From the twinkling Oxford Street Christmas lights to the beautiful angels illuminating Regent Street and the shimmering decorations that make Leicester Square even brighter, see the world-famous London Christmas lights as the city is gloriously decked out for Christmas. 

The locations below host some of the best Christmas lights in London, which you can see from November until early January.

1. South Bank Christmas lights

Stroll along the South Bank to see the riverside area beautifully illuminated with garlands of glittering Christmas lights. Admire the illuminated artworks dotted around the area as part of its Winter Light (5 Nov-2 Feb) display, browse wooden chalets with a mulled wine in hand at Southbank Centre's Winter Market (5 Nov-26 Dec) or catch a festive show in the Royal Festival Hall. From 5 Nov

2. Oxford Street Christmas lights

Hundreds of bright blue LED stars hang from garlands above Regent Street at night time with shops lining the street and people walking beneathHead to Oxford Street where you'll find the famous starry light display, this year in collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. Credit: Doug Peters/PA Wire. Image courtesy of Four Agency.

Be amazed by some of the most spectacular Christmas lights in London and admire the seasonal window displays across Oxford Street. This year's Oxford Street Christmas lights feature the return of sustainable shining stars brightening up the skies above the famous street. Make sure to bag your tickets for Winter Wonderland (21 Nov-5 Jan), just a short walk away, for a host of festive activities and entertainment. From 5 Nov

3. Carnaby Christmas lights

Visitors wander underneath a lights display glowing above CarnabySee an immersive display light up Carnaby. Credit: W Communications. Image courtesy of W Communications.

Explore one of the capital's coolest areas, as it glows during an hourly immersive light show as part of this year's Carnaby Christmas lights. Snap shots in front of the quirky display lining Carnaby Street, before exploring surrounding independent boutiques – perfect for some Christmas shopping! From 7 Nov

4. Regent Street Christmas lights

White angel-shaped Christmas lights span the two sides of Regent Street at night, with buses and taxis on both sides of the road.Visit the iconic Christmas lights that light up Regent Street annually. Credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Experience the magic of Christmas as the beautiful Regent Street Christmas lights set the West End aglow with a seasonal sparkle. See magnificent spirits glittering above the entire length of Regent Street and its surrounding streets, while hunting for luxury gifts and London Christmas ornaments. From 7 Nov

5. St James's and Piccadilly Christmas lights

Walk around St James's and Piccadilly to discover picture-pretty Christmas lights inspired by the statue of Anteros, the Greek god of requited love. Afterwards, enjoy more seasonal fun by popping into Fortnum & Mason for a spot of Christmas shopping or sipping on a festive tipple at The Ritz. From 7 Nov

6. London Christmas lights bus tours

A young lady wrapped up warm enjoying the festive lights from a bus tour.Take in the festive lights from the London by Night Christmas Lights Tour. Credit: Michael Barrow. Image courtesy of London & Partners.

Hop aboard an open-top bus for a top-notch view of London's light displays! See the city covered with twinkling lights on a festive bus tour weaving its way through some of the best Christmas lights in the capital. Marvel at the magnificent views with mince pies, mulled wine and festive tunes during the singalong Christmas lights bus tour. 11 Nov-3 Jan

7. Covent Garden Christmas lights

Amble around the cobbled streets of Covent Garden and Seven Dials, which are transformed into a winter wonderland over the festive period. Marvel at the Covent Garden Christmas lights, featuring gigantic bells, baubles and mirror balls illuminating the 19th-century piazza, and don't forget to stop by the magnificent Christmas tree. From 12 Nov

8. Christmas at Kew

A woman and child stand next to a giant venus fly trap light installation at christmas at kew.The John Lewis Snapper Installation at Christmas at Kew 2023. © RBG Kew

Explore a twinkling trail with Christmas at Kew, where you can enjoy dazzling immersive installations, trees bathed in light and a spectacular finale lighting up the Palm House. Finish off the enchanting experience with a warming mulled wine and mince pies this Christmas in London. 13 Nov-5 Jan

9. Marylebone Village Christmas lights

Marylebone Christmas lights hover above the bustling streetsSpot the golden leaves adornng the street at Marylebone Christmas lights. Credit: Dave Parry/PA Wire. Image courtesy of Sister London.

Admire the twinkling lights and garlands of Marylebone Village, as the chic area celebrates the Christmas season. Walk past quaint boutiques and top restaurants adorned with wintry wreaths, ornaments and lights during a visit to this popular shopping hub. From 13 Nov

10. Bond Street Christmas lights

Gold twinkling lights surround a giant Chanel perfume bottle made up of more gold lights on a banner above Bond Street at nightAdmire this year's Bond Street Christmas lights in collaboration with Chanel, an ode to the fashion and beauty retailers that the area is known for. Credit: Bond Street. Image courtesy of Bond Street.

See Bond Street, one of the capital's most luxurious shopping districts, garlanded with spectacular Christmas lights, which this year features the iconic Chanel Nº5 bottle in collaboration with the brand. Once you've admired the glow of the Bond Street Christmas lights, look out for the exclusive stores draped in grand decorations and window displays dressed in their festive finest. 14 Nov-12 Jan 

11. Shard Lights

The Shard Snowman lights up the Shard for ChristmasWatch colourful installations illuminate the top 20-storeys of London's tallest skyscraper for Shard Lights. Credit: The Shard. Image courtesy of The Shard.

Gaze up at The Shard's annual Christmas lights show, Shard Lights, which this year is set to be accompanied by Christmas carols every evening between 5.30pm and 12pm. Listen to Gareth Malone OBE conduct a six-person choir for the dazzling switch-on performance of We Wish You a Merry Christmas. 14 Nov-31 Dec

12. Savile Row Christmas lights

Giant gold shears light up Savile Row for Christmas.Be wowed by the twinkling Savile Row Christmas lights this Christmas. Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Wire. Image courtesy of Sister London.

See upmarket Savile Row light up with its Savile Row Christmas lights which feature giant illuminated shears, celebrating the craftmanship of the area that is lined by famous tailors. From 14 Nov

13. Belgravia Christmas lights

See the boutique-filled streets of Belgravia transformed for the festive season. Marvel at the Belgravia Christmas lights sparkling in wintry skies, search for your favourite seasonal window display and pose next to Insta-worthy light installations. From 17 Nov

14. Annabel's Christmas facade

Hot air balloon and stars light up the front of Annabel's in Berkeley SquareTake photos with the extravagant Christmas facade at Annabel's each year. Credit: Annabel's. Image courtesy of The Birley Clubs.

Be amazed by Annabel's extravagant decorations that light up Berkeley Square each year. The festive facade previously featured a giant hot air balloon surrounded by twinkling stars and bulb lights – a mesmerising must-see! Nov TBC

15. Leicester Square Christmas lights

Get in the Christmas spirit at Leicester Square this winter. Large lit-up stars are usually stretched along the area's streets to create a joyful scene over the festive season. Make sure to drop by Christmas in Leicester Square to browse the wooden chalets for gifts or catch the exciting La Clique performance in the Spiegeltent. Nov TBC

16. Best Christmas shop window displays in London

Bright red and gold lights illuminate the front of Fortnum and Mason with each window representing an advent calendar doorAdmire the festive decorations adorning stores such as Fortnum and Mason at Christmas. Credit: Michael Barrow/London & Partners. Image courtesy of London & Partners.

Admire the festive window displays at London’s iconic department stores. Twinkling lights adorn the entire exterior of Harrods at Christmas and picture pretty window displays add a touch of festive magic. Don’t miss the famous themed window displays of Selfridges at Christmas or the iconic Liberty London Christmas decorations adorning its half-timbered façade.

17. King's Cross and Coal Drops Yard Christmas lights

Visit King's Cross and Coal Drops Yard which are packed with cool installations for Christmas in London. Expect an exciting lineup of festive fun including a decorated Christmas tree, bustling Christmas markets and activities across the trendy district. Nov TBC

18. Mayfair Christmas lights

Two female friends take a selfie in front of Mayfair Christmas lights, featuring a bright blue bowSnap a photo in front of Mayfair Christmas lights. Credit: Simon Jacobs/PA Wire. Image courtesy of Four Agency.

Be wowed by the picture-pretty Mayfair Christmas lights. You can spot an array of dazzling displays across Mayfair and the iconic arch illuminating South Molton Street, before indulging in some Christmas shopping. Nov TBC

19. London Eye Christmas lights

Watch as the London Eye shines in an array of festive colours during the countdown to Christmas, with garlands and twinkling lights decorating the waterfront leading up to the iconic London attraction. Cheers to the festive season at breathtaking heights with the London Eye Champagne Experience. Nov-Dec TBC

When do the Christmas lights go on in London? 

London Christmas lights are switched on at different times depending on the area. Most London Christmas decorations go up between November and December. Check back to find out the date that each of the top Christmas lights in London start twinkling over the festive season.

When do the Christmas decorations come down in London?

London’s glittering Christmas lights and festive decorations usually stay up until about 6 January, but may vary across different London areas.

Where can I see Christmas lights in London?

You can find London Christmas lights at must-visit locations across the capital, with twinkling lights and shimmering decorations in most central areas – see the roundup of the best London Christmas lights that light up the city in the countdown to Christmas for you to enjoy.

What time are the Christmas lights on in Oxford Street? 

You can usually expect to catch the Oxford Street Christmas lights from the late afternoon into the evening. Last year, they went on between 3pm and 11pm daily. 

What streets are the Christmas angels on in London? 

You can find the iconic shimmering spirits hanging above Regent Street in London.

Where are the best Christmas lights in London?

Make your way to central London to see some of the best Christmas lights in London. See the sparkling displays lining Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden – officially named some of the best places in Europe to see Christmas light displays!

Christmas at Kew – the enchanting Christmas display that transforms the famous botanical gardens – is also not to be missed. Get together with friends and family to follow the illuminated path around the gardens and experience the mesmerising and innovative light installations.

What is the most Christmassy street in London?

As London transforms over the festive period, you'll find Christmas cheer wherever you go. Head to Oxford Street to see some of the city’s most dazzling Christmas lights, and don’t forget to wander down nearby Carnaby Street for its cool displays. 

Covent Garden is also transformed into a Christmassy wonderland at this time of year. Wander around the delightful 19th-century piazza for traditional lights and decorations.

Download the Visit London app to find the locations of London's best Christmas light displays. Explore the capital's picture-perfect Christmas markets and find plenty more festive things to do this Christmas in London.