There is no place like London during Christmas, as the city transforms into a festive fairytale, with Christmas markets, lights and decorations everywhere. If you are planning to visit London during Christmas or you are unfamiliar with all the London Christmas decorations, below is a guide which will help you find all the lights you need to see this year!
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1. Regent’s Street
Ah, the famous angels. This is probably by far the most instagrammable Christmas decoration in London and the most impressive. Stretching across the whole of Regent’s Street, the moment the angels are lit up, everybody knows that Christmas is here. Every year, hundreds of photographers gather here, to take that perfect long exposure shot…because cars absolutely cannot be avoided on one of London’d busiest streets!
If you are planning to visit the angels and take some pictures, my one tip would be to wrap up warm – as I have experience of freezing here while trying to get the perfect shot!
The lights are being switched on on November 9th this year!
2. Cartier, Old Bond Street
The Cartier is another one of those popular Instagrammable spots. The decoration is always more or less the same as the whole shop transforms into one big gift with a huge red bow. What makes this stand out even more is the red telephone box right next to it that matches it perfectly!
This one is very easy to visit – make sure to also walk along Old Bond Street as most of the shops here have elaborate decorations also.
This is a popular spot so if you want to get it empty try to go as early as you can.
3. Anabel’s
If there is one of the London Christmas decorations that you absolutely must see, it has to be Anabel’s. This member’s club sure knows how to stand out during the festive season. In the past, the displays included an animation of ballerinas dancing in the windows, and a gingerbread house last year…this gives you a pretty good idea of their creativity!
4. King’s Road
King’s Road always transforms into a Christmas paradise. With bright lights all over the high street and a fun ‘King’s Road’ sign in the middle are only some of the things you will expect to find here. Head to Duke of York’s Square, where you will find a tunnel decorated in a festive flair.
5. Oxford Street
Oxford Street lights have already been put up as September ended…and they sill be switched on on November 2nd! These lights are not as spectacular as the angels of Regent’s Street but they still give the street a very jolly feeling.
6. Covent Garden
Covent Garden is another one of my favourite places to visit during Christmas. Here you will find a huge Christmas tree in the middle of the square. There are loads of other decorations such as the igloos where you can dine and drink inside! Don’t forget to go inside the covered area where you will find beautiful decorations too.
7. Somerset House Ice Rink
This magical ice rink is one of the most popular ones to visit, and for a good reason. It is almost hard to believe how an empty square is suddenly transformed into a huge ice rink. It is special as the lights change colour and you can enjoy ice skating here or get a hot chocolate and watch as the pros do it.
8. Tower Bridge Christmas Market
This is one of the biggest Christmas Markets in London, and you will find it right by Tower Bridge. Selling everything from amazing food to Christmas gifts, this spot is one of the coolest places to visit.
9. The Ivy Chelsea
One restaurant which never disappoints with its decorations is the Ivy! It always has the most elaborate, unique decorations that are perfectly instagrammable and always attracts lots of passers by. Last year was the Grinch theme and the year before that it was transformed into Santa’s office – let’s see what this year holds!
10. Fortnum & Mason
The famous advent calendar is always one of the first London Christmas decorations to appear in the festive season. It always has the current year on the side and the windows mirror an advent calendar. The switch on date is still TBC but keep your eyes peeled in November.
You can also go inside Fortnum & Mason where you will find beautiful decorations, Christmas trees and garlands to buy. Be careful though, as you may be tempted to want to buy everything!
11. Peggy Porschen Bakery
Peggy Porcshen is not only good at serving delicious cupcakes, they also have the pretties pink decorations. The above pictures are taken at the Chelsea strand but there are a few locations around London that usually have decorations! They also sell cute Christmas themed cookies so it might be worth wandering inside.
12. Leadenhall Market
You may recognise this place as the spot where Harry Potter was filmed – but did you know that it is also a very beautiful spot to visit during Christmas? You will find a big Christmas tree in the middle of the market, as well as more decorations all around.
13. Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens Christmas Lights are not to be missed if you are looking London Christmas lights. It is really one of the most beautiful places to visit as the light displays there are truly spectacular! Put this on your London Christmas bucket list and you will not regret it.
The installation is starting on the 16th of November this year!
14. Seven Dials
Seven Dials is located close to Covent Garden, and this square always has a very pretty light display. It is one of those that you know is going to be there every year!
15. Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street in Soho is one of the coolest streets in London, there is no doubt about that. Their Christmas decorations are always slightly different from all the others but they are still very nice worth seeing. These lights should appear around the 2-3rd November.
Are you planning to see the Christmas lights this year? Which one of these is your favourite? Let me know below!
Also check out the most Instagrammable cafes in Chelsea, London.
