Christmas Lights London Walking Route
There’s something about London at Christmas that just hits different. The chill in the air, the smell of roasted chestnuts, and the sparkle that takes over every corner. If you love Christmas lights, this walking route will make you fall in love with the city all over again.
Instead of squeezing into a tour bus or paying for fancy experiences, you can see the best lights on foot. This route takes you through London’s most magical spots, from Oxford Street to Covent Garden, with plenty of chances to grab hot chocolate, take photos, and maybe do a bit of shopping on the way.
You don’t need a map (but we do provide one) or a guide. Just comfy shoes, a warm coat, and this plan. Ready to start your festive walk? Let’s go see the best Christmas lights in London together.
Covent Garden
We start our Christmas lights walk in Covent Garden, one of the most magical places in London during the festive season. The moment you step into the piazza, you’re surrounded by twinkling lights, giant baubles, and a Christmas tree that stands tall right in the centre. It’s impossible not to stop and take photos here.
The decorations change every year, but they’re always spectacular. The market halls shimmer with fairy lights, and the cobblestones glow with that classic London charm. Don’t miss the massive Christmas tree covered in red bows and golden ornaments (it’s one of the city’s best).
Here, you can grab a hot drink from one of the market stalls or treat yourself to mulled wine from the Apple Market. If you’re visiting in the evening, street performers usually fill the square with live music and carols, adding even more magic to the atmosphere.
Leicester Square
From Covent Garden, it’s just a short walk to Leicester Square, where the festive lights and buzzing atmosphere keep the Christmas spirit alive. Leicester Square turns into a small Christmas village every year. You’ll find wooden market stalls selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and festive food. The smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine follows you everywhere. Grab a cup, take a slow stroll, and enjoy the view of the glittering lights above the square.
If you’re here in the evening, stop by the Christmas market for a quick bite: try the churros or a bratwurst. There’s also a festive cinema tent showing classic holiday films, perfect for a short break if you want to rest your feet.
Once you’ve explored every corner of the market, head out towards Carnaby Street, where some of London’s most famous Christmas lights are waiting for you.
Carnaby Street
From Leicester Square, keep walking west until you reach Carnaby Street, one of London’s most creative and colourful Christmas spots. This area always has a bold and fun light display, and every year the theme changes, so you never know what to expect.
As you step under the Carnaby arch, you’ll see the whole street glowing with lights, each shop front dressed for the season. In past years, there were giant neon butterflies, glittering disco balls, and even a sustainability-themed “One Planet” installation. Whatever this year’s theme is, you can bet it’ll be bright, loud, and impossible to walk past without stopping for photos.
It’s not just about the lights though. The whole area is filled with energy. Pop into the independent shops for unique gifts or grab a hot chocolate from one of the cafés while you take in the view. There’s always music playing, people chatting, and that feeling that Christmas has officially arrived.
Once you’ve soaked it all in, walk a few minutes north to Regent Street, where the lights take a grand turn.
Regent Street
Leaving Carnaby Street behind, head north and you’ll soon reach Regent Street, one of London’s most iconic spots for Christmas lights. This is where the decorations turn from quirky to grand. Giant angel figures, known as The Spirit of Christmas, stretch above the street, their golden wings glowing across the night sky.
These lights are some of the most famous in London, and for good reason. The angels seem to float between the curved buildings, lighting up the elegant architecture and creating one of the city’s best festive views. You’ll probably want to stop right in the middle of the street to take a photo (just mind the traffic).
The atmosphere here is pure Christmas magic. You’ll hear carols, see shoppers carrying gift bags, and feel the buzz of the season everywhere around you. If you’re visiting in the evening, stop for a quick drink or a warm snack nearby. There are plenty of cosy cafés and stylish bars tucked away on side streets.
Once you’re done, keep walking straight ahead. Regent Street connects you directly to Oxford Street, your next stop on this Christmas lights route.
Oxford Street
As you continue from Regent Street, you’ll find yourself on Oxford Street, London’s busiest and brightest shopping avenue. During Christmas, this famous stretch transforms into a glittering tunnel of light, with thousands of twinkling orbs hanging above your head. Each year the theme changes, but the sparkle never fades.
This is the spot where London’s festive energy truly hits. The huge department stores like Selfridges, John Lewis, and House of Fraser go all out with their window displays, turning shopping into part of the experience. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s worth stopping to admire the creativity of each display.
It’s chaotic but joyful, the kind of scene that makes London at Christmas feel alive.
Take your time here, soak in the buzz, and maybe grab a hot chocolate from one of the cafés along the way. When you’re ready, make your way towards Claridge’s, where the lights take a more elegant turn.
Claridge’s
From Oxford Street, take a short walk into the elegant streets of Mayfair and you’ll arrive at Claridge’s, one of London’s most iconic hotels. Every year, this five-star landmark unveils a Christmas tree designed by a world-famous fashion house, and it’s always a showstopper. Think of it as London’s most glamorous holiday tradition.
The lobby becomes a masterpiece of festive design, filled with sparkling ornaments, luxury details, and that unmistakable Claridge’s scent of pine and sophistication. Even if you’re not a guest, you can walk through the entrance to admire the decorations and soak up the atmosphere.
If you fancy a short break from the walking route, this is the perfect place to pause for afternoon tea. Their festive tea menu includes mince pies, delicate pastries, and seasonal blends served in silver teapots. It’s a real treat and a warm contrast to the crisp winter air outside.
After your stop at Claridge’s, continue toward New Bond Street, where the Christmas lights shine like jewels across the luxury boutiques.
New Bond Street
Leaving Claridge’s, wander down to New Bond Street, where Christmas takes a luxury turn. This stretch of Mayfair feels like London’s own version of a festive runway. The street sparkles under a canopy of elegant lights that shimmer above designer storefronts like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Dior and Chanel. Each boutique competes for attention with its own dazzling display, and together they create one of the most glamorous sights in the city.
The Cartier store, wrapped like a giant red gift box, is always a showstopper. Across the road, Tiffany’s glows in icy blues, and Dior’s façade often turns into a full festive art piece. Even if you’re only window-shopping, this part of the route feels like stepping into a Christmas movie where every corner sparkles just right.
Before you move on, warm up with a stop at Ralph’s Coffee, tucked beside the Ralph Lauren store. Their Ralph’s hot chocolate has become something of a London winter secret: thick, rich, and topped with whipped cream. It’s the kind of drink that makes you forget the cold.
Next, we’ll make our way toward Annabel’s on Berkeley Square, where Christmas décor gets taken to a whole new level.
Annabel’s
From New Bond Street, stroll over to Berkeley Square, where Annabel’s easily steals the spotlight. This private members’ club is famous for going all out every Christmas, and every year the theme seems bigger, brighter, and more extravagant than the last. You’ll spot it from a distance. The entire façade is usually transformed into a jaw-dropping festive display that stops everyone in their tracks, members or not.
While only members can step inside, the outside is more than enough reason to visit. It’s one of London’s most photographed Christmas spots, and for good reason. Stand across the street, grab your perfect photo, and take in the festive energy around Berkeley Square.
Burlington Arcade
As you leave Berkeley Square and walk toward Piccadilly, take a short detour into Burlington Arcade. Opened in 1819, it’s one of London’s oldest and most beautiful covered shopping arcades, and at Christmas, it turns into a scene straight from a classic holiday film.
The ceiling sparkles with thousands of fairy lights, and garlands line the elegant walkways. What makes Burlington Arcade special is its calm atmosphere. Away from the rush of Oxford Street, you can enjoy the soft music, the smell of perfume drifting through the air, and maybe even stop for a small gift from one of the independent stores.
It’s also a great photo spot: the symmetry of the arcade and the light reflections create a perfect festive frame. After a slow walk through, you’ll exit right onto Piccadilly, ready for the next sparkling stop: Fortnum & Mason, one of London’s most iconic Christmas destinations.
Fortnum & Mason
Your final stop on the Christmas lights London walking route is the legendary Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly. This iconic store has been part of London’s festive tradition for centuries, and every year, it glows like a giant advent calendar. The windows tell charming Christmas stories, each one carefully designed with lights, moving figures, and glittering ornaments.
As you walk closer, you’ll see the grand façade wrapped in twinkling lights, and the famous clock above the entrance playing its hourly chime. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by the smell of fresh mince pies, warm spices, and seasonal teas. Every floor feels like a treasure chest filled with Christmas gifts.
If you want to finish your route in style, stop by The Parlour inside for a hot chocolate or a festive ice cream sundae. Or, for something more traditional, pick up a box of their buttery biscuits to take home. When you step back outside, the view down Piccadilly under the glow of golden lights makes it the ideal spot for one last photo before heading home.
Bonus Stops if You Have More Time
If you still have some energy after your Christmas walk, a few more magical spots are worth adding to your list.
- Harrods – The grand store in Knightsbridge turns into a glowing palace every December. The lights cover the entire building, and the windows are a show on their own. Inside, you can find festive displays, luxury gifts, and one of the best Christmas food halls in London.
- Selfridges – Another classic stop for Christmas lovers. Its windows always tell a fun story, from fairy tales to glittering winter scenes. Pop inside for decorations, gifts, and the famous yellow shopping bag photo.
- Clos Maggiore – If you want to warm up with dinner, this Covent Garden restaurant is like walking into a Christmas fairy tale. The ceiling is filled with flowers and twinkling lights, and it’s known as one of London’s most romantic festive spots.
- The Ritz London – Even just stepping into the lobby feels like entering a Christmas card. The tree, garlands, and live music make it a perfect place for a luxurious afternoon tea.
- Somerset House – End your evening with some skating under the stars. The ice rink is surrounded by lights, and you can grab a hot chocolate after your laps to soak in the festive atmosphere.
