London glows brightest in winter, when its famous streets transform into a festive wonderland. This London Christmas lights walking route 2025 guides you through the city’s most iconic displays — from Oxford Street’s canopy of stars and Bond Street’s designer sparkle to Covent Garden’s Christmas tree and Belgravia’s elegance. Whether you’re visiting for the holidays or exploring your own city, this route is the perfect way to see all the best Christmas lights in London in a single evening.
When London Christmas Lights Are Switched On in 2025
If you’re planning your route, here are the London Christmas lights switch-on dates 2025 to mark in your calendar:
| Location | Switch-On Date | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford Street | 4 November | Star canopy lighting the West End. |
| Bond Street | 7 November | “Royal Birds” theme celebrating London’s luxury quarter. |
| Carnaby Street | 6 November | Colourful “Into the Light” eco-theme. |
| Regent Street | 6 November | “Spirit of Christmas” angel lights. |
| Covent Garden | 12 November | Giant tree, mistletoe chandeliers & snowfall displays. |
| Belgravia (Elizabeth St) | 16 November | Elegant neighbourhood lighting & live choir. |
| Trafalgar Square | 5 December | Lighting of the Norwegian Christmas tree. |
Most displays shine from early November through the first week of January, giving you plenty of time to plan your London Christmas lights night tour.
The Best Route to See All the Christmas Lights in One Night
You can walk or take short bus or tube hops to cover all the best Christmas lights in London in one evening. Total walking time is around 2–3 hours.
1. Start at Bond Street
Photo Credit: Lucy Baulch
Begin your London Christmas lights 2025 route at Bond Street station, where the elegant “Royal Birds” display lights up the luxury boutiques. The street’s gold-and-white theme perfectly sets the tone for the evening — sophisticated, festive, and full of sparkle.
2. Stroll Along Oxford Street
From Bond Street, walk towards Oxford Circus under a canopy of glowing stars. This stretch captures the magic of London Christmas shopping, with festive window displays and buskers adding a soundtrack to the evening.
2. Turn into Carnaby Street
Just off Oxford Circus, Carnaby Street’s colourful lights offer a bold contrast to the grand West End avenues. Each year brings a new theme, and its lively atmosphere — full of restaurants, street performers, and local boutiques — makes it one of London’s most joyful Christmas light stops.
3. Stroll Down Regent Street
Continue south along Regent Street, home to the stunning “Spirit of Christmas” angels that float above the traffic. At the southern end near Piccadilly, stop at Fortnum & Mason — the legendary department store that transforms into a giant advent calendar each December. Its red-and-gold façade, luxurious window displays, and scent of roasted chestnuts make it one of London’s most iconic Christmas landmarks.
Photo credit: Lucy Baulch
4. Walk to Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square
Follow Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus, where neon lights meet festive charm. Continue on to Trafalgar Square, where the famous Christmas tree stands tall beside the National Gallery — a perfect place to pause for photos or a hot chocolate.
5. End in Covent Garden
Finish your journey in Covent Garden, home to one of London’s most magical light displays. Explore the cobbled piazza, browse the Christmas market, and admire the giant tree surrounded by glowing ornaments and mistletoe chandeliers.
6. Optional Add-On: Belgravia and Harrods
If time allows, take a short taxi or bus to Belgravia for elegant residential lights or head to Harrods in Knightsbridge to see its grand golden façade. Both make stunning finales to your London Christmas lights 2025 walking tour — and perfect spots for late-night photos.
Map of London Christmas Lights Route
Plot your path on a London Christmas lights map using Google Maps.
Here’s your Google Maps route to follow the best London Christmas lights 2025 walking tour in one night:
View the full route on Google Map
The full walking route (Oxford Circus → Carnaby → Regent Street → Piccadilly → Trafalgar → Covent Garden) covers roughly 3 miles and can be completed in one evening.
Tip: Start around 4:30 pm after sunset to enjoy the lights at their best.
See the Lights by Bus or Tour
Prefer not to walk? You can enjoy the Christmas lights London bus route instead:
- Route 139 or Route 159 passes Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square.
- Try a London Christmas Lights Open-Top Bus Tour for commentary and photo stops.
- For something special, take a guided London Christmas Lights Tour with local experts who’ll share festive stories and history.
Best Time to Visit the London Christmas Lights
- Lights usually run from 4 pm to midnight daily.
- Visit Monday to Wednesday evenings for fewer crowds.
- Avoid heavy rain nights to make the most of the experience.
- Bring a camera — London’s lights are among the most photographed in the world.
Suggested Evening Plan
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| 4:30 pm | Start at Bond Street station — see the luxury shops’ white and gold displays |
| 5:00 pm | Walk to Oxford Street for the main canopy lights |
| 5:30 pm | Explore Carnaby Street and Soho |
| 6:15 pm | Head down Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus |
| 6:45 pm | Continue to Trafalgar Square |
| 7:15 pm | End in Covent Garden |
| 8:00 pm+ | Optional detour:Belgravia or Harrods |
Total distance: ~3.3 miles | Duration: ~3 hours
Festive Food & Drink Stops
- Dishoom Carnaby – Indian comfort food with Christmas specials.
- Brasserie Zédel – Art Deco brasserie near Piccadilly Circus.
- The Ivy Market Grill, Covent Garden – Elegant festive dining.
- Peggy Porschen, Belgravia – Iconic pink café with festive bakes.
For cosy pub stops, read our Best London Pubs with Fireplaces guide — perfect for warming up mid-route.
Practical Tips
- Lights switch on from 4 pm to midnight.
- Visit weekdays for fewer crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes and layer up.
- Use Oyster/contactless for quick travel between stops.
- Displays stay lit until early January 2026.
Conclusion
Exploring the London Christmas lights 2025 in one night is the ultimate festive experience — combining history, sparkle, and seasonal cheer. Whether you’re following the London Christmas lights walking map, joining a bus tour, or making it a romantic stroll, this route covers all the must-see spots.
For more London lifestyle inspiration, browse Essential Living apartments perfectly placed for your winter adventures — and visit Homequarters.co.uk for home and design inspiration to bring that festive glow indoors.
London Christmas Lights 2025 – FAQs
When do the London Christmas lights switch on in 2025?
Most London Christmas lights 2025 switch on between early and mid-November. Oxford Street and Regent Street usually light up first around 4–6 November, with Covent Garden following on 12 November and Belgravia on 16 November. Trafalgar Square’s famous tree is lit in early December.
How long do London Christmas lights stay on for?
The London Christmas lights typically remain up until the first week of January 2026. Most displays illuminate daily from 4 pm to midnight, though busier areas like Covent Garden may keep lights on longer during weekends.
What is the best route to see all the Christmas lights in one night?
The best London Christmas lights walking route 2025 starts at Oxford Circus, continues through Carnaby Street, down Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus, then on to Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. Add Belgravia or Knightsbridge if you have extra time. The full walk is around 3 miles and can be done in 2–3 hours.
Can I see the London Christmas lights by bus?
Yes! The London Christmas lights bus route is one of the easiest ways to see the displays. Bus routes 139 and 159 pass Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square. You can also book an open-top London Christmas Lights Tour through Visit London.
What are the best areas to see Christmas lights in London?
The top spots for London Christmas lights 2025 include:
- Bond Street – shimmering peacock-inspired lights above designer boutiques
- Oxford Street – glittering star canopy
- Carnaby Street – themed, colourful installations
- Regent Street – angels of light soaring above shoppers
- Piccadilly Circus – dazzling billboards & seasonal décor
- Trafalgar Square – Norway spruce & carol singing
- Covent Garden – giant tree, markets & snow effects
- Belgravia – elegant residential sparkle
When is the best time to see the Christmas lights?
The best time to see the London Christmas lights is between 4:30 pm and 8 pm when it’s dark but shops and restaurants are still open. For fewer crowds, visit on weeknights in late November or early December.
How can I find the London Christmas lights map?
You can use our interactive London Christmas Lights 2025 Google Map to follow the full one-night walking route. It covers all major light displays and nearby tube stops for quick travel.
Are London’s Christmas lights free to see?
Yes — all the London Christmas lights are completely free to visit. Some areas, like Covent Garden or Belgravia, may also host markets or pop-ups with food and festive gifts, but the lights themselves are free to enjoy.
Where should I stay to see the London Christmas lights?
For easy access to the best Christmas lights in London, stay near the West End, Soho, or Covent Garden. Essential Living’s central London apartments offer stylish homes close to all major festive attractions.
Can I take a guided London Christmas lights tour?
Yes. Several companies, including London Walks and Trafalgar Tours, run guided Christmas lights walking tours throughout November and December. These tours often include historical stories, photo stops, and insider festive recommendations.
Can I see the Bond Street Christmas lights?
Yes — Bond Street Christmas lights 2025 are among London’s most elegant, featuring white peacock feathers, golden details, and festive windows from Dior, Cartier, and Tiffany. It’s a must-see stop on the route.
Is it worth seeing the London Christmas lights after Christmas Day?
Definitely. The lights stay on through early January, and visiting between Christmas and New Year offers a quieter, more relaxed experience — perfect for photography and post-holiday walks.
