Seasonal

The 4 Best Christmas Lights in London

From Oxford Street to hidden corners: where to see the best Christmas lights and window displays in London.

In short: our top picks are Regent Street Lights, Covent Garden at Christmas and Carnaby Street. 4 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.

London at Christmas is a city of lights, and the displays go far beyond the famous high streets. Between the grand shopping avenues, the dressed hotel facades and a few quieter corners, there is a whole evening’s wander in it. These are the best Christmas lights in London, and how to see them well.

Place Area Price
Regent Street Lights
Covent Garden at Christmas Covent Garden
Carnaby Street Soho
Christmas at Kew Kew £££
  1. Editor’s choice

    Regent Street Lights

    Why we pick itLondon's grandest light canopy arcs over the whole street; the centrepiece of the festive city.

  2. Covent Garden at Christmas

    • Covent Garden

    Why we pick itA giant tree, mistletoe chandeliers and the prettiest piazza display; the most charming of all.

  3. Carnaby Street

    • Soho

    Why we pick itAlways the most playful and original lights in London; worth a detour for the theme alone.

  4. Christmas at Kew

    • Kew
    • £££

    Why we pick itNot a high street but the best light spectacle of all; an after-dark trail through the gardens.

Before you book

Go on a clear, cold evening and make a walking route of it rather than chasing one street. Midweek is calmer than the weekend crush. And pair the lights with a warm drink or dinner along the way; the best Christmas-lights evenings are really just a beautiful excuse for a stroll.

Common questions

What are the top picks in this guide?

Regent Street Lights is our editor's choice: London's grandest light canopy arcs over the whole street; the centrepiece of the festive city. Regent Street Lights, Covent Garden at Christmas and Carnaby Street lead the guide, with 4 places in total, all chosen on merit.

How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?

Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.