Your Guide to Christmas Markets and Festive Lights in London
London’s holiday season comes alive with dazzling lights and festive displays across the city’s iconic streets and landmarks. From classic markets to eco-friendly, energy-efficient installations in the heart of town, these enchanting events blend tradition with sustainability. Running from November into early January, each display offers unique experiences—from boutique shopping and seasonal treats to charity installations and winter wonderlands. Here’s a guide to London’s must-see holiday lights and markets for 2024.
Oxford Street Christmas lights Check out the amazing Christmas lights on Oxford Street. Bringing back eco-friendly shining stars lighting up the sky. Don’t forget to grab your tickets for Winter Wonderland (21 Nov–5 Jan). Kicking off from 5 Nov, it's the perfect way to get into the holiday mood
Christmas at Merchant Square Paddington is a magical time, with over 10km of sparkling lights adorning the area between the Floating Pocket Park and St Mary's Bridge. This year's display features more installations than ever, including light tunnels, festive arches, glowing deer, illuminated trees, and a special 20-foot Christmas tree with color-changing candy cane stripes. From the 1st December - Saturday 31st December, the lights shine daily from 3pm to 10pm, and the display is free to enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to share their photos on Instagram, tagging @merchantsquareldn.
*The Southbank Centre Winter Market along London’s South Bank offers festive charm with its traditional alpine-style chalets. Here, visitors can enjoy seasonal treats, street food, and beverages as they stroll along the Thames amidst twinkling lights. November 1 2024 – January 5 2025. The majority of the Centre is open 10am to 10pm daily.
London Bridge City Winter by the River: Set against scenic views of Tower Bridge and the London skyline, this market features boutique vendors, themed karaoke, and pop-up food stalls. November 12 until January 5
Covent Garden Christmas: Known for its beautiful decorations, Covent Garden will feature over 40 giant bells, baubles, and mirror balls in November, along with a Winter Warmer Festival and a festive Wonder Wood display. Lights turn on from 4pm on Tuesday 12th November, and enjoy its daily markets full of handmade goodies and unique Christmas gifts.
Carnaby Christmas Lights: Carnaby Street will debut its “Carnaby Universe” display with vibrant neon spheres and a vortex of light, ‘Into The Light’ is an all-new display of 60,000 LED energy-efficient lights that make up a number of six-metre sculptures across the area. The lights will be re-used for the next five Christmases, though the design will not necessarily be the same each time as the technology means they can be adapted. It ensures that the lights are more sustainable while still being able to excite and deliver a new display each time.
Regent Street “The Spirits of Christmas”: Regent Street’s display of 45 illuminated angel figures will light up daily from early November, creating a sustainable festive spectacle. ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ will be lit from 7 November 2024, with the displays switched on from early evening for a more sustainable display. Crafted by James Glancy Desing Ltd, discover more than 30 unique Spirits across Regent Street and St James's. Be sure to visit St James's Market, Glasshouse Street, Swallow Street and Quadrant Arcade to see this year's newest additions.
Mayfair Christmas Lights: Featuring over 60,000 lights, Mayfair transforms with dazzling Christmas decorations across New Bond, South Molton, and Mount Streets. 16 saw the iconic blue lights that have graced the street - witness the Ever After Garden in Grosvenor Square, which also returned to London on November 16. The sea of white roses illuminates the street while raising money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Society, and is one of the most poignantly touching sights you can find in the city. lights will operate on a timer while using energy-efficient light bulbs, which ensure the display look good and are on for more than enough time for everyone to see them.
Chelsea at Christmas: Chelsea’s lights switch-on in mid-November includes family entertainment, mulled wine, and a festive fireworks display, complete with a Santa visit and snowfall. 4th Dec - 29th Dec. London’s newest festive tradition is here! Christmas in Chelsea transforms the iconic Royal Hospital Chelsea into a dazzling winter wonderland Stroll through our beautiful light trail in the historic Ranelagh Gardens, explore our festive market, enjoy daily pop up choirs and join our seasonal workshops. From families to friends - it’s the perfect event for all this Christmas.
Book here( family 2 adults & 2 children under 16 £10.62 pp/adult£15/child £9, under 5 free.
Leicester Square Christmas market Leicester Square is turning into a Christmas wonderland! Check out the festive market full of cute crafts and tasty treats, then head over to the Belgian Spiegeltent for the amazing La Clique show - tickets: £26:50 . It all starts on November 6th.
Urban Food Fest offers unique Christmas street food markets that stand out with a variety of festive food, from turkey buns to hot mulled wine, catering to everyone, including families, couples, and friends. With engaging food traders, vintage furniture and festive vibes to enhance the experience. Additionally, you can hire vintage furniture or street food trucks for a private Christmas party, ensuring a memorable and fun holiday celebration, located at Euro Park : 162-167 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6HU.
Greenwich at Christmas This year, Charlton Park and Charlton House & Gardens are turning into a winter wonderland! Locals can enjoy amazing lights, a Christmas market, a fun fair, and festive performances—all without needing tickets. There’s also a special “quiet hour” on December 1, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., for anyone needing a sensory-friendly experience. Inside Charlton House, check out the Winter Tavern to warm up, and kids can meet Mrs. Claus (tickets for Mrs. Claus available soon). Plus, holiday celebrations spread to Eltham on Nov. 16 and Woolwich on Nov. 23 with stalls, activities, and light switch-ons! Don’t miss it!
Hampton Court Palace Get ready for a magical day out at the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre, a must-visit for food lovers and holiday enthusiasts! This beloved event is back for two weekends in December, where you can eat, shop, and soak up the festive cheer in a stunning palace setting. Visit on Friday, 6th or 13th December to save on entry, and enjoy not only the fayre but also a chance to explore the palace's rich history of Henry VIII and his family. Price: adult : £27.20/£30.00, children : 5-15 : £13.60/£15.00, under 4 : free, senior/students/disabled/concessions :£21.80/£24, young person : 16-17 : £13.60/£15.
King’s Cross is the place to soak up the festive spirit! From 8 November, Club Curling returns to Coal Drops Yard with six colorful lanes and a neon-lit bar area—ideal for a fun family outing. Wander through Granary Square to see this year’s new festive art installation and marvel at the stunning 50-foot Christmas tree in Coal Drops Yard, plus Liliane Lijn’s ‘Temenos’ installation in Lewis Cubitt Square. And when it’s time for shopping, the markets and stores have all your gift needs covered, along with workshops, live music, and cosy seasonal treats for everyone.
Christmas at Kew (13 Nov 2024 – 5 Jan 2025)
Looking for something magical this Christmas? Head to Kew Gardens for their beautiful winter light trail! There are stunning light displays, sparkly tunnels to walk through, and of course, festive food stalls to grab a treat or two. It's the perfect family outing. From Nov 13, to Jan 5. Prices : adult : £32, family £94 =2 adults + 2 children 4-15, children : 4-15 : £20,