Oxford Street Christmas lights
Oxford Street will begin London’s festive season with 300,000 sparkling stars lighting up the famous shopping street in early November. Additionally, on December 7, the ‘Big Day of Joy’ will bring live performances, in-store activities, and holiday experiences, supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.
From 5 November
Bond Street Christmas lights
Bond Street, renowned for its legendary jewellery houses, is one of the most visited places for Christmas lights. The elegant lights over the street feature designs inspired by the street’s jewellers and royal connections. Visitors from Piccadilly or Oxford Street are greeted by a grand “Tiara-like” entrance, with crossings reflecting diamond and pearl necklaces and crowns inspired by The Imperial State Crown at key junctions. Also, the Bond Street stores have some of the most spectacular decorations, and the Cartier store is a must-see every year.
Regent Street St James’s Christmas lights
Regent Street’s ‘Spirit of Christmas’ is a standout feature of London’s holiday season, with its tradition of Christmas lights dating back to 1954. The radiant angels illuminate the area from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus and St James’s Jermyn Street. Additionally, Glasshouse Street, Heddon Street, and St James’s Market sparkle with festive lights, including a new Wishing Tree at St James’s Market that lights up through donations to The Felix Project.
From 7 November
Carnaby Christmas lights
Carnaby Christmas lights, named ‘Into the Light,’ will illuminate Carnaby Street with over 60,000 energy-efficient LEDs in captivating displays. This festive installation features several six-meter-long sculptural light forms suspended above Carnaby Street. The lights are designed to last for at least five Christmas seasons, allowing for fresh programming each year to introduce new effects and features. This flexibility means Carnaby can keep its tradition of evolving festive displays, ensuring each year’s switch-on brings something unique.
From 7 November
Covent Garden Christmas lights
Covent Garden’s holiday decor includes a 55-foot Christmas tree adorned with 30,000 LED lights, part of the 260,000 lights illuminating the piazza and surrounding streets, including updated lighting in Seven Dials. The Market Hall is festively decorated with 40 large bells, 12 giant baubles, and eight spinning mirror balls. Seasonal highlights include a Wonder Wood for strolls, mulled wine stations, and the popular Christmas sleigh photo spot at the Market Hall.
From 12 November
Merry Marylebone
Merry Marylebone, the annual festive event in Marylebone Village, features musical and choral performances on the main stage at Devonshire Street, hosted by BBC broadcaster Jo Good. Enjoy activities like bauble painting, wreath-making workshops, and delicious street food. Many local businesses also offer exclusive discounts, special experiences, and curated holiday menus. Merry Marylebone will feature musical performances and market stalls.
Festival on 13 November
Old Spitalfields Market Christmas lights
The Old Spitalfields Christmas Market will light up with the switching on of the Christmas decorations, enhancing the festive ambience. This lively shopping and dining destination will feature beautifully decorated Christmas trees and sparkling lights. Enjoy free face painting and Christmas craft workshops for children while exploring 42 food and drink vendors and 54 shops and stalls. On 13 November, the festive atmosphere will be elevated with live music from a gospel choir, filling the market with beloved Yuletide classics.
Festival on 13 November
Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew is an illuminated light trail in London. It allows visitors to wander through a botanical garden adorned with glittering lights, illuminated tunnels, vibrant displays, and festive music. Visitors can also enjoy reflections on the lake, explore a fire garden, and spot Father Christmas along the way.
The Kew Gardens Christmas lights trail begins on November 13 and will be available every day from 4:20 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. through January, with breaks on November 18, 19, 25, and December 2 and 25.
Leadenhall Market Christmas lights
Leadenhall Market’s Christmas lights, including a central tree and colourful LEDs, will be lit by the Lord Mayor of London following the Lord Mayor’s Show. The Christmas season at Leadenhall Market kicks off with the festive lights, but that’s just the beginning. Throughout the winter, explore the market, snap photos in front of the LED-lit Christmas tree, and enjoy seasonal shopping and events. After the lights are switched on, Leadenhall will host three weekends of special Christmas markets: on Saturday, November 16, the SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market; Sunday, November 24, the Vintage Furniture & Flea Christmas Market; and Saturday, December 7, another SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market.
From 14 November. Christmas markets on three weekends before Christmas
The Shard Christmas lights
On the evening of November 14, the top 20 storeys of the Shard will be illuminated with 575 LED lights. The event will feature a choir of six performing ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ 78 floors up.
The top 20 storeys of The Shard are illuminated by four 15-minute festive light sequences every hour, each evening between 14 November and New Year’s Eve. The lights are inspired by festive songs We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Jingle Bells, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and Deck the Halls, and are said to be visible from over 40 miles away.
From November 14
Chelsea Christmas lights
The Chelsea Christmas lights will be switched on November 16. On this day, King’s Road will be partially pedestrianised between Sloane Square and Walpole Street, hosting a festive market, pop-up stands from local businesses, face painting, and entertainment on multiple stages throughout the area. At 5 pm, Father Christmas, accompanied by a local child deserving of a special treat, will take the main stage at Duke of York Square to officially turn on the lights.
November 16
Belgravia Christmas lights
The Christmas light switch-on party in Belgravia’s Elizabeth Street will happen on 17 November, from 11 am to 4 pm. It features festive performances, and the children can meet Father Christmas and characters from the Nutcracker. The nearby Eccleston Yards will host a Christmas Market. Motcomb Street, Elizabeth Street, Pimlico Road, Eccleston Yards, and Halkin Arcade will all be lit with a unified Christmas lights display.
From 17 November
