The Christmas decorations in the Covent Garden piazza every year look spectacular though. The festive makeover includes 40 mistletoe chandeliers and 700 sparkling berries in addition to the iconic Christmas tree that stands 55 feet tall. Over 115,000 lights were used this year for the display with over 30,000 LEDs on the tree alone.
Plus, if you visit from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. in the month of December, you can experience the hourly snow!
Covent Garden is good for pictures almost any time of the day or night – the display is turned on from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. Not all of the holiday decorations involve lights, so some make the perfect backdrop for daytime photos as well.
If you have a chance to stop by, definitely take the time to see what they create this year. Don’t miss out on nearby Seven Dials while you are there.
Full details on the special events at Covent Garden can be found here (including the Christmas Sandwich Festival).
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree & Christmas Market
Start: December 7, 2023
End: January 2, 2024
Closest Tube Station: Oxford Circus
Verdict: SKIP IT
Usually the last of the London Christmas lights to be switched on, Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree has a long history. Norway gifts this tree to the people of London every year as a way to thank them for their support during World War II.
Every year since 1947, a 25 meter tall tree is chopped down in Norway and shipped to London. Once it arrives in London, it is draped with fairy lights and turned on for the holiday season. Throughout the holidays, there are other events that take place in Trafalgar Square as well including concerts and a nativity.
While I love the history of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, it is not nearly as impressive looking as many of the other London Christmas displays. After seeing Regent Street and Oxford Street the same night, it was underwhelming. If you have time to see it or are in the area, go check it out. If not, skip it instead of taking a special trip for it.
There is typically a Christmas market here as well. If you are looking to visit a London Christmas market, it might make this stop move up your list.
Other London Christmas Light Displays
Since we only had one night in London in December, we had to see what we could that night. When we returned the first week of January, many of the displays were already closed for the season.
If you have more time or are looking for other displays as options, here are other commonly mentioned Christmas light displays in London:
Brunswick Centre Christmas Lights: The area features a large Christmas tree made of lights and turns on November 9, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
Coal Drops Yard Kings Cross Chrismas Installation: From November 9, 2023, until December 23, 2023, you’ll find curling, an alpine bar, a Christmas market, and so much more. Kings Cross is a great spot for a London Christmas. The 46-foot tall tree has three times as many lights as last year with over 15,000 on the tree. Get the full details here.
Harrods: Harrods goes all out for Christmas with beautiful Christmas lights displays and window displays. It is worth a stop to see the decorations both inside and outside of one of London’s most popular stores.
Kenwood House: There is a new Christmas light trail at Kenwood House featuring 13 brand new installations. Enjoy delicious food, hot cocktails, and plenty of spots to snap some Instagram photos along the way from December 1, 2023, until January 1, 2024.
Kew Gardens: For the past few years, Kew Gardens promised a display with a million lights, and this year promises to be just as spectacular. Follow the 2 kilometer (1.2 mile) trail through the lighted decorations, a laser garden and boats glowing on the lake. This display usually opens later in November and continues into January (selected dates from November 15, 2023 – January 7, 2024).
Christmas at Eltham Palace: From December 1 – January 1, there is a new Christmas light trail at Eltham Palace this year. This is the first time a light show is being held here, so make sure to check it out and see what they put together.
Marylebone Village Christmas Lights: Switching on in mid-November (November 9, 2023), these lights give the area a magical feel with simple designs stretching out over the streets.
Sparkle in the Park: This is the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s annual light trail at Avery Hill Park. It’s a free event that runs from November 30 through December 4 between 4:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
The Shard Christmas Lights: There is no switching on ceremony, but the top 20 floors of The Shard light up for the Christmas season starting on November 28, 2023, until New Year’s Eve. The display turns on at 5:30 p.m. each evening. This year’s design was made with the London School of Music and features a snowman, a festive candle, and a festive pattern throughout the show.
Sloane Square & Duke of York Square: Sparkling snowflakes made of lights hanging from trees and Christmas trees covered in lights brighten up these Chelsea squares starting in mid-November (November 18, 2023).
Wembley Park Christmas Lights: Stop and check out the Light Maze in Wembley Park, perfect for colorful Instagram pictures. The glass panels that make up the maze reflect lights in all colors throughout the maze. In 2023, the display is up from December 2 until January 2, 2024.
Syon Park’s Enchanted Woodland (CANCELLED FOR 2023 but hoping to return in 2024): The Enchanted Woodland in Brentford End features an illuminated trail that takes about an hour to walk. The 600-year-old garden transforms with Christmas lights and decorations, and the Great Conservatory is a favorite for pictures. The Enchanted Woodland opens in November 2022, but it closes the first weekend in December. Tickets sell out, so purchase them ahead of time. Tickets can be purchased here and start at £10.
MAP OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN LONDON
This map contains all of the locations listed above. It is separated into two layers, one for the locations listed as the best Christmas lights in London and the other layer for the additional Christmas lights you may want to see. You can toggle between the layers using the button at the top left of the map or view all of the locations at once to make it easier to plan your Christmas in London.
How to Get the Best Pictures of the London Christmas Lights
The best thing about the major London Christmas light displays is they don’t turn off at night. Because the Christmas lights are on all night, you can avoid the crowds by going late at night or early in the morning.
We went around 8 p.m. the first night, and even in the rain, crowds filled the sidewalks. When we came back to London, we went early in the morning on a Saturday. No one was out, and pretty much the only vehicles around were the double-decker buses and the black taxi cabs.
The best time to go for pictures is around sunrise or just after it for Regent Street and Oxford Street. The lights are still on since they do not turn off at night (this has changed in 2023 – both turn off at 11 p.m. to be more sustainable).
The sky is a little brighter with the sun rising, making it easier to get crisp photos. If you want photos at night, go late at night or even in the early morning hours to avoid the crowds.
A tripod will make it easier to get clear photos at night as your shutter speed may have to be lower to capture the lights. Shooting with a wide aperture (f/1.4 – f/2.8 for example) will also help allow more light with a faster shutter speed.
Keep in mind that a wide aperture will give you a shallow depth of field though. This works well if you only want the lights in the front or the person in the photo to be in focus.
Keep in mind that batteries do not last as long in the cold. My phone kept shutting down when I tried to take pictures on it because of the cold. My camera battery was okay, but take an extra just in case.
If you are shooting on your phone, take a portable charger with you or keep the phone in a pocket so your body heat can keep it warmer when you are not using it.
Why You Should Visit London at Christmas
London is absolutely magical at Christmas time. The Christmas decorations are some of the best I have seen throughout Europe and the U.S.
If you can visit London in December or the first few days of January, you can take advantage of the season to see most of these displays. Even if you visit in late November, you can still experience some of the Christmas magic.
London is amazing all year long, but the festive season of Christmas is extra special thanks to the beautiful holiday displays throughout the city. If it isn’t already there, add London to your winter vacation bucket list!
Need a hotel for your stay in London? Click here to search for current London hotel deals!
Looking for more London tips? Find our perfect three day itinerary for London here and our guide to eating in the Coppa Club igloos without a reservation here.
Looking for more Christmas inspiration but in a warmer climate? Check out this list of things to do in Orlando at Christmas.
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Monday 16th of December 2019
[…] Also check out Covent Garden, Royal Exchange, Sloane Square and The Kings Road and this post has more information on where to find the best Christmas lights in London. […]
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Sunday 15th of December 2019
[…] Christmas in London is a special time of year. The city goes all out with Christmas decorations. The ceremony to turn on the lights at Oxford Street brings a million people to the area and big name performers. If you are in London near Christmas, checking out the Christmas lights and Christmas decorations is a must. […]
Aswani Kurra
Monday 2nd of December 2019
This is a great list Christine! Loved the beautiful photos!
Christine Wheeler
Tuesday 3rd of December 2019
Thank you!
Megan
Sunday 1st of December 2019
These pictures put me in the mood for Christmas. They are magical, as is London during the holiday.
Christine Wheeler
Sunday 1st of December 2019
Thank you! London sure does do holidays and seasons well!
Aisha
Sunday 1st of December 2019
I love the feathers!
Christine Wheeler
Sunday 1st of December 2019
Me too! So fun!