When does London light up for the Christmas holidays?

The magic of the holiday season has opened its doors and London is sparkling with a thousand lights to celebrate the festive season. Discover below the calendar of Christmas lights 2023 in London, a luminous spectacle that transforms the British capital into a sparkling paradise, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, the Christmas lights in London are a spectacle not to be missed!

Calendar of Christmas lights 2023 in London: dates and places

The table below presents the dates and places of the Christmas lights in London. From shopping districts like Oxford Street and Carnaby Street to historical areas like Covent Garden and Belgravia, every corner of the city lights up to celebrate the magic of Christmas.

Exploring the illuminated districts

Experience the magic of London during the festive season with a bus tour of the Christmas lights 2023. Board a comfortable, heated bus and marvel at the twinkling decorations that adorn the city. From the iconic Oxford Street to the charming illuminations of Covent Garden, every corner reveals winter wonders.

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Winter Festival: Winter magic in the heart of London

The Winter Festival at the Southbank Centre is an enchanting event taking place from Saturday, October 28, 2023, to Sunday, January 7, 2024, transforming the venue into a magical world. The festive atmosphere is embodied through joyful performances, brilliant artworks, and twinkling markets, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season.

The festival promises a memorable experience with the magic of winter spread across the entire site, adding a fairy-tale touch to the vibrant atmosphere of Southbank.

Oxford Street: Magic and solidarity at the rendezvous

Thursday November 2, 2023 marks the start of the Christmas festivities on Oxford Street, the longest shopping street in Europe (90 flagship stores over 2.4 km), with the launch of its world-famous Christmas light show. This year, the street is partnering with the children's charity Starlight, for the "Stars for Starlight" initiative, inviting visitors to sponsor a star in the iconic light installations. Each sponsored star will help improve children's hospital stays during the Christmas period, thanks to the power of play that boosts their well-being and resilience throughout their treatment.

This year's light show also highlights Oxford Street's commitment to sustainability, with light installations made from recycled polymer and featuring over 300,000 LED stars, making them 75% more energy-efficient than standard lights.

As part of the "Feel The Magic" campaign, Oxford Street will transform into a true festive paradise, offering numerous surprises and enchanted experiences throughout the season. Oxford Street's"Magic Days", returning this year, will see brands and stores offering exclusive Christmas deals, gifts, and unique experiences each week, adding an extra touch of magic to the Christmas shopping experience this season.

Visitors are encouraged to discover the magnificent lighting throughout the 8 weeks leading up to Christmas. The enchantment of these illuminations, free for all, will be complemented by several festive activities on the street and in-store during the Christmas months, promising a joyful atmosphere for those coming to shop, dine, or explore the surroundings of Oxford Street.

Dee Corsi, CEO of the New West End Company, and Cathy Gilman, CEO of Starlight, expressed their enthusiasm for this charitable collaboration and the opportunity for everyone to participate in this noble cause while celebrating the magic of Christmas on Oxford Street.

Carnaby Street: A colorful journey

The Christmas lights at Carnaby Street are a must-see in the vibrant heart of London. This year, the traditional "Switch On" event marking the start of these illuminations is scheduled for Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Each year, Carnaby Street is adorned with new lights, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle that attracts both locals and visitors from around the world. This year's event, named "Carnaby Universe", promises to transform the street into a captivating light show, reflecting the creativity and innovation that characterize this iconic London neighborhood.

Carnaby Street is known for offering some of the most creative and original Christmas light installations in the city. On this special occasion, the street transforms into a fairy-tale universe, where every light, every color, and every detail has been designed to amaze and dream. The surrounding shops also participate in the festive excitement, with carefully decorated windows, special offers, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The "Switch On" event at Carnaby Street is more than just a lighting up, it's a real celebration that marks the start of the festive season. The street comes alive with concerts, performances, and other entertainment, making this event a moment of sharing and joy. The illuminations will persist until early January, allowing passers-by to enjoy the magical Christmas atmosphere throughout the festive season.

On Thursday, November 2, Carnaby Street lights up with a thousand lights, inaugurating the holiday season with brilliance. Whether you are a regular or a newcomer, the magic of Christmas at Carnaby Street is a spectacle not to be missed.

Bond Street: Brilliance and elegance

Bond Street, known for its elegance and luxury boutiques, lights up in a splendid way, highlighting the architectural richness and sophistication of the shop windows.

The Bond Street illuminations will be an invitation to stroll among the high-end boutiques, under a shower of twinkling stars, adding a touch of magic to your shopping experience. Every corner of this historic street will be bathed in soft and elegant light, reflecting the timeless charm of this part of London.

Regent Street: the spirit of Christmas

The illuminations of Regent Street, scheduled for Wednesday, November 8, 2023 and in place until Wednesday, January 3, 2024, will transport visitors back in time with their famous angels, named "Christmas Spirit", reminiscent of the decorations of 1954.

The "Christmas Lights Switch On" event will be a festive celebration, likely presided over by celebrities, with live music and street performances, in an avenue freed from cars for the occasion.

Piccadilly Circus: twinkling lights and Christmas magic

Piccadilly Circus, with its famous illuminated billboard, will shine even brighter during the Christmas festivities. Its illuminations will add a festive dimension to the bustling atmosphere, enveloping visitors in a luminous and colorful halo. The constant animation and illuminations will make Piccadilly a must-visit place to feel the vibrant pulse of London during the festive season.

Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere while exploring the nearby shops and restaurants. The lights will be a perfect backdrop for memorable photos during this special time of the year.

St James's: traditional elegance under festive lights

The district of St James's, with its traditional charm, known for its luxury boutiques and art galleries, will be adorned with festive lights highlighting its architectural elegance and refined shops. The Christmas lights in this district will be elegant and sophisticated, reflecting the upscale character of St James's. The soft glow of the illuminations will add a warm and inviting atmosphere, evoking the rich history of the district while celebrating the festive season.

Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk under a starry sky of illuminations, discovering the quiet grace of St James's during this enchanted period.

Covent Garden: traditional magic

The Christmas illuminations at Covent Garden will be launched on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, transforming this iconic place into a magical light show.

For the first time in nearly a decade, Covent Garden will present a new Christmas installation inspired by traditional golden bells. The event will see the installation of over 40 giant bells with bows, 12 giant balls and 8 rotating mirror balls, all displayed in the iconic market building. Over 140,000 LEDs will illuminate the streets, with 30,000 more lighting a gigantic Christmas tree of 18 meters in the Piazza and Seven Dials, adding a magical atmosphere to the entire area.

Seven Dials, St Martin's Courtyard and Neal's Yard: shopping and lights

The Christmas lights at Seven Dials, St Martin's Courtyard and Neal's Yard will be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, transforming the neighborhood into a fascinating light show. Residents and visitors will be able to stroll through the beautifully lit streets and squares, creating memorable memories of the Christmas festivities.

For the Christmas shopping event, on Sunday, November 19, 2023 (date to be confirmed), a festive evening is organized with a special 20% discount in more than 120 shops, bars and restaurants. There will be free activities such as wreath making and festive street food.

The twinkling lights will add a festive touch to your shopping experience.

Marylebone Village: community festivities

In Marylebone Village, the theme of Christmas 2023 will be highlighted by a brand new sustainable light show. The inauguration ceremony of the illuminations will take place on the Devonshire Street stage, hosted by Jo Good from BBC London at 6pm, in the presence of a famous guest whose announcement is to come. The event is called "Merry Marylebone" and is scheduled for Thursday, November 9, 2023, from 3pm to 8pm.

During this event, the streets of Marylebone Village will be lit up, marking the start of the festive season in this charming central London neighborhood.

Belgravia: elegance and tradition

On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Belgravia will celebrate the lighting of the Christmas lights. The event will feature Christmas carols, a temporary Christmas market and various festive treats. The illuminations will brighten Elizabeth Street, Motcomb Street, Eccleston Yards, Halkin Arcade and Pimlico Road. There will also be a wandering concert by the London Gay Men's Chorus, appearances by Santa Claus and his reindeer, and a Christmas market at Eccleston Yards.

The event will also mark the launch of Belgravia's "Christmas Trail of Cheer", with festive installations created by the region's renowned florists.

Kew Gardens: the winter sparkle of the royal gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew Gardens will host the "Christmas at Kew" event from Wednesday, November 15, 2023 to Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 4:20pm to 10pm. The event will feature sparkling tunnels, dancing reflections by the lake and trees draped in jewel-like colors.

The last entries will be at 7pm through the Brentford Gate, 7:20pm through the Elizabeth Gate and 8pm through Victoria Plaza.

Leadenhall Market: a City Christmas

The Leadenhall Market, this historic place in the heart of London's City, dons its light attire each year to celebrate the festive season. In 2023, the festivities begin on Thursday, November 16 with the illumination of the market by the Lord Mayor of London during a spectacular ceremony scheduled from 5:15 pm to 6:30 pm. The focus will be on an 8-meter high Christmas tree, adorned with a set of changing LED lights, harmonized with large balls and fir garlands that will embellish the entire market.

But the magic doesn't stop there! Between Saturdays 9 and 16 December, the Leadenhall Market will host a Christmas music festival, during the day and in the evening. This will be an opportunity for visitors to enjoy traditional Christmas carols and festive melodies while sipping a pint in one of the market's pubs, all while being lulled by the hits of Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé.

In addition, a special walk titled "Leadenhall Market: Limited Edition Walk - In Celebration of Christmas" is organized on Wednesday, November 22. Guided by the City of London Guides, this walk will take participants through the history and magic of Christmas at Leadenhall Market, starting at the entrance on Gracechurch Street.

With its rich program of events, the Leadenhall Market promises once again to capture the spirit of Christmas, offering visitors a memorable experience in a historic and picturesque setting.

Winter Wonderland: a magical winter kingdom at Hyde Park

The Winter Wonderland event at Hyde Park will be held from Friday, November 17, 2023 to Monday, January 1, 2024. It will be possible to benefit from free entry when making an early booking by spending £25 in a single transaction on rides, attractions, games or meal packages.

Duke of York Square: Chelsea in celebration

Christmas celebrations take off at the Duke of York Square on Saturday, November 18, 2023, with a whole day dedicated to the illumination of festive lights in Chelsea. For this special occasion, a portion of King's Road will be transformed into a pedestrian zone between Sloane Square and Walpole Street.

The magic continues on the weekend of Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December, where more than 50 shops and restaurants at Duke of York Square will unveil attractive offers and promotions. The festive agenda will include carriage rides, in-store animations, as well as a gourmet gift market animated by choirs performing traditional Christmas carols. The decor will be enriched by magical installations, including a light forest composed of silver birches and white magnolias, as well as an imposing 11-meter Christmas tree adorned with sparkling golden bows and spectacular 1.5-meter wreaths.

The Cadogan estates, encompassing Sloane Street, Duke of York Square, and Sloane Square, will be enhanced by elegant arrangements of star-shaped lights. The 2-meter sparkling Christmas trees, a work of MK Illumination, and the magnificent cross-street illuminations, will provide a perfect setting for memorable selfies.

The Royal Exchange: tradition and elegance

Every year, as the festive season approaches, The Royal Exchange, a symbol of London's elegance and financial tradition, is adorned with twinkling lights and hosts a majestic Christmas tree within its historic precinct. The tree lighting event marks the official start of Christmas festivities in this prestigious venue, attracting residents and visitors to admire the splendour of the decorated tree and the grand architecture surrounding it.

The lighting ceremony is a moment of communion where the past meets the present, celebrating the magic of the season in a setting that embodies the city's rich history. The soft and shimmering lights of the tree reflect on the ancient stone and elegant shop windows, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's an invitation to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the season, community ties, and the simple joy that the glow of Christmas lights brings.

The event also offers an opportunity to discover the many luxury shops, refined restaurants, and local craft exhibitors residing within the Royal Exchange. It's an experience that combines traditional Christmas charm with the excellence of commerce and gastronomy, making each visit a celebration of the festive season.

For Christmas 2023, The Royal Exchange is hosting an outdoor Christmas market offering mulled wine and mince pies to get you in the festive spirit. They also provide guides to organise your event and plan the ultimate Christmas celebration.

Exhibitions at the Red Eight Gallery and a women's art festival are also featured in November.

St Katharine Docks: nautical enchantment

Every year, St Katharine Docks transforms into a luminous haven to celebrate the festive season. As Christmas approaches, the docks light up, creating a magical atmosphere that reflects the spirit of Christmas. Visitors can stroll along the docks, admiring the twinkling lights that adorn the trees and surrounding buildings. The reflections of the illuminations on the water add to the beauty of the spectacle, offering a truly enchanted experience.

The Christmas lights at St Katharine Docks, located near the Tower Bridge in London, are a sight not to be missed. This year, the grand "Switch On" event will take place on Thursday, November 23, 2023, marking the start of the festive season in this historic and picturesque neighbourhood.

The event attracts residents and visitors each year who come to enjoy the joyful atmosphere and start their Christmas shopping in an enchanted setting. Don't miss this annual tradition and let yourself be swept away by the magic of the holidays during your visit to St Katharine Docks!

Greenwich: a luminous parade

In Greenwich, the "Sparkle in the Park" event will take place from Thursday, November 30 to Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 4:30 pm to 9 pm, at Avery Hill park.

This event will transform the park into a wonderful winter kingdom, with a Christmas market, a funfair, and performances by local choirs. The historic winter garden will also be illuminated.

The Luminaze: light and innovation

From Saturday, December 2, 2023, to Tuesday, January 2, 2024, Wembley Park transforms into a festive paradise. Visitors can marvel at "The Luminaze", an illuminated wall maze, and enjoy festive markets every weekend in December, offering a selection of local crafts. Winter melodies will resonate in the park with performances by live choirs every weekend, adding a joyful note to the atmosphere.

Whether it's to savor a festive meal, do some Christmas shopping, or immerse yourself in light art, Wembley Park offers an enchanted winter getaway, making the holiday season unforgettable.

Trafalgar Square: a Norwegian gift

The Christmas lights at Trafalgar Square will begin with the lighting of the Christmas tree on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 6pm. During this event, the traditional Christmas tree, a gift from Norway to the city of London, will be illuminated, symbolizing the friendship between the two nations and marking the start of the Christmas festivities in the British capital. This tree, the largest installed in London each year, will be the main attraction of the square, lit by hundreds of bulbs.

In parallel, the Trafalgar Square Christmas market will be open from Friday, November 10, 2023, to Tuesday, January 2, 2024, every day from 11am to 9pm (except Christmas Day when it will be closed). Admission to the market is free. It's also a privileged place to admire the Christmas lights in the surrounding streets.

The Shard: twinkling lights at the top of London

The Christmas lights 2023 at The Shard promise to twinkle in the London sky, offering a dazzling light show. The exterior facade of the building lights up with a thousand lights, reflecting the festive spirit of the city. Visitors can admire the panoramic view from the Shard observatory, The View from The Shard, while delighting in the festive lights that add a magical touch to London's skyline. This unique experience is not to be missed for those who wish to experience the magic of Christmas in London from a new and spectacular angle.

Kingston-upon-Thames: festive glow at the gates of London

For the Christmas lights in Kingston-upon-Thames, prepare to be amazed by the holiday magic in this charming suburb of London. Each year, the town lights up with sparkling decorations and Christmas trees that transform the urban landscape into a winter wonderland. The streets and historic buildings of Kingston are enhanced by light garlands, festive ornaments, and colourful projections that create a magical atmosphere and invite celebration.

Kingston-upon-Thames also offers a variety of activities and festive events during the Christmas period. You can enjoy a winter walk along the Thames, discover the traditional Christmas markets, or warm up with a hot drink in one of the town's many welcoming cafes and pubs. Families can also enjoy festive rides, Christmas craft workshops, and of course, a visit to Santa Claus is sure to delight the little ones.

The Christmas lights in Kingston-upon-Thames are a cherished tradition that brings joy and wonder to the local community and visitors to the area. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday spirit and create memorable memories with your loved ones in a picturesque and festive setting.

As Christmas approaches, London wraps itself in a sparkling coat of lights, transforming the British capital into a luminous fairy tale that captures the essence of the festive season. From the bustling shopping streets of Oxford and Regent Street, to the picturesque neighbourhoods of Belgravia and Marylebone, through the enchanted gardens of Kew and the legendary Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, every corner of London offers a unique and memorable experience.

Christmas lights are more than just a tradition; they are the pulsating heart of the city, inviting residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit. Whether it's admiring creative shop windows, strolling under a starry sky of lights, or participating in community festivities, London in winter is a celebration of joy, community, and magic.

This Christmas lights guide 2023 has given you a glimpse of the many events and places that light up to celebrate the season. So, wrap up warm, get out and explore the luminous magnificence of London during this festive period. Whether you're a long-time resident or a passing visitor, London has something to offer to make your Christmas season shine!