Guide to London’s best Christmas lights in 2024
There are few better ways to experience the magic of Christmas than a visit to London, where the city transforms into a wonderland of light each night. From the starry canopy of Oxford Street to the warm glow of the picturesque Leadenhall Market, the capital’s installations are world-renowned for bringing festive cheer to millions every year.
So whether it’s your first time or you’re looking to spruce up an annual tradition with new destinations, this is the expert guide for you. Read on to discover the best streets, markets and trails to explore during the 2024 Christmas period, including specific dates.
1. Iconic Streets for Christmas Lights
Oxford Street
World-famous shopping district Oxford Street kicked off London’s festive season this year on Tuesday 5th November 2024. The magical display features 300,000 LED stars suspended above the bustling crowds in breathtaking style. Walking underneath, visitors might feel like there’s a falling star for everyone to wish upon. Sustainability is at the heart of this display, with the LED bulbs being 75% more energy-efficient than the standard variety.
For an extra dose of holiday cheer, Oxford Street will host a ‘Big Day of Joy’ on 7th December 2024. The event promises live performances, festive shopping activities and interactive holiday experiences. All is in support of the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH). It’s the best way to soak up the festive spirit while giving back to a good cause.
Regent Street
The appearance of the Regent Street lights on 7th November marked the official start to the holiday season. The stunning angels and glittering sails of their “Spirit of Christmas” display have once again blanketed London in festive cheer. The lights will continue to illuminate Regent Street every evening on a sustainable timer until early January.
Alternatively, you might choose to step off the beaten path to take a break from the busiest Christmas shopping crowds. In which case, I would recommend a stroll from Piccadilly Circus along Glasshouse Street, Swallow Street, or the Quadrant Arcade. Whilst smaller, these creative installations complement the grandeur of Regent Street’s lights. Don’t miss St James’s Market either, which features a unique Wishing Tree. When tapped, the tree will illuminate and donate to The Felix Project, an incredible organisation dedicated to feeding London’s communities.
Carnaby Street
Every year, Carnaby Street dazzles with a display as unique and quirky as the area itself. This year is no exception. Its brand-new design, titled ‘Into the Light’, began turning heads on 7th November. The display features 60,000 LED energy-efficient lights pulsating within a series of striking six-metre geometric sculptures.
What makes this display stand out within the history of London Christmas lights is its sustainability. These lights will be reused for the next five Christmases, with the adaptable technology allowing for new designs each year. It’s a perfect blend of innovation and character, ensuring that Christmas at Carnaby remains one of London’s foremost shopping destinations.
Bond Street
Bond Street once again transformed into a festive masterpiece on 14th November 2024. However, this time it is through a luxurious collaboration with Chanel fragrance and beauty. Taking inspiration from the iconic No.5 perfume bottle, the new lights will illuminate the street until 12th January 2025.
Their bold yet elegant radiance perfectly complements the high-end boutiques below. This makes for a festive yet sophisticated atmosphere as you step off Oxford Street and onto the thoroughfare. Whether Christmas shopping, perusing window displays or simply soaking in the glow, a visit to Bond Street this year is a must.
King’s Road, Chelsea
On 16th November, King’s Road was pedestrianised from Sloane Square to Walpole Street to switch on the lights of Chelsea. The special event featured a Christmas market, pop-ups from many local businesses, and live entertainment throughout the neighbourhood. At the heart of the event, Father Christmas took to the main stage at Duke of York Square. Here, he was joined by a local child to switch on the lights at 5pm.
The dazzling decorations take advantage of the many trees dotted around pedestrianised spaces, covering them with fairy lights. Some boughs hold these aloft like twinkling stars, while others practically drip with glittering gold. Even so, there is something quite modest and understated about these lights compared to the extravagant West End displays. So if you’re looking for a charming stroll on your tour of London Christmas lights, you’ve found it.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
Albeit more of a meeting of streets, the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a must-see during the festive season. This symbol of goodwill stands at over 20 metres tall, a Norwegian spruce commemorating British aid during World War II. It is a beautiful gesture that has continued every year since 1947.
The carefully selected tree is lovingly referred to by Norwegian foresters as the ‘Queen of the Forest.’ Its lighting ceremony on 5th December will be attended by the Mayors of Westminster and Oslo and the Norwegian Ambassador. Traditionally decorated with vertical strings of lights (which further accentuate its height), the tree exudes a sense of majesty. It will remain in Trafalgar Square until just before Twelfth Night (5th January), when it is taken down for recycling. After being chipped and composted, the tree’s materials are used as mulch, continuing its life cycle in a sustainable manner.
2. Magical Christmas Markets
Covent Garden
The spirit of Christmas returned to Covent Garden this year on 12th November 2024. Thousands of lights illuminated an estate of oversized Christmas decorations, from the jubilant bells, bows and baubles decking the iconic market building to the 60 ft Christmas tree. The magical evening featured live entertainment, the classic button-push moment, and an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Unlike the aforementioned street light displays, Covent Garden delivers Christmas festivities throughout the season. This includes shopping promotions, in-store activities, dining offers, and beloved events like the Winter Warmer Festival. It’s the perfect destination to settle in for an evening of merriment, whether browsing for gifts, indulging in treats, or just enjoying the twinkling lights with friends and family.
Old Spitalfields Market
The Old Spitalfields Christmas Market is back, bringing its usual dose of festive cheer this November. During a packed event on 13th November, the market’s Christmas lights transformed the bustling East London area into a cosy outdoor holiday haven. Expect a picturescque canopy of warm festoon lighting, giant wreaths and plenty of festive foliage.
Plus, with a whopping 42 food and drink vendors, and 54 shops and stalls, there’s countless seasonal bites and gifts. This market has something for everyone. So bundle up warmly and take your time soaking in the festive offerings of this iconic London destination.
Leadenhall Market
Christmas at Leadenhall Market is a magical affair of glittering Victorian splendour. This year, the Lord Mayor of London kicked off the festivities on Thursday 14th November 2024 with a speech at 5:30pm and the official lights’ switch-on at 6:00pm. Unveiled at the heart of the Market, an 18 ft Christmas tree is adorned by colour-changing LED lights that beautifully complement the large baubles and elegant fir tree garlands throughout the space. It stands directly beneath Leadenhall Market’s iconic star-covered atrium, making it a truly spectacular sight.
Also, don’t miss the return of the twinkling light tunnel in Beehive Passage, which adds an extra dose of cheer to the Market’s already enchanting atmosphere. With its historic charm and luminous architecture, Leadenhall Market is another must-visit destination for enjoying London’s Christmas lights.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Leicester Square’s interior Christmas market made its highly anticipated return on 6th November 2024, and will run until 5th January 2025. With its twinkling lights, charming wooden stalls and lively atmosphere, it’s no wonder this is one London’s top festive hotspots. Nestled amid the iconic cinemas and buzzing eateries of Leicester Square, the market offers a delightful array of seasonal treats. Visitors can browse the many stalls to partake in handmade crafts and delicacies like bratwurst (German pork sausage) and glühwein (mulled wine).
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. La Clique, the Olivier Award-winning variety show of cabaret, circus, music and comedy acts returns to the famous Spiegeltent for its 20th anniversary. This glittering, world-famous performance brings a velvety dollop of spectacle to the market. Without a doubt, tickets for La Clique (which start at £26.50) are well worth booking in advance.
Winter Wonderland
Located in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is one of London’s most celebrated Christmas experiences, running from 21st November 2024 to 5th January 2025, from 10am to 10pm daily. The immersive extravaganza hosts all manner of festive activities, from ice slides and open-air skating to ice sculpting workshops and even a chance to journey down the rabbit hole to the Magical Ice Kingdom. New this year, the breathtaking installation is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. With the theme chosen by popular demand, visitors can now explore a world of intricately sculpted frozen creations, complete with whimsical characters and enchanting settings.
Returning from the rabbit hole, there’s plenty to keep you warm and full of festive spirit. Head into the energetic Christmas market and indulge in seasonal favourites like mulled wine or hot chocolate as you explore the cornucupia of food, drink, and artisanal gift stalls. As with the Leicester Square market, Winter Wonderland is home to a selection of high octane circus acts. However, this venue also serves up a host of thrilling fairground rides, and possesses a gigantic Ferris wheel, perfect for viewing the festivities from above. If you’re with young children, you may want to swing by Santa’s Grotto as well, which is open until 6pm.
3. Unique Light Displays and Trails
Christmas at Kew
Step into a botanical wonderland as Christmas at Kew returns to London from 13th November 2024 until 5th January 2025. In my opinion, Kew’s light festival is one of the best things you can do to celebrate Christmas and the new year in London. This annual fusion of light, sound and storytelling invites visitors to explore a magical 3km route of over 20 intricate installations. Marvel at vibrant lakeside reflections, stroll through tunnels of shimmering stars and admire towering trees bathed in jewel-toned illuminations. The ever-popular fire garden glows warmly, while larger-than-life light shows offer magnificent photo opportunities.
Keep an eye out for Father Christmas as you wander through this enchanting setting, which promises fun for all ages. With hot drinks and festive treats available along the trail, Christmas at Kew really is the best time to visit the grounds, and one of the more unique ways to embrace the holiday spirit.
The Tower of London and Winter by the River
From 12th November to 5th January, head to the riverside area near the Tower of London for Christmas festivities galore. The rich history of its established landmarks melds beautifully with the modern attractions on offer, rooting the seasonal atmosphere in a feeling of permanence and tradition.
The Tower of London remains the place to go for captivating displays showcasing the royal celebrations of Christmases past. For the price of a ticket into the keep, you too can explore centuries of holiday traditions. Traditions like Edward I’s medieval feasts or the intriguing frost fairs held on the Thames during the ‘Little Ice Age.’ From 27th-31st December, you can even take part in a giant game of pass the parcel, enjoy live music by a Renaissance band and catch a magical performance of the Victorian poem A Visit From St. Nicholas.
Alternatively, across the river, turn east to experience stunning views of a glowing Tower Bridge, then continue west to explore ‘Winter by the River.’ Winding all the way towards London Bridge, this is perhaps London’s most scenic holiday market. It is also one of its most diverse. Pop-up bars offering both wreath- and cocktail-making masterclasses, as well as trivia and singalong nights, vie with a river of street food chalets (pun intended!), not to mention bespoke gift stalls, mulled wine in abundance and even a new pop-up curling experience.
Simply put, this historic corner of London is home to a wealth of memorable Christmas experiences, whichever side of the river you choose. Why not both?
London Illuminated Light Trail at Fulham Palace
For an enchanting Christmas experience brimming with creativity and wonder, visit the London Illuminated Light Trail at Fulham Palace. From 28th November to 22nd December 2024, the Palace’s historic gardens come alive each night to offer a magical evening for the whole family. Wander along paths adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, enjoy cozy fire pits perfect for toasting marshmallows, and browse boutique stalls for your next Christmas gift. The trail is enhanced by captivating performances, including mesmerising circus acts, live music, and magic shows by Britain’s Got Talent star, Markele.
Warm up en route with beverages like mulled cider or hot chocolate, and treat yourself to delicious festive snacks like the lebkuchen spiced biscuits. Meanwhile, Father Christmas will be spreading cheer from his grotto and raising funds for children’s homes. Because everyone deserves the chance to experience joy this season. This is a must-visit event, and ticketed to prevent overcrowding, meaning you can tour the grounds at your leisure. Therefore, if you’re still uncertain about where to start, consider this last entry your call to action. Take this chance and book those tickets now. An all-in-one event like this will have you basking in that all-encompassing Christmas aura in no time!
Conclusion
London’s Christmas lights and festivities in 2024 offer a magical escape into worlds of wonder, creativity and community spirit. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic displays of Oxford Street and Regent Street, captivated by the charm of Covent Garden and Leadenhall Market, or mesmerised by the unique experiences at Kew Gardens and Fulham Palace, this city has something to delight everyone this holiday season.
From luxurious high streets to cozy markets and historic landmarks, each destination tells its own story of Christmas cheer. So bundle up, grab your preferred winter warmer, and chart your course through London’s many inspiring displays. Here’s to a festive period filled with joy, spectacle and the magical glow of holiday lights!
P.S. This list serves as a guide to the best light displays for everybody. However, if you’ve got little ones, you might also be looking for experiences tailored to them. Hence, for more family-friendly Christmas outings around London, here are the 10 magical places I recommend visiting.
