London Christmas Lights Walking Route 2026: Self-Guided Tour and Map
Huge sparkling Christmas trees, twinkling stars above bustling streets, giant Advent calendars, extravagant shop fronts and sweeping angels floating above shoppers. Follow our self-guided London Christmas lights walking route, with a map, the distance between every stop and tips on avoiding the crowds.
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Christmas in London is pure magic. Historic streets sparkle with twinkling lights, huge department stores transform into festive daydreams, cosy cabins take over parks and line the Thames, and an excited buzz fills the chilly air.
This is a self-guided London Christmas lights walking route through some of the city’s best displays. You’ll see the huge glittering angels on Regent Street, Carnaby Street’s bold and creative decorations, the thousands of twinkling stars above Oxford Street and the timeless charm of Covent Garden.
These spots feature on most London Christmas lights tours, but you’ll save yourself the cost with this route. It’s one of the best free festive activities in London, and you’ll see the very best of the city and soak up so much festive atmosphere.
The main stretch, from Covent Garden to Regent Street, is about 5.5 km (3.4 miles). If you continue to Harrods, the route becomes about 8 km (5 miles), and finishing at Winter Wonderland brings the full distance to about 9.1 km (5.7 miles). If you’d rather shorten it, you can hop on public transport to reach Harrods or Hyde Park instead. We’ll share your options as we go.
Along the way, you’ll also find out where to stay, how to avoid the crowds (where you can), and which overrated places you can skip.
Want the full list of displays with switch-on dates? See our guide to the best Christmas decorations in London.
London Christmas Lights Walking Route at a Glance
- 📍Start and finish: Covent Garden to Regent Street
- 🥾 Distance: 5.5 km, or 9.1 km with Harrods and Winter Wonderland
- ⏱️ Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes of walking, but take your time and stop off
- 🌙 Best time to start: Around 4pm, as the lights come on at dusk
- 📆 Lights are on: Early November to early January. The Trafalgar Square tree is lit on 3rd December
- 💴 Cost: Free to see the lights. The only exception is Winter Wonderland entry
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Contents
Map of the London Christmas Lights Walking Route
Here’s the full route, starting at Covent Garden and finishing on Regent Street, with Harrods and Winter Wonderland as optional extras.
Now, let’s dive into the route.
The Self-Guided London Christmas Lights Walking Route
Stop 1: Covent Garden
You’ll start your London Christmas lights walk in Covent Garden, one of our favourite places to visit in London at Christmas. Giant gold bells and red baubles hang from the iconic Market Building, and a huge Christmas tree stands on the piazza, covered in more than 30,000 lights.
There’s a magical Wonder Wood with several beautifully decorated trees and a traditional Santa Sleigh. Dotted around the piazza are festive pop-ups selling mulled wine, hot chocolate, and festive tipples.
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The closest tube stations to get to Covent Garden are Covent Garden and Leicester Square.
Stop 2: Seven Dials
From the piazza, head north to Seven Dials (about 0.5 km), where 7 streets meet around a pillar with 6 sundials on it. Canopies of warm white lights sweep out from the top of the pillar and run down the surrounding streets, like waves of light above your head.
Stop 3: Trafalgar Square
From Seven Dials, walk south through the West End to Trafalgar Square (0.8 km). Here, you’ll see the Christmas tree that Norway has gifted to Britain every year since 1947, as a thank you for Britain’s support during World War II. It’s the most unique thing you’ll see on this London Christmas lights tour.
The spruce is usually more than 20m tall, decorated in the Norwegian style, with vertical strings of white lights.
The tree is lit on Thursday 3rd December 2026, so if you’re here in November, you won’t see it.
There’s always a lot of controversy around the tree, with people mocking its ‘scrawny’ appearance, especially if you compare it to the tree in Covent Garden. However, I really like the tradition behind it and its symbol of solidarity.
There’s also a Christmas market with an impressive backdrop of the National Gallery, so take a moment to browse the stalls (and maybe grab a mulled wine for the walk). Choirs often sing carols around the tree in the run-up to Christmas.
Stop 4: Fortnum & Mason
From Trafalgar Square, head up to Piccadilly Circus and take a left down Piccadilly until you reach Fortnum & Mason (0.8 km).
Its red front is lit up as a giant Advent calendar, with numbered windows, and the window displays tell a story while showing off the shop’s products.
Depending on the time and how busy it is (often around Christmas, there’s a queue down the street to get in), head inside to browse the luxury gifts and magical Christmas shop.
Stop 5: The Ritz and Burlington Arcade
Continue down Piccadilly to The Ritz, beautifully decorated in classic gold and red, with wreaths lining the front.
Then, walk through the elegant Burlington Arcade on the other side of the road (0.5 km). Inside the arcade, a new Christmas theme hangs from the glass roof every year. Last year’s was the Twelve Days of Christmas, with painted geese and swans overhead.
Stop 6: New Bond Street
As you head out of Burlington Arcade, turn left and enjoy New Bond Street, one of our absolute favourite places to visit in London at Christmas (0.5 km). This is London’s most luxurious street, famous for its lavish storefronts, sparkling window displays, and designer façades.
The stores have gone all out on stylish decorations, with some of the best shops including Cartier (always my favourite), Tiffany’s, Dior and Ralph Lauren.
This is usually one of the busiest areas of London at Christmas, so be prepared for a large crowd.
Stop 7: Annabel's
Continue up New Bond Street, take a left on Bruton Street, head through Berkeley Square, and you’ll reach Annabel’s, home to the most extravagant Christmas displays in London (0.5 kilometres).
Annabel’s display changes every year, and it’s always the most anticipated. Last year, it was inspired by The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, with the entrance transformed into a huge, oversized wardrobe with a lion standing guard at its centre. Can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store.
Stop 8: Claridge's and South Molton Street
Head up Berkeley Street and Davies Street, turn right onto Brook Street and walk past Claridge’s, where a line of elegant Christmas trees stands above the entrance.
Then, turn left up South Molton Street, a pedestrianised lane with illuminated blue arches and quaint white Christmas trees (0.6 km).
Stop 9: Oxford Street
At the top of South Molton Street is Oxford Street and its Sky Full of Stars. It features 5,000 sustainable stars and 300,000 energy-efficient LED lights shining brightly above the heads of shoppers. As chaotic as Oxford Street gets in the lead-up to Christmas, seeing a Sky Full of Stars is an absolute must on any London Christmas lights walking route.
Oxford Street has again partnered with Great Ormond Street Hospital to help transform the lives of sick children. If you’d like to donate, you can do so on the Oxford Street website or by card/cash with a charity representative on Oxford Street.
Stop 10: Carnaby Street
Turn right on Oxford Street, cross Regent Street and have a sneak peek at the iconic angels (you’ll come back to Regent Street soon). Turn right down Argyle Street, cross Great Marlborough Street, and you’ll reach Carnaby Street, another highlight of the walk (0.8 km).
Carnaby Street always has some of the boldest and most creative Christmas decorations, with a new theme each year. This year’s is “Press Play on Christmas”, inspired by the colour and playful energy of a 90s Christmas, with vibrant neon-style lights glowing above the pedestrianised street.
Carnaby Street has reused the same boxy sculptural lights for the last few Christmases to cut down on waste, giving them a new look each time. They were all white in 2024, which we found a little dull compared with previous years, then came back in bright colours in 2025 as “All Is Bright”.
The street is full of festive spirit, with historic pubs lit up in twinkling lights and shops perfect for buying gifts.
Stop 11: Regent Street (end of the main route)
Head to the end of Carnaby Street, turn right onto Beak Street, and you’ll soon meet Regent Street (0.5 km). Here, the gorgeous sweeping angels float above the heads of Christmas shoppers. The “Spirit of Christmas” angels are made up of more than 300,000 LED bulbs, with wings that stretch across the road. They’re a modern take on the angels in the street’s first Christmas lights, back in 1954.
You can finish your London Christmas lights walking route here at about 5.5 km. Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus tube stations are both a short walk away.
Optional extra: Harrods
If you want to continue, your next stop is Harrods, which is a 2.5 km walk. Or you can hop on the 22 bus on Conduit Street, or take the Piccadilly Line from Piccadilly Circus to Knightsbridge.
Harrods’ Christmas theme is usually a collaboration with a luxury brand, and its entire exterior glows a warm golden hue. Last year’s takeover, by Brunello Cucinelli, covered 21 windows along Brompton Road and Hans Crescent. It was only unveiled on 1st December, so it may not be in place if you’re here in November.
Our top tip: don’t miss Christmas World, a dazzling festive wonderland filled with gorgeous gifts and decorations (though brace yourself for the price tags).
Optional extra: Winter Wonderland
After Harrods, head into Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland. This is London’s biggest festive attraction, with more than 150 rides, shows, cosy cabins, roaring fire pits, delicious global street food and all the Christmas spirit you could want.
Winter Wonderland is the final stop on your self-guided London Christmas lights walking tour. It’s a 15-minute walk from Harrods through Hyde Park, and you’ll hear it long before you see it.
It runs from 19th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027. Everyone needs a timed entry ticket, including children, and booking online in advance gets you the lowest price: £1 off-peak, £5.50 standard and £8.25 peak.
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That’s the whole route. Next up: tours, where to stay and everything else you need to know before you go.
Christmas Lights Tours in London: Guided or Self-Guided?
If you’d rather someone else planned it and took care of the directions, there are plenty of great London Christmas lights tours to choose from. Open-top bus tours usually last 75 to 90 minutes and drive down Oxford Street and Regent Street, so you see the lights hanging across the road from the top deck (and you’re high above the crowds, so they don’t block the view). Guided walking tours take about 2 hours, and a private black cab tour is an option for small groups.
A self-guided Christmas lights walk in London is free, and you can stop off wherever you like, whether that’s to go shopping in a cute boutique on Carnaby Street or have a mulled wine at a festive pop-up in Covent Garden.
A tour costs money, but it takes the planning and crowds off your hands. Some bus tours also pass awkward places to link on foot, like Harrods and Winter Wonderland.
If you want to do a London Christmas lights tour, book in advance. They’re very popular at weekends and in the run-up to Christmas.
Christmas Spots Near the Route You Can Skip
Here are a few spots that often appear on Christmas London sightseeing lists, which you can avoid:
- Leicester Square: always incredibly busy and full of overpriced chain bars and restaurants. The Christmas market is small and very busy, and the ice rink isn’t resurfaced between groups, which causes dents that can be quite dangerous. Skip it. Head to Chinatown or Soho for London’s best food and drink, and Somerset House for ice skating.
- Shopping on Oxford Street: the lights are worth seeing, but the shops are mostly candy stores, tatty souvenir stalls and huge fast fashion chains. For shopping, head to Soho’s narrow streets or quaint Marylebone Village for independent boutiques.
- South Bank Winter Market: by no means the best Christmas market in London. It’s very busy, and except for food and drink, there’s not much there. Our favourite is Winter by the River, which winds along the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, with around 60 stalls and festive pop-up bars.
Where to Stay for the Christmas Lights Walk
Where to stay depends on the vibe you’re after. Whether you want to be right in the heart of the festive hustle and bustle, or somewhere you can escape the crowds and bring the cost down.
Stay in the heart of London’s Best Christmas Lights
If you want to be in the middle of London’s magic, with stunning displays and a vibrant festive atmosphere on your doorstep, choose a hotel around Covent Garden, Soho or Mayfair. Step outside and you’re instantly surrounded by twinkling stars, decorations, bars, restaurants and shops. As a bonus, you’ll minimise the need for public transport.
- Covent Garden – feel like you’ve stepped into a movie with the classic London-at-Christmas feel
- Soho – a vibrant area with some of London’s best food and drink spots
- Mayfair – luxury hotels and restaurants, elegant shops and iconic displays
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in London at Christmas
London has fantastic transport links, which make it easy to stay slightly outside the centre to save money while still reaching the decorations quickly.
- King’s Cross – excellent transport, great bars and restaurants, and its own Christmas market with festive activities
- Paddington – fantastic budget options, and great for canal walks to escape the hustle and bustle
- South Bank – beside one of London’s most popular Christmas markets, a huge range of bars and restaurants, river views and walking distance to the London Christmas displays
- City of London – one of London’s oldest areas. Central and great transport links. May be able to find a good deal at the weekend when it’s quiet
Best Places to Stay to Escape the Crowds
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle after a busy day exploring, choose one of London’s village-like neighbourhoods, with cosy pubs, independent cafes and nature close by.
- Hampstead– charming cafes, cosy pubs, a lovely village feel and a huge park with great skyline views of London
- Greenwich – riverside walks, gorgeous old buildings, historic pubs and cobbled streets
- Little Venice – canal walks, cosy pubs and a slower, peaceful pace
- Walthamstow – quaint village feel, sense of community, cosy pubs and independent breweries and close to Epping Forest for winter walks
Everything You Need to Know to Visit London at Christmas
How long does the London Christmas lights walk take?
The main route, from Covent Garden to Regent Street, is about 5.5 km (3.4 miles). That’s about 1.5 hours of walking non-stop, though take your time, stop off at the markets, pubs and shops.
Adding Harrods brings it to about 8 km (5 miles), and finishing at Winter Wonderland makes it about 9.1 km (5.7 miles). That’s a full evening, especially if you go into Winter Wonderland.
Where does the London Christmas lights walking route start and finish?
It starts in Covent Garden, a short walk from Covent Garden and Leicester Square stations. It finishes on Regent Street, where Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus are both a short walk away.
If you add Harrods and Winter Wonderland, you’ll finish in Hyde Park, near Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch stations.
What’s the best time to do the Christmas lights walk?
Start around 4pm as the lights come on at dusk, and it’s fully dark by about 4:30pm in December. Monday to Wednesday are the quietest days. Friday and Saturday are the busiest.
Come in November if you can, when most of the lights are on, and there are fewer people. You’ll miss the Trafalgar Square tree, which isn’t lit until 3rd December, but it’s worth it to come in November. There are better trees around the city.
How do I avoid the crowds on the London Christmas lights walking route?
Christmas in London is magical…and busy. Weekends and evenings in December are especially popular, as everyone flocks to see the lights. You can’t avoid the crowds completely, but you can limit them. Here are the tips we’ve learnt over 8.5 years living in London:
- Visit in November: the lights start switching on in the first week of November, and by mid-November most are on, with far fewer people.
- Visit mid-week: Monday to Wednesday are the quietest times.
- Explore Christmas markets earlier in the day: most open around 11am, so enjoy lunch and a wander before the evening rush.
- Avoid central tube stations: popular stations can close due to overcrowding, and walking 10-15 minutes to a quieter station is often quicker.
- See the lights late at night: early evenings are the busiest. Have dinner first, then head out after 9pm when the crowds have thinned. Many displays switch off between 11pm and midnight, so don’t leave it too late.
Can I shorten or split the London Christmas lights walk?
Yes. Skip Seven Dials to save about 0.8 km, finish on Regent Street to keep it to 5.5 km, or skip Harrods and Winter Wonderland altogether.
To split it over 2 evenings, stop at Burlington Arcade, which is roughly halfway, and pick it up from New Bond Street another night. To reach Harrods without walking, take the 22 bus from Conduit Street or the Piccadilly Line from Piccadilly Circus to Knightsbridge.
Can I walk the route in reverse?
Yes. We start in Covent Garden and finish on Regent Street, but you can start on Regent Street and walk it the other way round. Our guide to the displays covers most of the same stops going the other way round.
Is the London Christmas lights walk free?
Yes, walking the route costs nothing, and the displays are free to see. The only costs are food, drink and Winter Wonderland entry if you add it, which is from £1 off-peak to £8.25 at peak times in 2026.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our self-guided London Christmas lights walking route. If you have any questions or want to know more about visiting London at Christmas, leave a comment, and we’ll get back to you. We love helping people make the most of their time in this exciting city.
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