This year, London is fully embracing the festive season with winter pop-ups, themed cocktails, and some of the most eagerly awaited Christmas lights in the city.
From iconic streets to unique displays, our guide highlights the best locations to view Christmas lights in London. Updated throughout the season, here is your list of the top spots to see the best Christmas lights in London for 2024.
Top Deck Christmas Lights Tour
16th November - 30th December 2024
Departing from 8 Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5BY
This vintage Christmas lights bus tour of London all takes place on a classic open-top Routemaster, which has been festively decorated to get you in the spirit. The Classic Tour take you on a journey via London’s most iconic Christmas light displays, spanning the likes of Oxford street, Harrods and Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park.
Tickets are £17 for children and start at £19 for adults, with each guaranteeing a top deck seat for the best views and including a guide with commentary throughout the 75-minute experience.
Covent Garden Christmas Lights
12th November 2024 - January 2025
The Market Building, London WC2E
Covent Garden will once again dazzle visitors with its renowned Christmas lights in London. Expect over 40 giant bells, festive sleighs, 12 enormous baubles, and a towering 40-foot Christmas tree - a true London Christmas staple.
The festive piazza is perfect for capturing those holiday moments, making it a must-visit among London Christmas lights displays.
Kew Gardens Christmas Lights
13th November 2024 - 5th January 2025
Richmond, TW9 3EG
Kew Gardens' Christmas light trail is back, transforming the gardens into a mesmerising winter wonderland. This Christmas lights in London display features glowing pavilions, tunnels, and beautifully lit trees, with warming street food vendors at the ready.
Slots start from 4:20 pm, with the last entry at 8 pm. Closed on Christmas Eve, Kew Gardens offers one of the best Christmas light experiences in London for families and friends.
Oxford Street Christmas Lights
Now available to see.
One of the most iconic London Christmas lights displays, Oxford Street lights up the city centre every year, drawing crowds from near and far. With recyclable materials and LED bulbs for energy efficiency, these lights are a shining example of London's festive spirit.
While the lights turn off at 11 pm to preserve energy, they’re truly spectacular while they’re on.
Belgravia Christmas Lights
Running from 17th November
Belgravia’s beautiful Elizabeth and Motcomb Streets create a magical scene with Christmas lights in London that are perfect for some festive shopping and Instagram-worthy shots.
The nearby Eccleston Yards also offers a Christmas market with unique gifts, making it a top spot for holiday shopping.
Carnaby Street Christmas Lights
Now available to see.
Carnaby Street is a celebrated shopping destination, wedged between Oxford Street and Regent Street, with both independent and chain retailers promising the best in deals, and local restaurants putting on dinner, but you've come here to hear about this year's Christmas lights. Going all out with a theme each year (with previous themes including 'electric' and 'rainbow), visitors to the Carnaby Street lights can expect a dazzling display, switched on this 8th November.
Kenwood House At Christmas
14th November - 3rd January
If you're looking for a London Christmas lights tour, then check out Kenwood House's cool trail, which will be taking place from December to January. After making its big debut a few years ago, this stunning Grade I listed hotspot will be transformed yet again into an immersive winter wonderland. So, expect 'Gram-worthy light and sound installations across the space, alongside vibrant displays on the grand manor.
Leadenhall Christmas Lights
Running from Thursday the 14th of November
Leadenhall Market's Christmas lights in London display brings Victorian charm to the heart of the city. This year’s switch-on event, led by the Lord Mayor, will reveal an 18ft Christmas tree, glittering baubles, and festive lights throughout the market’s historic architecture. Join the festivities at 5:30pm for a truly London Christmas tradition.
Old Spitalfields Market Christmas Lights
Running from Wednesday the 13th of November
Watch in awe as the East London shopping and dining destination transforms into a twinkly wonderland on Wednesday the 13th of November. Old Spitalfields Market will be adorned with Christmas trees and decorations galore, with the special switch-on event taking place from 5.30pm. If you're hungry for a slice of festivities before then, however, you can pop down from 1pm to bask in the launch of the Christmas Market and shops. Think mulled wine, mince pies and more.
The Shard Christmas Lights
Running from the 14th of November until the 31st of December
This year, The Shard is drawing upon the festive classic, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, and bringing it to life by illuminating the city with a gorgeous light display from its famous Spire. Venture over to London Bridge on the evening of the 14th of November, and catch the spectacular for the very first time, along with a performance of the well-known song with a surprise music icon. The display will be visible from over 40 miles away, and exhibit 15-minute light sequences inspired by Jingle Bells, Deck The Halls and more, every hour.
Battersea Power Station Christmas Lights
18th November - January 2025
Battersea Power Station has quickly become a beloved London Christmas lights destination, with immersive installations and riverside views. This season, enjoy a light display that combines industrial heritage with holiday cheer, complemented by festive market stalls and seasonal treats.
With so many dazzling Christmas lights in London, there’s no shortage of places to explore this holiday season. From classic city-centre spots to quieter neighbourhoods, each display captures the magic of London at Christmas.
The Churchill Arms
14th November - 5th of January
The Churchill Arms is transforming into a winter wonderland from the 14th of November until the 5th of January, ushering in an extravaganza of festive cheer. A beloved tradition for over 30 years, manager James Keogh has decorated the iconic Notting Hill pub with over 90 conifer trees and a dazzling array of Christmas lights, creating a radiant festive landmark.
This charming boozer might just offer one of the most delightfully British Christmas celebrations around. With a festive atmosphere, hearty beers, and twinkling lights, it’s the ultimate place to soak in the holiday spirit. If that’s not Christmas cheer, we’re not sure what is.