Christmas Lights

November 24 2024

Christmas Lights in London 2024

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Tis the season when most of the Christmas lights are switched on in London. If you’re planning a festive wander around the city, here are the essential spots you don’t want to miss.

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Covent Garden

Christmas Tree in Covent Garden

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Covent Garden’s 60ft (18-metre) Christmas tree is back and is lighting up the West Piazza and adorned with 30,000 LED lights.

Due to popular demand, Santa’s sleigh has returned to the West Piazza South Hall too. The sleigh is a reconditioned carriage, hand-painted by British artist James Gemmill and traditionally decorated for visitors to enjoy as free photo opportunity during the festive season.

NOTE: Please, note that the sleigh is roped off from 9pm – 9am every day.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The 40 gigantic bells and the 12 giant baubles provide the perfect background to take a picture on Santa’s sleigh while 8 spinning mirror balls turn the piazza into a truly magical scene.

Discover Wonder Wood on James Street and enjoy the 260,000 lights across the entire square during the festive season.

The lights were switched on the 12 November with Hollywood star, Luke Evans (Dracula Untold, The Hobbit, The Girl on the Train, Fast & Furious)

St. Pancras International

Photo: Urban Adventurer

St. Pancras International unveiled their ‘Wicked’ Christmas tree on the 5^th November. St. Pancras is famous for partnering with the most famous brands every year to bring London’s most extraordinary Christmas Tree to life.

This year they partnered with Universal Pictures UK to bring us an 11-metre (36 ft) tall installation which is meticulously detailed, and hand painted to look exactly like the castle in the film.

It took 4,000 hours for 20 craftsmen to bring the monstrous Christmas ‘tree’ to life that contains a diorama with illuminated yellow brick road, and iconic landmarks from the film, including Shiz University and The Governor’s Mansion.

The castle has 100 illuminated towers and if you take a closer look to the windows, some of them carries hidden references to the story of the film.

Battersea Power Station

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Battersea Power Station has transformed into one of London’s most magical destinations for the festive period.

London’s only riverside ice rink, Gilde ice rink is back with a spectacular 30ft (9-metre) Christmas tree in the centre to spin around.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

There are vintage-style fairground rides, including a Helter Skelter and a merry-go-round, oversized Christmas decorations, igloos to dine in, photo ops to capture your best moments and so much more!

There are workshops for kids and adults, over 150 shops and 55 different eateries with mouth-watering Christmas specials to refill your energy.

Don’t forget to book your ticket for the Battersea Power Station Chimney Experience which gives you a breath-taking 360 degrees view of London’s skyline from 109 metre and an amazing immersive experience in the elevator.

Oxford Street

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Oxford Street’s sustainable Christmas lights are back. Thousands of illuminating stars brighten up the night every day through the festive season. The twinkling star decorations are stretching over 1.5 miles from Marble Arch to Soho.

The display is made of over 300,000 LED light bulbs and recycled materials. The installation is switched on from 3pm to 11pm every day to help cutting energy consumption.

This year the Oxford Street’s Christmas lights are in official partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH Charity).

Liberty

Photo: Urban Adventurer

St. Pancras International is not the only one to celebrate the highly anticipated film, Wicked.

Luxury designer department store, Liberty unveiled a thrillifying collaboration with this year’s cinematic event.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Liberty’s enchanting window displays feature iconic scenes from the film, as well as oversized accessories, such as Glinda’s crown and wand and Elphaba’s pointy hat.

Inside the store a monumental sculpture of the wizard of Oz is floating above the main hall.

Shop Wicked-inspired jewellery, makeup sets, accessories and more, designed by Liberty’s in-house teams and a collective of brands in celebration of the release of the film.

Regent’s Street

Photo: Urban Adventurer

‘The Spirit of Christmas’ scheme has returned to the sky above Regent’s Street.

The giant angles are glistening gracefully all the way from Oxford Street to Cavendish Street.

Over 300,000 low-energy lights are used in the giant display that – similarly to Oxford Street’s Christmas lights – operate on a timer, meaning they’re on for a certain period of time each day.

Carnaby Street

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Carnaby Street is known for its creative Christmas lights that change every year.

This year, Carnaby Street is bathing in glittering gold. ‘Into the Light’ illuminations scheme includes geometrical illuminated light forms above your head cascading golden light onto the street.

Harrods

Photo: Urban Adventurer

For the first time in Harrods’ history, its Christmas lights have dramatically changed.

This year Harrods partnered with Christian Dior to bring us a larger than life gingerbread house display to celebrate 70 years of Dior at the department store.

The festive display has taken over 44 of the luxury department store’s windows to transform the building into a giant 17-by-17 metre (55.7-by-55.7 ft) gingerbread house.

Harvey Nichols x The World of Tim Burton

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Luxury department store, Harvey Nichols’ spooky Christmas display is celebrating their partnership with ‘The World of Tim Burton’ exhibition at the Design Museum.

The display creates a gothic fantasy forest and features five sculptures from Burton’s private collection.

Each window presents a surreal landscape of twisted and eerie silhouettes of trees and tells a unique story while uniquely showcasing Harvey Nichols’ season’s partywear.

Learn more about Harvey Nichols’ Tim Burton window display here.

Old Spitalfields Market

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The magical Christmas lights are back to Old Spitalfields Market.

Each year, London’s famous market is dressed in gold for the festive period. Thousands of Christmas lights are twinkling gold above the market and huge Christmas wreaths and Christmas trees provide the perfect background for your mulled wine or festive treat.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

There is also a red telephone box full of gift boxes for visitors to take selfie with.

St. Katharine Docks

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The magical season has approached St Katharine Docks with Christmas trees at the dock and in front of The Dickens Inn.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The barriers and the big anchor next to The Dickens Inn are all adorned with twinkling Christmas lights.

Even some of the boats are dressed up for the season.

Tower Bridge

Photo: Urban Adventurer

London Bridge Christmas market is now open with mouth-watering festive treats. The Christmas tree, and all the displays are now illuminating too.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Whilst you’re there, don’t miss Hay’s Market with its magical giant Christmas tree and food vendors.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

If you’re looking for a less crowded place near Tower Bridge, there is an illuminating sail boat display on the other side of the bridge.

The Shard

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The Shard switched on its sky-high Christmas lights on the 14^th November, and this year the display is inspired by the nations’ favourite Christmas songs.

On the 14^th November, they celebrated the Christmas lights with uplifting Christmas carol performances 867 feet (264 metres) above sea level. This is believed to have been the highest Christmas carol ever performed on a building.

Burlington Arcade

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Luxury shopping arcade, Burlington Arcade hosted a festive celebration in mid-November. The star-studded party treated guests with sparkling champagne, fine foods and exquisite musical performances.

Burlington Arcade is now dressed in twinkling lights, red velvet bows and glamorous Christmas trees under the arches.

Fortnum & Mason

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Each year, the building of Fortnum & Mason transforms into a giant advent calendar.

Take a photo of the beautiful, illuminated windows with a double decker passing by or admire the festive window displays featuring majestic animals and birds.

Cartier and New Bond Street

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The royal-inspired Christmas lights are replaced by illuminated perfume bottles in collaboration with Chanel No. 5 on New Bond Street.

If we asked, probably many agree that Cartier’s festive display is one of the main reasons for people to visit New Bond Street each November and December.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Cartier’s new cosmos-inspired display is not only stunning, but the historic boutique invites everyone for a music and light show every half hour from 4pm until 10pm every day.

Where is your favourite spot in London to see Christmas lights?

Ready for your next adventure? St. Pancras International is celebrating Wicked movie with an 11-metre tall Wicked-themed Christmas tree that has a diorama within.

November 22 2023

Christmas Lights in London

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‘Tis the season to celebrate the most magical time of the year. From the shimmering stars in Oxford Street to the quirky decorations of Carnaby Street, watch London gloriously decked out for Christmas.

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Covent Garden

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Covent Garden has changed their Christmas decoration this year and it’s more magical than ever. Instead of giant baubles, this year gigantic bells and mirror balls decorate Covent Garden Piazza.

Don’t forget to visit the pop-ups and the glorious 60ft (18metres) Christmas tree with over 30,000 twinkling lights.

Fortnum & Mason

Photo: Urban Adventurer

It’s now a tradition that the historic building of Fortnum & Mason transforms into a gigantic Christmas calendar. Twinkling lights decorate the numbered windows and the whole building is glowing in red light.

Burlington Arcade

Photo: Urban Adventurer

One of London’s most famous shopping arcade, Burlington Arcade is dressed for the festive season. This year, all the decorations are natural. All the wreaths and Christmas trees are decorated with dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks and pinecones.

Cartier

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The capital’s most luxurious stores are all decorated with spectacular Christmas lights and window displays. For this festive season, Cartier adorned their façade with an impressive giant red hot air balloon and clouds.

New Bond Street

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Whilst you’re there, it’s well worth to take a walk in New Bond Street and admire all the beautiful decorations and see what the luxurious shopping district has to offer.

Plus, this festive season, new tiara-like illuminating decorations adorn New Bond Street as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

Carnaby Street

Photo: Urban Adventurer

When it comes to Christmas lights, Carnaby Street never disappoints us. They come up with the quirkiest installations every year. This year, the theme is the solar system. ‘Carnaby Universe’ features a kaleidoscopic installation featuring neon-lit planets and moons from our solar system.

Regent Street

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Regent Street Christmas lights are one of the most famous in London and not without a reason. Magnificent glittering spirits float above the entire length of the street. You’ll surely be able to take that perfect Insta photo here with London’s iconic double-deckers, black cabs and telephone boxes in the background.

Annabel’s

Photo: Urban Adventurer

London’s most elegant private club is in fully Christmas mode. I giant hot air balloon stretches over the three floors of the historical building. The balloon is accompanied by beautiful glowing stars scattered on the walls.

The installation is a “symbol of hope and inspiration in a year where the world has faced many difficulties and hardships.”

Oxford Street

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Oxford Street lights are perhaps the most iconic lights in the city. Tourists and locals flock to take photos of the twinkling stars every Winter. The display is illuminating for a certain amount of time each night before switched off for the rest of the night. This is to ensure the display is as eco-friendly as possible. Also, the decoration is made out of recycled materials.

Ever After Garden

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Ever After Garden is the most poignant light installation to visit during the festive period in London. It’s an ocean of illuminating white silk roses, each of them is there to remember loved ones we have lost in cancer.

Visitors can dedicate a rose to a friend or family member they have lost and write a short message to be placed next to one of the roses.

The roses are re-used every year to maintain sustainability, therefore, visitors cannot bring them home.

By dedicating a rose with a donation, you help raise fund for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Battersea Power Station

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Battersea Power Station opened to the public in October 2022 as a shopping and entertaining centre. Since then, shops, bars, restaurants and a cinema opened within the power station and more to come!

For this festive period the entire power station is gloriously dressed is gold shimmering lights.

Outside, there are giant Christmas bauble decorations, an ice rink, hireable cosy igloos, some food vendors and an immersive gingerbread house experience welcome visitors.

Don’t forget to book your ‘Lift 109 Chimney Lift Experience’ to make a thrilling ascent 109 metres to the top of the chimney of the power station while enjoying immersive light show.

Ready for your next adventure? Free immersive gingerbread house experience and ice rink opened next to Battersea Power Station by famous fragrance and lifestyle house, Jo Malone.

December 11 2020

Magical Christmas Lights

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Christmas lights in London are magical every year. Normally crowds travel to see the most beautiful and most popular streets and spots, such as Covent Garden, Oxford Street, Regents Street and Hamleys Toy Store to participate in the switch-on events.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

This year, however, many have been forced to change their traditions. Well, let’s see the bright side of this: the streets are far not that crowdy as usual this time of the year allowing you taking beautiful photos without being forced to elbowing your way to the best spots.

Luckily, pandemic or not pandemic, Christmas lights are just as exuberant and beautiful as usual.

Let’s see some of the most popular spots.

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market’s history dates back to the 14th century. Originally it was a meat, poultry and game market and was situated in the centre of Roman London. Today it gives home to elegant retailers, restaurants, cafes and wine bars.

Leadenhall Market is famous for being used as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. What is more, the entrance to the famous fictional pub, the Leaky Cauldron is located there. In real life, it’s an optician on Bull’s Head Passage in Leadenhall Market.

St Katharine Docks

St Katharine Docks welcomes vessels from all over the world since the 10th century. Today it’s a lovely hidden gem that gives home to cozy restaurants and the famous Dickens Inn.

During the festive period St Katharine Docks looks like a scene from a Dickens novel from the Victorian era. Perfect place to get the festive feeling.

More London

The buzzing More London is famous for its lovely outdoor Christmas market. During December the air is always filled with the sweet smell of freshly roasted nuts. Unfortunately, this year’s Christmas market has been cancelled due to pandemic.

The Tower of London

Sadly, the ice rink, which is a tradition, is not operating this year due to pandemic.

However, The Tower of London still gives us tons of opportunities for Christmas shopping and a lovely view to the Tower Bridge, River Thames and The Shard light show.

You can admire the view from one of the cozy igloos of Coppa Club. Perfect for an intimate socially distanced family dinner.

The Shard Lights

This year The Shard lights are specially designed to show gratitude to NSH staff, and all keyworkers and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe from Coronavirus pandemic.

From 11^th December The Shard light will feature the traditional colours of Christmas until the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden’s centrepiece is its hand-picked Christmas tree every year. This year the Christmas tree is 60 feet tall and it’s illuminated by 115,000 lights.

The tree needed 60 workers and 300 working hours to be festively decorated.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

This Christmas tree is is not the only one at Covent Garden. There is a mini Christmas tree forest just at the entrance of Covent Garden. Each tree is bedecked uniquely by iconic brands and institutions, such as Royal Opera House.

The Strand

Photo: Urban Adventurer

From Trafalgar Square to King’s College, The Strand is dressed with twinkling snowflakes, icicles and stars all the way long.

Leicester Square

Although, ‘Christmas in Leicester Square 2020’ is cancelled due to pandemic, there are still plenty to see and do there.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

‘Scenes in the Square’ bronze sculptures are still on display under the festive lights, celebrating the home of film, and immortalise classic characters. Wonder Woman, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean, Mary Poppins, Bugs Bunny and more. Plus, a Harry Potter sculpture has been added to the repertoire.

Regent Street

‘The Spirit of Christmas ‘ installation has returned to Regent Street. To support sustainable display, the lights are switched on for evenings only.

Carnaby Street

Photo: Urban Adventurer

This year Carnaby Street Christmas light installation is in partnership with Choose Love charity to pay tribute to the strength and courage of Londoners and the whole UK.

Pink and purple lightboxes display positive words all the length of Carnaby Street hoping to bring smile on peoples’ faces during these hard times filled with uncertainty.

Hamleys

Britain’s most famous and beloved toy store transformed their Christmas windows into a magical world. Harry Potter themed display brings the magic to us this year.

Oxford Street

This year Oxford Street Christmas lights are dedicated to silent heroes. Anyone can nominate their hero by filling in this form on Oxford Street’s official website for a chance to see their name sparkle in the Christmas lights. Plus, the winner heroes will receive a £500 Oxford Street gift card to treat themselves. Winners announced each week.

Use hashtag #our2020heroes to be featured on Instagram

South Molton Street

Photo: Urban Adventurer

South Molton Street, just like last year, is illuminated with beautiful blue arches and blue Christmas trees on each end of the street. Why not pick up a Winter warmer at one of the lovely cafés while admiring the magical lights?

Annabel’s

Annabel’s is an elegant private club in the heart of Mayfair. They traditionally surprise Londoners with the most magical Christmas installation. This year they transformed the building into a giant nutcracker stage.

Hedonism Wines

Festive feeling guaranteed after visiting Hedonism Wines on St Davies Street, Mayfair.

Fortnum & Mason

Now it’s a tradition that the impressive six-floor building is transformed into an Advent Calendar for the festive period every year.

Burlington Arcade

One of London’s favourite shopping arcade is not just dressed up festive, but it’s as immersive as possible too.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Make sure to dress up with matching clothes and take some lovely photos while sitting on the festive swing or pose with one of the glamourous Christmas trees.

Piccadilly Arcade

Twinkling lights and crystals. Piccadilly Arcade is just opposite Burlington Arcade.

Piccadilly Arcade is the place where Mayfair meets St James’. The perfect place to start your Christmas shopping.

Bond Street

Their peacock inspired light display is just as unique as Bond Street itself. Tiffani, Cartier and Sella McCartney, just to name a few famous brands inhabited at Bond Street and give us that lavish Christmas feeling.

The Ritz Hotel

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Elegant and classy. That’s how we could summarise The Ritz Hotel Christmas decoration every year. The Ritz London really knows what a stylish Christmas looks like.

Tree of Hope at St Pancras

Tree of Hope has been set by London’s pinkest Insagrammable café, EL&N Café. The pink Christmas tree with the carousel horses around it refers to the difficult period of time we’ve all been experiencing this year, and the hope that gives us strength to get over the difficulties.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

You can buy matching pink chocolate Christmas tree dessert in EL&N Café located right next to the Christmas tree.

Ready for your next adventure? Why not look back and admire London’s most extravagant Christmas trees from last year?