What are the best streets in London for Christmas lights?
London comes alive with festive magic during the Christmas season, as the city’s streets and landmarks shimmer with dazzling fairy lights and decorations. For families with children, exploring these enchanting displays of Christmas lights in London is a cherished tradition that creates lasting memories and ignites the spirit of the season. London offers a plethora of magical destinations to experience the wonder of Christmas lights. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best streets in London for seeing Christmas lights with your kids, highlighting the most spectacular displays that will delight both young and old alike. So sip on some hot chocolate (stirred with a candy cane, of course), and get ready to immerse yourself in the festive splendour of the capital city.
When are the Christmas lights switched on in London?
The Christmas lights in London typically begin to illuminate the city’s streets and iconic locations from early to mid-November, creating a festive atmosphere that lasts through the holiday season into early January.
While there’s no single ‘switch-on’ date for the entire city, most major streets and areas unveil their displays within a few weeks of each other. The exact dates can vary from year to year and differ for each location, but visitors can generally expect to see the first lights appearing in the first or second week of November.
It’s worth noting that some of the most famous displays, such as those on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden, tend to be among the first to switch on their lights, often in early November. Other areas tend to follow suit in the subsequent weeks.
For those planning a visit to see the Christmas lights, check the specific switch-on dates for the particular streets or areas you’re interested in. The switch-on dates will be announced closer to the time, typically in October or early November.
For exact dates, check out our post on London Christmas lights and markets dates.
Regent Street
Regent Street’s Christmas lights are a must-see spectacle for families visiting London during the festive season. Known for the angels that stretch across the road, these lights transform the elegant curved street with a canopy of glittering lights.
As a set of lights that has returned year after year, the iconic design of the angel theme has become synonymous with Regent Street. The grand scale and beauty of the display make it incredibly photogenic.
Regent Street has been hosting Christmas lights since 1954, making it one of London’s longest-running displays. Its central location in the heart of London’s West End makes it easy to combine with other festive activities or shopping. The wide pavements allow families with children to enjoy the lights at a leisurely pace. Adding to the excitement for children are the surrounding attractions, particularly the nearby Hamleys toy store and other family-friendly shops.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street, London’s bustling shopping mecca, transforms into a glittering spectacle during the festive season, making it a must-visit destination for families exploring the city’s Christmas lights.
The Oxford Street Christmas lights feature a canopy of twinkling lights stretching above the entire length of the street. The result as you look down the street is a sky of stars that turns the busy thoroughfare into a twinkling winter wonderland.
With many shops featuring their own elaborate window displays and decorations, Oxford Street can be busy as Christmas approaches, but prepare to take your time and it is manageable.
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street, known for its vibrant atmosphere and trendsetting fashion, offers a unique and often unconventional take on Christmas lights.
In the past, Carnaby’s Street’s Christmas light displays have changed every year and unlike the more traditional designs found on Oxford and Regent Streets, Carnaby’s Christmas lights have traditionally featured bold, contemporary themes. Past displays included everything from underwater scenes and rock and roll tributes to sustainability-focused installations.
The compact size of Carnaby (it’s actually a network of 14 streets) means that families can take in the entire display without it becoming overwhelming for younger children. It’s an ideal spot to visit after exploring the larger displays on nearby Oxford and Regent Streets, offering a more intimate and manageable festive experience.
Bond Street
Bond Street, renowned for its luxury boutiques and high-end jewellery stores, offers a Christmas light display that matches its reputation for elegance and sophistication. What makes Bond Street’s lights particularly special is the way they complement the already opulent surroundings.
The luxury boutiques and high-end retailers along Bond Street elevate the festive atmosphere with their exquisite Christmas decorations. These individual store displays work in harmony with the street’s official Christmas lights, creating layers of illumination and decoration that transform Bond Street into a truly magical destination.
The warm glow from shop windows, combined with the overhead light installations, bathes the street in a festive ambiance that feels both opulent and inviting.
While the street itself is not pedestrianised, the pavements are wide enough for families to stroll comfortably. The relatively calm atmosphere, compared to busier shopping areas, makes it an ideal spot for families to escape the crowds and enjoy a more serene festive experience.
The central location of Bond Street, nestled between Oxford Street and Piccadilly, makes it easy to incorporate into a wider Christmas lights tour. The nearby Burlington Arcade with its beadle (traditional uniformed guard) and the Royal Arcade can add an extra touch of old-world charm to the outing.
Covent Garden Piazza
Covent Garden’s Christmas lights transform this historic market square into a magical winter wonderland, making it a must-visit destination for families exploring London during the festive season. The combination of stunning decorations, charming atmosphere, and family-friendly activities creates an enchanting experience that embodies the spirit of Christmas.
The centrepiece of Covent Garden’s Christmas display is often a massive, beautifully decorated tree standing proudly in the piazza. Surrounding this, the market buildings and arcades are adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a warm and inviting glow throughout the area.
For families, Covent Garden offers more than just lights. Artificial snow flurries occasionally drift down over the piazza, adding to the festive ambiance.
The many shops and boutiques in the area often feature elaborate window displays, and there are usually pop-up stalls selling festive treats and gifts, perfect for a bit of Christmas shopping with the kids.
Berkeley Square – Annabel’s
While not as widely known as some of London’s more famous Christmas light displays, the extravagant Christmas facade of Annabel’s, a famous private members’ club, on Berkeley Square offers a unique and enchanting festive sight.
Berkeley Square itself is a picturesque garden square in Mayfair. The facade of Annabel’s, located at 46 Berkeley Square, transforms each year into a spectacular Christmas scene that has become a must-see attraction. The entire front of the building is covered with an elaborate, three-dimensional display that often features themes from popular Christmas stories or fairytales. Past displays have included giant nutcrackers, life-sized gingerbread houses, and even a snow-covered Swiss chalet.
The location of Berkeley Square, nestled in the heart of Mayfair, also makes it easy to combine with visits to other nearby attractions. Families can easily walk to Bond Street or Oxford Street from here, creating a spectacular Christmas light experience.
Burlington Arcade
The Burlington Arcade, a historic covered shopping gallery connecting Piccadilly to Burlington Gardens, offers a uniquely charming Christmas light experience that’s perfect for families exploring London’s festive displays. During the holiday season, this elegant Victorian passageway transforms into a magical winter wonderland. The individual shop fronts, home to luxury boutiques and artisanal retailers, often feature their own festive window displays, adding to the overall magical atmosphere.
What makes the Burlington Arcade particularly special is its intimate scale and protection from the elements, allowing your family to enjoy the lights and decorations in comfort, regardless of the weather outside. The presence of the arcade’s famous Beadles, dressed in their traditional Victorian uniforms, adds an extra touch of wonder for young visitors, making them feel as though they’ve stepped back in time to a Christmas past.
South Molton Street
South Molton Street, a quaint pedestrianised thoroughfare just off Oxford Street, offers a more intimate and charming Christmas light experience that can be a delightful discovery for families exploring London’s festive decorations. This narrow street provides a peaceful respite from the bustle of nearby shopping areas while still delivering a magical holiday atmosphere.
In past years the Christmas lights on South Molton Street have featured a canopy of illuminated arches stretching over the entire length of the street. In 2023 though, these illuminated arches were missing from the street. Whether or not they make a reappearance in 2024 remains to be seen.
Even if the arches don’t return in 2024, there are likely to be some lights. The shops lining the streets will also be decked out for Christmas.
How do I find all of these places?
Want easy access on the go to all of these ideas? We’ve created a Google Map with everything marked for you:
Which is your favourite street for Christmas lights in London? Share the Christmas magic in the comments.