Every year, from mid-November until early January, the streets of the English capital are filled with spectacular illuminations that attract visitors from around the world. London's Christmas lights aren't just decorations as they are true artistic installations that transform the city into a vast open-air stage.
And yes, it really is the most magical time of the year!
You can't talk about London's Christmas lights without starting with Oxford Street, London's most famous shopping street.
Every year, this 2km-long street is illuminated by thousands of suspended decorations that change theme each year.
In recent years, we've seen giant spheres, luminous stars, and installations dedicated to sustainability with energy-efficient LED lights.
The atmosphere is made even more magical by the windows of department stores like Selfridges which become true visual spectacles.
Walking here at sunset is like immersing yourself completely in the London Christmas spirit.
If Oxford Street is tradition, Regent Street is elegance.
Its Christmas lights are famous worldwide for the giant illuminated angels that fly above passersby and this installation has become a symbol of London's Christmas lights.
The angels are made of thousands of sparkling lights and are a stunning sight, especially close to Piccadilly Circus.
The official lighting is a highly anticipated event and is usually celebrated with live music and free performances.
Rather than attending the lighting event itself - which is always very crowded - I personally prefer going inside a department store and exiting after dark…the stark difference is stunning!
For those who love the more alternative side of London's Christmas, Carnaby Street is the place to be and here every year, the decorations follow a different theme, always original and surprising.
Carnaby is the ideal place for those seeking something different, colorful, and creative. Strolling among its lights, you can also stop at independent shops or iconic venues in the area.
Covent Garden is undoubtedly one of the most romantic places to admire London's Christmas lights.
The decorations here are sophisticated and spectacular: enormous baubles suspended in the covered market, warm lights illuminating the arches, and above all, its majestic and huge Christmas tree.
During the holidays, the neighborhood also hosts gospel choir concerts, street performers with themed shows and Christmas-dedicated gifts.
For those who love luxury, Bond Street is the place to be with boutiques of major fashion houses, such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier.
Each window display is a small spectacle, often with animated displays that attract hundreds of onlookers.
Not all of London's lights are found on the shopping streets and along the Southbank, the promenade along the Thames, you'll find a different yet equally evocative Christmas atmosphere.
The Christmas Market here takes the stage, a small market with wooden stalls selling traditional foods, crafts, and mulled wine.
The market lights, combined with the view of the London Eye and the river, create the perfect backdrop for a romantic or family evening.
If you're looking for a more unique experience, we recommend visiting Kew Gardens during the Christmas season.
Every year, the botanical gardens organize a paid light trail that takes visitors through art installations, light tunnels, and projections.
It's a magical walk that lasts about an hour and a half and is enjoyed by both adults and children.
A unique experience, perfect for those who want to see a different side of London's Christmas lights.
London's Christmas lights are an experience that goes far beyond simply illuminating the streets: they are a spectacle of creativity, tradition, and magic that makes the capital one of a kind.
Whether you choose to wander freely between Oxford Street and Regent Street, discover the creativity of Carnaby, or be enchanted by the romance of Covent Garden, every route will provide unforgettable experiences.
