Christmas in London is truly the most wonderful time of year. As the winter chill creeps in and festive spirit fills the air, London transforms into a whimsical wonderland of twinkling lights and holiday cheer. From glittering street displays to charming neighborhoods that come alive with warmth and joy, London’s enchanting Christmas spirit perfectly captures the magic of the season.
With locals and tourists alike filling the streets to get a glimpse of the lights, it can certainly get crowded — but if you happen to be in London between November and January, you must see these spectacular sights that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. November and December tend to be the most popular times to visit, but I found the week between Christmas and New Year’s, as well as the first week of January, to be a lot calmer. Keep in mind that each neighborhood’s display will last for different durations, so I recommend checking the exact timeframes online.
Keep on reading for the best places to see the Christmas lights in London!
Regent Street
The iconic angels spreading their wings over Regent Street is a sight you can’t miss. It’s like you’re covered under a blanket of lights!
Oxford Street
Even though Oxford Street is so crowded and touristy, the sparkling stars are just so magical and shine extra bright on a rainy day.
Covent Garden
So many festive decorations in this neighborhood. Be sure to see the ginormous tree in the middle of the square, along with the sleigh and ornament display inside the market. From festive wagons to eclectic lights on the side streets, this neighborhood is filled with holiday spirit. Grab a cup of hot cocoa (or hot toddy) while you’re there!
Bond Street
I like to joke that the luxury stores have a yearly competition to see who can put up the best display. Although nothing beats the Saks light show in NYC, the stores on Bond Street have some very creative decorations! Each brand’s personality really shines through in their decor, but my personal favorite is Cartier. Honorable mention goes to Loewe for its adorable penguins, and Dior and Chanel for their classic and timeless looks.
Fortnum & Mason
My favorite store in London sure knows how to put on a show! Besides having so many festive products to purchase, they’ve also decked out their facade to look like a giant advent calendar. I could spend hours inside looking for my next treat!
Are you planning on visiting London during the holidays? I hope this guide helps you get into the festive spirit! Check out my itineraries on my favorite London eats and the best things to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, and 1 week for even more inspiration.
From London with love,
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