Where To See Christmas Lights In London 2023

Planning ahead to ensure you soak up as many of London’s gorgeous (and free) festivities as possible? It’s almost time for London to shine bright with Christmas lights and, as the city gets twinkling this winter, we’ll be updating this page on the latest illuminations. 

Where To See Christmas Lights In London 2023

Savile Row

Brand new Christmas lights will arrive on the historic Savile Row this festive season, taking inspiration from the iconic tool found in every tailor’s workshop: a pair of shears. This iconic symbol along with the message ‘Savile Row Christmas’ will twinkle against the winter sky every night from 16 November, made up of 5,154 energy efficient and planet-friendly LED bulbs. Head down to The Row on 16 November to experience late openings and festive treats from tailors and retailers such as Cad & The Dandy, Davies & Son and Cremieux, with live music at Drake’s, all in celebration of the switch-on.

Details: From 16 November 2023 in London W1S.

Chelsea

London’s chicest shopping and dining district gets a glamorous festive makeover every Christmas, and the special switch-on celebration is back for 2023. On 18 November, the King’s Road will be part-pedestrianised and taken over by a Christmas market and a jam-packed day of festive fun for all the family to enjoy. Father Christmas will once again press the ‘on’ switch at 5pm, with the assistance of a little local helper.

Details: From 18 November 2023 in London SW3. chelseachristmas.co.uk

The Shard

A unique festive display will adorn the tippy top of London’s tallest building this year, developed in partnership with the London School of Mosaic. The top 20 storeys of The Shard will be lit up in a series of colourful Christmassy displays every night from 28 November up until New Year’s Eve. Visible from 40 miles away, this includes a snowman in a striking red scarf and hat, a softly illuminated candle against a blue backdrop and a festive green and gold design inspired by a Christmas Brooch created by Pop Art pioneering Scottish artist Eduardo Paolozzi, all lighting up the skyline in a 30 minute long light show on repeat from 5.30pm until 1am.

Details: 28 November–31 December 2023 at The Shard (32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG).

Oxford Street

Oxford Street’s Christmas lights are some of the UK’s most famous, turning the busy shopping street into a twinkling (and extremely photogenic) wonderland. This year’s display will reuse the same twinkling stars from last year as a nod to the destination’s charity partnership with Starlight, which helps children in hospital experience playtime during treatment (members of the public can also sponsor a star in support of the charity).

Details: From 2 November 2023 in London W1. oxfordstreet.co.uk

Carnaby Street

Insta-worthy shopping hub Carnaby Street has announced the date of its annual Christmas lights switch-on, falling on 8 November this year. The theme this time round is ‘Carnaby Universe’, with neon lights strung up into galaxies across the street.

Details: From 8 November 2023 in London W1. carnaby.co.uk

Regent Street

Regent Street’s iconic ‘Spirit of Christmas’ lights make a return in 2023, with countless glistening angels floating above the length of the iconic street.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Regent Street W1 (@regentstreetw1)

Details: From 9 November 2023 in London W1. regentstreetonline.com

Marylebone Village

Quaint Marylebone Village will have an eco festive makeover from 9 November with its all-new festive light display made with 100 percent recycled plastic bottles, creating the perfect destination for all of your Christmas shopping. Visitors are also invited to experience the switch on itself on 9 November, accompanied by an unforgettable evening of festive workshops, artisan market stalls and roaming music, plus Santa’s Grotto, a Ferris Wheel, a charity tombola and a celebrity switch on moment with none other than Christmas Queen Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Read our festive interview with Sophie here.

Details: From 9 November 2023 in London W1.

St Christopher’s Place

St Christopher’s Place will metamorphise into St Christmas Place once again this year, with a brilliantly bright and playful festive display illuminating this charming historic plaza. Visitors can also expect a series of free festive performances every Thursday from 5:30pm and every Saturday from 1:30pm.

Details: From 14 November 2023 at St Christopher’s Place, 23 Barrett St, London W1U 1BF.

West End

Bringing joy to the West End, a twinkling set of dazzling lights will adorn some of London’s busiest streets this festive season, including Leicester Square, St Martin’s Lane and Piccadilly, all thanks to London West End and the Heart of London Business Alliance.

Details: From 9 November in London W1.

Trafalgar Square

London’s largest Christmas tree every year – an annual gift from Norway – sits in Trafalgar Square. The big reveal typically happens at the start of December.

Details: From December in London WC2N 5DS. london.gov.uk

Covent Garden

Covent Garden’s Christmas switch-on promises more lights than ever, plus a dazzling array of decorations including giant baubles, spinning mirror balls and 40 enormous bells adorning the famous Market Building. The big switch-on will also usher in a seven-week festive programme encompassing surprise performances, food and drink pop-ups and exclusive shopping events. As if all that wasn’t enough, several brands will be opening new outposts in the area, from Missoma and Creed to Omega and Tissot.

Details: From 7 November in London WC2.

Bond Street

Bond Street’s new-for-2022 Crown Jewel Christmas lights have made a return for 2023, with over 93,000 energy efficient bulbs lighting up the gorgeous street everyday from 3–11pm. Plus, a Ralph Lauren Giving Tree, in aid of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, will be unveiled during the switch-on event on 16 November.

Details: From 16 November in London W1.

Leadenhall Market

Festive lights and a whopping tree will return to the City’s Leadenhall Market this Christmas, with an ever-changing LED display, and a new for 2023 light tunnel to tempt visitors to explore the ancient cobbled passageways. The Lord Mayor will press the all important switch on 16 November, accompanied by uplifting carols and pyrotechnic firework fountains.

Details: From 6pm on 16 November 2023 at Leadenhall Market (Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT).

Belgravia

The Belgravia Christmas light switch on will return in 2023, with glittering displays appearing on on Elizabeth Street, Motcomb Street, Eccleston Yards, Halkin Arcade and Pimlico Road. Join the party on 15 November to see Father Christmas, reindeer, carol singing, a pop-up Christmas market and festive treats galore.

Details: From 15 November 2023 in London SW1.

Mayfair

Gorgeous, gorgeous Mayfair: it gets all the more beautiful in London’s most prestigious district with a sprinkling of festive lights. The big blue gift bows will return for 2023, a dazzling display of 63,000 energy-efficient sparkling lights.

Details: From 16 November 2023 in London W1. mayfairldn.com

King’s Cross

Details are still TBC, but King’s Cross always goes all out at Christmas. Last year, this included an après ski makeover, Club Curling, a 47ft Christmas tree, a winter sculpture, and ten Christmas markets over six weeks.

Details: From November 2023 in London N1C.

Skate at Somerset House

A staple in London’s festive scene, Somerset House’s annual skating rink is one of the best places to feel festive, day or night. This year, Switzerland Tourism is the headline sponsor, with festive feasting by Jimmy Garcia at Chalet Suisse returning for a second year. New for 2023 is a series of Skate Lates with Rock Angel, featuring rink-side deck takeovers from a curated line-up of contemporary DJs, artists and collectives. Plus the Skate School is back for beginners, while Shelter Boutique and HSBC UK will be hosting a pop-up store of vintage garms. Booking ahead is essential.

Check out our full guide to London’s outdoor skating rinks here

Details: 15 November–23 December 2023 at Somerset House (Strand, London WC2R 1LA). somersethouse.org.uk

Winter Wonderland

What began in 2005 as a small Christmassy fun fair has evolved into London’s largest annual festive event, brimming with rides, bars, food stalls and Christmas lights.

Details: 17 November 2023–1 January 2024 at Hyde Park, London. Tickets are free during off-peak times, and either £5 or £7.50 at peak times. Booking ahead is essential. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Christmas At Kew

The world’s largest and most diverse botanical collection, Kew, is taken over by festive cheer every winter with its Christmas at Kew winter trails. Think immersive light installations, tasty food stalls and festive drinks, all surrounded by beautiful plants and trees.

Details: 15 November 2023–7 January 2024 at Kew Gardens, London. Tickets from £21.50. Booking ahead is essential. kew.org 

Wembley Park

London’s new neighbourhood will be lit neon this Christmas with The Luminaze, a brand new walkthrough light instalation from Emergency Exit Arts (EEA) that will wow visitors of all ages. Visitors can expect to see a living room, stars and trees, all created with energy-efficient neon lights.

Details: 2 December 2023– 2 January 2024 at Samovar Space (Olympic Way, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0FR). Completely free to to enter.

Featured Image: Chelsea Christmas Lights 2022.