Looking for the best places to see Christmas lights in London? In this post, you will find the best London Christmas lights and decorations, listed by area and updated for 2025. Plan a walking route to see the festive displays across the city, with this part of our Christmas in London with kids guide.
Christmas Lights in London
One our favourite Christmas activities in London with kids is to head into central London to take in the brilliant lights and decorations. During the festive season, London comes alive with spectacular festive displays, beautifully decorated shop windows and sparkling Christmas lights.
Each year, there are more amazing and unique Christmas lights and decorations to experience in London. Some of our favourite areas to see the Christmas decorations in London are Chelsea, Mayfair and Covent Garden. Keep checking for the latest details and up-to-date photos of the best Christmas lights and decorations in London.
When do the Christmas lights go on in London?
The Christmas lights in London start to be switched on from early November. Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street typically kick off the festive season with their Christmas light switch-ons during the first week of November.
From mid-November, the next Christmas lights in London to be switched on are in Covent Garden, Leadenhall Market, Marylebone Village, Chelsea and Mayfair.
The best time to see the Christmas lights in London before the crowds is in mid to late November, ideally on weekday evenings. The London Christmas lights typically turn on from 4pm, when it starts to get dark.
Related: Best Santa’s Grottos in London
To help with planning a day out enjoying the Christmas activities in London with kids, I have listed the Christmas decorations by area along with nearby places to visit, festive things to do and Christmas markets.
Christmas in London with Kids Map
I am also pinning London Christmas events for kids, Santa’s Grottos in London, Christmas Markets, ice skating rinks and more in the “Christmas in London with Kids” Google Map Guide. For a direct link to the map to bookmark, click here. To explore the map, click on the door sign with an arrow just before the map title.
For the full list of Christmas days out in London, have a look at our post, Fun Things to Do at Christmas in London with Kids.
Best Places to See Christmas Lights in London
Bookmark this post for the latest information on Christmas lights and decorations around London, as well as up-to-date photos of the displays coming up this festive season.
Carnaby Street
from 6 November 2025 | Carnaby Christmas
Carnaby Street, a pedestrianised shopping street in Soho, is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in London. Located close to Oxford Street and Regent Street, Carnaby is a must-see stop for memorable Christmas displays.
This festive season, Carnaby Street have unveiled a new and colourful “All is Bright” display, marking the next chapter of their sustainable, state-of-the-art scheme.
Combine seeing the Christmas lights at Carnaby Street with the brilliant displays at Regent Street and Oxford Street, along with the following London festive shopping destinations;
Liberty, Great Marlborough Street (main entrance), London W1B 5AH – Located at the end of Carnaby Street, Liberty is an iconic London department store selling luxury goods and unique gifts.
Head to the fourth floor for the famous Liberty Christmas shop, featuring a carefully curated selection of baubles, themed ornaments, festive decorations, the popular beauty advent calendars and much more.
Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB – Head down Oxford Street to Selfridges for their famous Christmas shop, along with this season’s festive collaboration with Disney, “A Most Magical Christmas”, featuring enchanting decorations and special Selfridges x Disney merchandise.
Highlights include a Disney-inspired light and music show every evening and live performances and appearances of Santa and a troupe of dancing Mickey Mouse-inspired baubles from 1 December. Read more about the Enchanted Encounters coming up at Selfridges London.
Regent Street
from 6 November 2025 | Regent Street
Regent Street’s famous “Spirits of Christmas” display will feature 30 spirit angels covered in thousands of energy-efficient LED lights.
The stunning spirit light displays will be on from 2pm to midnight everyday for a more sustainable display.
Look out for Christmas lights and decorations along the nearby streets and arcades, such as Piccadilly, Jermyn Street, St James’s Market, Glasshouse Street, Swallow Street and Quadrant Arcade.
Combine seeing the brilliant Christmas lights at Regent Street with the following nearby must-see festive decorations and best places for festive shopping in London;
Burlington Arcade, 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ – Located between the Piccadilly Circus and Green Park tube stations and a short walk from Regent Street, the Burlington Arcade is a historic shopping arcade.
This festive season, Burlington Arcade is celebrating with crystal chandeliers and dazzling “12 Days of Christmas” decorations.
Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER – Famous for its gourmet food products, gift hampers and afternoon tea service, the Fortnum & Mason department store is another must-visit at Christmas in London. Enjoy the “Fantastical Christmas” window displays, the festive treats and seasonal gifts.
One of the best places to see Christmas decorations in London, every year the facade of Fortnum & Mason is decorated in the style of advent calendar and is also beautiful to see lit up at night.
Mayfair
from mid- November 2025 | Mayfair Christmas Lights
One of the best areas for Christmas lights and decorations in London, Mayfair is a neighbourhood that is bordered by Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly and Park Lane. With over 60,000 sparking lights, extravagant Christmas trees and fantastic window displays, Mayfair is a must-see destination when visiting London at Christmas.
The top spots in Mayfair to enjoy the festive atmosphere and Christmas decorations are along New Bond Street, Mount Street and South Molton Street.
New Bond Street – One of my favourite places to see the Christmas lights in Mayfair is along New Bond Street. Highlights include the Bond Street peacock feather Christmas lights and the extravagant displays at luxury stores including Cartier, Ralph Lauren, Dior and Bvlgari.
The festive Ralph’s Coffee at the Ralph Lauren store on New Bond Street is a popular stop at Christmas to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Mount Street Neighbourhood – You will find some of the best Christmas lights in London along Mount Street and surrounding roads. Look for the charming decorations at Hedonism Wines (3-7 Davies Street, London W1K 3DJ) and the world-famous Christmas tree at The Connaught Hotel (16 Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL).
Berkeley Square – Every year, the private member club, Annabel’s (46 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AT), goes big with its Christmas decor and creates the most elaborate facade designs.
This year, Annabel’s revealed “The Wardrobe: A World of Wonder”, transformed its entrance into an homage to the world of Narnia and the story of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The glamourous installation features a gold-etched wardrobe opening onto a winter scene filled with icicles and snow-covered trees.
South Molton Street – Just off Oxford Street, the pedestrianised South Molton Street is a popular spot for festive photos with its distinctive icy blue arch decorations.
Covent Garden
from 12 November 2025 | Christmas in Covent Garden
One of the best places to see Christmas lights in London, Covent Garden is famous for its displays that feature over 300,000 sparkling lights and an iconic 55ft British-grown Christmas tree. The much-loved gold bells have returned to the Covent Garden Market Building this festive season.
Visit Covent Garden this winter to experience a festive magic takeover of the iconic Piazza, Market Building, Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials and surrounding streets!
Visit Christmas in Covent Garden for latest information on upcoming events for the 2025 festive season. Look out for the brilliant Christmas displays at the shops and restaurants around Covent Garden, such as Clos Maggiore (shown below) and Gaucho Grill.
Chelsea
from 15 November 2025 | Chelsea Christmas
The Chelsea Christmas Lights were switched on this festive season on 15 November, offering an afternoon of festive fun for all the family. King’s Road was part-pedestrianised from Sloane Square to Walpole Street, featuring a Christmas market, roaming entertainment and a full programme of entertainment.
Sloane Square (14 November to 24 December 2025) – This year, enjoy the new Ralph Lauren holiday experience at Sloane Square. You will find a Ralph’s Coffee hut selling an assortment of hot beverages, seasonal mulled wine and decadent treats.
The Ralph Lauren Barn will feature a variety of festive activities including a Father Christmas Meet & Greet, wreath-making workshops and artisan cookie decorating.
Related: Best Santa’s Grottos in London
Duke of York Square – This Christmas, Duke of York Square features stunning ’12 Days of Christmas” decorations with a trail to follow and read more about the magical story behind each creation.
Christmas Activities in London with Kids
I hope you have found this post on where to find the best Santa’s Grottos in London helpful! Find more ideas for Christmas days out in London and surrounding areas with our round-up posts and reviews;
Guide to Christmas in London with Kids
Best Santa’s Grottos in London
Hogwarts in the Snow at WB Studio Tour London
Pin for Later – Best Places to See Christmas Lights in London 2025
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