Twinkling lights, festive window displays, ice-rinks and markets aplenty – London is a fabulous city to visit any time of year, but it really excels at Christmas. I’ve photographed and written about Christmas in London a number of times over the years – I love it that much – yet I’ve somehow never managed to photograph the two most famous Christmas lights displays in London, namely Regent Street and Oxford Street. This year I was determined to set that right and arranged an evening out with friends. Here’s our route through the streets of London to see the best of the city’s Christmas Lights. Alternatively, if you don’t fancy walking, check out this London Christmas Lights Tour in a vintage open-top bus.
Visit GPSMyCity to download this article as a self-guided walking tour with GPS directions London Christmas Lights Walking Tour or check out all London walking tours here.
The best Christmas Lights in London, a self-guided walking tour
1. Angel in the Fields, a great pub and an excellent pint in Marylebone
We met at a great little pub, The Angel in the Fields. While nothing much to look at from the outside, step inside and you’ll find a cosy pub with wood panelling, stained glass windows and, at this time of year, a real fire blazing. It’s a Sam Smith’s pub, serving their own organic beer. We intentionally got there early so there’d be time for a pint. I opted for an excellent chocolate stout which was smooth and full bodied. It really was superb but it’s at the next stop that the Christmas lights walking tour really begins.
If you wondering how much you might spend when visiting London, check out this post How Much Does a Trip to London Cost?
2. Saint Christopher Place
This narrow pedestrianised alley is lined with high-end shops and restaurants, linking Wigmore Street and Oxford Street.
3. Oxford Street
Famous for its many shops and restaurants, Oxford Street always puts on a fine Christmas display.
4. Burlington Arcade
For a more exclusive shopping experience don’t miss the Burlington Arcade, although most of us will just be window shopping here. This elegant, covered arcade celebrates its 200th birthday in 2019.
5. Piccadilly Arcade
In comparison, the Piccadilly Arcade is a youngster, having opened in 1909.
6. Fortnum and Masons
Located at 181 Piccadilly, this British institution was opened in 1707 by William Fortnum and Hugh Mason. You can read all about it and see more of my photos in my post, Fortnum and Mason at Christmas.
7. Jermyn Street
In the heart of St James’s, one of London’s most historic and fashionable districts, Jermyn Street dates back to 1664. Today it is home to some of London’s finest tailors, food and wine merchants, restaurants, hotels and art galleries.
8. Piccadilly Circus
Built in 1819 Piccadilly Circus links Regent Street with Piccadilly and to the theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End. It’s famous for its neon sign and hectic traffic, hence the phrase ‘It’s like Picaddily Circus!’
9. Carnaby Street
Pedestrianised Carnaby Street dates back to the late 17th century. Today it is known for its independent fashion boutiques and its party atmosphere. It’s a great place to finish your walk with a drink or a bite to eat. However, when it comes to Christmas lights, save the best until last and end at Regent Street.
10. Regents Street
The highlight of our walk was undoubtedly Regent Street, which we saved until last. The road’s annual Christmas lights display dates back to 1954. Today, a spectacular series of giant spirits hover over the crowds, cars and buses below. With a wingspan of 17 metres, and with 15-metre trains flowing out behind them, they really are an impressive sight and a must see if you are in London.
The total route is less than 2 miles and should take about an hour, although we were much longer as we continually stopped to take photos.
When our London’s Christmas lights turned on in 2019?
Carnaby Street Thursday 7th November
Covent Garden Tuesday 12th November
Regent Street Thursday 14th November
Oxford Street Thursday 21st November
More dates TBC
Every year I like to visit in a different city at Christmas to see their festive lights and markets. Last year I went to Paris, the year before it was Lisbon, and previous trips include Brussels and Winchester, not to mention London’s Winter Wonderland and Covent Garden. This year I saw Christmas in London again, and finally got pictures of the most famous Christmas lights. Do you have a favourite city to visit at Christmas time? Where should I visit next year?
Visit GPSMyCity to download this article as a self-guided walking tour with GPS directions London Christmas Lights Walking Tour or check out all London walking tours here.
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Great suggestions! Personally really enjoyed light displays around Oxford Circus, Picadilly Circus and Carnaby – nice post 🙂
Thanks Belinda. I hope it brought back some happy memories.
The London Xmas lights are so lovely. If you are interested in visiting in a different city every year at Christmas to see different festivals, I’m inviting you to visit Cochin Carnival in India this year. It will be a different experience for you.
I would love to do that one day! I’ve been to Cochin before but that was many, many years ago. I’d love to see Kerala again.
I spent my first Xmas in London in many years this past year and had an absolutely wonderful time finding all the lights so I have many photos like yours but it is lovely to see them again. My particular favourite was the Carnaby Street lights but I do love your photo of the doorman at Fortnums. Thanks for reminding me just how special it was.
My pleasure! And thanks for letting me know it brought back happy memories.
The lights look fantastic – I’ll definitely be booking this tour up for next year!
I’d back you’ll take some great photos too> It will be interesting to see which displays change and which stay the same.
What a lovely way to get yourself into the festive spirit: a walking tour! I really like Fortnum and Mason’s Xmas display of flying hampers. But I’m a sucker for traditional. Great write up – happy Christmas!
Thank you and a very Merry Christmas to you too Claire.
I love that you try and visit a new city each year! Now you have to venture Stateside to see our examples! The Angel on Regent St. took my breath away. Such a beautiful display. Merry Christmas to you!
I definitely do need to visit the US, but where first? New York, New Orleans, some of the fabulous national parks, New England? I want to see it all!
And a very Merry Christmas to you too Alison 🙂
It was wonderful to join you and revisit some of my former London haunts, such as Burlington Arcade. I knew the lights were impressive, but I’d forgotten how utterly lush some of those window displays were – ahhh the luxury and decadence!
It was a great evening all round and the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Have a wonderful time!
I didn’t know there were walking tours to view the christmas lights in London, but it sounds like an fantastic idea! Did you see the lights in Covent Garden too?
No! I’ve seen them there a number of times before but I hear they are new this year so would love to go again.
I’ve seen pictures of the lights on Regents Street. It looks beautiful. Someday I’d like to see it for myself. I love when the Christmas lights and decorations go up in Chicago. It really transforms the city.
That’s something I’d love to see for myself one day!
Great article Kat, I’m heading into London tomorow and this is a great guide of the best lights to see
Thanks Deirde. I hope you get the chance to take a peek, especially at Regent’s Street or better still let PlanetPass show you around. It really as fascinating!
Such a great idea! I’ve seen the lights on the main streets but wouldn’t have thought of places like the arcades for Christmas lights, and never remember to take my camera with me when I’m in London.
Forget your camera! You need to put that straight!
Absolutely beautiful. I was researching London because I will be there next April when I crashed into this post and I am glad I did. Such beautiful images of the Christmas lights and the Doorman! I love that constant angel image everywhere. What a wonderful experience. Where will you go next year for Christmas then?
Thanks for popping by Eric. So far I’ve only experienced Christmas in Europe and I’m feeling rather tempted by New York.