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.
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.
Covent Garden
from 12 November 2025 | Christmas in Covent Garden
Covent Garden’s world-famous Christmas lights will feature over 300,000 sparkling lights throughout the neighbourhood and the iconic 55ft British-grown Christmas tree. The much-loved gold bells will return to the Market Building.
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.
Mayfair
from mid- November 2025 | Mayfair Christmas Lights
Mayfair always has the best Christmas lights and decorations in London, with over 60,000 sparking lights, extravagant Christmas trees and fantastic window displays to see around the neighbourhood.
See Mayfair being transformed into a magical wonderland from mid-November when its Christmas lights are switched on.
The top spots in Mayfair to enjoy the festive atmosphere and Christmas decorations are along New Bond Street, South Molton Street and Mount Street.
Chelsea
from 15 November 2025 | Chelsea Christmas
The Chelsea Christmas Lights switch-on will be on 15 November. Expect an afternoon of festive fun for all the family. King’s Road will be part-pedestrianised from Sloane Square to Walpole Street, featuring a Christmas market, roaming entertainment and a full programme of entertainment.
Last Christmas, Duke of York Square featured stunning ’12 Days of Christmas” decorations with a trail to follow and read more 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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