See London light up this winter...
With Halloween and Bonfire Night out of the way, it’s time for London to shine bright with Christmas lights. As the city gets twinkling this winter, we’ll be updating this page on the latest illuminations.
Where to See Christmas Lights in London 2022
London’s Christmas lights are officially on for 2022, with the last remaining large launch being Trafalgar Square. With increased sustainability consciousness, many lights are operating on reduced schedules. Head to the following destinations between 3 and 11pm for your best shot at spotting some pretty, twinkling lights:
- Chelsea
- Oxford Street
- The Southbank
- Carnaby Street
- Covent Garden
- Regent Street
- St James
- Belgravia
- Marylebone Village
- Angel Islington
- Bond Street
- Connaught Village
- Leadenhall Market
- Mayfair
- Seven Dials
Oxford Street Christmas lights
Where Else Can I See Christmas Lights In London?
- Lightopia
- King’s Cross & Coal Drops Yard
- Skate at Somerset House
- Winter Wonderland
- Christmas at Kew
Lightopia
Lightopia
Marvel at the exhibition of light installations at Crystal Palace’s Lightopia. Promising a winter wonderland of illumination, expect also interactive lanterns and water shows that’s perfect for a family outing.
When? 17 November 2022–2 January 2023
Where? Crystal Palace Park SE19 2BA
How? Tickets from £19.50 per adult or £13 per child. Booking ahead is essential. london.lightopiafestival.com
Paul Mason AKA Fashion Santa at the launch of the King’s Cross Christmas festivities 2022 (c) John Sturrock.
King’s Cross & Coal Drops Yard
In typical creative fashion, King’s Cross will be transformed into an après ski destination this winter, with a 47ft Christmas tree, a winter sculpture, and ten Christmas markets over six weeks. Likewise, Club Curling is returning to Coal Drops Yard – an adult playground with the niche Winter Olympic sport that King’s Cross is calling ‘bowling’s cooler cousin’. There will also be plenty of quirky festive decor to keep you occupied. kingscross.co.uk
When? 9 November 2022–26 February 2023
Where? King’s Cross N1C 4AB
How? Drop in to King’s Cross to see the festivities and try curling. Club Curling tickets can be booked ahead, and are £7 per person – under 12s play free. kingscross.co.uk
Somerset House Ice Skating 2021
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. Once again running in partnership with Moët & Chandon, there will be a cosy lounge for apres, a Chocomobile courtesy of Hotel Chocolat, and Swiss-inspired treats courtesy of Jimmy Garcia. Check out our full guide to London’s outdoor skating rinks here.
When? 16 November 2022 – 15 January 2023
Where? Somerset House, Strand WC2R 1LA
How? Tickets from £10–22 – booking ahead is essential. somersethouse.org.uk
Winter Wonderland
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.
When? 18 November 2022–2 January 2023
Where? Hyde Park
How? Tickets are free during off-peak times, and either £5 or £7.50 at peak times. Booking ahead is essential. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
(c) Jeff Eden
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.
When? 16 November 2022–8 January 2023
Where? Kew Gardens
How? Tickets from £21.50. Booking ahead is essential. kew.org
Light Switch On Events In London 2022
Below is a guide to 2022’s Christmas light switch ons, which have now all passed. Keep them in mind for next year!
Many of London’s Christmas light switch ons happen without ceremony due to crowd control difficulties. However, if you’d like the be there when the magic happens, these are the events for you:
Carnaby Street: On Tuesday 8 November from 5–9pm, there was live music and 20 percent discounts at over 100 bars, shops and restaurants in celebration of Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights being switched on. There was also be a Choose Love pop-up shop with a series of celebrities dipping in to help serve customers. carnaby.co.uk
Marylebone Village: On Thursday 10 November from 3–8pm, Marylebone Village will host a festive light switch on and charity event in collaboration with Mind Brent, Wandsworth and Westminster. Head here for exclusive discounts, a charity tombola, Santa’s grotto, food and gift stalls, a celebrity switch on moment (TBC) and general merry-lebone vibes. marylebonevillage.com
Mayfair Christmas lights 2021 (c) Matt Alexander/PA Wire
Mayfair: On Thursday 17 November from 5pm, Mayfair’s Mount Street will be closed, ready to turn on its dazzling display of 63,000 energy-efficient sparkling lights, featuring big blue gift bows running up the street. Retailers along the street will celebrate the festivities with jubilant music, artisan cocktails and complimentary gifts, with Christian Louboutin providing free festive crepes and mulled cider from their Parisian Loubi Cart. mayfairldn.com
Leadenhall Market: On Thursday 17 November at 6pm, the Lord Mayor of London, Vincent Keaveny will switch on the ancient Leadenhall Market’s Christmas lights and tree lights, accompanied by firework fountains to kick-start the festivities. leadenhallmarket.co.uk
Connaught Village: On Thursday 17 November, Connaught Village will unveil its lights and Christmas tree, and celebrate the beginning of the festive season with an afternoon of free sustainable craft workshops, live music, in-store promotions, and a chance to meet and pose for photos with husky dogs, named Santa Paws. connaught-village.co.uk
Bond Street recently unveiled their regal Christmas lights for 2022 (c) Ben Queenborough/PA Wire (cropped)
Angel Islington: The Angel Islington’s annual Glow In The Angel event is set to return on Thursday 17 November from 4–8pm, with lights switched on and live music, illuminated stilt walkers and ‘glow angels’ handing out free gifts, plus carol singers and a brass band on Camden Passage. Further info TBC.
Chelsea: On Saturday 19 November, Chelsea’s Kings Road will be partly pedestrianised as the area is lit up with festive joy. There will be reindeer, horse and carriages and firework displays, and Santa himself will be flicking the all important light switch at 5pm. chelseachristmas.co.uk
Trafalgar Square: London’s largest Christmas tree every year – an annual gift from Norway – sits in Trafalgar Square. The big reveal is set to occur on 1 December. london.gov.uk
Belgravia Christmas light switch on, 9 November 2022 (c) John Nguyen/PA Wire.
Featured Image: Chelsea Christmas Lights 2022.
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