Where To See Christmas Lights In London 2023

Planning ahead to ensure you soak up as many of London’s gorgeous (and free) festivities as possible? It’s almost time for London to shine bright with Christmas lights and, as the city gets twinkling this winter, we’ll be updating this page on the latest illuminations. 

Where To See Christmas Lights In London 2023

Oxford Street

November 2023–January 2024 in London W1

Oxford Street Christmas lights

Oxford Street’s Christmas lights are some of the UK’s most famous, turning the busy shopping street into a twinkling (and extremely photogenic) wonderland between 3–11pm. This year’s display will reuse the same twinkling stars from last year as a nod to the destination’s charity partnership with Starlight, which helps children in hospital experience playtime during treatment (members of the public can also sponsor a star in support of the charity). The official switch-on this year will take place on Thursday 2 November. oxfordstreet.co.uk

Carnaby Street

From 2 November 2023

Insta-worthy shopping hub Carnaby Street has announced the date of its annual Christmas lights switch-on, falling on 2 November this year. The theme this time round is ‘Carnaby Universe’, with neon lights strung up into galaxies across the street. carnaby.co.uk

Chelsea

From November 2023 in London SW3

London’s chicest shopping and dining district gets a glamorous festive makeover every Christmas. Last year, Chelsea’s Kings Road was partly pedestrianised for a special light switch on in mid-November, featuring reindeer, horse and carriages and firework displays, and Santa himself flicking the all important light switch at 5pm. chelseachristmas.co.uk

Trafalgar Square

From December in London WC2N 5DS

Getty

London’s largest Christmas tree every year – an annual gift from Norway – sits in Trafalgar Square. The big reveal typically happens at the start of December. london.gov.uk

Bond Street

From November in London W1

Bond Street recently unveiled their regal Christmas lights for 2022 (c) Ben Queenborough/PA Wire (cropped)

Around the corner, Bond Street unveiled a delightful new regal set of festive lights in 2022, and we expect them to return in 2023. Full details TBC.

Belgravia

From 15 November 2023 in London SW1

Belgravia Christmas light switch on, 9 November 2022 (c) John Nguyen/PA Wire.

The Belgravia Christmas light switch on will return in 2023, with glittering displays appearing on on Elizabeth Street, Motcomb Street, Eccleston Yards, Halkin Arcade and Pimlico Road. Join the party on 15 November to see Father Christmas, reindeer, carol singing, a pop-up Christmas market and festive treats galore.

Mayfair

From 16 November 2023 in London W1

Mayfair Christmas lights 2021 (c) Matt Alexander/PA Wire

Gorgeous, gorgeous Mayfair: it gets all the more beautiful in London’s most prestigious district with a sprinkling of festive lights. The big blue gift bows will return for 2023, a dazzling display of 63,000 energy-efficient sparkling lights. Plus, to mark the special switch-on occasion mayfairldn.com

King’s Cross

From November 2023 in London N1C

Paul Mason AKA Fashion Santa at the launch of the King’s Cross Christmas festivities 2022 (c) John Sturrock

Details are still TBC, but King’s Cross always goes all out at Christmas. Last year, this included an après ski makeover, Club Curling, a 47ft Christmas tree, a winter sculpture, and ten Christmas markets over six weeks.

Skate at Somerset House

15 November–23 December 2023 at Somerset House (Strand, London WC2R 1LA)

Somerset House Ice Skating 2021

A staple in London’s festive scene, Somerset House’s annual skating rink is one of the best places to feel festive, day or night. This year, Switzerland Tourism is the headline sponsor, with festive feasting by Jimmy Garcia at Chalet Suisse returning for a second year. New for 2023 is a series of Skate Lates with Rock Angel, featuring rink-side deck takeovers from a curated line-up of contemporary DJs, artists and collectives. Plus the Skate School is back for beginners, while Shelter Boutique and HSBC UK will be hosting a pop-up store of vintage garms. Booking ahead is essential. somersethouse.org.uk

Check out our full guide to London’s outdoor skating rinks here

Winter Wonderland

17 November 2023–1 January 2024 at Hyde Park, London

Winter Wonderland

What began in 2005 as a small Christmassy fun fair has evolved into London’s largest annual festive event, brimming with rides, bars, food stalls and Christmas lights. Tickets are free during off-peak times, and either £5 or £7.50 at peak times. Booking ahead is essential. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Christmas At Kew

15 November 2023–7 January 2024 at Kew Gardens, London

(c) Jeff Eden

The world’s largest and most diverse botanical collection, Kew, is taken over by festive cheer every winter with its Christmas at Kew winter trails. Think immersive light installations, tasty food stalls and festive drinks, all surrounded by beautiful plants and trees. Tickets from £21.50. Booking ahead is essential. kew.org 

Covent Garden

From 7th November in London WC2

Covent Garden’s Christmas switch-on promises more lights than ever, plus a dazzling array of decorations including giant baubles, spinning mirror balls and 40 enormous bells adorning the famous Market Building. The big switch-on will also usher in a seven-week festive programme encompassing surprise performances, food and drink pop-ups and exclusive shopping events. As if all that wasn’t enough, several brands will be opening new outposts in the area, from Missoma and Creed to Omega and Tissot.

Featured Image: Chelsea Christmas Lights 2022.