As the festive season approaches, London is already awakening from its early Autumn slumber to begin its annual transformation into a dazzling wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The city’s most iconic streets and landmarks are already starting to come alive, with vibrant displays that capture the magic of Christmas for young and old. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a first time visitor, experiencing the best Christmas lights in London is a must, and is worth braving the icy weather outside. Here’s our guide to some of the most spectacular displays you won’t want to miss this winter.
Oxford Street
The switching on of Oxford Street’s lights is perhaps the most anticipated in the Capital. Not least because it is usually someone rather special who gets the job, be that Terry Wogan, Jim Carey or the Spice Girls. This year, the lucky celebrity was British singer, Tom Grennan, in conjunction with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, with the lights on from 5th November, and expected to last until 5th January 2025, Twelfth Night. The first year of Oxford Street’s Christmas Lights was back in 1959, but it fell out of favour in the 1970s, due to a combination of regular power cuts and austerity, but returned in the 1980s after a campaign run by the local shops. There has been a big effort in recent years to make the Christmas Lights across the Capital as energy efficient as possible, and this year it is made of more than 300,000 LED lights, which are nearly 75% more efficient than standard bulbs.
Regent Street
Regent Street had their first electric Christmas lights in 1954, 5 years before Oxford Street, making it the first central London location to display Christmas lights. The original display featured lit-up angels in response to an article in The Daily Telegraph that described Central London as “dull” in mid-winter. This year’s display, “The Spirit of Christmas” still features a stunning array of angelic figures adorned with shimmering LED lights, creating a truly breathtaking sight. This area is home to some of the best shops in the city, making it a great stop for gift shopping. And it's not just Regent Street! There will be additional displays on Glasshouse Street, Swallow Street, and the Quadrant Arcade. This year, for the first time, St James's Market will also feature a "wishing tree" that lights up when people donate to The Felix Project, a food charity.
Covent Garden
Each winter, Covent Garden is transformed into a festive haven during the Christmas season. The piazza is adorned with a magnificent 55-foot Christmas tree, illuminated by 30,000 LED lights. The tree is grown at Woods Farm in Solihull, a family-run business that grows over one million trees. The surrounding shops and restaurants are beautifully decorated with 40 large bells with bows, 12 giant baubles, and 8 spinning mirror balls, dotted throughout the market. The highlight is the stunning light installation that hangs above the square, featuring over two hundred thousand twinkling lights that create a warm and inviting atmosphere, despite the cold. Be sure to catch the live performances and festive events that take place throughout the season, including Wonder Wood, mulled wine stations, and a Christmas sleigh photo opportunity. The 2024 lights will be switched on on 12th November.
Southbank Centre
One of my favourite places to visit each Christmas is The Southbank Centre which offers a unique Christmas experience with its Winter Market and stunning light displays along the Thames, complete with alpine style chalets and pop up bars and restaurants. The area is beautifully illuminated, creating a cosy and festive ambiance. Stroll along the riverside, enjoy the festive market stalls, and take in the incredible views of the city skyline adorned with Christmas lights On Thursday evenings in December, you can book a guided art tour of the Winter Light installations, where children and eager adults can make their own Winter Light artwork.
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street was the epicentre of Swinging Sixties fashion, with its abundance of independent tailors and its regular clientele of musicians and models. Today, it may not carry the same weight in the fashion world, but if you are looking for less traditional Christmas decorations then it is a must see! Each year, the street features a unique theme, and the displays are often playful and imaginative.
In 2012, in celebration of the Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary, the lights were “Rolling Stones” themed, with their logo, an open mouth with tongue protruding, adorning the street sign. In 2019 the theme was "One Ocean, One Planet", with the street resplendent with an underwater theme, of floating kelp, whales and jellyfish, and all materials following a strict recyclable brief. This year is no exception. The "Into the Light" scheme will feature 6m long sculptural light forms, hourly light displays, and star-shaped installations at each end of the street. The 60,000 LED lights are designed to be used for at least five Christmas seasons. The switch-on event is on Thursday, November 7, 2024. If you are in the area, you should also pay a visit to Liberty, where you will find an entire floor dedicated to all your Christmas needs.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is home to London’s most famous Christmas tree, gifted by Norway each year. The tree is traditionally adorned with lights running down the tree rather than around, and the surrounding area is decorated with festive displays. The first tree arrived in 1947, a thank you for Britain's part in liberating Norway during the Second World War. The tree lighting ceremony takes place on the first Thursday in December. It's led by the Lord Mayor of Westminster and includes a band and carol singers. The square also hosts a Christmas market, and a nativity scene, making it a wonderful place to soak in the Christmas spirit. The Square also hosts a Menorah in celebration of Chanukah each year.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is a festive extravaganza that features not only Christmas lights but also a variety of attractions, including chill out bars, food stalls, ice skating, rides, and Christmas markets. The entire area is beautifully decorated with lights, creating a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for families and friends alike. Entrance to the park is free in off peak times, rising to £7.50 on the busiest days!
London’s Christmas lights are a spectacular sight that adds to the city’s charm during the holiday season. From the bustling streets of Oxford and Regent to the serene beauty of the South Bank, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So bundle up, grab a warm drink, and immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you explore the best Christmas lights in London. Happy holidays!
If you would like to see some of the lights and learn the history of Christmas in London, check out our Christmas Tour, or if you’d like to join one of our free walking tours in London, you can find our full schedule here.