If you’re wondering where to catch London at its most festive this year, you’re in the right place. Christmas in London means lights on nearly every major street, a market or ice rink in almost every neighbourhood and a level of sparkle that takes over the whole city rather than sitting in one square. Whether you live here and want a proper festive weekend or you’re visiting for a few days over December, this is your guide to the best spots for Christmas in London 2026: from the world-famous markets and light trails to the smaller neighbourhood gems that don’t always make the big lists.
One heads up before you dive in: London at Christmas is packed. Shoulder-to-shoulder, elbow-to-elbow packed. So aim for early weekday mornings or weekday evenings (more like Monday-Wednesday) if you’d rather skip the crowds.
Quick Guide: Christmas in London 2026
📍 Best areas: Covent Garden and the West End for lights and shopping / Southbank for markets and river views / Richmond and Kew for something quieter
🚇 Getting around: The Tube and buses cover everything on this list; no public transport runs on 25 December and services are reduced on 26 December
🗓️ Best time to visit: Mid-November to early January, with weekday mornings and evenings the quietest
🏨 Where to stay: check my neighbourhood guide + hotel recommendations for the best option for you
🎟️ Don’t miss: Winter Wonderland’s new Magical Ice Kingdom: Neverland, the Trafalgar Square tree lighting ceremony, skating under the tree at Somerset House
⚠️ Heads up: Book big-ticket events (Winter Wonderland, Kew, Somerset House) weeks ahead as they sell out
Leadenhall Market
Location: Liverpool Street
One of London’s oldest markets, Leadenhall feels like stepping into a Dickensian novel at Christmas. Its Victorian architecture, twinkling lights and giant Christmas tree make it one of the most Christmassy spots in the City of London (imho). It’s also popular with Harry Potter fans, since it stood in for parts of Diagon Alley.
Visit before 10am for peaceful photos of the tree before the commuters roll in. Perfect for a cosy winter stroll, festive photos and a quick hot chocolate from one of the cafés.
Here it was last Christmas:
Covent Garden Christmas Village
Location: Covent Garden
Covent Garden goes all out every year, with a huge tree, mistletoe chandeliers, snow machines and live music. Expect pop-up stalls, mulled wine and plenty of festive cheer. It’s also one of the main filming locations of Last Christmas! You know, that movie with Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding? I love recognising London spots in movies. If you’re curious about it, I’ve got a guide to Christmas film locations in London here.
Switch-on date for 2026 hadn’t been confirmed at the time of writing. Last year’s lights went on 12 November, so expect something similar. I’ll update this once it’s announced.
Covent Garden is perfect for gift shopping, festive snacks and taking the perfect Christmas selfie.
MORE LONDON CHRISTMAS: Christmas Film Locations in London
Christmas in Leicester Square
Location: Leicester Square
Leicester Square’s Christmas market wraps around the William Shakespeare statue with wooden chalets, gifts and seasonal food. It now comes with Skate Leicester Square, the open-air ice rink that debuted here in 2025. Based on last year’s pattern, expect the whole thing to run from around 1 November to early January, though the exact 2026 dates hadn’t landed at the time of writing.
Combine it with the Trafalgar Square tree a short walk away and you’ve got a proper festive evening: skate, market, then wander over to see the tree lit up.
Perfect for West End theatre trips, festive date nights and a central spot to combine with dinner or a show.
Fortnum & Mason
Location: Piccadilly
The iconic department store is basically Christmas HQ. Known for its luxurious hampers and gleaming window displays, it’s a must-see for holiday inspiration (and some serious window-shopping envy). The Piccadilly windows are redesigned every year.
Perfect for fancy chocolates, teas and gifts, or simply soaking up classic London vibes.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
Location: Trafalgar Square
This is the one that really kicks off Christmas in central London. Since 1947, Norway has gifted London a huge spruce every year as a thank you for Britain’s support during the Second World War and the lighting ceremony has become a proper tradition. Carols from the choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields, poetry read by local children and a countdown to the switch-on.
The ceremony traditionally falls on the first Thursday of December, which puts it at 3 December 2026 this year, from around 5pm with the lights going on at 6pm. The tree stays up until just after Twelfth Night, typically the first week of January and there’s a small Christmas market of alpine-style chalets around its base.
Perfect for a free bit of London tradition. Pair it with the National Gallery or a wander down to Leicester Square.
READ MORE: Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2026: Ultimate Guide
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Location: Hyde Park
London’s biggest Christmas event returns for 2026, running 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with around 150 rides, attractions and experiences across the park. New this year is the Magical Ice Kingdom: Neverland, a walkthrough ice sculpture experience created with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, plus the Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus making its London debut. You’ll need to book tickets and a timed entry slot ahead of your visit. The event is closed on Christmas Day.
Check out The Bavarian Village for beer and bratwurst or the ice bar if you want something a little more extra.
Perfect for families, groups of friends and anyone who likes their Christmas with a bit of chaos and cheer. Emphasis on the “chaos”. And the crowds. Biiiig crowds.
Somerset House Ice Rink
Location: The Strand
Somerset House is home to one of London’s prettiest rinks, running 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027 this year. Skate under fairy lights, grab a mulled wine at Fortnum’s Lodge and shop the Skate Lounge pop-up store.
One of the most iconic London spots during the holiday season. Evening skates under the giant tree is one of the most iconic things about Christmas in London.
Perfect for couples, friends and anyone after that quintessential London Christmas.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Location: Southbank
Personally, one of my favourite spots year-round, the Southbank’s riverside market combines great food, Thames views and, during Christmas, a cheery festive buzz.
Try the hot churros and mulled wine from the wooden chalets. Check the Southbank Centre website for this year’s events and free performances.
Perfect for foodies and anyone who loves city lights by the river.
READ MORE: 20 Best Food Markets in London
Harrods & Sloane Square
Location: Knightsbridge & Chelsea
Harrods is synonymous with Christmas luxury. Its glowing façade and intricate window displays are pure festive excess. After shopping, walk to Sloane Square to see its elegant light display and boutique stores dressed to impress. Head to the Cartier store, usually wrapped up like a giant present.
Ralph Lauren also has the cutest coffee hut right on the Square!
Perfect for window shopping and picking up an indulgent holiday treat.
Selfridges Christmas Shop & Oxford Street Lights
Location: Oxford Street
Selfridges opens its Christmas department in September and it’s where London’s festive spirit officially begins. Does it feel extra Christmassy because of its appearances in films like Love, Actually and Bridget Jones’s Diary? I don’t know about you, but it does for me.
The Oxford Street switch-on date for 2026 hasn’t been confirmed yet (last year it was 3 November, with 5,000 star lights made from 300,000 LED bulbs), but the lights typically run until early January. I’ll update this section once the official date lands.
Perfect for shoppers and anyone who secretly loves Christmas chaos. (HOT TIP: pop by the food hall for some really great stuff!! Once I was given a Selfridges gift card for my birthday and, it’s a pricey shop, so I couldn’t really get much with it…I took myself to the food hall and did one of the best food shops of my 20s!)
Kew Gardens Christmas Light
Location: Kew Gardens
The legendary light trail at Kew Gardens returns 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with a freshly designed three-kilometre route and new artistic commissions alongside old favourites like the Christmas Cathedral and the Fire Garden. New for 2026: two adult-only evenings, on 3 and 9 December. Tickets sell out early, so book yours well in advance.
The reflections of the lights on the Palm House lake are jaw-dropping.
Perfect for families, couples and anyone who loves Christmas magic surrounded by nature.
Carnaby Street Christmas Lights
Location: Soho
Carnaby always does something a little different. Each year’s theme is creative, colourful and full of personality, with bold designs, live music nights and independent shops putting on special Christmas windows. It’s probably the coolest Christmas in town!
This year’s theme and switch-on date haven’t been announced yet — check back closer to the time, or follow Carnaby’s own channels for the reveal.
HOT TIP: if you’re looking for some good food in the area, there’s obviously the iconic Dishoom and Bone Daddies but also… RIA’S! I can’t recommend Ria’s enough! It’s small, the low lit and intimate and, better yet, does an AMAZING Detroit pizza! I still dream about the last time I was there. It’s great for a cute date night or a catch up with a friend or 3.
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Regent Street & Bond Street Lights
Location: Central London
These are among London’s most famous Christmas lights and for good reason. The angels on Regent Street stretch nearly the entire length of the street and Bond Street usually adds its own sparkle near the luxury shops each year.
The 2026 switch-on dates weren’t confirmed at the time of writing. Last year it was 6 November for Regent Street. Walk from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus after dark for the full effect.
Perfect for a free and unforgettable Christmas walk.
Greenwich Christmas Market
Location: Greenwich
This market is smaller and more local, which is great if you’re not keen on the more touristy ones. Ideal if you want to shop handmade gifts, eat good food and support small businesses. Look out for the festive lights around the Cutty Sark and the artisan stalls in the covered market.
Perfect for cosy, slower-paced Christmas shopping.
Canary Wharf Winter Lights
Location: Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf does Christmas a little differently. Its covered ice rink in Canada Square Park has the longest season of any in London, usually running from late October right through to February, so it easily spans the whole of Christmas and beyond. Then, once the tree comes down elsewhere, Canary Wharf keeps the winter spirit going with Winter Lights, a free outdoor art trail of illuminated installations dotted among the skyscrapers. Last year’s edition ran through the second half of January, with the 2027 dates still to be confirmed.
Perfect for a covered rink on a rainy day, or a quieter, more artistic take on winter lights once the main Christmas crowds have thinned out.
The Churchill Arms
Location: Kensington
Famous for its gorgeous flower displays year-round, this pub goes properly wild at Christmas with over 80 trees and thousands of fairy lights. It’s probably the most photographed pub in London come December.
Snap a photo outside, then head in for a pint and some Thai food (their pad thai’s great). You can do some Christmas shopping nearby at High St Ken afterwards.
Perfect for a festive pub stop after a day of exploring.
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Location: Battersea
London’s only riverside ice rink sits right in front of the illuminated power station, with three interconnecting rinks and a 30ft Christmas tree at the centre. Last year’s season ran 7 November to 4 January, though 2026 dates hadn’t been confirmed at the time of writing. Expect something similar.
Warm up afterwards at The Glass House bar next door or explore the 150-plus shops, bars and restaurants inside the power station itself.
Perfect for a date night with a view, or anyone who wants their ice skating with a proper skyline backdrop.
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Richmond Riverside Lights
Location: Richmond
Richmond goes festive every year, with twinkling riverside decorations and elegant shopfronts. It’s a wonderful spot for an evening stroll or a pre-dinner walk before heading to one of the local pubs or restaurants while watching the lights reflecting on the Thames.
Perfect for peaceful local Christmas vibes away from central crowds (although Richmond’s become quite popular these last few years… hello, Ted Lasso fans!)
Tips for Christmas in London 2026
- Book early: Winter Wonderland, Kew Gardens and Somerset House all sell out weeks in advance.
- Travel smart: Use contactless and check for holiday transport changes. No public transport runs on 25 December, with reduced service on 26 December. Avoid driving, as parking is expensive and limited. Here’s my guide to public transport in London if you need it.
- Dress warmly: London gets damp and chilly at night. Layers, waterproof boots and a beanie are your best friends.
- Plan your route: Combine nearby spots like Covent Garden, Somerset House and Southbank for one easy walking loop, or Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Covent Garden for a West End evening.
- Eat well: Don’t skip the seasonal food. Mulled wine, mince pies and German-style sausages taste better when you’re freezing.
- Bring a portable charger: You’ll take hundreds of photos!
FAQ: Christmas in London
Most switch on between late October and mid-November, with the West End usually first and areas like Belgravia following closer to mid-November. Lights typically stay up until early January.
If you want the full fairground-meets-Christmas-market experience, yes. It’s the biggest and busiest event on this list, so it suits people who like their Christmas with energy and crowds rather than a quiet stroll.
Yes. Christmas at Kew Gardens is a separate, timed-entry ticketed event from daytime Kew Gardens admission and it sells out, so book ahead.
The lighting ceremony always falls on the first Thursday of December, which is 3 December in 2026. It’s free to attend, but it gets busy, so arrive early if you want a good spot.
Walking the light displays, browsing markets and visiting free spots like Leadenhall Market, the Trafalgar Square tree or the Churchill Arms cost nothing beyond travel. Ticketed events like Winter Wonderland, Kew and the ice rinks add up quickly, so pick one or two big-ticket experiences rather than trying to do everything.
Early-to-mid December gives you the full festive spread without the mid-January comedown and it’s slightly calmer than the last weekend before Christmas.
This is a post about Christmas in London 2025.
