London at Christmas just hits different. The city glows, the pubs feel even cosier, and everywhere you turn it smells like cinnamon and mulled wine. Whether you’re here for the lights, the markets, or simply the festive vibe, there’s no better time to wrap up warm and hit the streets. Plus, with my London Christmas Guide, you can actually organise everything ahead of your trip instead of planning on the fly.
And the best part? It all starts early. From mid-November, the city slowly switches on its Christmas magic, so you don’t even have to wait for December to feel festive. With my complete London Christmas Guide for 2025, you’re not only prepared, you’re also sure to enjoy this season to the max – from your very first hot chocolate to your last twinkly lights walk.
When Does Christmas Start in London in 2025?
If you’re wondering when to visit to catch the lights and markets without the full December crowds, you’re in luck. First of all, some of the most iconic light switch-ons and new festive experiences start as early as November, and then more and more pop up as the weeks go by. So instead of waiting for peak season, you can slide in a little earlier and still get all the sparkle.
That’s why, if you plan your trip for mid-November to early December, you’ll hit the sweet spot. During this window, you’ll catch the best of the magic – twinkling lights, seasonal bites and Christmas markets – while, at the same time, enjoying noticeably fewer people around. As a result, you can actually wander, browse and take photos without feeling rushed, which makes the whole London-at-Christmas experience so much more enjoyable.
Where to See London’s Christmas Lights: My Fave Streets & Switch‑On Dates
London doesn’t just turn on for Christmas, it absolutely glows. As the season rolls in, strolling under festive displays becomes a whole mood in itself. From one neighbourhood to the next, the lights shift, the atmosphere changes, and the city feels more magical with every street you wander down. With that in mind, here are the best streets and spots to catch the sparkle this year – along with their switch-on dates, where they’ve already been confirmed.
Oxford Street
The classic blaze of lights you see in postcards. It usually leads the charge.
📅 Switch‑on: November 3, 2025
Regent Street & St. James’s Street
Think glowing angels above, regal displays around Piccadilly and through St James’s.
📅 Switch‑on: November 6, 2025
Carnaby Street
This one kicks off the season in style. Quirky, bold, and always surprising.
📅 Switch‑on: November 6, 2025
Covent Garden
Big tree, baubles, and atmosphere overload. The lights go up in the piazza with flair.
📅 Switch‑on: November 12, 2025
Old Spitalfields Market
One of my favourites; intimate, charming, and perfect for a leisurely evening wander.
📅 Switch‑on: November 12, 2025
Marylebone Village (“Merry Marylebone”)
Local shops, twinkle lights overhead, quieter vibe for a more intimate festive energy.
📅 Switch‑on: November 12, 2025
Covent Garden and Seven Dials
Seven Dials offers a nice spot to slip into from Covent Garden.
📅 Switch‑on for both: November 12, 2025
Ever After Garden at Grosvenor Square
This is more of an installation than a street with glowing white roses, installations, and festive stillness.
📅 Display: From November 13 until, December 16, 2025
Leadenhall Market & Belgravia
Tick these off your list for hidden gems. The old aisles of Leadenhall look gorgeous, draped in lights.
📅 Switch‑on: November 13, 2025
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
The city’s biggest Christmas event. Lights, markets, rides — full festive overload (in the best way).
📅 Opening: November 14, until January 1 2026
Christmas at Kew Gardens
An illuminated wonderland with glowing tunnels, installations, and a dreamy walk through the gardens.
📅 Running: November 14 until January 4, 2026
Chelsea
Less central but stunning. Lights along King’s Road and side streets add cosy magic.
📅 Switch‑on: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Greenwich Market
Down by the river, with a more relaxed, local festive feel.
📅 Switch‑on: November 19, 2025
Neverland at Kenwood House
A whimsical, immersive light trail through gardens and woodland — magical for all ages.
📅 Running: November 21 until January 3, 2026
Christmas at Eltham Palace
Historic meets festive with glittering lights around this English Heritage site.
📅 Switch‑on: November 15, 2025
Fulham Palace Festive Lights
Lesser known, but oh-so-pretty. Great for families or a relaxed local feel.
📅 Switch‑on: November 29th, 2025
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
The iconic Norwegian spruce lighting ceremony — simple but deeply symbolic.
📅 Switch‑on: December 4, 2025
New Bond Street / Burlington Arcade / Harrods / Fortnum & Mason / Annabel’s
These are boutique, luxurious spots, and they really lean into the season. So, you can expect windows dressed to the nines, beautifully themed facades, and elegant displays that are almost too pretty to walk past.
📅 Switch-on: 15th of November
For even more inspiration, and to see exactly why I love each of these displays so much, head over to my full guide:
As part of my London Christmas Guide, here’s the ideal 45-minute walk to see most of Christmas Lights in London:
If you would rather opt for a Christmas tour, here is a selection I’ve made for you (and personally tested!):
Where to Go Ice Skating in London This Christmas
London is full of postcard-perfect ice rinks that pop up across the city during the festive season, and if gliding under twinkling lights is your thing, you’re absolutely in for a treat. From iconic landmark backdrops to little neighbourhood surprises, there’s always another rink to discover as you wander around the city.
This year, the new kid on the block is especially exciting: Leicester Square’s brand-new ice rink, opening on November 1. Because it’s set right in the buzz of the Christmas market, you can skate, sip something warm, and then stroll between the stalls without going anywhere else. Altogether, it promises all the festive feels in one perfectly Christmassy spot.
Here are the best spots to hit the ice this season:
- Canary Wharf Ice Rink from October 25 to February 22
- Skate Leicester Square from November 1 to January 4 (new for 2025!)
- Glide at Battersea Power Station from November 7 to January 4
- Skate at Somerset House from November 12 to January 11
- Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park from November 14 to January 1
- Queen’s House Ice Rink (Greenwich) from November 21 to January 4
- Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink from November 21 to January 4
- Skate West End at Hanover Square from December 11 2025 to January 5 2026
- Festive Skate at Ally Pally from December 11 2025 to January 5 2026
- Ice Rink at Westfield White City from Mid-November, TBC
⛸️ Want prices, booking tips, and my honest take on each rink?
I’ve rounded up everything you need to know in my full skating guide right here:
👉 Ice Skating in London 2025
London Christmas Markets 2025: When & Where to Go
Central London’s Must-Visit Christmas Markets
Christmas in Leicester Square
A classic in the heart of London. Expect mulled wine, handmade gifts, and festive shows under the fairy lights.
📅 November 1 – January 4
Buckingham Palace Christmas Pop-Up
A royal festive first! Discover Christmas decorations and exclusive souvenirs inside the palace grounds.
📅 November 14 – January 5
Covent Garden Christmas Markets
Glittering lights, mulled wine stations, and local artisan stalls – all in one of London’s most iconic squares.
📅 November 12 – January 3
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Set beside the famous Christmas tree, this market brings wooden chalets and carols to the heart of London.
📅 November 1 – January 4
Old Spitalfields Christmas Market
Indie vibes meet Christmas magic. Think fashion, art, and festive food in a charming historic setting.
📅 November 12 – early January
Magical Christmas Markets by the River Thames
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Riverside sparkle! Browse handmade gifts and global eats with views of the Thames and festive vibes.
📅 November 3 – January 4
Winter by the River (London Bridge City)
Stunning views of Tower Bridge with a line-up of unique gifts, food stalls, and fairy-lit huts.
📅 November 14 – January 4
Greenwich Christmas Market
Historic charm with twinkling lights, nautical-themed décor, and stalls filled with local crafts.
📅 November 20
Christmas Markets Worth the Trip Outside Central London
Winter Wonderland Christmas Market (Hyde Park)
A festive staple. From handcrafted gifts to festive bites, this market sits at the heart of London’s Christmas buzz.
📅 November 14 – January 1
Kingston Christmas Market
Charming and traditional. Set riverside with alpine-style stalls, crafts, food, and warming drinks.
📅 November 13 – December 28
King’s Cross Christmas Markets
Pop-up markets with handmade gifts, street food, and live music in one of London’s coolest districts.
📅 November 21 – end of December
Borough Market at Christmas
Food lovers, this is your spot. Cheese nights, festive foods, and a magical food‑filled atmosphere.
📅 December 1 – January 6
Where to Stay in London during the Christmas season
London might feel like a maze during the festive season, especially when you’re trying to squeeze in Christmas markets, light displays, and winter events all in a few days. That’s exactly why choosing the right place to stay can completely make or break your experience. After all, you don’t want to spend half your day zig-zagging across the city on the Tube when all you really want is to drop your shopping bags, kick off your boots, and recharge with a hot chocolate.
So, whether you’re after a cosy budget base, a stylish mid-range gem, or full-blown festive luxury, having the right neighbourhood changes everything. To make things easier, I’ve rounded up the best places to stay in central locations so you’re never far from the twinkle, the markets, or the mulled wine. For even more detail – including which areas are best for Christmas magic (and which ones I’d personally skip) – head over to my full accommodation guide, where I break it all down by budget and vibe:
👉 Where to Stay in London at Christmas – A Stay for Every Budget (coming soon)
Hotels That Go All Out with Christmas Decorations
If you like your hotel stay to feel like part of the experience – with lobbies, décor and ambience doing the heavy lifting – then these spots are for you. Instead of just being a place to sleep, they become an extension of your trip, wrapping you in cosy vibes from the moment you walk in. These hotels are excellent choices any time of year, of course, but they’re especially magical during the holidays, when the lights, trees and festive touches make everything feel just a little bit extra.
- Claridge’s, Mayfair — Legendary for its refined elegance and epic decor.
- The Dorchester — Grand, classic, beautifully presented.
- Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park — Plush, classy, elevated design.
- The Savoy — Timeless glamour, a hotel that holds moments.
- The Goring — Warm, refined, an English hotel feel with personality.
- Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane — Polished, upscale, beautiful interiors.
London Christmas Guide: The Ultimate Map!
Want to easily get all the best Christmas locations in London, whether it’s restaurants, hotels or decorations? Then you’re in the right place. Instead of spending hours saving random posts, you can simply join my Instagram channel,
where I’ve shared a handy map you can access anytime with all the pins you need in London.
On top of that, I’ve also pinned my favourite festive spots in Bath and Paris, so you can plan more than one Christmas escape if you fancy it. And the best part? I’ll keep updating the map live as I discover new places, so you’re always one step ahead for your next cosy city break.
Need to Know before visiting London at Christmas
- Book early: Markets, afternoon teas, and festive dining book up fast, especially on weekends.
- Sun sets before 4PM, so plan your day with this in mind.
- Dress for the cold: It rarely snows, but it can get damp and chilly. Layers, scarves, and comfy boots are a must.
- Public transport runs well, but check for changes over Christmas week itself.
Feeling Extra Festive? Don’t Miss These Christmassy Activities
- Hogwarts in the Snow – Warner Bros Studio magic, even better at Christmas
- Miracle at Henrietta – The most excentric Christmas themes bar in London
- Candlelight concerts & sing-along carols (look it up on Fever)
- Taste a film – ELF for a gustative Christmas experience
- North Pole Express Tour with Santa to discover the Christmas lights in the best atmosphere
- Go on a Christmas Trail at Chelsea or Kew Gardens
- The Snowman Afternoon Tea Bus Christmas Tour
- Humbug – Santa’s Christmas Dive Bar Experience
Ready to enjoy the magic of Christmas in London?
London at Christmas is ✨everything✨. Think festive markets, glowing lights, a cheeky cocktail or two, and endless magic around every corner. From the moment you step out into the chilly air, the city just feels different. Whether you’re ice skating in a historic square, wandering past sparkling shop windows, or unwrapping your first-ever mince pie, there’s truly nowhere quite like it.
So, let this be the year you do Christmas in London properly. To stay up to date with the latest Christmas activities, decorations and festive openings across the city, make sure you follow me on Instagram. I’m always sharing new finds, updates and last-minute ideas. And of course, if you have any questions while you’re planning your trip, don’t hesitate to slide into my DMs – I’m always happy to help you make your London Christmas feel extra special. 🎄✨
