Nothing quite makes those long winter evenings more bearable than some beautiful, sparkly Christmas lights. It makes the 4:30pm darkness almost welcome! And no where quite does this like London (sorry New Yorkers, it’s a fact). After missing out on many of our favourite festivities last year due to COVID restrictions, the city’s light displays are back and better than ever with some truly magical lights brightening up the streets once again. From Kew Gardens to Oxford Street, here are the best Christmas light displays in London this season, for your very own Love Actually moments.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is pretty magical all year round, but at Christmas it really comes to life. If their beautiful tree and giant baubles weren’t enough, this year they have snow falling at every hour from 12-7pm up until December 27th. Whether you fancy a stroll through the markets or want to watch some street entertainers with a mulled wine, Covent Garden is the perfect spot to get you in the mood for the festive season.
Christmas at Kew
No where in London goes by the mantra ‘more is more’ quite like Kew Gardens. They’re back with their iconic light trail through the gardens, complete with light tunnels, dancing waterside reflections and street food vendors serving up everyone’s warming festive favourites.
Carnaby Street
Another beautiful London spot which shines even brighter at Christmas! Carnaby Street’s light display this year features over 600 3D and 2D butterflies. They’ve partnered with a great cause, Choose Love, who are fundraising for Afghan refugees worldwide. Choose Love will also have a pop up there over the next month where they’ll be selling a selection of limited edition products.
Regents Street
Regents Street are back with their iconic Christmas angels again this year to brighten up your Christmas shopping trips. Regents Street have been renowned for their beautiful lights since 1954 and were the first ever central London location to do so!
Wembley Winterfest
If you’re a sucker for some LEDs, then Wembley’s Winterfest is the one for you. This immersive winter trail is a multi-sensory experience designed to tease and tantalise all your senses. The theme this year is, ‘Reunited in Light’; a celebration of society being able to interact again after lockdown. This sounds like quite a touching sentiment, no puns intended!
Oxford Street
We unfortunately don’t get to see many real stars in the city. However, Oxford Street have taken matters into their own hands this year with a starry lights display accessorising the street this year. The West End’s Christmas lights switch-on was the largest in the world this year, so be sure to check these out while on your visit to the city’s favourite shopping spot.
Chelsea
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London’s bougiest neighbourhood is back with their twinkling lights and Christmas trees this year in Duke of York square. Passers by can walk through tunnels of wintery flora and fauna, and grab a hot toddy on the winter terrace in Sloane Square.
With these light displays brightening up the skies across London, it looks like none of our evenings will be too dark throughout the festive season. If you really want to make the most out of London this Christmas, check out the best carol services and concerts happening throughout December. Go big or go home!
Also, make sure you make the most of what’s going on during the festive period with the best Chrismassy events happening in London.
