15 Best Places To See Christmas Lights In London

Bells are ringing, children singing all is merry and bright! The holiday season is upon us and that means that the streets are filled with Christmas cheer. If you’re new to the city and want to know the best places to see Christmas lights in London, we’ve got you covered. These 15 places are the perfect spots to kick off the festive season in London. 

Harrods

Where: West London
When: First week of November to the first week of January

The biggest department store in the city, Harrods’ is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in London. One of the largest shopping complexes in the world, there’s no way Harrods wasn’t making this list. With its Edwardian Baroque-inspired architectural facade, Harrods is beautiful enough as it is, but throw in a twinkling lights display and snow-filled streets, and you have a marvellous sight to behold. 

Chelsea

Where: West London
When: Second week of November to the first week of January

Chelsea is one of the best places to be at Christmas time. Filled with street shops where you can do some last-minute shopping and grab a nice hot cocoa, Chelsea is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in London. One stroll through the neighbourhood after a long week of work or classes will no doubt bring a smile to your face. 

Christmas at Kenwood

Where: Central London
When: First week of December to the first week of January

For one of the most immersive and fun-filled holiday-themed experiences, Christmas at Kenwood is the place to be! This immersive experience is not only one of the best places to see Christmas lights in London but is also a great way for you to get into the holiday spirit. If you have a free weekend make sure to stop by and enjoy the light trial, followed by an array of festive food and drinks. 

Christmas lights aren’t the only thing the city has to offer! Check out some of the top 15 tourist attractions in London. 

Regent Street 

Where: West end 
When:  Second week of November to the first week of January

Another major shopping centre, Regent Street is the one of the best places to see Christmas lights in London. This area was one of the first locations in central London to actually start the tradition of putting up lights during the holidays. Their lights even have their own name - “the Spirit of Christmas,” named after the angel-shaped structures that they make to hang up and decorate with lights. 

Leadenhall Market

Where: Central London
When: Last week of November to the last week of December

If you’re walking through Leadenhall Market and think it looks familiar, then you’ve probably watched Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone one too many times. Not only is this the filming location of Diagon Alley, but this is also one of the best places to visit if you want to see Christmas lights in London.  You can stroll through the area and soak in the beauty yourself or even take a guided tour of the area to make sure you don’t miss out on any important landmarks. 

Carnaby Street

Where: Central London
When: First week of November to the first week of January

If you’re looking for one of the most unique Christmas lights in London, Carnaby street is the place for you! Why are these unique, you ask? Every year the lights display at Carnaby has a different theme. One of their most iconic displays was a Bohemian Rhapsody-themed display that was put on as a tribute to the legendary music group Queen, which was on display in October 2018. Their Christmas displays are similarly well thought it, ensuring a great visual experience for anyone that visits. 

Oxford Street

Where: Central London
When: First week of November to the first week of January

A city staple for tourists and locals alike, Oxford street is most likely one of the first places you would go to if you’re looking for Christmas lights in London. For the past few years the theme of the lights display has been “a sky full of stars,” with over 5000 LED lights strung up in the streets to brighten the night sky. 

You’ll probably work up an appetite walking up and down the streets, so here are some of the best restaurants in London for you to try!

South Molton Street

Where: Central London
When: Second week of November to the first week of January

Located in Mayfair, one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in London, South Molton street is a great place to see a Christmas lights display in London. The entire area is filled with holiday cheer the entire festive season and is a geat place to visit during the winter. The restaurants and shops in the area are on the more expensive side, so if you’re looking to spend a night out in a luxurious location, this is the place for you. 

Kew Gardens at Christmas

Where: Southwest London
When: Third week of November to the first week of January

The famous botanical gardens of the city - Kew Gardens - are decked to the nines during the festive season. Another great immersive experience to visit during the winter, you can buy a ticket for around £15-30 pounds and view one of the best displays of Christmas lights in London. This 2.7km long trail is filled with Christmas-themed attractions to get you into the holiday spirit. 

Covent Garden

Where:  West end
When: Second week of November to the first week of January

Located in London’s West end, Covent Garden is a popular distinct of the city filled with luxury shops and restaurants. During the holidays, the area is decorated with multiple displays including a Christmas tree, Santa’s sleigh and of course, a stunning lights display. If you’re in the area during December, you can spot Santa at the mall, taking down people’s wishlists. 

Connaught Village

Where: West End
When: Last week of November to the first week of January

Another place to see Christmas lights in London that's located in the West end of the city, is in Connaught Village. The area is another one of the city’s more affluent suburbs with boutique shops and trendy cafes. A famous Instagram spot,  the lights display usually features a tree full of LED hearts, inspired by the popular Christmas film Love Actually. 

Trafalgar Square

Where: Central London
When: First week of December to the first week of January

A plaza open to the public that's located in Westminster, Trafalgar Square has some of the prettiest Christmas lights in London. The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a must-visit during the holiday season. The plaza is also packed with a Christmas market where you can spend some time shopping and snacking on holiday treats as you enjoy the holiday season. 

Bond Street

Where:  West London
When: Third week of November to the first week of January

Located between Picadally and Oxford Street, Bond street is another great location to see Christmas lights in London. No, unfortunately, the street was not named after Mr 007 himself, but instead was named after Sir Thomas Bond, who was in charge of much of the development around the area. The decorations around not only include a themed lights display but also features an ornamental Christmas tree. 

Belgravia 

Where: Central London
When: Second week of November to the first week of January

Another popular tourist destination, Belgravia is a great place to visit during the holidays. Year after year, the area is transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring some of the best Christmas lights in London and a long list of Christmas shops and boutiques. Some of the areas in Belgravia taht are lit up during the holidays are Pimlico Road, Eccleston Yards, Halkin Arcade, Motcomb Street and Elizabeth Street. 

Hit every place on the list? No worries! The city has a lot more for you to see. Check out our blog on the top 40 things to do in London.  

Enchanted Eltham Palace

Where: Southeast London
When: First week of December to the first week of January

If you want to feel like royalty this holiday season, visit the Enchanted Eltham Palace! The Eltham Palace is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in London, with an immersive light show that they host every year. Throughout the month of December, the palace keeps tickets on sale so people can visit the decorated castle on a wintery night and enjoy its beautiful lights trial. 

That was our list of the best places to see Christmas lights in London! The city has no shortage of things to do during the holiday and seeing the twinkling lights is an absolute must. Even if you don’t get the time to visit all these locations, pick your favourites and cross them off your bucket list as you experience your student life in London.