Get ready for celebrities, carols and candy canes.
London is one of the best places in the world to celebrate Christmas. The city gets into the festive spirit with Christmas lights in iconic locations. If you’re looking to add some sparkle to your day, here are dates for your diary.
The turning on of Christmas lights in London has long been a tradition. Over the years, everyone from pop stars to politicians has been summoned to push the prestigious button. Celebrities have included Enrique Iglesias, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Richard Branson and the Spice Girls. London is about to get lit.
Carnaby Street: 6 November 2025
Carnaby Street is unafraid of making a statement with its Christmas lights. For the last five years, the street has partnered with the refugee charity, Choose Love, and opened a pop-up store that raised money for the winter months.
Covent Garden: 12 November 2025
Can you picture 260,000 lights? At Covent Garden, you can – as its latest Christmas decorations include almost twice as many lights as previous years. The site is filled with Insta-worthy moments, which include the towering tree in the middle of the cobbled courtyard.
Soho: 6 November 2025
Soho might not sound like the most family-friendly place, but it has been creating a cute Christmas light display in London. In 2023, the Soho Kids Christmas Lights were designed by the local Soho Parish Primary School, and included hand-drawn pieces which featured everything from snowmen to stars.
Covent Garden: 12 November 2025
Can you picture 260,000 lights? At Covent Garden, you can – as its latest Christmas decorations include almost twice as many lights as previous years. The site is filled with Insta-worthy moments, which include the towering tree in the middle of the cobbled courtyard.
Marylebone Village: 12 November 2025
Merry Marylebone gets into the groove from 3pm to 8pm on 12 November. The event includes live music, market stalls and a celebrity guest. The details of the guest are currently kept under wraps, but famous faces have ranged from Fearne Cotton to Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Old Spitalfields Market: 12 November 2025
If you want to go old school, head to the historic Old Spitalfields Market. The lights will be turned on at 5.30pm on 12 November. Guests can get into the festive spirit with craft workshops, mulled wine, minced pies and street food stalls.
Leadenhall Market: 13 November 2025
At Leadenhall Market, it feels like you are stepping into a Charles Dickens novel. The Victorian architecture comes alive with Christmas lights, which span colour-changing LED baubles and a light tunnel through the Beehive Passage. The official switch-on will take place at 6pm, led by Dame Susan Langley DBE, the newly appointed 697th Lady Mayor of London.
Kew Gardens: 14 November 2025
Kew Gardens has one of the most magical Christmas lights in London. The trail takes over the 300-acre site, and includes blockbuster illuminations across the lakes, trees and iconic glass house. Plus, there is the grotto where you can have a meet and greet with Father Christmas. The event runs until 4 January 2026.
Chelsea: 15 November 2025
Chelsea is famous for its classy Christmas lights in London. The family-friendly event includes fizz, food and Father Christmas. In previous years, the event included roaming performers, concerts and a firework display.
Belgravia: 16 November 2025
Belgravia goes classic with its event with Father Christmas, reindeer and a family-friendly party. The Christmas lights span Elizabeth Street, Eccleston Yards, Halkin Arcade and Pimlico Road. Plus, you can get a selfie with The Snowman from Sadler’s Wells. Taking place on Sunday, 16 November from 12pm to 5pm, visitors can meet Father Christmas and enjoy family-friendly entertainment.
The Shard: 25 November 2025
For the highest Christmas lights in Western Europe, whizz to the top of The Shard. The iconic building boasts a display which competes with the stunning skyline. This year’s Christmas lights are inspired by much-loved Christmas carols. This year's lights have been designed by Colombian-born amateur artist Gustavo Zuluaga Villegas, a member of the skyscraper's housekeeping team.
Trafalgar Square: 4 December 2025
The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square has made its way into the London history books. Since 1947, the tree has been gifted from Norway, and is often one of the last Christmas lights in London to be turned on. Expect a carol concert on the night in St. Martin in the Fields.
