London in Winter: The Best Christmas Lights Walking Route
I love visiting London in winter. The city truly sparkles! Even with short days and unpredictable weather, winter is still one of the best times to visit.
As a Brit living Stateside, I can confidently say London celebrates Christmas like nowhere else—sorry, NYC!
If it’s your first trip to London in December, here’s an easy self-guided walking route to see the best of central London’s festive displays. (Google Map👇)
📍 London Christmas Lights Walking Map
Oxford Street at Christmas: The Heart of London in Winter
Let’s kick things off at Marble Arch, the western gateway to Oxford Street.
Or, if you’re arriving from central London, start at Oxford Circus instead.
Stroll down Oxford Street and you’ll see Christmas lights galore!
Last year’s “Sustainable Stars” are back for 2025, illuminating the street with thousands of energy-efficient LED lights.
Lights switch on early — November 3, 2025
Don’t miss the window displays at Selfridges and John Lewis (close to Oxford Circus).
And if you’re in town on December 7, check out Oxford Street’s Big Day of Joy, supporting Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.
Expect in-store events, live music, and plenty of festive cheer!
💡 What You Need to Know
- Nearest Tube station: Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria & Bakerloo lines)
- Where to eat: Market Halls Oxford Street for a casual street-food.
- Detour? Winter Wonderland Hyde Park is a 10 minute walk from Marble Arch. Weekends get crowded so plan your visit. Book ahead.
London in Winter: Flying Angels Above Regent Street
Moving on from Oxford Street, cross onto Regent Street.
Sparkling Christmas lights reflect off the stone buildings on this iconic curved London street.
In my opinion, Regent Street at Christmas is one of the most beautiful spots in London.
The famous display of illuminated angels known as “The Spirit of Christmas” is so popular that its back for its 10th season.
If the traffic clears, you’ll get one of the best keepsake photos of London in winter!
Regent Street lights turn on early — November 6.
Next, walk south towards Piccadilly Circus, taking in the light displays along the way.
💡 What You Need to Know
- Nearest Tube station: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus
- Where to eat: Heddon Street Kitchen in Regent Street’s Food Quarter. You might even recognize the street from David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust album cover!
Liberty London & Carnaby Street Christmas Lights
Just around the corner is one of my favorite department stores, Liberty London.
If you’ve seen the Cruella remake with Emma Stone, you might recognize it.
I love the building’s Tudor Revival architecture with its’ wooden timber front.
At Christmas, it’s even more special. Go in and have a look around around! Don’t miss their in-store Christmas Shop.
Then, wander over to famous Carnaby Street, where the Christmas light displays change every year.
They’re always so playful in contrast to the elegance of Regent Street and New Bond Street light displays.
Carnaby Street Lights switch on date is November 6.
💡 What You Need to Know
- Nearest Tube station: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus
- Where to eat: If you’re craving Asian food, London’s Chinatown is not too far away. I recommend Bun House on Lisle Street.
New Bond Street: Luxury London in Winter
From Regent’s Street, walk west along Conduit Street or Brook Street to reach New Bond Street.
This is where people who love luxury like to shop.
Luckily, that means the rest of us can enjoy some of the most beautiful and elegant festive displays in London!
Don’t miss the Cartier building wrapped in it’s classic giant red bow.
Dior, Chanel and Ralph Lauren also never disappoint with their displays.
But for a real Mayfair hidden-gem, I recommend a short detour to check out South Molton Street (pictured above).
💡 What You Need to Know
- Nearest Tube station: Bond Street (Central and Jubilee lines)
- Must-See Stop: Don’t miss a visit to Claridge’s Hotel to see its stunning Christmas tree. It’s a Mayfair landmark and free to visit! If you’re looking to check-in (lucky you!), you can check prices and availability on Booking.com.
Burlington Arcade
Next up is a lesser-known spot, Burlington Arcade.
It’s just a few minutes walk from Bond Street to the Piccadilly side entrance.
This historic covered shopping arcade features elegant designer boutiques and shines with beautiful festive decorations.
While your there, make sure not to sing or hum too loudly or you’ll meet one of the patrolling Beadles!
This quirky London tradition is still very much alive.
Dressed in top hats and frock coats, the Beadles are there to keep Regency-era behavior in check — move over Paul Blart Mall Cop! 😄
🚍 Prefer To Skip The Crowds? This London Christmas Lights Bus Tour lets you see the best of London’s light displays from an open-top bus with a local guide. Tickets start at only $29 per person. Limited availability so book ahead! 👉 Book Now.
Saville Row and Jermyn Street
From Bond Street, walk towards Saville Row.
This street is famous for men’s tailoring and is a lovely area to explore London in winter, not just in December.
I love the understated elegance here — a nice contrast to Bond Street’s glitz.
The Christmas displays nod to the street’s heritage, with giant scissors, fabric, and tailoring-themed decorations.
When in the St. James’ area, I always recommend a stop and Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly.
Their Christmas displays are a masterpiece and I always pick up a shiny bauble or two to bring back home. Their tea makes a great holiday gift too.
Next, head over to Jermyn Street.
I used to be in and out of London a lot with work and know this area pretty well. It’s a lovely spot to explore so try no to skip.
💡 What You Need to Know
- Nearest Tube station: Piccadilly Circus or Green Park
- Must-See Stop: Don’t miss Annabel’s Private Members’ Club on Berkeley Square. The decorations are always stunning. But unless you’re an exclusive member, they’re best viewed from the street!
Covent Garden: A Must-See in London in Winter
The next stop on this Christmas lights walking route is Covent Garden.
I know I keep saying each stop is my favorite, but this one really is!
From 12:00 PM daily, Covent Garden turns into a winter wonderland with snowfall every hour!
The streets around Covent Garden sparkle with festive lights and decorations.
Snap a picture in front of the majestic Covent Garden Christmas tree with St. Paul’s church in the background.
Covent Garden lights switch on is November 12.
💡 What You Need to Know
- Nearest Tube station: Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line) or Leicester Square (Northern & Piccadilly Lines)
- Where to eat: I love Dishoom on Upper St Martin’s Ln for Bombay comfort food. Order the Chicken Ruby!
- Detour? Explore Neal’s Yard and Seven Dials (lights switch on date, November 12).
Somerset House: The Quintessential London in Winter Experience
Last but not least on this Christmas lights walking tour is Somerset House.
I think this is the most amazing venue for an ice rink.
It’s really atmospheric after dark and I love how they light the ice.
Live DJs spin tracks rink-side, food vendors serve winter-warming treats like raclette and mince pie cookie cups (erm, yum!), and a 40ft Christmas tree is a perfect backdrop to holiday photos.
Tickets: Adults £15 – £28.50 and Children from £10. Open every day (Mon–Sun) from 2 November 2025 – 11 January 2026 between 8 am to 11 pm.
🍰 Want to combine afternoon tea with a Christmas lights tour? This 90-minute Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is the perfect festive treat. It’s a great way to escape the chaos on the streets and rest your feet 👉 Book Now.
3 Hotels with Cozy London in Winter Vibes
When it’s cold outside, I recommend a place to stay that has cozy, welcoming vibes.
Here are my top three hotel picks (as a pro travel advisor) to make your trip to London in December unforgettable:
1. The Flemings Mayfair
I love this boutique gem in the heart of Mayfair. The location is unbeatable, with Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Bond Street all within walking distance. 👉 Check pricing and availability on Booking.com
2. The Mayfair Townhouse
Another of my favorites (and that of my client’s too!) This hotel is in a stellar location and central to some of London’s best Christmas light displays. 👉 Check pricing and availability on Booking.com
3. The Connaught
Lastly, if you’re looking to blow the budget on an unforgettable festive stay, then you won’t go wrong by checking in at The Connaught. 👉 Check pricing and availability on Booking.com
Looking for something different? Check out all your London hotel options on Booking.com and find you perfect stay.
For more tips and tools, check out my Travel Resources page — your go-to checklist for planning a stress-free trip.
London in Winter: Summary
Exploring London’s Christmas displays is one of my favorite winter activities — and the lights keep getting better every year.
Most of the city’s festive displays are switched on by early to mid-November, so visiting earlier in the season means fewer crowds.
This 2–3 hour walking route lets you see the best central London lights, from Oxford Street and Regent Street to Covent Garden and Somerset House, at a relaxed pace.
Getting Around London 🚇
London’s Tube is the fastest (and easiest) way to get around central London — besides walking, of course!
Use a Visitor Oyster card or contactless pay as you go to tap in and out for smooth travel.
I always recommend downloading the Transport For London app (TfL Go) before your trip.
It has a live map, shows disruptions, and helps you plan your route in real time.
FAQs:
- What’s the weather and temperature like in London in winter? London in December is chilly and often damp. Expect daytime highs of 45–50°F (7–10°C) and evenings dropping to 35–40°F (2–5°C).
- What should I wear for a trip to London in winter? Layered clothing is key! Pack a waterproof coat (with hood), comfortable walking shoes, scarf, hat, and gloves. Leave the umbrella at home.
- When is the best time to see Christmas lights in London? Most Christmas lights are turned on by mid-November, making early winter visits less crowded. For this walking tour, start just after sunset (around 4:00 pm in December).
- What are the best day trips from London in winter? Take a winter excursion to Kew Gardens for the illuminated Christmas trail, Hampton Court Palace for historic festive displays, or Battersea Power Station for an alternative ice skating option. Read more about day trips from London.
London In Winter (January to March)
Thinking of a trip to London in January, February or March? Check out: Why London In Winter Is The Best Time To Visit
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