With the festive season approaching, London transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland adorned with Christmas lights and decorations. It’s the ideal adventure for families with children, and that’s because most of the famous Christmas lights and displays are nestled within the same small area.
When will London’s Christmas Lights be switched on?
If you are coming into London to see the Christmas lights, it’s worth noting that the different London roads all have a slightly different schedule for the switching on of their Christmas Lights.
If you’d like to see everything on the ultimate London Christmas Lights walking route, wait until at least the 7th of December, when the lights on the giant Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square will be switched on.
How Long will London’s Christmas Lights be on?
London’s Christmas Lights will be switched on until early January.
Further on in this article, you will find a shorter Christmas lights walking route that is perfect for children and those short on time. But first, here is the London Christmas Lights walking route for Christmas fans who want to see absolutely everything and soak up as much Christmas-time atmosphere as possible.
The ultimate London Christmas Lights walking route 2023
Oxford Street (Oxford Street Christmas lights switch on: 2nd November)
Begin your adventure at the world-famous Oxford Street, where the grand switch-on of the Christmas lights marks the official start of the holiday season. These illuminations are nothing short of spectacular and a must-see for anyone visiting London during this time of year.
Carnaby Street (Carnaby Street Christmas light switch on: 8th November)
Continue your journey to Carnaby Street, where quirky and creative Christmas decorations make for a unique and whimsical atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the vibrant shopping scene here.
Liberty London
Home of many an Instagram-worthy selfie, the Tudor exterior of Liberty London is just so very ‘London’, it needs to be seen on your London christmas lights walking route.
Covent Garden (Covent Garden Christmas Lights switch on: 7th November)
Covent Garden is a treasure trove of holiday magic, featuring an enormous Christmas tree, fairy lights, and a bustling Christmas market. It’s a great place to warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Leicester Square
Leicester Square is known for its lively Christmas spirit, complete with an array of festive displays, street entertainment, and the spirit of Christmas in the air.
Trafalgar Square (Trafalgar Square Christmas Lights switch on: 7th December)
Your route takes you to Trafalgar Square, home to London’s most iconic Christmas tree, gifted to the city by Norway every year. Marvel at the stunningly decorated tree and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is another must-visit destination.
Fortnum and Mason
Burlington Arcade
Make your way to Burlington Arcade, where you can admire the classic festive decor and quaint shops, making it an ideal place for picking up Christmas gifts.
Regents Street
Regent Street lights are a breathtaking sight not to be missed. Stroll down Regent Street, known for its beautifully themed window displays.
Bond Street
Turning left at the top of Regent’s Street will take you back onto Oxford Street and towards Bond Street.
New Bond Street
During the festive season, New Bond Street transforms into a wonderland of holiday cheer. In particular, the Cartier boutique and Ralph Lauren flagship store stand out with their spectacular window displays of seasonal charm.
Selfridges Department Store
You’ll walk past Selfridges with its enchanting and elaborate Christmas window displays.
Annabel’s members club
Despite being a private member’s club, it’s well worth a walk past Annabel’s exceptional Christmas display.
After Annabel’s, you are just a 15 minute walk from Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
Winter Wonderland
This picturesque Christmas village is brimming with yuletide charm, warm, comforting food and drink stalls, all nestled within the heart of London’s Hyde Park. Its immersive experiences, festive décor, and varied activities make it a quintessential destination for those seeking the spirited essence of Christmas.
You’ll find an assortment of attractions such as ice skating, charming markets, exhilarating fairground rides. Winter Wonderland is a great place to spend a few hours at Christmas time. Be prepared for crowds!
Harrods
Over in Knightsbridge, Harrods is a little bit out of the way of our Christmas lights walking route.
But the famous Christmas-time building is well worth a special trip to see it at night time. I’d recommend getting a tube or Uber over to Knightsbridge from Annabel’s.
Once you’ve seen Harrods at Christmas time, you are a 15 minute walk from Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
London Christmas Lights Walking Route for kids
This kid-friendly walking route is tailor-made for families, ensuring that the little ones can revel in the splendour of London’s Christmas lights without any hassle. This London Christmas Lights walking route is not just great for kids, it’s also ideal for anyone short on time who wants to see the best of London’s Christmas lights.
A few weeks ago, we walked the following route – stopping by at some of London’s famous landmarks, finishing off in the heart of Soho after dusk in prime position to see the best of London’s Christmas Lights.
This London Christmas lights walking route is a circular route, so you can start at any location and work your way around.
Regents Street Christmas Lights
Walk up Regents Street from the Piccadilly end towards Oxford Street. This will take you past Hamleys, the famous London toy shop, which always has a fun Christmas window display for children.
Oxford Street Christmas Lights
At the top of Regent’s Street, turn right and walk down Oxford Street to see it’s famous Christmas lights.
Carnaby Street Christmas Lights
Turn right again and walk down Carnaby Street, which is at it’s festive best when the Carnaby Street Christmas lights are on.
Liberty London
At the end of Carnaby Street, you will find the famous Liberty London department store. The Tudor revival building is striking and quintessentially ‘London’. Great for a photo op.
Piccadilly Circus
From Liberty, walk over to Piccadilly Circus. This iconic area of London with it’s giant light up billboard is bound to make a lasting impression on kids.
Trafalgar Square
Hop on over to Trafalgar Square to see London’s most iconic Christmas tree.
You’ll see all the main London Christmas lights roads on this walking route. And if you’re still not tired after this shorter walk, the festive splendour of Covent Garden is only a 7 minute walk away from Trafalgar Square.
The best London place to visit at Christmas
These festive London locations did not fit in our Christmas Lights walking route. But they are all worth a visit if you love London at Christmas time.
Hays Galleria
Hays Galleria, situated along the Thames, turns into a charming festive haven during Christmas. Its iconic Christmas tree, adorned with glittering lights and decorations, illuminates the space and offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The adjacent market stalls selling festive treats and gifts, coupled with the captivating riverside view, create a joyful and merry environment, perfect for embracing the holiday spirit.
Motcomb Street
Motcomb Street in Belgravia showcases an elegant and intimate charm during Christmas. Lined with high-end boutiques, its quaint and beautifully decorated shops exude a luxurious and festive vibe. The street’s classy decorations and tasteful festive displays coupled with the winter foliage transform this already chic location into a refined, enchanting Christmas destination for those seeking a more upscale and refined experience.
Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms in Kensington boasts a renowned and vibrant Christmas display that garners attention each year. With its exterior covered in an explosion of festive decorations including thousands of twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and an array of ornaments, the pub becomes a colorful spectacle. This eye-catching display contributes to the pub’s lively and welcoming ambiance, drawing in crowds eager to capture the holiday cheer.
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a winter wonderland during Christmas, where enchanting illuminations and decorations adorn the botanical gardens, transforming them into a magical spectacle. Visitors can wander through the sparkling displays, including twinkling lights, glowing installations, and immersive experiences, creating a mesmerizing and wondrous setting to revel in the festive season.
South Molton Street
South Molton Street, nestled in the heart of Mayfair, becomes a glittering and enchanting destination during Christmas. Lined with luxury boutiques and adorned with shimmering lights and decorations, this stylish and sophisticated street offers a delightful setting for shoppers and visitors seeking a touch of glamour during the holidays.
South Bank
South Bank comes alive with festive magic during Christmas. The riverside area sparkles with dazzling lights, creating a picturesque atmosphere for visitors. The iconic London Eye transforms into a radiant, colorful spectacle, and the South Bank Centre hosts various winter events, markets, and entertainment, making it an inviting and lively destination for all seeking a merry and joyous experience.
Monmouth Street
Monmouth Street in Covent Garden radiates festive charm during Christmas. The street’s enchanting atmosphere, adorned with festive decorations and twinkling lights, combines with the diverse boutiques, eateries, and cheerful market stalls, inviting visitors to indulge in a warm and welcoming holiday spirit.
Borough Market
Borough Market, London’s renowned food market, transforms into a flavorful and festive destination during Christmas. Visitors can explore the market’s stalls filled with seasonal produce, delectable treats, and delightful gifts. The market’s festive decorations, coupled with the aroma of holiday foods, create a spirited and welcoming environment for culinary explorations.
Somerset House
Somerset House, an architectural gem in central London, hosts an exquisite ice rink and festive events during the Christmas season. The ice rink, set against the stunning backdrop of the neoclassical building, provides a magical setting for visitors to enjoy a quintessential winter activity amidst the twinkling lights and festive ambiance. The venue’s seasonal events and artistic installations contribute to a delightful and spirited holiday experience.
London Christmas sightseeing | A walking route
If you are in London in the daytime, here is a sightseeing walking route that will take you past London’s most famous palace. You’ll also get to glimpse London’s King’s Guards in their iconic bearskin hats.
Starting off at London Victoria station, Buckingham Palace is just a five minute walk away. The changing of the guard happens at 11.30am every other day in Winter. The ceremony runs from 11.15 – 12pm – check here for the confirmed schedule.
From here you can enjoy the greenery of St James’s Park. We stuck to the right side of the lake and came out at the Great George Street exit, a short walk away from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Next, we turned back and walked up Whitehall for a view of Downing Street and the guards on horseback outside Horse Guard parade (you can also watch the changing of the guard here if you are out and about slightly earlier than the Buckingham Palace timings – full schedule here.)
The magic of Christmas in London is not just in the lights but in the joy shared with loved ones. So, gather your family, follow our kid-friendly London Christmas lights route, and let the enchantment of London’s Christmas lights make this holiday season truly unforgettable for your little ones.
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For other festive things to do, check out these articles:
25 of the best playgrounds in London and Essex
Amazing Light Trails in Essex, London, and Herts
Free Printable Christmas Scavenger Hunt
5 Things to do at a Christmas Market
