Christmas is well and truly on the way – so here’s our guide for when and where to see London’s Christmas lights twinkling merrily on high.
Best Time To See London’s Christmas Lights
Are you waiting for the best time to see London’s Christmas lights, we can guide you here. The best time to see the lights is at the start of December, but from November 20th almost all the lights will be turned on. So even if they’re not all up yet, there will be some attractive displays to check out.
1. Oxford Street on November 5
The well-known Oxford Street Christmas stars are the most unforgettable lights in the city, and there’s always a lot of excitement when they go up. When Oxford Street lights up, it feels like Christmas has come! They’ll be turning the switch on their display on the 5th of November.
2. Carnaby Street on November 7
Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights are known for being excessively unique, showcasing themes and distinguishing them from other light displays in London. They featured a stunning galactic and planetary theme in the last year’s installation. This year the light’s display will showcase a series of illuminated sculptures crafted from 60,000 energy-efficient LED lights, which will be converted for the next five Christmas seasons in various forms. The lights will be switched on this year on November 7.
3. Regent Street on November 7
Regent Street initiated the Christmas lights tradition in 1954, and each year, the well-known Spirits of Christmas float gracefully and illuminate the street in a wonderful display. Regent Street Christmas Lights will be turned on earlier this year, on November 7, while the lights have been switched on November 9 for the past two years
4. London’s West End Christmas Lights on November 7
As the festive season comes, the West End will turn on its dazzling Christmas lights on November 7. This new display has quickly gained popularity since its debut two years ago. The lights will illuminate iconic areas, expanding across St Martin’s Lane, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly, and also enhancing the atmosphere on Coventry Street and Cranbourne, Irving, and Bear Street.
5. Soho Kids Christmas Lights on November 12
One of our loved annual traditions is the Soho Kids Christmas Lights, which turn children’s drawings into whimsical decorations that shine above the streets of Soho. This year, the display is making its return to London a bit earlier on November 12, with more playful and imaginative designs. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the creativity of young artists while bringing joy and festive cheer to the neighborhood.
6. Covent Garden on November 12
Covent Garden’s Christmas lights display is truly a sight to see, known for its stunning transformation that often competes with the famous Oxford Street lights. This year, on November 12, the festivities will kick off with a lively celebration. Prepare to be amazed by an astonishing 260,000 lights—almost double what adorned the area last year.
7. Kew Gardens on November 13
Kew Gardens is preparing for the holiday season with the exciting news that its spectacular light display will be turned on on November 13. The Christmas at Kew light trail is an amazing experience that turns the gardens into a magical, illuminated wonderland. It’s a perfect way to involve yourself in the festive spirit while enjoying the enchanting scenery that Kew has to offer.
8. Marylebone Village Christmas Lights on November 13
The team behind Marylebone Village’s Christmas lights has caught the holiday spirit, and they’ve already announced their big show! On November 13, the lights will shine brightly during the special Merry Marylebone event from 3 PM to 8 PM. Attendees can look forward to a festive atmosphere filled with fun activities, charming market stalls, live music, and even a surprise celebrity guest to join in the holiday cheer.
9. Old Spitalfields Market on November 13
Old Spitalfields Market has exposed its Christmas lights plans for 2024! The festivities start at 5:30 PM on November 13, inviting everyone to a magical evening filled with Christmas shopping, live festive music, and fun activities like free face painting and craft workshops for kids. And what’s a holiday celebration without mulled wine and mince pies? With a variety of seasonal specials from local street food vendors, it’s the perfect mix of dinner and a show.
10. Leadenhall Market on November 14
Leadenhall Market becomes even more enchanting at Christmas, with its beautiful interiors enhanced with festive decorations and a grand Christmas tree taking center stage. This year, the Lord Mayor’s annual Christmas light switch-on is set for November 14.
11. The Shard on November 14
Each year, the top floors of The Shard light up with a festive display to welcome the holiday season, and this year’s show has a special twist. Inspired by the nation’s love for Christmas carols, a new light display will debut on November 14, adding a beautiful holiday glow to London’s skyline and bringing extra cheer to the city.
12. Savile Row on November 14
When the festive season comes, Savile Row combines its reputation for outstanding fashion with beautifully designed Christmas lights. Last year, the display featured lights shaped like tailor’s shears as a nod to the street’s rich history, and they were a hit! This year, the giant shears will return, lighting up Savile Row from November 14 onward.
13. The Churchill Arms on November 14
London’s most extravagantly decorated Christmas pub never misses a beat when it comes to holiday lights! Even during the lockdown in 2020, they kept the tradition alive by organizing their eye-catching display for December. Every year, they go all-out with Christmas trees covering the walls and roof—truly over-the-top in the best way, and we love it! This year, the pub will turn on its well-known lights on November 14 at 6 PM.
14. Chelsea on November 16
Chelsea brings its beauty to the festive season every year with a beautiful Christmas light display. Traditionally, the lights turn on around the third Saturday of November, and this year will be no exception. Mark your calendars for November 16, when Chelsea’s streets will glow with holiday cheer, creating the perfect seasonal backdrop for a stroll through this lovely neighborhood.
15. Belgravia on November 4 & 17
Belgravia’s stunning light show spreads its magic across Motcomb Street, Elizabeth Street, Pimlico Road, Eccleston Yards, and Halkin Arcade, so there’s no missing it! The lights will start shining on November 4, and the grand turn-on event is set for November 17. Join the festivities at 4 PM for a truly magical street party, complete with visits from Father Christmas and his reindeer, plus a special appearance by The Snowman from Sadler’s Wells.
16. Mayfair early November
Following the tradition of past years, Mayfair’s Christmas lights on Mount Street usually come to life shortly after Belgravia’s. While a specific date hasn’t been set yet, they’re planning a festive event for early November, so keep an eye out for the announcement!
17. Trafalgar Square on December 5
Each year, Norway’s special Christmas gift to London—a magnificent tree in Trafalgar Square—is one of the last holiday lights to be switched on, and it’s worth the wait! This year, the tree will light up from December 5. To make the evening even more special, there’ll be a heartwarming carol concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields nearby, bringing a touch of tradition and togetherness to the holiday season.
18. St Christmas Place – Date TBC
This beautiful London oasis fully welcomes the festive spirit by even changing its name for the season! Each year, St Christopher’s Place transforms into its holiday alter ego, St Christmas Place. According to their traditions, we can expect the lights to be turned on around November 14-15.
19. Bond Street – Date TBC
Luxury shopping deserves an equally luxurious Christmas display, and Bond Street is always ready to deliver like that. Take a stroll down this beautiful street for some high-end holiday shopping while enjoying the amazing lights, which we expect will be up around the middle of November. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit while treating yourself!
20. Connaught Village – Date TBC
Every year, Connaught Village turns into a festive wonderland with a beauty of themes of Christmas lights display that flash over the streets. Their iconic tree is always a sight to behold, decorated, and glow. While the exact date for the return of the Connaught Village lights in 2024 is still a bit of a mystery, we’re guessing they’ll make their debut in the middle of November, likely during the 3rd or 4th week of the month.
21. King’s Cross – Date TBC
King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square always go all-out for Christmas with a massive tree and strings of twinkling lights that create a cozy holiday atmosphere. If tradition holds, the lights will be turned on around mid-November.
