All mulled wine out? Enjoy this year's holiday season to the fullest by exploring some of London’s most beautiful Christmas displays, from Oxford Street’s dazzling stars to Kenwood House's colourful courtyards and gardens.
While some of the Christmas lights across London have fallen off over the past few years, including Lightopia in Crystal Palace and Light Fantastic in Epping, there is still a strong list of luminescent shows to get Londoners in the festive spirit.
Here, we round up the confirmed light shows across town not to miss. Wrap up warm; sunglasses optional.
Kew Gardens
The botanical destination is once again putting on a showstopping light display this year with glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees bathed in jewel-like colours.
For a reflective moment, be sure not to missed the flickering flames in the fire garden or wander beneath larger-than-life illuminations throughout the grounds (those up in the tree canopies are particularly good). The little ones will get the chance to glimpse Father Christmas along the way too.
From November 15, Kew, TW9, kew.org
Savile Row
Comprising over 5,000 individual light bulbs, no expense has been spared to illuminate Savile Row for the first time in years. Paying tribute to the tailoring heritage of the street, the theme coalesces around cutting and suiting but with a sustainability angle (those 5,000+ bulbs are low energy LED's and much of the design is 3D printed onto recyclable materials). Suits you!
From November 16, Savile Row, W1, onsavilerow.com
Marylebone Village
A merry Marylebone (Merrylebone?) is promised at this year's foremost central London village. Whilst the switch on show might have already happened, there's still plenty to enjoy in the village, with local artisans and crafts people selling everything to make a Christmas merry.
Until January 2024, Marylebone Village, W1, marylebonevillage.com
Leadenhall Market
This year the already rather festive Leadenhall Market gets an extra helping of showy Christmas fun with the Lord Mayor (not Sadiq) turning on these renowned lights. The show is set to kick off from 5.15pm with carolling from the London Youth Choir and an option for a bookable guided walk.
November 16, Leadenhall Market, EC3V, leadenhallmarket.co.uk
Kenwood House
The popular illuminations trail at Kenwood house is back this year with a bigger range of light displays than ever before. Said trail is set to include a new interactive "Light Launchers" a colourful "Retro Rubix" and a shower of light created by the new installation "Reflections". Enjoy festive food and warming cocktails at this family-friendly journey through what they term "a world of sparkle and cheer". Sounds about right.
December 1, Kenwood House, NW3, christmasatkenwood.com
Oxford Street
One of London's largest, most viewed light shows of the year will undoubtedly be the stars on Oxford street. The tourist scrum of Oxford street, visited by millions of shoppers in December, won't be everyone's cup of tea, but if eating nearby, take a look up at the stars, each one can be sponsored by a member of public in aid of children's charity Starlight, and that's no bad thing.
Until January 2024, W1, oxfordstreet.co.uk
Other light spectacles which are yet well worth checking out include:
- Carnaby Street, W1F
- Covent Garden, WC2
- Southbank, SE1
