London is a city that truly just comes to life during the festive season. It’s not hard to see why it’s at the top of peoples lists to visit at this time of year. The city just seems more magical, cosy and romantic. Seeing London lit with outdoor Christmas lights just has to be done during the festive season. But with so many options where do you start?
Here is a round-up of the best place to see outdoor Christmas lights in London…
Oxford Street & Regent street
As these two intersecting streets are so iconic they really should be viewed together. Oxford Street is the shopping centre of London and its Christmas lights have had a major upgrade In recent years. The new twinkling stars are really atmospheric as you wander from shop to shop. Nearby Regent street’s iconic angel lights have been around for a while and are majorly popular with Instagrammers. You can get some amazing shots standing in the middle verge with the angels overhead.
Carnaby Street
Not too far from Regent Street, you’ll find Carnaby Street where the lights are a yearly delight for many. Carnaby always goes for bright, over the top, colourful displays and this year is no exception. Not only are they breathtakingly stunning but this year the installations are created to raise awareness for Choose Love. A charity that raises money and supports refugees around the world. Carnaby is a great place to wander through the highly decorative shops and take in the electric atmosphere.
Lightopia
Then there’s the Lightopia festival at its new home at Crystal Palace Park in South London. This light trail really has everything you’d want for a Christmasy day out. The 1.5km trail starts with Christmas themed lights. It then goes through a whole bunch of impressive themed installations before ending at the iconic Crystal Palace Dinosaurs. Not only are the lights really impressive but you can expect to find food stalls, fairground rides and interactive installations. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to bring children. Tickets start from ￡19.50 for adults and ￡13 for children.
Winter Light At The Southbank Centre
Looking out at the Thames the Southbank Centre is adding some Christmas cheer this year with the addition of the Winter Light. This free open-air exhibition consists of 10 light-based artworks by different artists from around the world. It’s well worth combining this with a trip to the Southbank Winter Market just outside where you can grab some festive food and drinks.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden has become an Instagrammer’s dream in recent years with ever-changing installations to fit the different seasons. So it’s no surprise they go all out for Christmas here. It features Londons tallest Christmas tree adorned with thirty thousand lights. It also snows every 15 minutes and the amazing lights festoon both inside and outside the market area.
Winterfest
Not to be outdone by central London’s light exhibitions, Wembley is coming at you with its Winterfest offering. Expect to find exhibitions, light-based artworks and probably the biggest LED Christmas tree you’ll ever see! One of the exhibits alone ‘city lights’ is made up of over 100,000 festoons that move to music, so that gives you just some idea of what to expect!
Christmas At Kenwood
Kenwood House near Hampstead Heath has a beautiful light trial within their grounds this year. Expect sparkle, lights, fire and music as you wind your way through their beautifully landscaped gardens. Tickets start from ￡21.50 for adults and ￡14 for children.
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is probably the place most people go to when they think about Christmas lights in London. In the 15 years it’s been going it has established itself as a real Xmas institution. This year it has been ticketed for the first time, so pre-booking is essential. Inside you can expect to find the biggest Christmas event in the city with the whole place in dazzling Christmas lights! The brightly lit Ferris Wheel can be seen from miles around. There’s so much to see and do here you can spend hours exploring. From ice rinks and circus shows. To fairground rides, markets and tons of food options to try.
The Shard
The Shard is one of the most famous buildings in the London skyline and its Christmas light show is hard to miss. The top of the building is lit up in an array of ever-changing Christmas lights that’s quite the sight to see. Thankfully as it’s the tallest building in London, you don’t have to be close by to witness it!
I hope this gives you a few ideas of the best places to view outdoor Christmas lights in London this festive season. If you have your own favourites feel free to drop them in the comments.
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