Christmas lights in London 2026: dates, routes and tips

The Christmas lights in London are among the most beautiful in Europe. From the beginning of November, Carnaby Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden light up in turn, while Kew Gardens are transformed into a luminous trail. Here are the 2026 dates, our walking route, and our tips for enjoying them.

In short: In 2026, the Christmas lights in London will be switched on November 4th in Carnaby Street, November 5th in Regent Street, November 11th in Marylebone, and November 12th in Covent Garden. The date for Oxford Street had not yet been announced as of mid-October. The streets generally remain illuminated until the beginning of January, and walking through the West End is free.

Dates for the Christmas lights in London in 2026

Indeed, each neighborhood organizes its own lighting ceremony, often with entertainment and streets closed to traffic in the evening. Here is the schedule as of mid-October 2026. However, some dates may still change: please check them before you travel.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? Christmas lights in London 2026: dates, routes and tips "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

In the city, you enjoy exploring…

On foot, neighborhood by neighborhoodMajor sites first

Question 2 of 5

Need a break?

A local cafe or pubA museum or a monument

Question 3 of 5

What appeals to you most?

The atmosphere of the streets and marketsHistory and architecture

Question 4 of 5

In the evening, you would rather choose…

A good restaurant and a lively neighborhoodA show or a visit

Question 5 of 5

With a few free hours?

You let yourself be carried awayYou add an essential

Neighborhood	Ignition 2026	To have
Carnaby Street	Wednesday, November 4th	Themed decor, this year inspired by the 1990s
Regent Street and St James's	Thursday, November 5th	The famous illuminated angels above the street
Marylebone Village	Wednesday, November 11	Lighting around 6 p.m. on Devonshire Street, festive market
Covent Garden	Thursday, November 12	More than 300,000 lights, giant bells and a large Christmas tree
Oxford Street	Date not announced	Harry Potter themed Christmas program

In practice, therefore, it is not necessary to attend the lighting ceremony. The illuminations then shine every evening throughout the holiday period, which allows for a great deal of flexibility in planning your stay.

Our walking tour to see the Christmas lights in London

In total, allow approximately two hours for a leisurely walk, including breaks. The route is free and connects the most beautiful illuminated streets of the West End.

• Oxford Circus : start first at the tube station of the same name, at the intersection of Oxford Street and Regent Street.
• Carnaby Street : just a stone's throw away, its original decorations change every year.
• Regent Street : then head back south under the great luminous angels, to Piccadilly Circus.
• Piccadilly and Fortnum & Mason : the department store's facade is also transformed into a giant Advent calendar every winter.
• Leicester Square : festive atmosphere, also with an ice rink and a small Christmas market.
• Covent Garden : finally end under the giant baubles and the big Christmas tree, then have dinner in the neighborhood.

Next, if you still have some energy left, continue on to the Thames and the Winter by the River market on the South Bank. Our guide to Christmas markets in London It also provides details of all the addresses.

The illuminated routes around London

In addition to the decorated streets, several gardens and estates offer outdoor light shows for a fee. As these are very popular, book your tickets several weeks in advance, especially for weekends.

Course	Dates 2026-2027	Access
Christmas at Kew (Kew Gardens)	From November 13th to January 3rd, closed on November 16th, 23rd and 28th and December 25th	Metro or Overground to Kew Gardens
Windsor Great Park Illuminated	From November 13th to January 3rd	Train to Windsor
Glow at RHS Wisley	From November 20th to January 3rd	In Surrey, by car or shuttle
Christmas at Blenheim Palace	From November 13th to January 3rd	Near Oxford, by train and then by bus

Christmas at Kew remains the most famous (program and tickets on the Kew Gardens official websiteThe route notably passes through the illuminated botanical gardens and by the large tropical greenhouse. In addition, two evenings reserved for adults will take place on December 3rd and 9th, 2026.

What else is there to do in London during the holidays?

• Enjoy the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, with its rides, ice rink and Bavarian bars.
• Visit the studios and filming locations of the saga in our guide Harry Potter in London.
• Take a afternoon tea in a large hotel, often served in a Christmas version.
• Attending a West End show or a pantomime, the great theatrical tradition of Christmas.
• Extend until New Year in London and its fireworks display over the Thames.

Our tips for seeing the Christmas lights in London

First, go in the late afternoon: in December, the sun sets around 4 p.m., so the lights are already shining by teatime. Second, choose a weekday evening, as Oxford Street and Regent Street are very crowded on Saturdays.

In addition, use contactless payment on the Tube and buses: it's the same fare as an Oyster card, with a daily spending limit. Finally, pack comfortable shoes and rain gear, as temperatures often range between 3 and 9°C.

Combine the Christmas lights with a stay in England

Three days are therefore enough to see the illuminations, the markets, and a few major museums. You can then continue on to the England's best Christmas markets, as Bath or York, easily accessible by train from London.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas lights in London

When will the Christmas lights be switched on in London in 2026?

First, Carnaby Street kicks things off on November 4, followed by Regent Street on November 5, Marylebone on November 11, and Covent Garden on November 12. Oxford Street had not yet announced its date by mid-October.

Until when can we see the illuminations?

Generally, the decorations remain in place until the beginning of January. However, light trails like Christmas at Kew close on January 3, 2027.

Are the Christmas lights in London free?

Yes, the illuminated streets of the West End can be visited freely. However, only the light trails, such as Kew Gardens or Windsor, require a fee and must be booked in advance.

Which is the best area to see the Christmas lights?

Regent Street and its angels are the most spectacular, but Covent Garden offers the most festive atmosphere. Our walking tour allows you to see both in one evening.

Cover photo: Robert Lamb, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

BRIGHTSIDE TRAVEL

Do you want to experience this trip?

Our local team creates your tailor-made itinerary in the UK and Ireland.

Create my trip