This post tells you where the best London Christmas lights and holiday displays to visit are in 2022.
You could also join us for our London Christmas Lights Tour.
Our tour runs every day but Tuesdays from the 28th of November until the 30th of January at 18:00 (6:00 pm)
When Do The Lights Go On?
There is no single date when all of the Christmas lights in London switch on. They all run to their own schedule and begin twinkling at the start of November.
For ease, here is a brief overview of when London's Christmas lights light up for the 2022 season.
Early November: Selfridge's, Canarby Street, Covent Garden, Belgravia, Regent Street, St. James, Oxford Street, Leicester Square
Mid to Late November: Greenwich Market, Leadenhall, Chelsea, Coal Drops Yard
December: Trafalgar Square, Greenwich Sparkle in the Park
TBC (at time of writing): The Strand, Seven Dials, Old Bond Street
Most lights will stay lit until New Years Day, although some will remain shining until the 6th of January.
1. Leicester Square Christmas Market
London's iconic Leicester Square plays host to a traditional Christmas market during the festive season.
Expect sparkling lights, garlands, baubles, and trees along with shopping, hot mulled wine, and delicious Christmas snacks!
Read our post on the Leicester Square Christmas Market.
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus
Opening times: Usually November to mid-January. As of now, Christmas in Leicester Square is scheduled to begin on November 12th, 2022, and end on January 9th, 2023.
We visit Leicester Square on our pay-what-you-wish London Christmas Lights Tour, so let us take you there.
2. Oxford Street
Perhaps the most famous place to view Christmas lights in London is Oxford Street.
Oxford Street has not yet confirmed dates for 2022, but chances are that lights will be installed at the beginning of November.
This year, the lights will pay tribute to the heroes who have demonstrated kindness and steadfast support to others during the pandemic.
The digital lighting will comprise 27 LED light curtains draped across Oxford Street which will display the words to a poem dedicated to those who have shown kindness, strength, and bravery throughout the last year.
Read our post on the Oxford Street Christmas lights.
Nearest Underground Station: Oxford Circus (map)
3. Regent’s Street + Piccadilly Circus
This year Regent's Street + Piccadilly Circus will have their lights up starting on November 14th, 2022.
The end date has not yet been confirmed, but it will likely be in early January 2023.
If you will be here anyway, take a read of our guide to Piccadilly Circus.
Nearest Underground Station: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus (map)
4. Bond Street
Famous as part of London’s high-end shopping district, Bond Street goes all out when it comes to Christmas lights.
The theme in years past has included crowns and peacock feathers, so you can expect that to continue in years to come.
Huge sprays of feathers bow out over Bond street, turning it into a peacock-lined glittering tunnel!
Official dates for 2022 have yet to be revealed, but chances are that lighting installations will appear in early November.
Nearest Underground Station: Bond Street (map)
5. Christmas at Covent Garden
This year, Covent Garden's central market is set to be decked with mistletoe chandeliers, giant baubles, garlands, and lights!
Lots of lights. 115,000 lights! All surrounding the market and decorating their iconic 55 foot tall tree.
Oh and did somebody say it's snowing..?
The Covent Garden Christmas decorations are on from 7:00am - 11:00pm every day, 7 days a week from 9th November to 3rd January
Snowfall takes place on the hour from 12:00pm until 7:00pm, every day, 7 days a week from 9th November - 27th December.
Nearest Underground Station: Covent Garden or Leicester Square (map)
Read our post on Christmas at Covent Garden as well as the top things to do in and around Covent Garden.
6. Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree and Market
Trafalgar Square has been the home of London’s yearly Christmas tree, donated by the people of Norway every year, as a gesture of thanks for support during WWII.
The exact dates for the lighting installations and Christmas tree lighting are TBD.
But, they will have Christmas caroling in December 2022, so chances are the holiday lights will be installed before then.
Just around the corner from Trafalgar Square is The Strand where you can expect snowflakes, icicles, and baubles lining this grand road.
Nearest Underground Station: Charing Cross (map)
Learn more the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree and Market.
And also read our things to do in Trafalgar Square including the free Christmas Caroling that takes place every December.
7. Harrods and Selfridges
Throughout the year, the window displays at Harrod’s and Selfridge’s showcase some of the most incredible pieces of art, fashion, and décor.
But when it comes to Christmas, the shops really raise the game!
Each year the windows are filled with moving, swirling, sparkling and glittering statues, mechanics, fashions, and even real falling snow.
So make sure you check the window displays at least one of London’s best-known stores.
Harrods has confirmed they will likely be installing Christmas windows displays at the end of October 2022.
Nearest Underground Stations: Knightsbridge for Harrod’s (map) / Marble Arch for Selfridge’s (map)
8. Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street was the heart of swinging London - and is still a hot spot for nightlife today.
This iconic pedestrian-only lane is always decked out in twinkling lights for Christmas!
The switch-on will be on November 4th, 2022. The theme this year will be a kaleidoscope of colorful butterflies. Learn more here.
Carnaby Street is in the heart of Soho. Read our post on the top 10 things to do in Soho.
Also check our full guide on Christmas in London, as well as our other posts on the holidays in London:
