Best London Christmas Decorations And Lights + A Free Map!

Christmas is the most magical time of year to be in London. Wandering the city and seeing all the Christmas decorations and lights has always been my favourite thing to do. In recent years, I’ve also enjoyed viewing them with my children. I feel like the city is transformed with sparkling lights, festive shop windows, and extravagant displays that make the streets feel like a winter wonderland. From the luxury shops on Bond Street to the grand Christmas tree in Covent Garden, the London Christmas lights and decorations are some of the best in the world.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the best Christmas decorations and lights in London. Including the most magical streets, neighbourhoods and Christmas displays that are worth seeking out. I’ve also included a free map of London’s Christmas lights and decorations to help you plan your own festive walking route.

Whether you’re visiting London with the family, looking for beautiful Christmas displays and photo spots, or simply want to experience the city at its most festive, these are some of the best places to see London Christmas lights and decorations.

So grab a festive hot chocolate, wrap up warm and get ready to explore London at Christmas!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission. There is no additional cost to you, and I am extremely grateful, as it helps me to run my blog.

Where to Find the Best London Christmas Decorations

London is full of spectacular Christmas decorations, from beautifully dressed shop windows to elegant festive displays. Here are some of the best places to see Christmas decorations in London.

And the best part? All of the decorations and displays mentioned below are completely free to see, so you can enjoy plenty of festive magic without spending a penny.

If you’re planning a family trip to London this Christmas, read our complete guide to Christmas in London with kids here.

New Bond Street

New Bond Street is one of my favourite places to see Christmas decorations in London. The luxury boutiques really go all out, and the displays change every year, so there’s always something new to discover. I genuinely look forward to seeing what they’ve come up with each year.

While most shops on New Bond Street put up festive displays, these are usually the most extravigant:

Cartier

Cartier is usually one of my favourite Christmas displays on New Bond Street. The iconic red branding makes the boutique particularly striking during the festive season, and it’s always worth stopping for a photo.

Ralph Lauren

Located right opposite Cartier, Ralph Lauren is another must-see on New Bond Street. Ralph’s Coffee is especially popular at Christmas, but be prepared to wait in line! The classic Ralph Lauren aesthetic works beautifully at Christmas, and the café makes this a lovely place to pause while exploring the decorations.

Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. always creates an elegant Christmas display that feels perfectly suited to New Bond Street. Look out for its signature Tiffany blue alongside its beautifully decorated windows.

Dior

Dior’s Christmas decorations are typically elegant and understated, with the luxury boutique transformed into a beautiful festive display. It’s another one to look out for as you walk along New Bond Street.

Bulgari

Bulgari adds a touch of Italian glamour to New Bond Street at Christmas. The jewellery boutique is beautifully presented during the festive season and is another lovely display to look out for along the street.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a neighbourhood of London with some of the most impressive Christmas displays. You’ll discover many festive decorations and beautiful photo spots throughout the market and surrounding streets.

One of my favourites is the giant sleigh in the Apple Market. It sits in front of the giant gold bells which hang from the ceiling and make the perfect Christmas photo spot for kids and grown-ups alike. I try to get a family picture here every year!

You’ll also find one of London’s most magnificent Christmas trees in Covent Garden, along with a collection of smaller decorated trees around the market. The combination of the markets, huge Christmas tree and festive decorations makes this one of my favourite places to visit at Christmas.

If you’re planning a visit to Covent Garden, make sure to read more about all the best things to do in Covent Garden here.

Tip: Visit early if you want to get crowd-free photos here. Bonus tip: Offer to take someone’s photo for them, and they will usually return the favour!

Hedonism Wines

Hedonism Wines is known for its extravagant displays throughout the year, and its Christmas decorations are no exception.

Outside the shop, you’ll usually find a giant Christmas Advent calendar with opening doors. This is particularly fun if you’re visiting London with children. Last Christmas, it was one of my kids’ favourite displays, and they loved opening the doors to see what was inside.

Address: 3-7 Davies Street, London W1K 3DJ

Annabel’s

Just around the corner from Hedonism Wines, you’ll find Annabel’s, one of London’s most famous private members’ clubs. While you can’t go inside unless you’re a member or a guest, everyone is welcome to admire its spectacular Christmas display from outside.

Annabel’s is known for creating huge, elaborate decorations covering the front of the building, and its festive displays have become a highlight of Christmas in Mayfair.

It’s definitely one to add to your London Christmas decorations itinerary, especially as it’s just a short walk from several other festive spots in the area.

Address: 46 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AT

KOYN

This is a Japanese restaurant located in Mayfair. At Christmas, it becomes known for having a cute little red car outside, topped with a Christmas tree! This is very festive and another favourite for kids and adults alike.

Update: Unfortunately, KYON has permanently closed its doors, so these decorations will no longer be on display.

The Ritz

The Christmas decorations at The Ritz London are wonderfully traditional and elegant. Outside, you’ll usually find the entrance dressed with giant festive wreaths, while inside, the famous lobby is beautifully decorated for Christmas too.

You can step inside and admire the lobby without a reservation, or, if you fancy making it a special occasion, why not treat yourself to The Ritz’s famous festive afternoon tea?

Burlington Arcade

Burlington Arcade is beautiful at any time of year, but it feels particularly magical at Christmas. This historic covered shopping arcade is filled with elegant festive decorations. It’s a lovely place to wander through while exploring Mayfair.

There are several other beautiful London arcades nearby that also decorate for Christmas, including Royal Arcade and Piccadilly Arcade, so it’s worth adding these to your festive walking route too.

Sloane Square

Sloane Square in Chelsea is beautifully decorated at Christmas, with twinkling lights and festive displays creating a lovely atmosphere around the square.

There are often festive markets, food and drink stalls and seasonal pop-ups here too, although the exact Christmas programme changes from year to year. It’s a lovely place to stop and soak up the festive atmosphere before continuing along Sloane Street or towards Duke of York Square.

Duke of York Square

Just across from Sloane Square, you’ll find Duke of York Square. This area also puts on a beautiful Christmas display each year, often with a different theme.

One of the recent themes was The 12 Days of Christmas, inspired by the traditional Christmas carol. A festive trail was created around the square, with different displays representing the twelve days, and my children loved exploring it and finding them all!

The archway entrance to the square is also beautifully decorated, creating a magical festive tunnel that makes a great photo spot.

Duke of York Square is also home to a popular Saturday food market. It’s a great place to stop for something to eat while you’re exploring Christmas in Chelsea.

Peggy Porschen

If you love pink and cake, then Peggy Porschen is the place for you! This beautiful cake shop in Belgravia is known for its pretty, pink-coloured exterior and elaborate seasonal decorations.

At Christmas, the shop usually takes on a beautiful pink Christmas theme, making it one of the prettiest and most Instagrammable festive displays in London.

Address: 116 Ebury Street, London, SW1W 9QQ

Elizabeth Street

Just along from Peggy Porschen, you’ll find Elizabeth Street. This is one of London’s prettiest streets at Christmas. The charming independent boutiques, cafés and restaurants are beautifully decorated for the festive season, creating a lovely atmosphere as you wander along the street.

It’s particularly pretty around Christmas time, when the shopfronts are dressed up, and the street feels wonderfully festive. Don’t forget to look out for the beautiful displays as you explore the area around Sloane Square and Belgravia.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous places to visit in London at Christmas. Although personally, I prefer some of the city’s other Christmas displays and trees.

The large Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is gifted by Norway each year, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1947. It may not be the most spectacular Christmas tree in London, but it’s still an important part of the city’s Christmas celebrations and a popular place to visit.

You’ll also find a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square, making it easy to combine the tree with some festive food, drinks and shopping.

London Department Stores With Beautiful Christmas Decorations

London is home to some of the world’s most famous department stores, and, of course, they all put on spectacular displays at Christmas time.

They also all have a Christmas shop, which is perfect if you’d like a little memento from your trip. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, window shopping and looking at all the amazing decorations is a really fun activity to do at Christmas.

Harrods

Harrods is one of London’s most famous department stores. At Christmas, this iconic Knightsbridge store is transformed with a spectacular display of lights across its famous façade.

Inside, you’ll find an impressive Harrods Christmas shop, filled with decorations and festive gifts. It’s a great place to browse if you’re looking for a special Christmas ornament or a souvenir from your trip.

Address: 87-135 Brompton Road, London, SW1X 7XL

Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum & Mason is one of London’s most iconic department stores, and at Christmas it transforms into a festive wonderland.

The famous Piccadilly façade is decorated with a spectacular Advent calendar, with a different window illuminated from 1 December through to Christmas. The doors also open and chime throughout the day, making it particularly fun to see in person.

The store’s windows are always beautifully designed around a Christmas theme, while inside, the atrium is transformed with a different festive installation each year.

There’s also a giant Advent calendar upstairs in the Christmas shop, where you can open the doors to reveal the treats inside.

And if you’re looking for a Christmas decoration to take home, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Fortnum & Mason has an especially lovely selection of festive decorations and ornaments.

Address: 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER

Selfridges

Selfridges is another London department store that goes all out for Christmas, with elaborate window displays along Oxford Street.

The themes change every year, and the displays have become part of London’s Christmas traditions. Last year, Selfridges teamed up with Disney for an interactive festive display, which I thought was one of their best yet. My children particularly loved this one, making it a great stop if you’re exploring London with the family.

Liberty of London

The beautiful Liberty department store is another must-see at Christmas. Its festive window displays tend to have a more fashion-focused and artistic feel, making them particularly lovely to browse as you walk along Regent Street.

Inside, you’ll also find an impressive Christmas ship decoration. As well as the Liberty Christmas shop filled with beautiful festive decorations and gifts.

Hamleys

No Christmas trip to London with children would be complete without a visit to Hamleys on Regent Street. At Christmas, the famous toy shop becomes even more festive, with elves and entertainers dressed up outside, dancing and entertaining visitors.

It’s a fun stop for families, even if you’re just passing by to enjoy the atmosphere. And if you’re hoping to meet Santa while you’re there, I’ve written a full guide to Santa at Hamleys. Including everything you need to know before you visit. Or if you’re looking for other ideas on where to see Father Christmas in London? Read my detailed guide here.

Best Christmas Lights in London

London is famous for its spectacular Christmas lights, with some of the city’s most popular shopping streets transformed into glittering festive displays each year.

The lights usually begin to appear from November, with most displays remaining in place until late December or early January. The exact switch-on dates vary each year, so it’s worth checking before you visit.

For the best experience, visit in the late afternoon or evening, once it is dark and the lights are really sparkling. And the great thing is that London’s main Christmas light displays are completely free to enjoy.

Oxford Street

Oxford Street is one of London’s most popular shopping streets. At Christmas time, over 300,000 LED lights and 5,000 stars are used to light up the sky above you. This is truly magical to see.

Regent Street

The famous ‘Spirit of Christmas’ angels are one of London’s most iconic Christmas light displays. The enormous angels stretch across Regent Street, creating a beautiful sparkling canopy above the road.

The display has become a much-loved London Christmas tradition and is particularly magical after dark. Regent Street is also home to some of London’s best shopping, so it’s easy to combine the lights with some festive window shopping.

Carnaby Street

Known for its artistic flair, Carnaby Street usually takes a more colourful and creative approach to Christmas lights. The display follows a different theme each year, making it one of the more quirky Christmas light installations in central London.

The surrounding streets and independent shops are also beautifully decorated, so don’t just stop at the main Carnaby Street display. It’s a lovely area to explore while you’re doing your Christmas shopping.

New Bond Street

I mentioned the luxury boutiques on New Bond Street earlier, but don’t forget to also look up as you walk along the street!

It’s worth taking your time here so you can enjoy both the Christmas decorations outside the luxury boutiques and the lights above the street.

Map of all the Best Christmas Decorations and Lights in London

I’ve put together this London Christmas lights and decorations map to make it easy to find all the places I’ve mentioned in this guide.

The interactive map includes the best Christmas decorations, festive displays, department stores and Christmas lights, so you can see where everything is located and plan your own festive itinerary.

Simply click on the top-right corner of the map to open it in Google Maps, where you can explore the different locations and save the map for your trip.

In the next section, I’ll share a self-guided London Christmas lights and decorations walking route. Featuring several of these locations to help you plan a festive day out.

Self-Guided London Christmas Lights & Decorations Walking Route

Want to see some of the best Christmas decorations and lights in London without spending hours planning your route? I’ve put together a self-guided London Christmas lights walking route that takes around 30 minutes of walking time.

‘ve shared the map below, or click here to open the walking route in Google Maps.

This route doesn’t include every location mentioned in this guide, but it takes you past many of the main Christmas decorations and lights in central London. It’s an easy way to see several festive highlights in one walk.

I recommend starting at Bond Street Station, which is served by the Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth lines. Alternatively, you could start at Oxford Circus Station, served by the Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines, if that is more convenient.

If you can, I would recommend heading to Covent Garden early on a separate day. However, if you’re only in London for a day, I would add it on to the end of this route. It’s an extra 30-minute walk or 20 minutes on the Piccadilly line and is really worth it!

Tips for the Walking Route

If you want to enjoy the decorations without quite so many crowds, I’d recommend visiting New Bond Street earlier in your walk. It’s one of the most spectacular areas, but it can get very busy, particularly at weekends and in the run-up to Christmas.

Also, allow yourself longer than 30 minutes as you’ll most likely want to pause to take photos and sometimes, you will have to wait for a gap in the crowd. You should also leave additional time if you plan to go inside Fortnum & Mason, browse the Christmas shop or stop for a festive drink or something to eat along the way. The 30 minutes is the approximate walking time rather than the time you’ll need to enjoy all the stops.

London Christmas Light Tours & Trails

London also has several Christmas light trails and tours taking place across the city.

Some are free, while others are ticketed events that need to be booked in advance. Dates, prices and themes can change each year, so it’s always worth checking the latest details before you visit.

Christmas at Kew

Christmas at Kew is one of London’s most spectacular Christmas light trails, transforming Kew Gardens into a magical after-dark experience with illuminated installations, music and festive displays.

The trail usually runs from mid-November until early January, with the exact dates changing each year. Advance booking is essential, and popular dates can sell out quickly.

Currently, tickets start from £29.50 for adults and £20 for children on off-peak dates. Children under four go free.

Sparkle in the Park at Charlton House

Charlton House is a hidden gem in South East London. At Christmas it hosts the lovely Sparkle in the Park light trail.

Unlike many of London’s larger Christmas light trails, this has been a free event. This makes it a great option if you’re looking for some festive magic without the price tag.

The event usually just lasts a few days towards the end of November, so it’s worth checking the latest dates before planning your visit. This event sadly didnt happen in 2025 but it is looking like it will return for 2026.

Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations

The Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations at the Royal Hospital Chelsea is a newer festive event to look out for. The light trail features illuminated Christmas displays and giant festive decorations, followed by a winter village and Christmas market.

It’s a lovely option if you want to combine Christmas lights with food, drinks and festive shopping.

Again, you should book tickets in advance. Prices vary depending on the date and time you choose but currently start from £18 per adult and £12 for children at super off-peak times. Kids uder 2 visit for free.

London Christmas Lights Bus Tour

While you can walk around London and see many of the Christmas lights for free, you could also consider taking a London Christmas lights bus tour.

A bus tour is a fun way to see the city’s Christmas lights without having to walk between all the different locations. You’ll get a completely different perspective from the top deck of a sightseeing bus. It is also a particularly great way to see some of the best London Christmas lights and decorations while avoiding the crowded streets. This was especially helpful for us with children.

If you’d like to see what a Christmas lights bus tour is like, I’ve also written a full London Christmas Lights Bus Tour review. Including tips for enjoying your journey. Or click here to book your tickets!

London Hotels that Decorate for Christmas

Want to Make Your London Christmas Stay Extra Magical? If you’re visiting London at Christmas, why not make your trip even more special by staying somewhere that goes all-out for the festive season?

Several of London’s luxury hotels decorate their lobbies and public spaces beautifully at Christmas, with enormous Christmas trees, elaborate decorations and plenty of festive atmosphere. Many also offer Christmas afternoon teas, festive drinks and seasonal dining, so you don’t necessarily need to be staying at the hotel to enjoy the decorations.

Here are some London hotels worth considering if you’d like to make your Christmas trip extra magical:

• The Hilton London Bankside: We visited at Christmas and particularly enjoyed their festive brunch with Santa. Read my full Hilton London Bankside review here.
• Claridge’s, Mayfair: One of London’s most iconic festive hotels, particularly beautiful around Christmas.
• The Connaught, Mayfair: A beautiful choice if you’re looking for a luxurious and traditional Christmas atmosphere.
• The Ritz, London: One of the most luxurious hotels in London. Famous for its elegant Christmas decorations and festive afternoon tea. 
• The Savoy, Westminster: Another iconic London hotel that creates a spectacular festive atmosphere.
• The Langham, London: A classic London hotel with beautiful seasonal decorations and festive experiences.
• The Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park: A luxurious Knightsbridge option close to Harrods and the Christmas displays around the area. 
• Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge: A luxurious option if you’re exploring Christmas in the City and around Tower Bridge.

You can check all London Christmas accommodation options here. Or, if you’re looking for more ideas for a family Christmas in London, take a look at my complete guide to Christmas in London with kids.

Tips for Visiting London’s Christmas Lights & Decorations

Before you head out to explore London’s Christmas decorations and lights, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit. Especially if you’d like to take some beautiful photos along the way!

Get Out Early for the Best Photos

If you want to enjoy London’s Christmas decorations without the crowds, get out early.

Last year, we did our self-guided London Christmas decorations and lights route at around 8:30 am on a gloomy Sunday morning. It worked really well because the streets were quiet. It was still dark enough for many of the lights to be twinkling.

We also visited Covent Garden early in the morning and managed to get some lovely family photos without the usual crowds.

See the Lights After Dark

Although getting out early is great for Christmas decorations and photographs, the big street light displays are best seen after dark.

Aim for late afternoon or early evening, around 4 pm in December, when it starts to get dark, to see the lights at maximum impact.

Consider a Christmas Lights Bus Tour

If you’d rather enjoy London’s Christmas lights without navigating the busiest streets, a Christmas lights bus tour is another option.

You’ll be able to see many of the main displays from the comfort of a sightseeing bus. It’s particularly appealing if you’re visiting with young children or don’t want to navigate the crowds.

I’ve included more information about London Christmas lights bus tours earlier in this guide, including a link to my own London Christmas Lights Bus Tour review.

Most London Christmas Decorations Are Free

One of the best things about seeing London’s Christmas lights and decorations is that most of the displays mentioned in this guide are completely free.

You don’t need to book to wander around the decorated streets or see most of the Christmas displays. However, some special events are ticketed and should be booked in advance.

For example, Christmas at Kew is extremely popular, so I’d recommend booking your tickets well ahead of your visit.

Visit on a Weekday If You Can

As I mentioned, London is busy throughout the Christmas season, but you’ll generally find the major shopping streets and popular displays less crowded on weekdays than at weekends.

If you have the flexibility, visiting during the week can make for a much more relaxed experience, particularly if you’re travelling with children or hoping to take photographs.

FAQ’s on Seeing London’s Christmas Lights and Decorations

Final Thoughts on The Best London Christmas Decorations and Lights

There really is nowhere quite like London at Christmas. From the extravagant luxury displays on New Bond Street to the magical Christmas tree and sleigh in Covent Garden, there are so many beautiful decorations and festive displays to discover.

One of my favourite things about seeing Christmas in London is that so much of it is completely free. You can simply wander through the streets, admire the decorated shops and department stores. Enjoy some of the city’s most spectacular Christmas lights without spending a penny.

Whether you follow my self-guided London Christmas lights walking route, explore a different neighbourhood such as Chelsea and Belgravia, or take a Christmas lights bus tour, I hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas for your own festive day out.

And if you’re visiting London with children, don’t forget to take your time and enjoy the little things along the way. Stopping for a hot chocolate, taking a family photo or simply wandering through the twinkling streets can be just as magical as the big attractions.

Merry Christmas, and I hope you have a wonderful time exploring London at its most magical! 🎄

---

Thank you so much for reading my post on the best London Christmas decorations and lights to see. I hope you have an amazing time in London this Christmas.

Happy Exploring,