Every year, Christmas lights turn London into a place of wonder and magic. It’s no surprise the city was named the world’s most popular travel destination last December.
From 3 November, you’ll find London’s biggest Christmas light display on Oxford Street. Three days later, the iconic angels will appear above Regent Street.
Read on for our full list of where to find Christmas lights near you.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick overview of where to see Christmas lights in London 2025.
When do Christmas lights turn on in London?
On Monday 3 November, 300,00 Christmas lights will switch on over Oxford Street.
More displays will follow across London throughout November and early December.
What is the best place to see Christmas lights in London?
Head to Oxford Circus in late November. You’ll find dazzling displays just minutes away in every direction: Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street. There will even be Christmas lights designed by local schoolchildren in Soho.
All of these are free to see. For a paid option, Kew Gardens’ light trail is a Christmas highlight for many families.
Christmas lights bus tours in 2025
You can see central London’s best Christmas lights from a vintage double-decker bus for £32 per adult. Kids’ tickets are available at an 18% discount (£26).
Where to see Christmas lights in London 2025
Oxford Street’s 2025 Christmas Lights Switch-On
From 3 November, around 300,000 LED lights will twinkle across “Europe’s busiest shopping street”, including 5,000 stars suspended above the thoroughfare, making this one of London’s largest free light spectacles.
As part of the display, the street is partnering with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) to raise funds for seriously ill children.
Event details
Switch-on date: Monday 3 November
Where: Oxford Street, W1D
Prices: Free
Regent Street’s The Spirit of Christmas
From 6 November, the display known as The Spirit of Christmas will feature dozens of graceful winged angels hanging above Regent Street, St James’s, Jermyn Street and surrounding areas, creating a sweeping canopy of light across one of London’s grandest retail avenues.
The scheme continues a tradition that began in 1954, making it one of the longest-running festive light displays in the capital.
Event details
Switch-on date: Thursday 6 November
Where: Regent Street and St James
Prices: Free
Carnaby Street’s All is Bright
On 6 November, Carnaby Street in Soho will unveil its 2025 display, All is Bright, featuring sculptural six-metre-long LED forms and 60,000 energy-efficient bulbs suspended above the street.
The design blends creativity with sustainability, reflecting the area’s lively character while bringing extra light to festive shopping nights.
Event details
Switch-on date: Thursday 6 November
Where: Carnaby Street, W1F
Prices: Free
Covent Garden’s The Theatre of Christmas
On 12 November, Covent Garden Piazza will shine with more than 300,000 lights, including 40 giant golden bells, 12 oversized baubles, eight spinning mirror balls and a 55-foot Christmas tree decorated with 30,000 LEDs.
The 2025 theme, The Theatre of Christmas, turns the historic square into a stage for festive performances, decorations and family entertainment.
Event details
Switch-on date: Wednesday 12 November
Where: Covent Garden, WC2E
Prices: Free
Merry Marylebone Christmas Lights Switch-On
Marylebone Village will hold its switch-on event on 12 November, transforming the area into a pedestrian-friendly festive zone with live music, a ferris wheel, Santa’s grotto and seasonal market stalls.
The event is known for its community atmosphere and energy-efficient light displays, which brighten the high street each winter.
Event details
Switch-on date: Wednesday 12 November
Where: Marylebone Village, W1G
Prices: Free
Old Spitalfields Market Switch-on Party
Old Spitalfields Market’s switch-on party will take place on 12 November with live music, choirs, festive workshops and pop-up stalls before the lights are turned on at 6pm.
The market’s covered setting makes it a great choice for families and shoppers looking for free festive fun in east London.
Event details
Switch-on date: Wed 12 November
Where: Old Spitalfields Market, E1
Prices: Free
Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights Switch-On
The Leadenhall Market display begins on 13 November beneath its ornate Victorian roof. The switch-on event will include an 18-foot real Christmas tree, LED garlands, live music and decorations throughout the market arcade.
The mix of festive colour and historic architecture makes this one of the City of London’s most atmospheric Christmas settings.
Event details
Switch-on date: Thursday 13 November
Where: Leadenhall Market, EC3V
Prices: Free
Christmas at Kew
Running from 14 November to 4 January, Kew Gardens’ famous light trail turns the botanical gardens into a glowing winter wonderland.
Visitors can follow a mile-long path through illuminated trees, laser shows and sparkling tunnels, with festive treats and drinks available along the route.
The experience is one of London’s most popular family-friendly Christmas events, known for its immersive displays and breathtaking scale.
Event details
Dates: Friday 14 November – Sunday 4 January
Where: Kew Gardens, TW9
Prices: Kids’ tickets from £18
Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch-On
On 15 November, Chelsea’s King’s Road will be transformed by thousands of sparkling lights, along with live entertainment, market stalls and seasonal activities.
The event brings festive cheer to one of London’s most elegant shopping streets, perfect for an evening stroll or a bit of Christmas shopping.
Event details
Switch-on date: Saturday 15 November
Where: King’s Road, SW3
Prices: Free
Belgravia Christmas Lights Switch-On Party
On 16 November, Belgravia will celebrate the lighting of Elizabeth Street and Eccleston Yards with a day of music, markets and festive food.
The area’s boutique shops and independent cafés join in with window displays and decorations, making it one of London’s prettiest neighbourhood celebrations.
Event details
Christmas lights switch-on date: Sun 16 Nov
Where: Elizabeth Street & Eccleston Yards, SW1W
Prices: Free
Soho Kids Christmas Lights Switch-On
On 19 November, Soho will host a community-led event featuring Christmas light designs created by local schoolchildren from Soho Parish Primary School.
The display brings a personal touch to the area, celebrating creativity and giving families a reason to explore Soho’s streets after dark.
Event details
Christmas lights switch-on date: Wednesday 19 November
Where: Soho Parish Primary School, W1D
Prices: Free
Greenwich Market’s Lantern Parade and Christmas Light Switch-On
Greenwich Market’s annual lantern parade returns on 19 November, finishing with the big light switch-on in the historic market square.
The event includes live music, local stalls and creative lanterns made by children and community groups across Greenwich.
Event details
Christmas lights switch-on date: Wednesday 19 November
Where: Greenwich Market, SE10
Prices: Free
Neverland at Kenwood
From 21 November, Kenwood House will host a Peter Pan-inspired light trail called Neverland. Families can follow Tinkerbell’s glowing path past illuminated scenes including Skull Rock, Big Ben and Captain Hook’s pirate ship, with food stalls and hot drinks along the way.
The experience combines storytelling, light art and nature, creating a magical outdoor adventure for all ages.
Event details
Dates: Friday 21 November – Saturday 3 January 2026
Where: Kenwood House, NW3
Prices: Kids’ tickets from £12
Vauxhall City Farm’s Winter Light Trail
Vauxhall City Farm’s Winter Light Trail runs from 29 November to 21 December, with fairy lights, glowing pathways and friendly animals.
It’s a relaxed and affordable option for families looking for a festive evening without the crowds.
Event details
Dates: Saturday 29 November – Sunday 21 December
Where: Vauxhall City Farm, SE11
Prices: £5 per person (under-10s go free)
Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting ceremony
The famous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, gifted by Norway, will be lit on 4 December during a public ceremony.
Visitors can join the countdown, listen to carols and see one of London’s most recognisable festive traditions in the heart of the city.
Event details
Christmas lights switch-on date: Thursday 4 December
Where: Trafalgar Square, WC2N
Prices: Free
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