Create some sparkle over the 2023 festive season with the perfect of the London Christmas lights. Discover iconic boulevards, hidden neighbourhoods and well-known shops dappled in illuminated cheer.
LAST UPDATE: 20 Oct 2023
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The London Christmas lights are a giant celebration in a city that likes to entertain. It’s a yuletide custom that illuminates the soul into embracing the festive season.
Whereas Christmas window shows compete for consideration, the scent of roasted chestnuts wafts within the air. Grand structure twinkles below synchronised fairy lights. Christmas in London is a magical time, even the most important Scrooge.
A number of of the perfect Christmas lights are centrally situated inside straightforward strolling distance of one another. To assist along with your festive night, we’ve got put collectively a strolling tour of the London Christmas lights lined on this information.
Slide on some heat mittens and be a part of us on a journey. We’ll present you well-known window shows, charming markets, sweeping boulevards, and hidden corners of our residence city.
Expertise the perfect of the London Christmas lights in 2023.
WHEN ARE THE LONDON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCHED ON FOR 2023?
The change will get flicked on most Christmas Lights in London by mid-November.
They proceed to mild up the streets till round 6 January. A lot of the major streets have a switch-on ceremony the place they mark the event with music, mulled wine and an area superstar doing the honours.
Christmas window shows begin popping up in early November.
1 – OXFORD STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
WHEN – 2 NOVEMBER 2023
The Oxford Avenue Christmas Lights present a blinding show of festivity. Witness the magic of Christmas in one of the crucial iconic locations in London.
Hundreds of good white stars type a cover over the longest procuring strip in Europe.
The 2023 season will see the return of the Really feel the Magic marketing campaign, which is able to see Oxford Avenue reworked right into a festive wonderland.
Retailers will share among the Christmas cheer. Every week you’ll discover unique offers, presents, and experiences within the shops alongside Oxford Avenue.
SELFRIDGES CHRISTMAS WINDOWS
In 1909, Harry Selfridge introduced the thought of adorning home windows for Christmas from his residence in America.
Don’t miss the Selfridges Christmas Home windows which is a superb place to start out our self-guided stroll of the London Christmas Lights. The complete route on the finish of this information.
2 – SOUTH MOLTON STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
WHEN – TBC
Simply off Oxford Avenue, South Molton Avenue is a small procuring hub full of unique manufacturers and designer retailers.
For a small lane, it packs a punch with regards to Christmas lights. After all of the years we’ve lived in London, we nonetheless suppose it’s essentially the most eye-catching show within the metropolis.
Two tall blue arches span the pedestrian avenue, connecting the massive bushes at every finish.
The framed promenade, decked out with gold stars and blue lights, creates among the best locations to {photograph} the Christmas lights in London.
3 – NEW BOND STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
WHEN – TBC
Simply across the nook from South Molton Avenue, New Bond Avenue is residence to the flagships of among the poshest manufacturers on the earth.
Cartier, Fenwick, Fendi, and Bvlgari entice individuals passing by with their elaborate Christmas decorations.
The New Bond Avenue Christmas lights pay a heart-warming tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. The design options over 90,000 LED’s forming tiara-like entrances and nods to the Imperial State Crown.
A few of the greatest Christmas window shows are additionally in New Bond Avenue.
Every year, Cartier covers their entrance in an enormous purple ribbon and Tiffany & Co characteristic a whimsical theme.
4 – FORTNUM & MASON CHRISTMAS WINDOW DISPLAY
WHEN – 27 OCTOBER 2023
Fortnum & Mason has been a favorite of the Royal Household since Queen Victoria occasions.
Within the 1730s they began offering picnic baskets to the elite. At this time, Fortnum & Mason ship round 120,000 picnic baskets a 12 months.
Every Christmas they embellish the façade to appear to be an enormous introduction calendar, glowing a passionate purple.
Designers every create a charming set up. The theme final 12 months was private interpretations of pleasure.
After Fortnum & Mason, wander throughout the highway to examine the Christmas decorations at Burlington Arcade.
5 – REGENT STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
WHEN – 9 NOVEMBER 2023
The custom of Christmas lights in London started in Regent Avenue in 1954.
The Nineteenth-century structure was adorned with angels enjoying trumpets. Now formally referred to as The Spirit of Christmas, 16 “spirits” with a 17-metre wingspan cowl the road with a cover of 300,000 twinkling lights.
A gentle stream of purple double-decker buses glowing below the lights creates an unmissable London Christmas really feel.
The decorations stretch from Langham Place all the way down to Waterloo Place. There are smaller shows connecting among the facet streets.
One of the best part is between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus.
Since 2011, the lights are solely switched on between 3 pm and 11 pm.
6 – CARNABY STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
WHEN – 2 NOVEMBER 2023
Carnaby Avenue was a preferred hangout for well-known musicians like Jimi Hendrix, The Kinks, and the Rolling Stones. It’s the place the Mods, Punk, and New Romantics have been born.
For 2023, the magic is again with Carnaby Universe. A vibrant show of neon and lightweight waves can be illuminated on 2 November 2023.
Marking the entrances of Carnaby Avenue, from Beak Avenue and Nice Marlborough Avenue, the famend arches can be adorned with shimmering discs and neon lights.
To attend the switch-on and to obtain reductions from over 100 shops, register at carnaby.co.uk.
The Carnaby set up is a collaboration with Select Love, which goals to lift consciousness for the plight of refugees world wide.
7 – PICCADILLY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
WHEN – 9 NOVEMBER 2023
Formally a part of Regent Avenue, Piccadilly has just lately began its personal Christmas set up.
The lights characteristic dramatic large-scale figures of Anteros, the Greek god of god of requited love. A statue of Anteros has stood in Piccadilly Circus since 1893.
The winged cover of lights is among the most spectacular within the metropolis.
With old-school London glamour and among the most prestigious addresses within the metropolis, Piccadilly is nice to walk down any time of 12 months.
At Christmas, it’s somewhat extra magical.
8 – SEVEN DIALS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
WHEN – 7 NOVEMBER 2023
Seven Dials is an escape from busy central London, with the texture of an area neighbourhood.
The central focus is a column bearing 6 sundials. It was an unlucky early fee earlier than the current 7 highway junction was accomplished.
At Christmas, this error of civic planning is adorned with large wispy star of lights.
It’s a whimsical Christmas show in certainly one of our favorite elements of London.
Wander away in each course from Seven Dials to get a style of among the better of secret London. You’ll discover idea shops, impartial eating places, and hidden squares.
9 – COVENT GARDEN CHRISTMAS
WHEN – 7 NOVEMBER 2023
London’s most superb Christmas tree is in Covent Backyard.
On the western finish of the market, the massive tree with 30,000 purple and white twinkling lights reaches into the sky from the long-lasting market.
Behind the tree, outsized baubles and mistletoe chandeliers proceed the festive spirit within the North and South Halls.
Search for reward concepts in Central Avenue – among the best Christmas markets in London.
Across the plaza, the out of doors eating spots present a cool spot to hang around. There’s loads of mulled wine, sizzling chocolate, and wine bars with cosy interiors.
For extra particulars, learn our information to Christmas at Covent Backyard.
10 – MARYLEBONE VILLAGE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
WHEN – TBC
In comparison with different Christmas mild locations, Marylebone Village is a quiet residential avenue.
Take a extra enjoyable stroll, pop into some wonderful native bars, and benefit from the subdued mild show.
For some reward concepts, Daunt Books is among the greatest impartial bookstores in London in an attractive outdated constructing.
Simply across the nook on Paddington Avenue, Opso (W1U 5QL) has among the Greek meals you’ll discover within the metropolis.
Decide up a collection of mouth-watering hamper goodies at La Fromagerie on Moxon Avenue (W1U 4EU)
11 – CHRISTMAS AT KEW GARDENS
WHEN – 15 NOVEMBER 2023 – 7 NOVEMBER 2024
Over Christmas, Kew Gardens are illuminated in a state-of-the-art mild and sound spectacular.
The sunshine path transports you from one magic show to the following. Music adjustments to match the presentation as you stroll alongside.
The sky is illuminated by a hologram show in geometric shapes. Ingenious expertise decorates the footpath with enjoyable Christmas designs.
The spotlight is the spectacular sound, mild, and water present in entrance of the grand greenhouse.
There are meals vehicles alongside the route with gourmand hotdogs, churros, and an ideal collection of festive drinks.
Tickets have to be booked upfront.
12 – HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND
WHEN – 17 NOVEMBER 2023 – 21 JANUARY 2023
Winter Wonderland has entertained London with energetic Christmas festivities since 2007.
Half theme park, half Christmas market, it’s the gaudiest and most dramatic set of Christmas Lights in London.
Inside Ferris wheels, helter-skelters and curler coasters maintain the adrenaline operating. There’s an ice rink, retailers and stalls, and extra Christmas trinkets than you could possibly probably think about.
Winter Wonderland is a buzzing Christmas ambiance that the children will love. To maintain this in style attraction below management, tickets should be pre-booked.
Normal entry is £5, at peak occasions it’s £7.50.
13 – COAL DROPS YARD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
WHEN – 9 NOVEMBER 2023
King’s Cross is reworked into an alpine-inspired wonderland over Christmas.
There are ski chalets, glowing sculptures, festive Christmas markets, and an enormous curling rink.
But it surely’s the whopping 47-foot Nordmann fir tree in Coal Drops Yard that basically steals the present.
The tree is adorned with ski-related equipment and illuminated with neon lights. After the season, the tree can be floor down and used to make pine essence for candles.
It’s a powerful Christmas show in an space that has just lately undergone city renewal.
14 – CHURCHILL ARMS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
WHEN – TBC
This establishment in Kensington spends a cool £25,000 adorning its façade in crops yearly.
At Christmas, it provides 80 Christmas bushes and 22,000 lights to create an over-the-top show that may’t be missed.
It’s a improbable addition to the London Christmas Lights. It’s an ideal pub for a festive pint, though it’s a preferred place so seats might be tough to acquire.
Additionally they do wonderful Thai-inspired pub meals.
15 – HARRODS CHRISTMAS WINDOW DISPLAY
WHEN – TBC
Harrods, a well-known London division retailer, covers 5 acres and has 330 departments.
It additionally places on fairly a present with regards to Christmas window shows.
Home windows are lavishly embellished (usually with the assistance of world manufacturers) within the Christmas colors of purple, white, and inexperienced.
Inside, there’s a complete flooring for fancy Christmas decorations. Don’t miss the long-lasting Harrods Meals Corridor – nice for distinctive hamper gadgets.
LONDON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS MAP
All the gorgeous Christmas Lights on our listing are situated in central London, apart from Kew Gardens. The beneath map features a self-guided strolling tour the place you’ll be able to see most of them and have a beautiful festive night.
Find out how to use this map / Click on on the highest left of the map to show the listing of areas, then click on on the areas to show additional info. Click on on the highest proper nook of the map to open a bigger model in a brand new tab or the star to save lots of to your Google Maps.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS LONDON – WALKING TOUR
You possibly can go to many of those central London Christmas lights on our strolling tour.
Your complete stroll is simply over 4 kilometres.
In the event you marched round rapidly it could solely take 1 hour. But it surely’s significantly better to amble slowly and savour the ambiance.
We suggest seeing the Christmas Lights within the following order:
- Begin at Selfridges.
- Stroll down Oxford Avenue in the direction of South Molton Avenue.
- Proceed via Mayfair to New Bond Avenue.
- Decide up the Cartier retailer on the way in which to Piccadilly.
- Go previous Fortnum & Mason earlier than heading as much as Regent Avenue.
- Head all the way in which as much as Regent Avenue to Liberty.
- Acquire Carnaby Avenue and head again all the way down to Piccadilly Circus.
- Proceed on to Leicester Sq., then as much as Seven Dials.
- End at Covent Backyard and have a post-Christmas stroll cocktail at El Ta’Koy.
WALK NOTES
If you wish to add an additional 10 minutes you could possibly go to the Christmas market at Trafalgar Sq., though the spirit is way merrier at Covent Backyard. For extra of a celebration ambiance, be a part of the festivities at Christmas in Leicester Sq..
Alternatively, In the event you begin at Covent Backyard and finish at Selfridges, you’ll be able to prolong the stroll by 20 minutes and finish at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
This can be a nice choice if you wish to end the stroll by upping the adrenaline on theme park rides, slightly than in a quiet spot with a glass of wine.
BEST TIME TO SEE THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
One of the best time to discover the lights are simply after sundown (round 4pm in December) when it’s late sufficient for a mulled wine and early sufficient so that you’ve loads of time to walk via the magical streets.
Most significantly, try to decide a day when it’s not anticipated to rain.
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