London at Christmas can be considered one of the season's most beautiful destinations. You'll know the festive fun has begun once the London Christmas lights start glittering across the streets.
Feel like walking into a winter wonderland, surrounded by magical Christmas trees, shops with gorgeous window displays, charming markets, the coolest holiday events, and iconic attractions. We put together 15 places where London shines its brightest with unique festive decorations: glowing angels, larger-than-life twinkling stars, and shiny crown jewels.
How to Prepare for London's Festive Period
As the year ends, the temperature in London drops to around 5°C to 9°C. The air will be chilly and humid, but snow is unlikely, and you can expect it to rain around three days a week.
Packing waterproof and windproof outer layers, thermal undergarments, tights to wear under warm pants, and accessories like scarves, gloves, hats, thick socks, and umbrellas is best.
#KlookTip: If you wanna lessen the time braving the outdoor chill when getting from Heathrow Airport to London, catch the Heathrow Express.
14 London Christmas Lights Spreading Festive Cheer
Thinking of which dates to experience the best Christmas in London? The street Christmas lights are turned on between November 7 and 17 and turned off during the first week of January, so set your visits to November 18 or later.
During your visit, you can opt for the Christmas Lights Tour to experience the Central London lights and iconic landmarks, all dressed up for the holidays on an open-top bus. Listen to historical insights for each spot as your passionate tour guide shows you around.
If you want to maximise your trip, check out the See London by Night Evening Bus Tour to get a comprehensive overview of these spots.
1. Regent Street
Angels we have heard on high—spotted along Regent Street! Credits to @jamie_davis on Unsplash
Embracing the Christmas spirit, Regent Street sets up a lengthy canopy of brilliant lights that cover the area from Langham Place, through Oxford Circus, to Waterloo Place. Moreover, they've been at it since 1954, so they pretty much started the Christmas lights hanging tradition in London. Such a luxurious area is perfect for Christmas shopping, with its several flagship stores and international brands like Hamley's, Liberty London, and the Apple Store.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly experience in London, here's a guide to exploring the city's best without breaking the bank.
2. Piccadilly
Glowing heavenly bodies bless the streets of Piccadilly! Credits to @tomcchen on Unsplash
Christmas magic is definitely upon us in Piccadilly, where you'll spot Christmas light silhouettes of Greek gods extending from Green Park to Piccadilly Circus. You'll also catch Fortnum and Mason decorated as a giant advent calendar, counting down the days until Christmas.
For the men in your life, take a nine-minute walk to Jermyn Street in St. James to splurge on bespoke hats from Bates, colourfully patterned socks from New & Lingwood, and fancy scents from Floris.
3. Oxford Street
The festive season shines brightly along Oxford Street! Credits to @markh6004 on Unsplash
Enjoy a night under the illumination of stars across one of London's busiest shopping streets. Window shop (or maybe shop inside) at department stores like Selfridges, where the window displays are as enchanting as its contents, and head over to John Lewis to buy gifts and relax at the winter-themed rooftop bar.
While you're there, dig into a bottomless brunch at The Cocktail Club with renditions of Christmas carols and beats from the DJ on top of unlimited drinks and delicious food, and join the Christmas Lights Food Hunt where you'll solve escape room-style puzzles to help Santa Claus spread seasonal cheer in London.
4. Grosvenor Square
This beautifully solemn light display pays tribute to loved ones. Credits to @daphne_befrenchie on Unsplash
The Ever After Garden takes over Grosvenor Square during the holiday season with illuminated white roses to commemorate the city's lost loved ones. Visitors can choose to make donations, which will be used to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Take a 14-minute walk to the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane to check out the life-size snow globe Christmas tree in the lobby. Plus, there's a weekly hot chocolate pop-up here.
Make an 11-minute walk to Impossible Things Entertainment for the All I Want For Christmas Is Brunch event to catch exciting performances like enthusiastic performers lip-syncing to Mariah Carey!
5. South Molton Street
South Molton Street envelopes you in festive displays! Credits to @george_ciobra on Unsplash
This spot stands out among the rest with its blue LED arches as opposed to the usual hanging spirit, stars, and crowns in Central London.
Just a three-minute walk away is Claridge, the luxury hotel known for its extravagant Christmas tree displays. Last year, Jimmy Choo's creative director, Sandra Choi, designed the tree's makeup with reflective mirrors lit up from the inside with a glittering bow.
With The Diamond, last year's Christmas tree, still on our minds, we're excited to see what's to come. Check out how they celebrate Christmas in style this year!
6. Bond Street
Nothing is bigger, bolder, and brighter than Bond Street during Christmas! Credits to @mariandthecity on Instagram
Royalty is the essence of the Bond Street Christmas lights. Enlarged, sparkling crown jewels line the streets along with the area's inviting window displays. Bond Street links Piccadilly and Oxford Street, so it's also a good area to be around for shopping.
7. Carnaby Street
Charming alleyways are all dressed up for Christmas! Credits to @tom_white on Unsplash
For something less traditional, check out Carnaby Street! Carnaby Street always keeps us guessing by following a different theme each year. In 2022, they repurposed Christmas lights from the past 25 years with Rolling Stones and Queen installations to go with the theme "Carnaby Celebrates." This year, they're taking the lights to galactic heights with the theme "Carnaby Universe".
8. Trafalgar Square
The full Christmas experience awaits you at Trafalgar Square! Credits to @stmartins_music on Instagram
Speaking of traditions, Trafalgar Square follows one back from 1947, where they put up a 50-year-old Norway spruce with over 500 white lights. The Amazon-like tree stands from the first Thursday of December through early January.
Don't miss the Christmas market with wooden chalets decked with handmade crafts, unique novelty items, and all kinds of festive food. Shop and eat to your heart's content while being serenaded by the carol singing in the background by St Martin-in-the-Fields Music!
9. Churchill Arms
It's impossible to miss the extravagantly decorated Churchill Arms in the area! Credits to @drawmearoad on Instagram
Churchill Arms is a pub that falls into several categories in London, such as being one of the oldest and most photographed and one of London's hidden gems. In this area, almost everything is covered with Christmas lights— even inside the pub! Have a beer with some Thai food and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Klook Tip: The Christmas lights are not turned on until 6:00 PM. To experience the lights, we suggest visiting after that.
10. Elizabeth Street
No walk along the Belgravia Christmas lights is complete without a Christmas cupcake from Peggy Porschein! Credits to @kate_in_london on Instagram
Escape the hustle and bustle of Central London for a moment and head to Elizabeth Street for a more peaceful stroll along Belgravia's Christmas trail while indulging in adorable and delicious Christmas-themed cupcakes from Peggy Porschein Belgravia.
The Goring, a luxury hotel along Belgravia, has two Christmas trees smaller than most of the hotels in Central London but pack the biggest punch. Theirs involves two ultra-sparkly trees fashioned as twin tiaras bejewelled by Garrard, a world-renowned British jeweller. The Tiara Trees are definitely well worth the 11-minute walk journey from Elizabeth Street!
11. London Eye
Catch amazing views from up high or down below at the London Eye! Credits to @sir.casseus on Instagram
First-timer or not, the London Eye is the city's most popular attraction to get the best panoramic views. The giant wheel will spin in different colours this Christmas season, making it visible across London! During the ride, spot iconic attractions like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace around all sorts of festive lights from 135 metres above ground.
You may also opt for a 40-minute cruise ride along the River Thames to see London from a different perspective. If you're seeking captivating sights with a thrill, this a great experience for you. And with your Klook London Pass, you'll have access to the most famous tourist destinations at a good deal!
Just a five-minute walk away is the Southbank Centre Winter Market, marrying international cuisine with festive treats. See the many ways cheese can transform into delicious snacks, sip some mulled wine to keep warm, and soak in the Christmas spirit.
On top of Christmas markets, the Southbank area will be holding lots of Christmas London events. There will be a Southbank Christmas Markets Singles Pub Crawl for people ages 25 to 40 and a dining experience inside a pop-up snow globe by Fire & Fromage.
12. Seven Dials and Neal's Yard
The colours of the rainbow spill over Neal's Yard enhanced by Christmas lights! Credits to @aleks_london_diary on Instagram
True to its name, Seven Dials has seven streets intersecting on a roundabout with a six-sundial pillar in the middle. Christmas lights cover the entire area for a more magical shopping experience.
After your adventure there, venture into the colourful alleyway in the neighbourhood that is Neal's Yard to see the vibrant spot transform into something even more lively and festive! Fuel up on some Christmas street food, take a seven-minute walk to Leicester Square Christmas Market, and get into the festive spirit with traditional decorations, artisanal crafts, and tempting treats.
13. Covent Garden
![Covent Garden goes all out on Christmas decorations!] Credits to @george_ciobra on Unsplash](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1702449701/yn0tv5hv2zr6ipzmbzgm.jpg)
Covent Garden goes all out on Christmas decorations! Credits to @george_ciobra on Unsplash
A Covent Garden Christmas means elaborate lights all over the high-traffic shopping area with flashy decorations, dynamic street performers, and a Christmas tree that seems to get bigger and brighter every year. This 60-foot tall tree has 115,000 lights!
Christmas in London 2023 sees a comeback of the famous mulled wine festival in the Covent Garden Christmas Markets. Visitors can find unique souvenirs, festive-themed photo opportunities, and brand-new decorations.
14. Kew Gardens
The iconic Christmas lights trail and magical installations await you at Kew! Credits to @katy_murrells on Unsplash
Unlike the other Christmas lights displays, you may want to dedicate a day to fully experience the huge botanical garden in Kew.
The attention to detail here is impeccable, with every corner having its fair share of bedazzling. Walk through tunnels of light, marvel at the glittering lakeside reflections and multicoloured illuminated trees, and stand in awe watching the fire garden flames. Don't miss receiving a greeting from Father Christmas (played by a local actor) along the way!
Pressed for time? Regent Street, Covent Garden, Bond Street, and Churchill Arms will give you a glimpse of the Christmas lights experience in London.
Make the most of your itinerary with the London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours!
More Iconic Attractions Made Magical this Christmas
Tower Bridge
Get a taste of history with a view of the city! Credits to @rubicon99 on Unsplash
On one of the most famous bridges in London and the world, you'll have magnificent Christmas city views from 43 metres above ground and an insightful learning session about the history of its architecture, origins, and more.
The Tower Bridge is a five-minute walk from the Tower of London, which has some of the most creative Christmas tree exhibitions we've seen! 12 Days of Christmas is the theme this year, with two Christmas trees.
For more bucket-list-worthy activities, check out 18 more things to do in the UK!
St. Paul's Cathedral
Enjoy a lovely viewing experience from the ground to the rooftops at St. Paul's Cathedral! Credits to @stpaulscathedrallondon on Instagram
Having been around for 300 years, St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most renowned landmarks in One New Change, where legendary figures like the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill have been laid to rest.
And since the Cathedral is located in One New Change mall, make your way down to find plenty of shops to buy Christmas presents, like stocking-sized gifts at Hotel Chocolat, wardrobe essentials from Oliver Bonas, and stylish pieces from All Saints.
London is one of the ultimate destinations for stunning historical attractions like St. Paul's Cathedral. Explore over 80 top attractions using The London Pass!
Madame Tussauds London
Strike your best poses; you're in the presence of the world's biggest stars! Credits to @madametussauds on Instagram
Madame Tussauds London holds over 150 uncanny replicas of the world's biggest icons! If Buckingham Palace gets too crowded during the holiday season, you can snap selfies with the royal family here instead. Plus, you can spend as much time with them as you want!
To keep the Christmas cheer going, take a 10-minute walk to the Winter Garden in The Landmark London to marvel at one of London's tallest Christmas trees standing inside an eight-storey-high glass atrium.
London Zoo
All these animals want for Christmas is to see more admiring visitors! Credits to @zsllondonzoo on Instagram
Kids and adults alike would be thrilled to visit the London Zoo. This surely falls under one of your trip's most exciting Christmas London attractions.
As you step in, you're transported to different parts of the world represented by diverse species. The Land of Lions is one of their newest enclosures inspired by the Gir Forest National Park in India, with a windowless exhibit of the lions. You can also get friendly with farm animals at the petting zoo—an activity kids would surely love!
IFS Cloud Cable Car
Ride through the London skyline in the IFS Clour Cable Car! Credits to @rebbystevenson on Instagram
Board the IFC Cloud Cable Car from the Greenwich Peninsula or the Royal Docks, and sit back and enjoy the view 90 metres above the River Thames. The entire one-way trip lasts around 10 minutes. After the ride, you can shop at the Icon Outlet at The O2 for high-end brands at highly discounted prices, like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Osprey London— another excuse to Christmas shop!
Bruges Christmas Market Day Trip from London
Feel like you're in a Christmas film at the Bruges Christmas Market! Credits to Klook
If you have time to spare, take the 3-hour and 30-minute coach from London to the Bruges Christmas Markets, where the streets are lined with giant gingerbread-like houses and get the first whiff of fresh waffles.
Lovely wooden chalets border a big ice rink with many cosy cafes inviting you to relax inside and keep warm. Speaking of food, explore the different markets for delicacies like chocolates at Simon Stevinplein or Kroketten with shrimp or cheese at the nearby Minnewater.
Find the best views of the place during a ride on the horse carriage to get a full tour of the cobbles or a climb to the top of the bells to see the whole city.
Planning a visit in your itinerary? Avail the Eurail Global Pass for multiple hassle-free cross-border travels within Europe. Enjoy moving within flexible dates and discounts on tours, hotels, ferry rides, and city passes.
Love and celebration fill London in the form of streets and shops dotted with Christmas lights, the most creative holiday decorations, and exciting Christmas-themed events, from drag brunches to disco walking tours. If you're still contemplating where to take your festivities, London is calling your name.
Written by: Celestine Chua
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