It may only be October, but Christmas is creeping around the corner, and it’s never too early to get into the spirit.
And what better way to get into the mood for the forthcoming festivities than planning a trip to the capital’s Christmas markets or dazzling light displays?
While many of London’s biggest light displays are still being prepared, the switch-on of these dazzling installations is just weeks away.
From Oxford Street to Kew Gardens, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to light trails this year.
And, when the markets open, there’s plenty to choose from – if you want to get some early Christmas shopping done or just get stuck into the first mince pie and mulled wine of the season.
To bring a spot of pre-Christmas sparkle to your life, read on to find out where you can catch the best festivities this year.
Best Christmas lights in London
Oxford Street
Oxford Street’s Christmas lights are usually the first to turn on in London, typically on November 5.
This year, shoppers can expect a display of over 5,000 glowing stars, featuring 300,000 LED light bulbs, which are not only dazzling but 75% more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.
The starry display is in partnership with Great Ormand Street Hospital Charity, supporting seriously ill children. You can even sponsor a star to contribute to the cause.
The lights will be switched on from 3pm until 11pm every day to cut down on energy consumption.
Latest London news
You can find out more about the display here.
November 5 – January 5
Oxford Street, W1
Oxford Circus (Central, Bakerloo and Victoria Lines) or Bond Street (Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth Lines)
Covent Garden
A visit to Covent Garden is certain to get you in the festive spirit. Last year the central London destination introduced a brand-new display for the first time in a decade – and it’s back for a second season.
Those who visit will be treated to over 40 giant bells with bows, 12 giant baubles and eight spinning mirrorballs.
Other attractions include the Winter Warmer Festival complete with mulled wine, late-night shopping on Thursdays and, from December, the return of the Christmas Sandwich Festival.
And if all that’s not enough, the Christmas sleigh in the West Piazza is back for another year and is open for photo opportunities from 9am until 9pm daily.
You can find out more information here.
November 12 – early January
Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD
Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line)
Regent Street
The lights on Regent Street are one of the largest Christmas displays in London and are set to light up the city from November 9.
This year’s theme, ‘The Spirit of Christmas’, will feature around 50 large winged angels or ‘spirits’ adorned with approximately 300,000 low-energy LED lights.
The glittering display stretches from Langham Place to Waterloo Place at the southern end of Regent Street St James as well as surrounding areas including Jermyn Street and St James’s Market.
As with Oxford Street, the lights will be on a timer each day to promote a more sustainable experience (although the exact switch-on times have yet to be confirmed).
You can find out more information here.
November 9
Regent Street, W1
Oxford Circus (Central, Bakerloo and Victoria Lines) or Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly Lines)
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street consistently stands out for its Christmas lights display, traditionally unveiling a new theme each year. Last year it was ‘Carnaby Universe’, a neon display full of vibrant shades of pink and blue.
This year, its ‘Into the Light’ display, is set to dominate the sky with 60,000 LED lights that will illuminate several six-metre sculptures across the area. The lights will be powered by energy from renewable sources and will be reused for the next five Christmases.
Visitors can expect hourly light displays and large star-shaped features at the end of Carnaby Street and cascading lights stretching to Kingly Court.
There will also be special events, offers and pop-ups throughout the festive season.
It’s completely free to visit, and you can find out more here.
November 7 until early January
Carnaby Street, W1F 9PS
Oxford Circus (Central, Bakerloo and Victoria Lines) or Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly Lines)
Kew Gardens
One of the most famous light trails of the season, the ever-popular Christmas at Kew offers visitors over 2km worth of lights to walk through – with glittering tunnels, lakeside reflections and colour-drenched trees to enjoy en route.
You’ll also have the chance to sample festive food and drink from street vendors – expect spiced winter warmers, hot food, sweet treats and hot chocolate – along the way, and maybe also catch a glimpse of Santa himself.
Entry for this one is ticketed, and capacity is limited, so be sure to book early. You can find out full details on the official website.
November 13 – January 5
Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE
Kew Gardens (District Line and Overground) or Kew Bridge (South West Trains)
King’s Cross, Coal Drops Yard
Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross will be playing host to a ton of festive fun, as the North London location is set to transform into an Alpine Wonderland. While the date is yet to be announced, the area lit up on November 9,
As well as an illuminated 46-foot-high Christmas tree, wrapped in 15,000 lights visitors can look forward to activities including Club Curling – a pop-up curling alley – and eight different markets popping up over the Christmas period, from a Vegan Christmas market to the Mexican Christmas Market.
You can also look forward to festive food and drinks, and late-night shopping – as well as the return of the immersive sculpture Temenos, set to light up Lewis Cubitt Square.
You can find out more information here.
From November (date tbc)
Stable St, N1C 4DQ
King’s Cross St Pancras (Northern, Victoria, Circle, Hammersmith and City, Piccadilly and Metropolitan Lines)
Epping/Ongar Railway
Fancy taking a trip in a real-life Polar Express? Well head out to Essex and you can, as the Epping-Ongar Railway’s Light Fantastic is back for another year.
The specially designed show, on the Epping-Ongar Railway (formerly part of London’s Central Line) has been created to show off the stations and the surrounding countryside – which you get to view from the comfort of an illuminated train carriage while sipping on a hot chocolate (or something stronger if you prefer).
As an added bonus, you get narration from the legendary ‘Voiceover Man’ (of X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent fame), LED wristbands, festive tunes and more.
You can find out more about it here.
Selected dates from November 16 to January 12
Ongar station, Station Approach, CM5 9BN
Epping (Central Line)
Best Christmas markets in London
Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has been welcoming guests through the door since 2007, and from that time, it has grown from a small attraction with a small number of fairground rides to one of the most popular festive destinations in the capital.
At the centre of it all though is the festive market – where you can stock up on unique gifts, handmade Christmas decorations and other festive treats from the stalls, all located in special wooden chalets.
Ticket prices vary, and you’re strongly advised to book in advance as it’s set to be popular once again.
You can find out more information here.
November 21-January 5
Hyde Park, W2
Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line), Marble Arch (Central Line), Green Park (Piccadilly, Victoria and Jubilee Lines), Victoria (Victoria, Circle and District Lines) or Bond Street (Central and Jubilee Lines)
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Christmas is coming early for Southbank. As of November 1, the entire area will be transformed into a festive wonderland with twinkling lights and cosy wooden chalets.
Visitors can the independent craft traders, street food stalls and pop-up bars along the stretch of the River Thames. From truffle burgers and lobster buns to Dutch pancakes and churros – you certainly won’t leave hungry.
You can find out more information here.
November 1 – December 26
Southbank Centre, SE1 9GY
Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee and Waterloo and City lines) or Embankment (District, Circle and Bakerloo lines)
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree is always a big deal. This year’s switch-on is yet to be confirmed, but last year the festivities commenced on December 7.
Aside from its unique Christmas tree – you can also look forward to the festive market in the North terrace of the iconic London location.
The opening date is yet to be announced, but if it’s anything like last year, you can expect chalet-shaped stalls decorated with twinkling lights and ornaments selling high-end gifts and Christmas treats – the perfect place to get your festive shopping done.
The usual food and drink will also be on offer, with mulled wine and mulled cider among the festive favourites on the menu.
TBC
Trafalgar Square, WC2
Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern Lines)
The Old Spitalfields Christmas Market
Spitalfields is celebrating Christmas on November 13, with a light switch-on party. The markets will be filled to the brim with lights, decorations, and music to ring in the festivities.
Guests can drop by from 1pm onwards to enjoy the Christmas launch, with the switch on happening at 5:30. There’ll be plenty of mulled wine and minced pies, as well as warming street food from vendors.
Kids and families are welcome, and the market will be offering free face paint and Christmas craft workshops for the little ones.
Although exact traders have yet to be confirmed, the website has said you can expect fashion, kidswear, accessories, toys, jewellery, art, prints and homeware, as well as sustainable gifts, to pop under this year’s tree.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page for traders as they’re confirmed.
You can find out more information here.
November 13– TBC
Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, E1 6EW
Liverpool Street (Central, Circle, District and Elizabeth Lines)
Borough Market at Christmas
The ever-popular Borough Market will be getting festive in the coming weeks, with lights, decorations and seasonal tunes from buskers all set to greet shoppers buying their festive fare.
This year’s opening dates and events are yet to be confirmed but expect lots of delicious street food and wacky events. Last year’s highlights included the Evening Of Cheese, with customers treated to some cheesy delights from the UK, Ireland, France, Netherlands and Switzerland, among others.
You can also enjoy a tipple or two while you plan your perfect festive cheeseboard.
Find out more information and opening times here.
TBC
Borough Market, SE1 9AL
London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee Lines)
Leicester Square Christmas Market
A stone’s throw from the Trafalgar Square market, Leicester Square is once again set to be transformed into a festive paradise.
Expect a European-style festive market selling gifts and stocking fillers, as well as the usual food and drinks stalls serving up seasonal fare.
And when you’re done shopping you can hop over to the neighbouring Spiegeltent performance space and check out La Clique, the award-winning cabaret show which is celebrating its 20th year.
For updates, you can check out Leicester Square’s designated Christmas Instagram page, which has already been counting down the days.
You can find out more information here.
November – January 5 (times vary)
Leicester Square, WC2
Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines)
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