Clermont Victoria Lobby

The Clermont

View all hotels
See our other hotel
Book now

Guests

Adults:

2

Children:

0

Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in London

Christmas Lights in London Clermont London Victoria Blog Image

 

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes.

As December engulfs London, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with sparkling Christmas lights adorning its streets. Each neighbourhood offers a unique experience, from the historic grandeur of Regent Street to the contemporary charm of Carnaby Street. This guide features the must-visit spots for holiday lights, alongside practical tips for maximizing your experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll find inspiration for your festive adventures.

 

Table of Contents:

 

Regent Street: The Historic Heart of London’s Christmas Lights

No season in London is more enchanting than December, and nowhere captures the spirit quite like Regent Street. In 1954, Regent Street pioneered a Christmas tradition, introducing the city’s very first grand festive light display. Its legacy continues; each year, the entire thoroughfare sparkles under a canopy of twinkling spirits suspended from Langham Place to Waterloo Place.

This year’s theme, ‘The Spirit of Christmas,’ transforms the shopping avenue into a golden archway, illuminating pavement and facades from late afternoon. Stand beneath the lights after sunset (around 3:50 PM in December), and you’ll see why this is widely regarded as among the best London christmas lights. The view looking both up and down the street is iconic, make time for photographs.

The displays are just a ten-minute Tube journey from The Clermont London, Victoria, making it an effortless start to your London xmas lights experience. If you wish to plan your journey alongside official recommendations, you’ll find current highlights on the Visit London Christmas page.

 

Carnaby Street’s contemporary sparkle

Tucked just behind Regent Street, Carnaby Street is famed for its heritage as the epicentre of ‘Swinging London’. Each November, this charismatic pedestrian strip reinvents itself with bold, contemporary light installations. For 2025, the ‘Into the Light’ theme dazzles with six-metre-long sculptural forms. Imagine 60,000 LED lights woven into vibrant, floating artworks. It is fashionable, energetic, and distinctly different from the grand traditions nearby.

While Carnaby’s décor changes annually, the commitment to sustainable energy remains constant. Browsing the independent boutiques and pop-up food stands under a canopy of light is a festive ritual for Londoners and visitors alike.

If you’re planning your visit, Carnaby’s official site and the Time Out guide to London Christmas lights are regularly updated with new themes and late shopping hours. This is an excellent option for those who love modern London but still crave the warmth of tradition.

 

Fortnum & Mason’s grand advent calendar

Rounding the corner onto Piccadilly brings you to Fortnum & Mason, a department store whose very name conjures visions of luxury hampers and Christmas indulgence. At this time of year, the store transforms into an extraordinary giant advent calendar, with its grand façade displaying twenty-four numbered windows, each aglow with festive magic.

Every evening from the start of December, a new window is unveiled, counting down to Christmas Eve. The tradition is particularly impressive in person. Stand across the road to see the full effect of the illuminated display. Inside, browse for gourmet keepsakes and bespoke gifts to take home, a lovely respite from the cold and a festive shopping experience in itself.

For opening times and the story behind the calendar, the best resource is The Telegraph’s Christmas in London section.

 

Burlington Arcade: Victorian elegance illuminated

A short walk further along Piccadilly, step inside Burlington Arcade, an immaculately preserved Victorian shopping arcade beloved for its independent boutiques. At Christmas, the arcade’s glass-roofed corridors glow with white and gold garlands, or sparkling evergreens wrapped in golden light.

It is a masterclass in taste: subtle, refined, utterly British. This is the ideal stop for a leisurely afternoon, blending luxury shopping for jewellery, gloves, and leather goods with a pause for a hot chocolate or afternoon tea at one of the intimate cafés.

Check current details and festive trading hours via the Secret London Christmas shopping page.

Trafalgar Square’s Norwegian Christmas Tree Tradition

Trafalgar Square is the true heart of Christmas in London. Every December, the square’s centrepiece becomes a towering Norwegian spruce, gifted by Oslo to London since 1947 as a thank-you for British support during World War II.

Lit in a public ceremony (usually the first Thursday in December, which falls on 4 December for Christmas 2025), the Trafalgar Square tree is a wonderful sight—simple white lights, carols after dusk, and, on certain evenings, performances by local choirs.

For an especially atmospheric evening, time your visit for dusk and stand listening to the music rising into the night air. You may read more about this living tradition on the Visit London website.

Leicester Square’s Festive Market Scene

A short stroll from Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square reinvents itself every winter as an open-air Christmas market. Stalls spring up selling mulled wine, handmade tree ornaments, artisan cheeses, and other seasonal gifts. Strings of lights loop across the square, lending a warm, lively atmosphere in the shadow of the cinemas and theatres.

What sets Leicester Square’s market apart is its blend of entertainment. Street performers, pop-up shows, and a traditional Santa’s grotto are highlights for families. Early evenings are the busiest; later, the atmosphere mellows and is perfect for an after-dinner wander.

Leicester Square stays open late during December, so it’s a natural stop after catching a West End show or an early dinner in Soho. For details about performances, market stalls and seasonal events, consult the Time Out London festive guide.

Covent Garden: London’s Yuletide Living Room

If London has a Christmas living room, Covent Garden is surely it. From mid-November, the market’s historic cobbled piazza fills with oversized holly sprigs, baubles, and mistletoe suspended beneath the iconic glass roof.

Here, you’ll find a blend of open-air performances, boutique shopping, and excellent dining. The grand switch-on date for the Covent Garden Christmas lights is set for 12 November, 2025. For visitors, it’s an ideal place to sip a festive drink while marveling at the enormous Christmas tree—a magnet for photographers and travellers alike.

If you need up-to-date event and opening details, refer to the official Covent Garden Christmas guide.

Mayfair and Annabel’s: Christmas Luxury Unwrapped

If you revel in luxury, make Mayfair your destination for festive illuminations. Old Bond Street and New Bond Street shimmer with crystal chandeliers and peacock feathers rendered in light. Windows at leading fashion houses feature bespoke artistry you’ll only see in Mayfair.

Perhaps the best-known festive exterior belongs to Annabel’s, the exclusive private club, which unveils a unique façade every December. Past years have included gingerbread houses and life-size nutcrackers; in 2025, expect a showstopping new theme, revealed to great anticipation. Mayfair’s lights are never overdone, always elegant, reflecting the district’s timeless character.

For a preview of Annabel’s and its surrounding streets before you go, browse the stylish recommendations on MegivoreRa’s London Christmas guide.

Merry Markets: Spitalfields and Leadenhall

Eastern London’s spirit shines at Old Spitalfields Market and Leadenhall Market. Both are covered, so you’re protected from any winter drizzle, and each brings unique flair. Old Spitalfields boasts independent designers, late-night trading, and dazzling decorations that stretch between Victorian ironwork pillars. Leadenhall Market’s festive overhaul brings a Dickensian feel, with greenery, huge gold baubles, and old-world charm beside modern bars and bistros.

Spitalfields’ switch-on tends to occur in mid-November; Leadenhall’s festivities begin slightly later, building to a crescendo just before Christmas. Each market makes a perfect stop for handmade gifts, quality street food, and atmospheric people-watching.

Practical Tips for Exploring London’s Christmas Lights

Plan for dusk onwards.

With London’s rapid winter sunset (around 3:50 PM in December), aim to start your tour in the late afternoon for maximum effect. The lights shine brightest after dark and the crowds are still thinned out—particularly on weekdays.

Map your route by district.

The city is vast, and the displays are distributed across central, west, and east London. Rather than rushing to see everything in one night, cluster your explorations by neighbourhood: Regent Street, Carnaby, and Soho; Piccadilly, Green Park, and Mayfair; Covent Garden and Leicester Square, and so on.

Use the underground for convenience.

Nearly all major displays are within quick walking distance from central Underground stations. Consider purchasing an Oyster Card or using contactless payment for an effortless journey.

Dress for outdoor strolling.

London is beautiful in the cold, but conditions can change quickly. Layer up, wear comfortable walking shoes, and keep an umbrella to hand for the occasional winter shower.

Blend shopping, food, and light-watching.

The best evenings are those which include stops for shopping, a meal, or a festive drink. Many areas extend store hours or feature pop-up food and drink stalls to keep you warm.

 

Christmas Lights in London Clermont London Victoria Blog Image 3

 

Suggested Walking Routes Starting from The Clermont London, Victoria

As a guest at The Clermont London, Victoria, you’re perfectly located to explore London’s finest Christmas lights at your own pace, on foot or by public transport. Here are two suggested routes to organise your evening:

The West End and Soho Lights Walk

Start at Green Park, less than five minutes from The Clermont Victoria. Stroll up Piccadilly for Fortnum & Mason and Burlington Arcade.

Cross to Regent Street for the main light canopies, then turn into Carnaby Street.

Walk through Soho, perhaps pausing for a light bite or festive cocktail.

End at Leicester Square for the Christmas Market. Further on, Covent Garden offers a grand finale.

Luxury Mayfair Circuit

Depart the Clermont after tea and cross through Victoria to reach Grosvenor Place.

From there, it’s a straight walk to Old Bond Street and New Bond Street, taking in Mayfair’s luxurious shopfronts.

Visit Annabel’s for its unmissable exterior display (no membership required to view the décor from outside).

Loop back via Mount Street and return to your hotel sanctuary in time for supper or a nightcap.

Guided Tours & Unique Experiences

For those who appreciate a structured experience or wish to cover more ground, open-top Christmas lights bus tours are an excellent choice. These guided outings cruise through multiple districts under expert commentary, letting you see much of the city’s seasonal splendour in under two hours. Operators typically depart from stations within reach of The Clermont London Victoria, and booking in advance is advised during busy December evenings.

Alternatively, private photography walks, bike tours, and even horse-drawn carriage rides can be arranged. To discover what’s available, or for more detail about Christmas events, the authoritative Visit London events calendar is an excellent place to start.

Stay in Style at The Clermont London, Victoria

Located at the crossroads of London’s grand Christmas festivities, The Clermont London, Victoria is the perfect home base—whether you’re a holiday visitor, local on a winter staycation, or business traveller wanting to make the most of the season. Return after your adventures to elegant rooms, warm hospitality, and all the comforts you’d expect from a leading London hotel Victoria is renowned for.

The hotel’s concierge team are experts in the city’s festive offerings—ready with route maps, last-minute tickets, and restaurant reservations even on the busiest evenings. If you’re planning a seamless Christmas in London, or want to discover hidden highlights beyond the crowds, the staff’s recommendations ensure you experience London’s Christmas lights as only an insider would.

For travellers seeking both classic tradition and new discoveries, The Clermont Victoria sets the tone: sophistication, convenience, and access to the very best of London at Christmas.

 

Christmas Lights in London Clermont London Victoria Blog Image 2

 

FAQs: Christmas Lights in London

  • Most central London displays switch on from mid-November through early December. Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, and the major department stores reveal their installations between 10–20 November. Trafalgar Square’s tree lighting is typically the first Thursday in December.

  • Yes—all major street displays and public venues are free to visit and enjoy. Some markets, such as Leicester Square, may charge for entry to specific ticketed events or Santa’s grotto experiences.

  • Aim for the blue hour—just after sunset and before full darkness. Weekdays tend to be quieter; late evenings see fewer crowds and beautifully illuminated streets.

  • You can cover two or three districts with careful planning, but there’s no need to rush. Spread your explorations over several days and savour each area: Regent Street’s grandeur, Mayfair’s luxury, Soho’s energy, Covent Garden’s atmosphere, and the east London markets.

  • For effortless access to all the best London Christmas lights, a stay at The Clermont London, Victoria puts you in the heart of the city—walking distance to many displays, and just moments by tube from those further afield.

  • The most reliable and current information can be found on Visit London’s homepage and Time Out London. These sources update frequently throughout the festive season with new events, switch-on dates, and ticket links.