London Best Christmas Lights & Photo Opportunities

Over the past several years, London has offered up some of the best Christmas Light displays in the world. From the majestic angel’s in Piccadilly to the twinkling peacocks in Mayfair and the beautiful decorations lighting up Covent Garden, we love to see the world-famous London Christmas Lights.

We always take our time to go and see them throughout the festive period and this year will be no different. We are going to run down the best light displays, with some of switch on dates already confirmed, and the best places to visit for that perfect Christmas photo opportunity.

If you are interested in where to find the Best Christmas Trees in London, we have created a blog post for that too.

Best Christmas Trees to Visit in London

Confirmed Christmas Light Dates:

Carnaby Street (from 8th November 2nd November)

Carnaby Street always offers an Instagrammable photo opportunity, with its bright colours and vibrant displays, this year looks to be much the same with the theme being ‘Carnaby Universe’, which will involve neon lights strung up into galaxies across the street.

Oxford Street (from 2nd November)

Oxford Street’s Christmas lights are one of the most popular in the UK, it always reminds me of walking with my family getting some nice festive food and checking out some of the shops! This year’s display will reuse the same twinkling stars from last year. The stars will be used as this year they are partnering with children’s charity Starlight.

Seven Dials (from 7th November)

Seven Dials Market has become a family favourite of ours throughout the year, the area has so many hidden gems, amazing eateries (you have to try the Tacos from the vegan Mexican place) and unique boutiques. The Seven Dials Christmas Light display this year will be a most-see and will include multiple Christmas Trees and special lighting all around this famous area!

Covent Garden (from 7th November)

Every year we visit Covent Garden, we marvel at the beautiful lit up Christmas tree in the middle of the piazza and all the decorations that are in the centre of the Market Building. This year there will be a brand new display (for the first time in 10 years), which introduces 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles and 8 spinning mirror balls.

Regent Street (from 9th November)

One of the most iconic and magical light displays is the Regent Street angels, they are truly amazing to see and they glitter above the entire length of Regent Street and the surrounding streets. For a great Instagram photo, you could stand in the middle pavement between both sides of the road and snap away (beware, this could be dangerous)

Marylebone Village Christmas Lights (from 9th November)

The Merry Marylebone Christmas festival offers a beautiful Christmas light display on the streets of Marylebone Village, along with Christmas Market stalls selling food, drinks, gifts and much more. This is an area we will be visiting this year, as it looks so magical.

Kew Gardens (from 15th November)

Kew Gardens is the worlds largest botanical collection and during Christmas it is taken over by festive cheer with its winter trails. There are immersive light installations, food stalls and festive drinks, while being surrounded by the most beautiful plants. Booking in advance is essential.

Belgravia (from 15th November)

Belgravia Christmas Light Switch on will be happening on the 15th November and is offering attendees the chance to meet Santa and his reindeer, there will be choir performers also. The Belgravia Christmas Trail of Cheer will see festive displays from local florists hitting the windows of the local establishments.

Mayfair (from 16th November)

Mayfair’s iconic Mount Street illuminations with 63,000 sparkling lights in the shape of blue bows are back to light up the pavements. Down the road you will be able to also see the iconic Christmas Tree from the Connaught Hotel – this is always a great photo opportunity and would highly recommend making the trip to see it.

The switch on event looks really interesting too, with a Nutcracker performance, carolling and grab a warming drink from the wooden chalets too!

Chelsea (from 18th November)

Every Christmas one of London’s chicest shopping district gets a makeover and on the 18th November there is a special event to mark the start of the light display. Father Christmas presses the on switch with lots of other festive fun for all the family.

Shard Lights (from early December)

The annual Shard Lights will be returning this year and it sees the top 20 storeys of Western Europe’s tallest building lit up with a display designed to celebrate the Capital at Christmas.

Trafalgar Square (from 7th December)

London’s largest Christmas tree is a gift from Norway and sits in Trafalgar Square, the reveal takes place at the beginning of December and is a must-see.

Predicted Light Switch On Dates:

Leicester Square (Mid November)

Large lit-up stars are usually stretched along the streets to create a joyful scene during the festive season. There is also a Christmas Market where you can browse the wooden chalets for gifts or food.

King’s Cross & Coal Drops Yard (Mid November)

There are not many details about the Kings Cross at Christmas event this year, but last year there was a 47ft tree, winter sculpures and a market too.

Bond Street (Early November)

Last year there was a change of display, from the famous peacock feathers after 8 years to a royalty-inspired display. There is no information as to whether the peacock feathers will returning but only time will tell and we are looking forward to seeing they have instore this year.

Photo Opportunities:

New Bond Street – Post Box opposite Cartier

Every year we make the trip to New Bond Street and capture the cute photo of our daughter posting a letter in the post box to Father Christmas with the truly amazing display from Cartier in the background.

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Connaught Village – Light Up Hearts in the trees

Whenever you go to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park we always park in Connaught Village and we always get a quick photo with the Hearts in the trees – it is a beautiful addition every year and makes a very Instagrammable photo.

The Churchill Arms

Located in Notting Hill, this pub has to be the most Christmassy pub in the world. The effort the pub makes every year is astounding and really makes the trip to see it, worth it.

Covent Garden Santa’s Sleigh

Returning this year is Santa’s Sleigh, which is ready for a great photo opportunity in the middle of Covent Garden.

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Annabel’s Mayfair

Annabel’s in Mayfair always make the most effort when dressing their façade, every year the design seems to change and we are always excited to see what they have come up with. Last year was a Carousel which looked incredible, and the year before was a gingerbread house which looked equally as impressive! Annabel’s in Mayfair is one not to be missed.