The Best Places To See The London Christmas Lights In 2025

The London Christmas lights are truly a sight to behold and the great thing about the London Christmas lights is that they are completely and utterly free (except for Kew Gardens).

It’s one of the best free things to do in London at Christmas, particularly if you are visiting London at Christmas with kids.

Even if you don’t plan to go to London at Christmas especially to see the lights (although you really should because it’s one of the best UK cities to visit at Christmas for Christmas lights), you’ll no doubt catch some while you are wandering around the top London attractions.

Seeing the festive lights is something you can do while socially distancing, so if all other Christmas events in London are cancelled this year, at least there will be the lights!

Having said that, we are keeping a close eye on cancellations and will aim to update this post if and when they occur.

Given current government guidelines, the switch on events may be a bit different this year. Some of them may even become virtual Christmas lights switch-ons as part of the shift towards a virtual Christmas.

The London Christmas lights switch on dates have not yet been released but will be around the same time as the 2024 dates. We will update the Christmas lights London 2025 dates below. This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and buy something, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

When is the best time to see the London Christmas lights?

The best time to see the Christmas lights in London is usually around dusk, just as the city is lighting up and the lights become more prominent.

The Regent Street lights are really the only lights that look good in the day as well as the night.

We would advise to go soon after they are switched on rather than leaving it until closer to Christmas as London gets (even) busier the closer you get to Christmas. Weekends are also busier than weekdays so if you can go during the week, it would be better.

Can’t make the London Christmas lights? How about a Christmas light trail instead?

What is the best way to see the Christmas lights in London?

We think that exploring London at Christmas on foot is the best way to see the London Christmas lights as you can really soak in the atmosphere.

But if you are not familiar with London and would like to take a tour, there are several options available.

The Big Bus Tour company offers a Christmas Bus Tour which takes you around the London Christmas lights. See here for tickets.

Other highly rated tours you might want to look into are:

London Christmas lights by bus

London Christmas lights walking tour

London Christmas lights tour by bike

London Christmas lights private tour by black cab

Here are the BEST London Christmas lights..

Regent Street Christmas lights

The Christmas lights on Regent Street are special because they are the original London Christmas lights. They were the first lights to light up central London at Christmas way back in 1954.

There’s usually a big switch-on event in the middle of November when the whole of Regent Street is pedestrianised.

The ‘Spirit of Christmas’ angels which first appeared in 2019 are back again..

There are large LED angels hanging the entire width of the road which look spectacular and are very photogenic in the daytime as well as the night.

Where: Running the whole length of Regent Street in central London from Oxford Circus down to Piccadilly Circus.

When: The Regent Street Christmas lights will run from the beginning of November to beginning of January.

Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus.

Regent Street Christmas lights

Oxford Street Christmas lights

The Oxford Street Christmas lights are probably London’s most famous lights. These Christmas lights are switched on at the beginning of November. It is usually a big event drawing big crowds.

Last year marked a big change in the lights from traditional lights and baubles to 27 LED screen displays resembling the Northern Lights.

This year there will be a ‘Sky full of Stars’

Where: Running the whole 1.5 mile length of Oxford Street in central London from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road

When: The Oxford Street Christmas lights switch-on is beginning of November.

Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road or Marble Arch.

Oxford Street Christmas lights

Carnaby Street Christmas lights

Carnaby Street is one of London’s coolest shopping areas. There are lots of smaller boutiques along this pedestrianised street so why not enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping while admiring the lights?

This year the street will form a kaleidoscope of neon butterflies.

Where: Carnaby Street, London, W1F 9PS.

When: The Carnaby Street Christmas lights 2025 will be switched on at the beginning of November.

Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus.

Top tip: Hamleys is very close by where you’ll find one of the best Santa experiences in London. See here for more places to see Santa in London.

Carnaby Street Christmas lights 2021

Old Bond Street Christmas lights

The Old Bond Street lights are always classy and in keeping with this upmarket area. This year they are displaying crowns instead of the peacock feathers in a tribute to the Queen.

As well as the lights, the designer shops usually have extravagant window displays which are worth seeing.

The main ones being Tiffany, Cartier and Stella McCartney.

Where: Old Bond Street, London, W1S 4QB.

When: From mid November.

Nearest Tube: Piccadilly or Green Park.

Top tip: Make sure to take a wander through the Burlington Arcade running from Piccadilly to Burlington Gardens and St James’s.

The Bond Street Christmas lights | photo Credit: Bond Street

Kew Gardens Christmas lights

Kew at Christmas is perhaps the most magical of all of the Christmas lights London has to offer (although not in central London). The Kew Christmas lights are actually a Christmas light trail.

You follow a one-mile route through trees adorned with lights and watch laser projections light up the Temperate House all while listening to classic Christmas music. It is a truly magical sight.

If you like Christmas light trails, the Blenheim Palace Christmas light trail is just 90 minutes from London by train.

If you can’t get to Kew, then you might want to check out the light trail at Kenwood House.

Where: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE.

When: Mid November to beginning of January.

Nearest tube: Kew Gardens.

Top Tip: Tickets sell out FAST so if you want to go, get booking.

Christmas at Kew | Photo Credit: Kew Gardens

Coal Drops Yard Christmas lights

Coal Drops Yard is one of London’s coolest new areas. It’s packed with shops and restaurants and there’s always something going on there.

The area transforms at Christmas with festive decorations, twinkling lights and colourful Christmas trees.

Don’t forget to check out the People’s Tree at Battle Bridge Place with neon strip lights that light up when you interact with it.

Where: Coal Drops Yard, Stable Street, Kings Cross, London, N1C 4DQ.

When: TBC.

Nearest Tube: Kings Cross St Pancras.

Top tip: Have a Harry Potter fan in the family? Check out Platform 9 3/4 in Kings Cross Station or take a wander through London St Pancras International where there is usually an impressive Christmas tree on display.

Covent Garden Christmas Lights

Covent Garden is magical at Christmas. The Covent Garden Piazza itself is the highlight but lots of the Covent Garden boutiques join in too.

The Piazza is transformed with 115,000 Christmas lights (check out the giant mistletoe and baubles hanging from the ceiling) and the giant Christmas tree is pretty spectacular too.

In 2020 there are a number on Christmas trees on the north side of the Piazza (closest to Covent Garden tube station) decorated by the boutiques located in the Piazza.

Make sure to also check out the Covent Garden infinity chamber which is on Conduit Court in Covent Garden.

Where: Covent Garden, London, WC2H 7AR.

When: From beginning of November.

Nearest tube: Covent Garden.

Top Tip: Check out the Covent Garden Infinity Chamber and pop into Neal’s Yard – one of London’s hidden gems.

Seven Dials Christmas lights

Just a short stroll from Covent Garden is the Seven Dials area. There’s an official light switch on of the Seven Dials Christmas lights with some of the local shops offering discounts. It is an incredibly pretty area of London.

Make sure to check out Father Christmas and his Elves at work in their Grotto at 19 Earlham Street. See the Seven Dials website for details.

Where: Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU.

When: TBC.

Nearest tube: Covent Garden.

Top Tip: Pop in to Instagram-worthy Neal’s Yard, one of the most colourful areas in London or catch Roald Dahl’s Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre.

Chelsea – Sloane Square and surrounding area

Cadogan Estates including Sloane Street, Duke of York Square, and Sloane Square will be elegantly dressed with tasteful clusters of star lights.

There will also be twinkling 2m Christmas trees designed by MK Illumination, plus beautiful cross street illuminations that will be the ideal selfie backdrop.

The switch on ceremony usually sees various festive events taking place in Duke of York Square, including the switch-on by Father Christmas himself.

It’s the ideal place to get your Christmas shopping done.

Where: Sloane Square, London, Sw1W 8EE.

When: From mid November.

Nearest Tube: Sloane Square.

Top tip: While you’re there, make sure to walk down to the River Thames to see Albert Bridge and Battersea Bridge. Both bridges are lit up every evening (all year) and they are so pretty.

Christmas lights in Chelsea – Photo Credit: Cadogan Estates

Other London Christmas lights worth seeing

Winter Wonderland

Where: Hyde Park, London, W1J 7NT.
When: From mid November to beginning of January.
Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner.

See also their Santa’s Grotto – one of the best places to see Santa in London.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Marylebone Village

Marylebone Christmas lights

Where: Marylebone High Street, London, W1U.
When: TBC.
Nearest tube: Baker Street.

St Christopher’s Place

Where: St Christopher’s Place, Barrett Street, London, W1U 1BF.
When: During December.
Nearest tube: Bond Street.

St Katherine Docks

Where: St Katherine Docks, St Katherine Way, London, E1W 1LA.
When: TBC.
Nearest Tube: Tower Hill.

Christmas by the River

Where: Christmas by the River, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2AA.
When: Mid November to beginning of January.
Nearest Tube: London Bridge or Tower Hill.
Top Tip: See what is going on at the Shakespeare’s Globe theatre or pop into the Tower of London, one of the best castles in England followed by a meal in an igloo at the Coppa Club which is arguably the best igloo dining experience in London and then come back to view the lights.

Tower Bridge Christmas lights

Leadenhall Market

Where: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 1LT.
When: TBC.
Nearest tube: Bank or Aldgate.

Leadenhall Market

The Royal Exchange

Where: The Royal Exchange, Cornhill, London, EC3V 3LR.
When: Through December 2022.
Nearest tube: Bank.

South Molton Street

Where: South Molton Street, London, W1K 5QE.
When: Mid November to end of December.
Nearest tube: Bond Street.

South Molton Street Christmas lights

Other festive areas to visit in London

The Churchill Arms

Not Christmas lights as such but the Churchill Arms, probably the most famous pub in London, switches out the flowers for Christmas trees and it’s a sight to behold.

Where: 119 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 7LN.

When: From early December.

Nearest tube: Notting Hill Gate.

The Churchill Arms at Christmas

Trafalgar Square

No visit to London at Christmas is complete without seeing the traditional Trafalgar Square Christmas tree. The enormous tree, gifted by the people of Norway, is the place to go for carol singing.

Charities book one hour slots for a carol singing session and use this time to collect for their charity from participants.

In 2019 there was also a Christmas market for the first time.

Where: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London, WC2n 5DN.

When: Early December 2022.

Nearest tube: Charing Cross Station

Top Tip: Pop into St Martin-in-the-Fields for more carol singing or a Christmas concert.

The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

The Shard

The London skyline at night is very pretty, but it’s extra lovely at Christmas when the Shard lights up. Just like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, one of the most famous and dazzling light shows in the world, the Shard lights up every half hour with three, 9-minute shows.

This year, the lights will be blue and white to show gratitude to everyone in the NHS who have worked so hard to keep Britain safe and well.

See here for skip the line tickets to visit The Shard.

Note – the London Eye also lights up at night. Get your fast track London Eye tickets here.

Where: The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9SG.

When: TBC.

Nearest tube: London Bridge Station.

Harrods

The Harrods lights are not officially classed as London Christmas lights as they are on every evening all-year-round but if you are in the area, it’s well worth going to see them.

At Christmas they just get a bit more twinkly!

Where: Harrods, 87-135, Brompton Road, London, SW3 1RT.

When: All-year-round.

Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge.

Harrods lights at night

Places to see Christmas Lights near London

Like Christmas lights? Then you’re bound to love these Christmas light trails that are becoming so popular all over the UK. Don’t miss our guide on Christmas light trails in the UK.

Looking for family accommodation in London?

We have a guide with recommended family-friendly hotels in London as well as family hotels with pools in London.

Our favourite is The Langham which also has a fabulous afternoon tea for kids.

Map of the London Christmas Lights

One final tip – the London ice rinks are a great place to catch some twinkly lights at Christmas, particularly at the Natural History Museum (one of the best London museums for kids) and Somerset House.

Do you have any favourite places to see the London Christmas lights? Let us know in the comments.