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London Christmas Lights 2024-2025

The capital of the UK glows and shines getting ready for the holidays

Dates: early November–early January

Festive lights at Spitalfields Market, London
London Christmas Lights
Christmas Angels in Regent Street
Oxford Street
Oxford Street at Christmas
Carnaby Street
Covent Garden
Christmas lights in Sloane Square

Seasonal street lights bring immense joy during Christmas, warming hearts and filling people with holiday spirit. London boasts some of the most spectacular displays, especially in popular shopping areas like Oxford Street and Regent Street, as well as in various parks and gardens. These enchanting holiday lights illuminate the city, creating a magical atmosphere that lasts through January 6, known as Twelfth Night.

Regent Street Christmas Lights (November 14, 2024–early January 2025)

Regent Street Christmas Lights, the largest holiday lights display in the UK, illuminate the skies above Regent Street and St James’s, creating a magical atmosphere. The Spirit of Christmas decorations stretch from Oxford Circus to Waterloo Place, making it an ideal destination for an evening stroll along the traffic-free street. Each day, the lights shine from 3:30 pm to midnight, enhancing the festive spirit. From 4 pm, a stage typically set up near Piccadilly Circus features live music and celebrity hosts. The official switching on of the Christmas lights occurs around 5 pm, often accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display, marking the start of the holiday season.

Oxford Street Christmas Lights (November 7, 2024–January 5, 2025)

The Oxford Street lights are typically the first to illuminate London, launching the festive season with a spectacular switch-on ceremony that attracts around 1 million attendees, complete with special entertainment, in-store promotions, and live performances. Each year features a new theme, with approximately 750,000 lights and nearly 1,800 decorations brightening the street. This year, over 5,000 stars, made up of 300,000 cutting-edge LED bulbs, will dazzle both Oxford Street and London’s West End, creating a unique Christmas atmosphere.

Carnaby Christmas Lights (November 6, 2024–early January 2025)

Carnaby Christmas lights brighten one of London's most fashionable areas, signaling the start of special programs and sales in local shops and restaurants. Each year features a new theme, such as the previous year's "Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody." This year's installation, titled "Carnaby Universe," will showcase vibrant neon colors and light waves across Carnaby Street, Foubert's Place, Ganton Street, and Newburgh Street. The iconic Carnaby arches will also be beautifully adorned, adding to the festive charm of the area.

Covent Garden Christmas Lights (November 5, 2024–early January 2025)

Covent Garden Christmas lights herald the arrival of festive activities, transforming the cobbled Piazza and market buildings into a holiday wonderland. A stunning 60-foot Christmas tree adorned with 30,000 lights stands as the centerpiece, surrounded by approximately 115,000 twinkling lights throughout the Piazza, glowing from early November through early January. The switch-on ceremony, featuring headliners like Kylie Minogue, will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Inside the Piazza, the overhead decorations and lights are among the most photographed sights during Christmas in London. This year promises an exciting new Christmas installation, and visitors can also enjoy free events throughout December to embrace the festive spirit.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Lights (November 5, 2024–early January 2025)

The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square will be officially lit on December 5, 2024, at 6 pm. This towering tree is the tallest Christmas tree installed in London each year and adds a festive touch to the city. During the switch-on ceremony, a choir will perform Christmas carols until 7 pm. Additionally, from December 9 to 24, various choirs will sing carols at the base of this magnificent tree, enhancing the holiday spirit in the square.

Christmas Lights in Kew Gardens (November 13, 2024–January 5, 2025)

One of the UK’s premier illuminated trails, the Christmas Lights at Kew Gardens transforms the botanical world into a winter wonderland filled with seasonal cheer. As twinkling lights and festive sounds fill the air, visitors can explore glittering tunnels of light, enjoy dancing reflections on the lakes, and marvel at trees adorned in jewel-like colors, along with flickering flames in the fire garden—the Gardens close at 10 pm, with the last entry at 8 pm. Ticket prices range from £21.50 to £26.50 for adults, £14.00 to £14.50 for children (ages 4-16), and free entry for children under 4. A family of four can enjoy the experience for £65.

Syon Park’s Enchanted Woodland (2024 TBA)

Syon Park's Enchanted Woodland transforms its historic gardens into a stunning light display every November. This enchanting event features a beautifully illuminated trail winding through the park, highlighting the Great Conservatory and various light installations. Visitors can enjoy a magical 30-40 minute walk among thousands of lights, celebrating the park's remarkable tree collection. The event, suitable for all ages, runs on select weekends from 5 pm to 7:40 pm, with admission priced at £10 for adults.

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