17 Very Best Christmas Decorations
in London 2026 (and Switch On Dates)
Giant Christmas trees, extravagant window displays, huge baubles and bells, cosy cabins, a pub smothered in Christmas trees and a traditional sleigh. Christmas in London is so magical. Here are the 17 best Christmas decorations in London, with the 2026 switch-on dates, the closest tube stations, where to stay and a self-guided walking route.
Disclaimer:This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting us! Click here to read our privacy policy.
Every November, London starts to feel magical. Red buses roll under strings of twinkling stars on Oxford Street, giant gold bells hang over Covent Garden, and the Churchill Arms disappears under Christmas trees.
We’ve lived in London for 8 and a half years, and it’s one of the best places in the world for Christmas decorations. The city goes all out, decorating its fronts with creative designs, and the streets are full of festive spirit everywhere you turn.
This guide shares the 17 best Christmas decorations in London, with switch-on dates, the closest tube stations, where to stay in London at Christmas, tips for avoiding crowds where possible, and a self-guided London Christmas lights walking tour.
Christmas lights in London switch on from the first week of November and continue until early December. They usually get taken down in the first week of January. Dates have started being announced for when lights will switch on, and we’ve popped those below. We’ll continue to update this guide as more are announced.
Christmas Decorations in London 2026 at a Glance
- ✨ Lights are on: early November until approx. the first week of January. Dates are below and we'll update the TBC dates when they're announced.
- 🌙 When to go: Most are best when it's dark (around 4:30pm), but some can be seen before dark.
- 🤫 Quietest times: Early November and weekday evenings though during December it's always busy.
- 🚇 Getting around: Most can be seen walking. Tubes and buses can be used for those further out though tube stations can close when overcrowded.
- ⏱️ Time needed: 2-3 days to do London at Christmas justice. The lights around Central London can be walked around in about an hour.
-
Planning your trip? - 🏨 Find somewhere to stay in London
- 🎟️ Browse the best London Christmas activities
- 🎄 Book a London Christmas lights tour
- 🎫 Save up to 50% on London's top attractions
- 📱 Stay connected with an eSIM. Use code SQUEAK for a discount
Contents
What Are the Best Christmas Decorations in London?
Oxford Street’s Sky Full of Stars, with over 5,000 twinkling stars hanging across the street. Covent Garden’s huge Christmas tree, gigantic gold bells, massive baubles and mirror balls. Fortnum & Mason’s giant advent calendar, Regent Street’s iconic angels, and Annabel’s extravagant exterior, always a secret until it’s unveiled.
When Do the Christmas Lights in London Switch On? (2026 Dates)
| Stop | Switch-on date | Closest tube |
|---|---|---|
| Carnaby Street | Wed 4 Nov | Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus |
| Regent Street | Thu 5 Nov | Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus |
| Covent Garden | Thu 12 Nov | Covent Garden, Leicester Square |
| Seven Dials | Thu 12 Nov | Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Holborn, Tottenham Court Road |
| Winter Wonderland | Thu 19 Nov to Sun 3 Jan | Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch |
| Trafalgar Square tree | Thu 3 Dec (market dates TBC) | Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Embankment |
| Oxford Street | TBC (estimated Mon 2 Nov) | Oxford Circus, Bond Street |
| Burlington Arcade | TBC (expected early to mid Nov) | Green Park, Piccadilly Circus |
| Fortnum & Mason | TBC (expected early to mid Nov) | Green Park, Piccadilly Circus |
| New Bond Street | TBC (expected Wed 11 Nov) | Bond Street, Green Park |
| Winter by the River | TBC (expected 11 or 12 Nov) | London Bridge |
| South Molton Street | TBC (expected mid Nov) | Bond Street, Oxford Circus |
| Annabel's | TBC (expected mid Nov) | Green Park, Bond Street |
| Churchill Arms | TBC (expected mid Nov) | Notting Hill Gate, High Street Kensington |
| The Ritz | TBC (expected mid to late Nov) | Green Park |
| Claridge's | TBC (expected late Nov) | Bond Street, Marble Arch, Oxford Circus |
| Harrods | TBC (expected late Nov). Christmas World is already open. | Knightsbridge |
Map of the Best London Christmas Decorations 2026
Here is a map of the best Christmas lights in London so you can plan your route. The order we’ve posted them in below is also the walking route, with those further out at the end.
17 Very Best Christmas Decorations in London
Covent Garden
Centred around a 60-foot Christmas tree decked head-to-foot in 60,000 lights and giant baubles, Covent Garden has some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations in London!
Over 300,000 lights will sparkle throughout the neighbourhood, and the beloved giant bells with red bows will hang from the Market Building, along with huge baubles and spinning mirror balls.
The magical Wonder Wood will also return, with the traditionally decorated Santa Sleigh and endless mulled wine and festive cocktails.
Date: Thursday, 12th November 2026
Closest tube stations: Covent Garden and Leicester Square
Seven Dials
Not the most well-known Christmas lights in London, but Seven Dials is really quite charming at Christmas. There’s also a lovely, cosy and festive atmosphere, with people socialising, eating and drinking out, shopping and generally just being tourists. Seven Dials is one of my favourite areas of London at Christmas time.
Seven Dials is made up of seven streets coming together at a roundabout. The display is the Canopies of Light, with twinkling lights strung up above the seven streets, with the sundial on the roundabout as its centrepiece.
Date: Thursday, 12th November 2026 (as part of the Covent Garden switch-on)
Closest tube stations: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Holborn and Tottenham Court Road
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is famous for having some of the most colourful and vibrant Christmas decorations in London, unveiling a new theme every year.
This year, the theme is “Press Play on Christmas” and has drawn inspiration from the playfulness, optimism and colour of a 90s Christmas, with neon lights hanging across the street. The display is going beyond the lights and wants to give people reasons to come together in person.
Carnaby Street is always full of festive spirit, with shoppers browsing the independent boutiques and the bars and restaurants full of Christmas parties.
Date: Wednesday, 4th November 2026
Closest tube stations: Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus
Powered by GetYourGuide
Regent Street
Regent Street has probably the most iconic London Christmas lights with the “Spirit of Christmas”. 30 huge angels float between the historic buildings and run the entire length of the street.
Additional displays run down some of the side streets, and we’ve found that Regent Street, Saint James’s, is a great place to see the angels with far fewer crowds.
Date: Thursday, 5th November 2026
Closest tube stations: Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus
Oxford Street
London’s major shopping street feels absolutely chaotic in the run-up to Christmas; however, its “Sky Full of Stars” is not to be missed.
5,000 stars hang above shoppers’ heads, made up of 300,000 sustainable LED bulbs.
Oxford Street will be partnering with the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, supporting seriously ill children and their families by raising donations for family time, care and medical support. If you’d like to support the charity, you can either do so online, or there’ll be charity representatives along Oxford Street once the lights turn on.
Our top tip: Oxford Street is incredibly busy, especially in December. If you can avoid Oxford Circus Station, do so as it often closes due to overcrowding. Marble Arch or Bond Street are nearby and tend to be (slightly) quieter.
Date: TBC, but estimated to be Monday, 2nd November 2026, based on previous years
Closest tube stations: Marble Arch, Oxford Street and Bond Street
South Molton Street
South Molton Street in Mayfair transforms into a Winter Wonderland with some of the very best Christmas lights in London. Huge twinkly blue arches with stars made up of around 63,000 energy-efficient bulbs stretch across the street.
The lights turn on between 3pm and midnight to help reduce energy consumption and promote a more sustainable Christmas. As you walk down South Molton Street, you’ll also see smaller displays of twinkly lights, wreaths and sparkling shopfronts.
Date: TBC – expected mid-November
Closest tube station: Bond Street
Claridge's
One of London’s most iconic hotels, it’s fair to say Claridge’s wins the prize for the most elegant Christmas decorations in London.
A row of flawlessly decorated Christmas trees lines the entrance, and you’ll often spot a couple of their luxury chauffeur cars parked outside. It honestly feels like you’ve stepped into a scene from a Christmas movie.
You can pop in to see the Christmas tree, and every year the hotel partners with a fashion designer to transform the lobby.
Date: TBC, expected in late November
Closest tube stations: Bond Street and Oxford Circus
Annabel's
Annabel’s is always one of the most highly anticipated Christmas decorations in London. Every year, the private members’ club magnificently transforms the front of the building, and it remains a secret until it’s unveiled.
For me, Annabel’s wins London at Christmas time.
Past designs have seen the Mayfair facade transformed into an enchanting snow globe, a spectacular carousel, a giant gingerbread house, and last year, a Narnia-inspired wardrobe with a huge white lion. I can’t wait to see what 2027 has in store.
Date: TBC, expected mid-November 2026
Closest tube stations: Green Park and Bond Street
Bond Street
For the most glamorous and elegant Christmas lights in London, head to the luxurious shopping district of Bond Street.
Start at New Bond Street, where twinkly lights usually hang along the street. Recent years have seen Chanel bottles and jewelled crowns.
Continue to the designer shops on Old Bond Street, which have spared no expense in decorating their fronts, and are always absolutely gorgeous.
Stroll along the street and check out Tiffany’s, Dior, Chanel, Ralph Lauren and Cartier, to name a few.
Our top tip: this small stretch gets incredibly busy in the early evenings. As the designs aren’t completely dependent on lights, it’s worth visiting in the daylight when it’s quieter. Or, wait until the crowds die down at about 10pm.
Date: TBC, estimated Wednesday 11th November 2026
Closest tube stations: Green Park, Bond Street, Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus (it’s a long street)
Burlington Arcade
Burlington Arcade is a shopping arcade that opened in 1819. It runs from Piccadilly to Burlington Gardens, next to Bond Street and is always beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Every year, a new theme is hung from the ceiling. Last year it was the Twelve Days of Christmas, with painted geese and swans under the glass roof and leaping lords in red coats. A wreath of red baubles and white poinsettias hung over the entrance.
Our top tip: the arcade closes at night, so you need to visit before 7pm (6pm on Sundays).
Date: TBC, early to mid-November 2026
Closest tube stations: Green Park and Piccadilly Circus
Fortnum & Mason
Founded in 1707, Fortnum & Mason is London’s oldest department store and a true institution. Especially at Christmas, when it magically transforms into a giant advent calendar.
For each day that passes in December, the windows on the front of the building light up, counting down the days until Christmas. The year is displayed in large numbers on the side of the building.
On the ground floor, you can follow a festive story told through the window displays, which beautifully reflect the spirit of Christmas and uniquely showcase the shop’s products.
In addition to having some of the best Christmas lights in London, Fortnum & Mason is beautifully decorated inside and is the perfect place to buy luxury Christmas gifts, such as hampers, food and wine.
Date: TBC, early to mid-November
Closest tube stations: Oxford Circus, Green Park and Piccadilly Circus
The Ritz Hotel
The Ritz keeps its Christmas classic. Red and green wreaths line the front of the hotel on Piccadilly, and festive trees stand on either side of the red carpet, with the doormen in position.
Inside, the lobby tree is a traditional red and gold one. It’s more than 20 feet tall, and last year it was covered in stars, baubles, bows, teddy bears and gift boxes.
Date: TBC, mid to late November 2026
Closest tube station: Green Park
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square has the most historic Christmas decorations in London, and the highlight is, of course, the iconic Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree.
The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree is often mocked for looking sad, half-dead and even slightly wonky. However, while it’s not as ‘picture-perfect’ as the Covent Garden tree, we think its history makes up for it.
Norway has gifted the tree to Britain every year since 1947 as a thank you for Britain’s support during World War II, when King Haakon spent the war in exile in London.
The tree is a Norwegian spruce, usually more than 20 metres tall and 50 to 60 years old. It’s cut down from a forest near Oslo and travels to London by land and sea.
The tree is lit at a ceremony and stays up until just before Twelfth Night. There’s also a Christmas market with gifts, street food and mulled wine.
Date: The tree will be lit on Thursday 3rd December 2026. Market dates are TBC but expected in early November
Closest tube stations: Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Embankment
You can walk all of the decorations above on a 3.5-mile route. It’s very similar to our self-guided London Christmas lights walking tour, though it runs the other way and includes South Bank Winter Market (which we haven’t included here, as the decorations aren’t great in my opinion).
The next few stops are slightly further out, so you may want to jump on public transport.
Harrods
Harrods is one of the best-known spots for London Christmas decorations. Every year is different and usually involves a collaboration with a high-end luxury brand.
Last year, Brunello Cucinelli took over. The design covered 21 windows along Brompton Road and Hans Crescent, with a 6-metre Christmas tree in the pedestrian area and videos projected onto the main entrance. In 2024, Loro Piana turned the front into a Workshop of Wonders, with giant cogs and a 17-metre Christmas tree.
Inside, ‘Christmas World’ is a must-visit even if you don’t plan on buying anything. The shop is covered in floor-to-ceiling decorations, trees and gifts, and it’s one of the best things to do in London at Christmas time.
Date: TBC, late November. Christmas World is already open
Closest tube station: Knightsbridge
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is one of the best things to do in London at Christmas time!
Hyde Park transforms into a huge festive playground with more than 150 rides, attractions and shows. There are Bavarian beer halls, traditional German market stalls, street food, cosy cabins with fires, an ice rink and some of the best Christmas lights in London. New for 2026 are a K-pop circus and a frozen Neverland.
Everyone needs a timed entry ticket, including children, and you’ll need to book tickets online. For 2026, entry is £1 off-peak, £5.50 standard and £8.25 peak. The £1 tickets are available Monday to Thursday throughout November, and if you spend more than £25 online (by pre-booking rides and/or food and drink), your entry is free (but you’ll still need to get a ticket online).
Date: Thursday, 19th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027 (closed on Christmas Day).
Closest tube stations: Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch, although these get extremely busy and may close if overcrowded, so try to avoid them at peak times. Green Park, Knightsbridge, Victoria and Paddington are all within walking distance, and there are several gates to enter Winter Wonderland.
The Churchill Arms
London’s most photographed pub changes its display with the seasons, and great commitment (and money) goes into it. Apparently, it spends about £25,000 a year on flowers!
At Christmas, the Churchill Arms out-Christmases every other pub in London, and maybe even the country. Over 80 Christmas trees, 22,000 lights, candy canes, snowmen and many other decorations cover its outside.
Inside, the pub may surprise you. Wartime memorabilia covers the walls, creating a cosy, historic atmosphere with a few Christmas touches. Even if you can’t find a seat, it’s worth popping in for a drink to enjoy some of the best London Christmas decorations and soak up the festive spirit.
The switch-on is a bit of an event, with crowds spilling onto the pavement. Go on another evening if you want it quieter, although this is a very popular pub over Christmas, and once it gets dark, there’s always a crowd.
Date: TBC, expected mid-November 2026
Closest tube stations: Notting Hill Gate and High Street Kensington
Powered by GetYourGuide
Winter by the River
Winter by the River is hands-down one of our favourite London Christmas markets. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations in London.
It sits on the south bank of the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, with the Shard on one side and Tower Bridge on the other. Think cosy cabins, twinkling lights, a massive Christmas tree in Hays Galleria, and rows of market stalls selling delicious food, handmade gifts, and festive accessories.
It’s the perfect spot for an evening stroll with a mulled wine in hand, soaking up the festive spirit. In past years, sparking reindeer have stood in front of a lit-up Tower Bridge; what could be more London at Christmas than that?!
Date: TBC; expected Thursday, 12th November 2026 – 4th January 2027 (11th November is also expected).
Closest tube station: London Bridge
That’s our round-up of the best Christmas decorations in London. Keep reading for where to stay and everything else you need to know before visiting London at Christmas.
Where to Stay in London at Christmas
Where you stay changes how you see the decorations. Staying central means you can walk between many of them, while staying further out is cheaper and quieter.
Covent Garden and Soho
If you want to be right in the heart of the Christmas atmosphere, stay in Covent Garden or Soho. You can largely avoid the tube as most of the London Christmas decorations are within walking distance. There are tons of great bars and restaurants, with a cosy, buzzy atmosphere in the evenings. However, it’s the most expensive area to stay.
- Budget: Hub London – Covent Garden is a modern, tech-focused, and budget-friendly hotel by Premier Inn.
- Mid-range: Strand Palace is a reliable 4* hotel a short walk from Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square.
- Luxury: Henrietta Experimental is a stylish 4* boutique hotel right in Covent Garden.
The City of London
The City is central, and it’s easy to get around from here. The catch is that it is quieter than Soho, especially at weekends, when many bars and restaurants aimed at office workers close. So, while it’s a bit of a ghost town with not much atmosphere, it may work in your favour, as you may be able to find a great deal.
- Budget: Club Quarters Hotel is in a great location in one of the oldest parts of London and within easy reach of London’s Christmas lights.
- Mid-range: Onefifty Fenchurch is a stylish aparthotel with kitchenettes, just steps from the Sky Garden.
- Luxury: The Westin London City is a gorgeous spa hotel a few minutes’ walk from St Paul’s Cathedral with a bar looking across the Thames.
Stratford
Stratford is a good choice if you’d rather be away from the hustle and bustle but still close to the centre. It’s well connected, with the Central Line reaching Oxford Circus in around 20 minutes, and the Elizabeth Line reaching Tottenham Court Road in about 15. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is lovely for a walk, and you can see the 2012 London Olympic venues.
- Budget: The Westbridge Hotel is an independent hotel in a Grade II-listed building dating back to the 18th century. 5 minutes’ walk to the Underground.
- Mid-range: Yotelpad London Stratford, Select by Hilton, is a clean and modern place to stay with a handy kitchenette. Rooms are quite compact. 5-minute walk to the station.
- Luxury: The Gantry London, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a chic, 4* lifestyle hotel just steps from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and 5 minutes from the station.
Walthamstow
Walthamstow is the pick if you’d like to stay in a local neighbourhood with a lovely community feel rather than in the middle of the tourist crowds. It has great pubs and restaurants, and the Victoria Line gets you to Oxford Circus in around 20 minutes. It’s also much cheaper than staying in the centre. There aren’t many hotels here, so it’s worth looking at apartments too.
- Budget: 3-bedroom apartment – very basic and you may share with others, but good if you’re on a tight budget.
- Mid-range: Studio flat – spacious and just steps from Walthamstow Village, where you’ll find independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Finsbury Park
Finsbury Park is a practical base on the Victoria and Piccadilly Lines. Oxford Circus is around 10 minutes away, and King’s Cross is about 5. It’s a busy, lived-in part of North London rather than a polished one, but it’s very easy to get in and out of, and there are dozens of great bars and restaurants.
- Budget: Goodwin Street is a great, budget-friendly hotel with balconies and kitchens.
- Mid-range: Maldron Hotel is a modern, 4* hotel with a fitness centre, right opposite Finsbury Park Station, giving you quick access to central London.
Brixton
Brixton is a lively South London neighbourhood with cheap eats, good bars and a creative scene. If you’re after a proper night out in London, Brixton is a great option. It’s also one of the most affordable. You can reach Oxford Circus in around 15 minutes.
- Budget: Effra Mansions offers bed and breakfast and is a 10-minute walk to Brixton Station.
- Mid-range: Brixton Village Flat is a 4* homestay with a terrace.
Our top tip: Walthamstow, Finsbury Park and Brixton are all on the Victoria Line, which runs through the night on Fridays and Saturdays. Useful after an evening in Soho.
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting London at Christmas
Are the Christmas decorations in London free to see?
Yes, most of them are. The street decorations, shop fronts and Christmas trees are all free to visit, with no booking needed.
The only exception is Winter Wonderland, which needs a timed entry ticket, from £1 off-peak to £8.25 at peak times (or it’s free if you pre-book at least £25 worth of rides/food/drink).
How long do I need to see the London Christmas decorations?
Allow about 1 hour for the decorations on the walking route, without stopping for long. Winter Wonderland needs 3 to 4 hours on its own, and Winter by the River is worth 1 to 2 hours.
We’d spread the full list over 2-3 days so you’re not rushing between everything, and you can really enjoy soaking up the atmosphere as you go. If you’re also planning to visit some of London’s main sights, you’ll want to factor enough time for those too.
When is the best time to visit London at Christmas?
Early December until Christmas Eve is the best time to see everything lit, including the Trafalgar Square tree, which switches on on Thursday 3rd December 2026. Most street lights are on, and markets are open by mid-November.
Honestly, I’d advise coming in mid to late November and not worrying about seeing the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree. There are much better trees around the city, and the December crowds are unbearable. Tube stations close when overcrowded, you’re walking along streets packed like sardines, and it can ruin the atmosphere a bit.
If December weekends are your only option, visit the decorations that don’t rely on darkness, like Covent Garden and New Bond Street, in the morning. Save the others for late at night, after 9pm.
When are the Christmas decorations least crowded?
Weekday evenings in November are the quietest, especially Monday to Wednesday after 6:30pm once the commuters have gone. Sunday evenings after 6pm are quieter too. Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings are the busiest, particularly on Oxford Street and Bond Street.
You’re never going to completely avoid the crowds at Christmas. It’s London’s busiest time, with millions of people wanting to see the decorations or do their shopping. But you can take some measures like those above to manage them as best as possible.
What time do the Christmas lights come on each day?
Most come on at dusk, between 3pm and 4pm, and many switch off between 11pm and midnight to save energy. Exact times vary by display.
In December, the sun sets just before 4pm, and it’s fully dark by around 4:30pm. Arriving between 4pm and 5pm on a weekday gives the lights on and time for dinner afterwards.
How long are the Christmas lights on in London?
Most displays stay on until the first week of January, usually around the 6th or 7th. The Trafalgar Square tree stays up until just before Twelfth Night, and Winter Wonderland runs until 3rd January 2027.
Are the Christmas lights on in London on Christmas Day?
Yes, the decorations stay on, but there’s no tube, bus or train, so you’ll need to walk, bike or taxi. The markets are closed, as are many shops and restaurants.
If you’re in London on 25th December, stay within walking distance of Covent Garden or Soho.
How do I get between the Christmas decorations in London?
Walk where you can. Our self-guided London Christmas lights walking route links most of the decorations in about 1 hour.
The route doesn’t include Harrods, Winter Wonderland, Winter by the River, the Churchill Arms or South Bank Winter Market. From Trafalgar Square, it’s a 15-minute walk over the Golden Jubilee Bridges to South Bank Winter Market, and Winter Wonderland is a 20-minute walk from Fortnum & Mason. For everything else, you’ll need the tube.
Is a Christmas lights tour worth it?
It can be, if you’d rather not plan the route or deal with the crowds and tube yourself. The decorations are free to see, so you’re paying for the guide and logistics.
The best reason to book is the view. From the top deck of an open-top bus, you drive down streets like Regent Street, where the lights hang right across the road. You’re in the middle of them, above the crowds, which is a unique angle you can’t get from the pavement.
Some bus tours also pass awkward places to link up on foot, like Harrods and Winter Wonderland. Most last 75 to 90 minutes, so it’s an easy way to see the highlights in 1 evening. Wrap up warm, as it’s an open-top bus.
Bus tours are incredibly popular, especially at weekends and in the run-up to Christmas, and some dates sell out. Some are booked 3 to 6 weeks ahead on average, so book in advance to get the date and time you want.
Powered by GetYourGuide
That’s our guide to the best Christmas decorations in London. Whether you’re after the giant bells in Covent Garden, a mulled wine by the river, or a pub buried under Christmas trees, there’s plenty to see, most of it is free, and the magical atmosphere is unbeatable.
We’ll continue updating this guide as the 2026 switch-on dates are announced, so check back before you go.
If you have any questions, then drop us a comment, and we’ll get back to you.
If you’re looking for more London inspiration and travel guides, browse our other posts below. And follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with us in real time. We’ll be visiting the London Christmas decorations as soon as we can 😊 .
