Christmas Lights in London
On a mild December day, walking home from the school run and getting rained on, it’s easy to feel Christmas is nowhere near. It’s only our count down calendar that reminds me it’s 21 days away. Winter in London often doesn’t feel magical at all, it gets dark by 4pm, it’s often wet, so much so I prefer to not look at my Met Office app at all. But despite the obvious lack of white Christmas, London does this season very well. The lights go up and are lit any time between early and mid November, so we get almost two moths of sparkly streets and inviting shop windows. But where to go to see them? Here’s a list of streets we wander down every year to catch that elusive Christmas Spirit.
Covent Garden
We love it here. And not just in winter. There’s always so much to do. But in the run up to Christmas, the market is decorated beautifully with giant bells, sparkly globes and baubles. Every year there’s a new installation on the west side and this year’s one was done by Lego. In December, there’s pop-ups, outside bars where you can enjoy a mulled wine or a hot chocolate and watch people go by. Lego did a free pop-up this year (unfortunately, it was only opened in November) where we could build our own or see creations built by others. The 55ft Christmas tree decorated with 30,000 lights dominates the Western Piazza, while London Transport Museum has children covered as they have a festive trail and a daily visit from Santa. Thursdays are a good time to visit as the London International Gospel Choir brings the magic of Christmas to the area with two performances, 6.30pm (in front of Market Building) and 7:25pm (Seven Dials).
If you want to escape the busy streets around the Piazza, head to Seven Dials to see more Christmas lights, stop for a drink at a pub or head to the market and enjoy street food. Neal’s Yard looks great in photos all year round, but now it’s your chance to catch it lit up.
Bond Street
Top end shops going bigger with decorations every year. Huge numbers of people will stand in from Ralph Lauren taking photos of beautiful Cartier display. Don’t forget to wander up and down New Bond Street to see all the decorations, including the crown jewels lights. South Molton Street is also wort a short walk.
Oxford and Regent Street
We can’t miss the world’s best known street. While the sparkling stars on Oxford Street might not look as elaborate as some other decorations, Oxford Street boasts beautiful shop windows that make everyone stop and admire the creativity.
Selfridges is on a must see list. Their window displays are amongst the best and this year they are all Disney themed. The Disney theme continues throughout the shop with brand collaborations, Disney shop and a special 15 minutes show every day from 5pm to 9pm (outside).
You can also hop on a bus and take a ride under the stars. There are plenty of bus routes going up and down Oxford Street, but you can hop on 139 at Bond Street and see Oxford and Regent Street lights from the top deck. If you want to explore festive routes that TfL offers, look at their detailed guide and maps.
Whether you’re on the bus or not, you can see the angel decorations floating about the Regent Street. This is one of the biggest displays in London with beautiful façades as a backdrop. Stop at Hamley’s for toy inspired shop windows and dressed up employees interacting with visitors.
Closer to Piccadilly Circus is the Quadrant Arcade, which is also beautifully decorated and worth a peek.
Just off Regent Street is Carnaby Street. This year’s decorations are Minecraft like crackers and the theme is All is Bright. Wander up to Liberty if not for shopping, head to the higher floors and admire the ship suspended from the roof filled with presents.
Piccadilly, Fortnum and Mason, Burlington Arcade
Piccadilly Circus will most likely show Christmas ads on the big displays, but if you wander down Piccadilly towards Fortnum and Mason, you won’t be disappointed. The shop features Advent calendar like display over its entire façade and the shop windows are mechanised with little mice orchestrating the festivities. The new double helix staircase has also just been unveiled and it helps control the crowds as well as being a beautiful centrepiece of the shop. Don’t miss the Christmas shop inside where you can grab beautiful decorations, Christmas cards or just immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas.
Both Burlington and Princes Arcade are decorated with Burlington’s theme being the 12 days of Christmas.
King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard
Less decorations, but the perk of having a curling ring where you can have lots of fun with your friends or family. A great area to shop, stop at Sostrene Grene for wrapping paper or little magical treats to fill Christmas stockings. A good area for a wander, grabbing a hot drink or a meal. And there’s always a tree inside St Pancras that is worth seeing. It’s in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital and features immersive musical booths at its base.
Battersea Power Station
Similar to King’s Cross, a slightly quieter area, allowing for a peaceful wander while enjoying culinary treats. You can book ice-skating as well or hop on a Clipper to see London from the river.
Around London
We also love to walk around Mayfair and pop over to 46 Berkeley Square to see Annabel’s fascinating decor. The Ever After Garden, which used to be at Grosvenor Square, has moved to the Duke of York square in Chelsea this year and you can dedicate a illuminated rose to a loved one for £15 there.
Christmas markets will greet you at every step. There’s the Leicester Square one with an ice rink, Southbank Centre one under the railway bridge, City Hall one closer to Tower Bridge, stalls inside Hay’s Galeria, Ralph’s Christmas Village in Chelsea, Trafalgar Square, Greenwich, Chelsea. Anywhere you go in London, you will be able to experience a bit of magic.
