15 Very Best Christmas Decorations in London 2025
Giant Christmas trees, extravagant window displays, huge baubles, cosy cabins, red bows and traditional bells, Christmas decorations in London are some of the best in the world! Read our full guide for more and everything you need to know about visiting London at Christmas time.
London is without a doubt one of the best places in the world for Christmas lights, decorations and festive spirit!
Bright lights, huge baubles, elegant bells and massive Christmas trees line the streets and squares, stores go all out decorating their fronts with creative designs, and the streets are full of Christmas joy everywhere you turn.
Christmas lights in London begin switching on from the first week of November, giving you plenty of time during the festive season to tick off as many as possible.
From the twinkling lights of Seven Dials and Oxford Street to the extravagant frontages of Annabel’s and Cartier, this guide covers the best Christmas decorations in London 2025.
We’ll share the switch-on dates for the London Christmas decorations that have been announced, updating any TBC dates as they’re released. You’ll also find the closest tube stations for each location.
Finally, we’ll recommend where to stay in London at Christmas, a self-guided London Christmas lights tour, tips on avoiding the crowds and the best time to visit.
To make the most of your trip, why not book a London Christmas lights tour to make sure you don’t miss any of the city’s festive magic?!
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Contents
15 Very Best Christmas Decorations in London
Covent Garden; most beautiful Christmas decorations in London
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!
In no time at all, 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.
You’ll also see the return of the magical Wonder Wood, the traditionally decorated Santa Sleigh and endless mulled wine and festive cocktails.
Date: Wednesday 12th November 2025
Closest tube stations: Covent Garden and Leicester Square
New Bond Street
For the most glamorous Christmas lights in London, look no further than the luxurious shopping district of New Bond Street.
Storefronts including Tiffany’s, Dior, Chanel and Cartier are dressed up for the festive spirit, and people come from far and wide to see these spectacular decorations.
Date: TBC – typically the first 2 weeks of November
Closest tube stations: Green Park, Bond Street and Oxford Circus
Annabel's
Annabel’s has some of the most Instagrammable Christmas decorations in London! This private members’ club unveils a magnificent festive display every year that pretty much wins London at Christmas time.
Past designs have seen Annabel’s Mayfair facade transformed into an enchanting snow globe, a spectacular carousel, a giant gingerbread house, among many more. Each year is more magical than the last, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store!
Date: TBC November
Closest tube stations: Green Park and Bond Street
Oxford Street; most iconic Christmas decorations in London
London’s biggest high street may feel rather chaotic in the run-up to Christmas with tourists, shoppers, buskers and American candy shops, but seeing 5000 stars made up of 300,000 sustainable LED bulbs light up the night sky is not to be missed. The Oxford Street Christmas lights are the most iconic London Christmas decorations.
This year, Oxford Street is again partnering with the children’s charity Starlight. To help raise money, you can even sponsor a star, supporting seriously ill children in hospitals and hospices to experience joy and play while receiving treatment.
As you walk down Oxford Street, make sure you stop and admire the festive window displays – London’s biggest shops go all out with spectacular decorations and lights.
Date: TBC – start of November
Closest tube stations: Green Park and Bond Street
Carnaby Street; quirkiest London Christmas decorations
Carnaby Street is famous for having the quirkiest Christmas decorations in London, unveiling a brand-new theme every year.
Last year, Carnaby Street’s Christmas installation, ‘Into the Light’ featured 60,000 LED lights – glowing ribbons and Christmas crackers floated above people’s heads as they shopped, partied, and just generally enjoyed the festive atmosphere.
The lights are part of a five-year sustainable scheme, with the display evolving each year. This year, part two, “All is Bright”, will see a splattering of colour, which we’re very much on board with – last year the lights were a little dull compared to their extravagant displays in previous years and what Carnaby Street is known for.
Again, Carnaby Street will partner with the refugee charity Choose Love. Their pop-up shop will open in November (exact date TBC), where you’ll be able to buy vital items for refugees and displaced people around the world.
Date: Thursday 6th November
Closest tube stations: Oxford Circus 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 and the year on the side updates.
On the ground floor, follow a festive story told through the window displays, which beautifully reflect the spirit of Christmas and uniquely showcase the shop’s products.
As well as having some of the best Christmas lights in London, Fortnum & Mason is beautifully decorated inside and is the perfect place to buy luxury gifts for Christmas, such as hampers, food and wine.
Date: TBC but usually early November
Closest tube stations: Oxford Circus, Green Park and Piccadilly Circus
Harrods
Harrods is, without a doubt, one of the most renowned spots for London Christmas decorations! Every year is different and usually involves collaborating with a high-end luxury brand.
Last year, Loro Piana took over Harrods and transformed the facade into a Workshop of Wonders – luxurious fibres were displayed around 36 magical windows, and a 17-metre Christmas tree and thousands of twinkling lights turned Brompton Road into a festive spectacle.
2023 saw a collaboration with Valentino, creating a festive wonderland with a large pink fuchsia Christmas tree and golden lights draped over the front of the building. Extravagant window displays featured luxury gift ideas from designer brands. And, in 2022, Christian Dior turned Harrods into an enormous glittering gingerbread house.
Inside, ‘Christmas World’ is absolutely not to be missed. Even if you’re not planning on buying anything, the Christmas department is covered in floor-to-ceiling decorations, trees, gifts and festive elegance – one of the best things to do in London at Christmas time.
Date: TBC November. The Christmas store is already open.
Closest tube stations: Knightsbridge
Winter Wonderland; best things to do in London at Christmas time
Winter Wonderland is one of the best things to do in London at Christmas time!
Hyde Park transforms into a huge festive playground with rides, Bavarian beer halls, traditional German market stalls, street food vendors, cosy cabins with fires, an ice rink and some of the very best Christmas lights in London.
We’d recommend at least 3-4 hours to enjoy Winter Wonderland, and you’ll need to book tickets online. Entry is free off-peak, £5 standard and £7.50 peak. If you pre-book your rides and/or your food and drink and spend a minimum of £25, entry is free (but you’ll still need to get a ticket online).
Date: 14th November – 1st January
Closest tube stations: Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch, although these get extremely busy and may close if overcrowded, so try and avoid them during 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 making these displays extravagant – apparently, they spend about £25,000 a year on flowers!!
The Churchill Arms out-Christmases every other pub in London (and maybe even the country?!) with over 80 trees, 22,000 lights, candy canes, snowmen and many other festive decorations covering its exterior.
Inside, the pub may surprise you. It’s a completely different vibe with wartime memorabilia covering the walls, creating a cosy, historic atmosphere. Even if you can’t find a seat, it’s definitely worth popping in for a drink to enjoy some of the best London Christmas decorations and soak up the festive spirit.
Date: TBC but expected at 6pm on the first Thursday in December (4th) and will stay up until early January
Closest tube stations: Notting Hill Gate and High Street Kensington
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 adorned with stars made up of around 63,000 energy-efficient bulbs stretch across the street, creating a truly festive atmosphere.
The lights turn on between 3pm and midnight to help reduce energy consumption and promote a more sustainable Christmas. Walking down South Molten Street, you’ll also see smaller displays of twinkly lights, wreaths and sparkling shopfronts, truly capturing the magic of Christmas.
Date: TBC
Closest tube stations: Bond Street and Oxford Circus
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Claridge's
One of the city’s 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 just stepped into a scene from a Christmas movie.
Date: TBC, usually mid-November
Closest tube stations: Bond Street, Marble Arch and Oxford Circus
Seven Dials
Not the most well-known Christmas lights in London, but Seven Dials is really quite charming over the festive period. The area also buzzes with friends and families socialising, shopping, being tourists and soaking up the magical festive spirit of London at Christmas time.
The displays are always beautiful and so elegant. Last year’s display featured 150,000 LED lights woven into a diamond-shaped canopy with lights cascading down the streets. In 2023, the quaint cobbled streets were decked out in Christmas trees that reflected and celebrated the unique history and characteristics of Seven Dials.
Details of this year are yet to be announced, but it’s expected to be similar to last year.
Date: Wednesday 12th November
Closest tube stations: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Holborn and Tottenham Court Road
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square has the most historical Christmas decorations in London, and the true highlight is, of course, the iconic Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree!
The Christmas tree is often mocked for looking sad, half-dead and even slightly wonky. However, while it’s not as extravagant as the Covent Garden Christmas tree, its fascinating history makes up for its lack of glamour, in our opinion.
This Christmas tree has been gifted to the UK as a thank you by Norway every year since 1947, when the Norwegian King sought refuge in London during World War II and led the resistance from here.
The tree is cut down from a forest near Oslo and transported by land and sea to London. It’s around 25 metres tall and is known as the “Queen of the Forest”.
Surrounding the Christmas tree, you’ll find twinkling lights, festive decorations and a cosy Christmas market selling gifts, street food, mulled wine and all the other festive goodies you can think of.
Date: Sunday November 9th – January 2nd
Closest tube stations: Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Embankment
Winter by the River; favourite London Christmas markets
Winter by the River is hands-down one of our favourite London Christmas markets, and it’s also home to some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations in London 2025!
Set on the south bank of the River Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, a magical Winter Wonderland awaits. Think cosy cabins, twinkly lights, a massive Christmas tree adorned with colourful baubles and lights, and rows of market stalls selling delicious, hearty food, handmade gifts, and festive accessories.
It’s the perfect spot for an evening stroll, mulled wine in hand, soaking in the festive spirit in front of sparkling reindeer with a backdrop of Tower Bridge – what could be more iconically London at Christmas than that?!
Date: TBC mid-November – early January
Closest tube station: London Bridge
South Bank Winter Market
South Bank Winter Market is one of the most renowned London Christmas markets and has some of the very best lights in the city. For us, visiting South Bank Winter Market is always one of the best things to do in London at Christmas time, as it instantly gets us in the festive spirit.
The riverside walkway is decked out with garlands of glittering Christmas lights and, as part of its Winter Light display, sees a series of illuminated artworks created by contemporary artists.
Along the South Bank, cosy wooden cabins sell warming drinks like mulled wine, festive cocktails and hot chocolate – perfect to warm the hands as you browse the stalls for delicious street food, handmade gifts and Christmas decorations from independent creatives.
Pop-up bars are buzzing with life, with people drinking festive-themed drinks from spiced ciders to winter spritzes. It’s the perfect place to shop, socialise and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Date: Monday 3rd November – 4th January
Closest tube stations: Waterloo, Waterloo East, Embankment and Charing Cross
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Christmas Decorations in London
Where to stay in London at Christmas
Where to stay in London at Christmas really depends on your budget, how close you’d like to be to the lights and whether you’d like to escape the crowds.
The Christmas decorations in London we’ve covered in this guide are very central, so staying in Central London, you’ll be well-placed to enjoy them.
Covent Garden and Soho are ideal if you want to be right in the heart of the Christmas atmosphere and also close to other London attractions. Plus, you’ll be able to mostly avoid the tube, which, around Christmas, is 100% advisable (more on that later).
If you’d rather escape the Christmas chaos, basing yourself near a tube station is key, as it makes getting around easy. The City of London can be a good spot for weekend deals as it’s fairly quiet. From here, you can reach many of the lights and London Christmas markets in around 10 minutes.
Stratford, East London, is a great base if you want to be out of the hustle and bustle while still being well-connected. There are plenty of bars and restaurants for a cosy winter evening out, and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is on your doorstep, which is lovely for a riverside walk or to explore the 2012 London Olympic venues.
From Stratford, several tube lines take you into Central London in around 20 minutes.
Travelling between the Christmas lights in London
One of the best things to do in London at Christmas time is a self-guided London Christmas lights tour. If you’d prefer, you can also join a group tour with a local guide who will handle all the planning and directions.
Below is a self-guided London Christmas lights walking route showcasing the best Christmas decorations in London 2025 – it should take around an hour. This route excludes Harrods, Winter Wonderland, Christmas by the River, the Churchill Arms and South Bank Winter Market.
From Trafalgar Square, it’s just a 15-minute walk over the Golden Jubilee Bridges to get to the South Bank Winter Market. Most other locations will require public transport, although Winter Wonderland is a 20-minute walk from Fortnum & Mason if your legs are still up for it.
The best time to visit London at Christmas
The best time to visit London at Christmas is between the end of November and 26th December, when all the lights are on and the city is in full festive swing!
If you can, try to visit during the week rather than the weekend. Tube stations in Central London often close due to overcrowding, and everywhere is incredibly busy.
If weekends are your only option, come earlier in the season and visit the decorations that don’t rely on darkness in the mornings. That way, you can enjoy the magic of the best London Christmas decorations and soak in the festive cheer without battling the biggest crowds.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to the very best Christmas decorations in London. If you have any questions or want to know more, drop us a comment below and we’ll get back to you.
Don’t forget to check out our other London travel guides below for more inspiration. And, make sure you’re following us on Instagram to stay up to date with us in real time – we’ll be visiting the best Christmas decorations in London as soon as we can!
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