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.

Some articles in this website contain affiliate links. If you click on those links and go on to make a purchase, I may be paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read more in my disclaimer.

 

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.

The Angels in the Fields, London

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.

St Christopher Place, a former slum that was nearly demolished in the 1960s but is now a thriving shopping street leading to Oxford Street

3. Oxford Street

Famous for its many shops and restaurants, Oxford Street always puts on a fine Christmas display.

The lights of Oxford Street leading to St Christopher Place

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.

The Burlington Arcade in London at Christmas

5. Piccadilly Arcade

In comparison, the Piccadilly Arcade is a youngster, having opened in 1909.

The Piccadilly Arcade at Christmas, London

The Piccadilly Arcade at Christmas, London

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.

Welcome to Fortnum and Mason at Christmas

Fortnum and Mason, Christmas window displays 2017

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.

The Christmas Lights in Jermyn Street, London

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!’

The Christmas lights of Piccadilly Circus, London 2017

Christmas trees in Londond

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.

Christmas lights of Carnaby Street, London

10. Regents Street

Christmas lights of Regent Street 2017

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.

Regent Streets Christmas Lights, London

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.

Love it? Pin it!

Where to see London's iconic Christmas Lights

 

 

 

Join my 'Behind the Scenes' newsletter

Delivered monthly to your inbox with all my behind the scenes news, latest posts and giveaways exclusive to my subscribers.