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As the nights get darker and Christmas approaches, cities across the UK are lit up with fairy lights, artistic installations and festive characters. Light festivals and switch-ons are popular attractions for families, couples and friends – the perfect way to spend a winter evening and one of the most nostalgic things to do in London this Christmas.
If you want to catch a Christmas festival of lights in London, there are many events to choose from. We’ve rounded up the best in the area, from Kew Gardens to the Southbank Centre, with indoor and outdoor options in case of unpredictable weather!
Where to see outdoor festive Christmas lights in London
Whether you’re hoping to see a spectacular light show this festive season or would rather soak up the atmosphere away from the crowds, these are the best outdoor Christmas lights in the capital.
Central London Christmas Lights
Photo credit: Jamie Davies via Unsplash
If you’re looking for free things to do in London at Christmas, then why not check out central London’s Christmas lights? Even if you’ve missed the switch-on, you can still visit during winter to marvel at over 1,700 installations. Regent Street, Oxford Street and Carnaby Street have some of the most impressive displays, so you can tie in your visit with your Christmas shopping!
When: Oxford Street’s Christmas lights switch-on is on 5 November, while Regent Street and Carnaby Street are on 7 November 2024.
How to get there: Hop on the Bakerloo line at London Waterloo to Oxford Circus, where you can see the Christmas lights.
Price: Free
Ever After Garden
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s Ever After Garden is a peaceful place to visit amidst the hustle and bustle of London’s festivities. Whether you’d like to dedicate a rose in memory of a loved one or take a few minutes to explore the tranquil garden, it’s the perfect place to take some time to reflect over the Christmas season.
When: 14 November to 18 December 2024.
How to get there: Hop on the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Bond Street, then walk 10 minutes to Grosvenor Square, where you’ll find the Ever After Garden.
Price: Free entry, but donations are encouraged. £10 is the suggested minimum donation to dedicate a rose.
Winter Light at Southbank Centre
Photo credit: South Bank Centre
Winter Light is an open-air exhibition at the Southbank Centre. This year’s exhibition features work by Sophia Al-Maria, David Batchelor, Mat Collishaw, Aoife Dunne, Jakob Kvist, Nathaniel Rackowe, Marinella Senatore, Erlend Tait and Fred Tschida. These contemporary artists use light in unique ways, so prepare to be dazzled by their illuminations.
Once you’ve explored the exhibition, take a walk through the winter market on the South Bank to enjoy some festive food and drink.
When: 1 November 2024 to 2 February 2025.
How to get there: The Southbank Centre is a seven-minute walk from London Waterloo.
Price: Free
Christmas at Kew
Photo Credit: Ines Stuart-Davidson © RBG Kew
Christmas at Kew is an unmissable spectacle. Every year, the world-famous botanic garden hosts a show-stopping light festival.
From flickering flames in the Fire Garden to trees illuminated in dazzling jewel tones and light tunnels leading you to the iconic glass Palm House, there’s so much to explore here. Plus, there are plenty of great street food vendors serving festive treats.
When: 13 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.
How to get there: Kew Gardens is an 11-minute walk from Kew Bridge.
Price: Prices start at £25.50 for adults and £16 for children. Booking is essential, as spaces are limited. Don’t forget: you can enjoy 2FOR1 tickets to Kew Gardens with SWR Rewards.
Where to see indoor Christmas lights in London
The weather can be unpredictable during the winter months, so we’ve included some of the best indoor Christmas light displays for rainy days.
Christmas in Covent Garden
Photo credit: Covent Garden
Every year, Covent Garden transforms into a festive wonderland with an impressive display of lights and decorations around the market. Marvel at the illuminated 60-foot Christmas tree, take a Christmas card-worthy photo with Santa’s sleigh or enjoy a festive tipple at one of the mulled wine stations on Central Avenue.
Plus, Covent Garden is one of London’s best shopping spots, so you can pick up some Christmas gifts while you’re there!
When: 12 November 2024 until January 2025 (exact date TBC).
How to get there: Take the Northern line from London Waterloo to Leicester Square, then walk 7 minutes to Covent Garden.
Price: Free
Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights
Photo credit: Photo. London
The annual Christmas lights switch-on at Leadenhall Market is done by the Lord Mayor of London, so you won’t want to miss this exciting event. During the switch-on, he will unveil the 18-foot tree in the central atrium, the light tunnel through Beehive Passage, and many more festive decorations around the market.
Why not tie in your visit to Leadenhall Market with some Christmas shopping? You’ll be spoiled for choice with independent boutiques and high-end favourites.
When: The Lord Mayor’s speech and Christmas lights switch-on takes place on 14 November 2024 at 17:30. However, you can see the festive décor at Leadenhall Market throughout November and December.
How to get there: Take the Waterloo & City line from London Waterloo to Bank, then walk 8 minutes to Leadenhall Market.
Price: Free
Christmas at Spitalfields Market
Immerse yourself in holiday cheer at Spitalfields Market. From twinkling lights to Christmas trees and decorations, the market is transformed into a festive haven.
But Christmas at Spitalfields Market is more than just the decorations! For 2024, The Greenhouse Theatre is putting on a show called The Lost Library of Spitalfields, promising a unique event for all ages. They’re also hosting a pop-up zero-waste bar, art exhibitions, music performances, film screenings and discussions.
When: The Christmas lights switch-on at Spitalfields Market takes place on 13 < November at 17:30, with the unveiling of the Christmas market and shops at 13:00. If you can’t make it to the switch-on, you can see the festive décor at the market throughout November and December.
How to get there: Hop on the Waterloo & City line from London Waterloo to Bank, then change for the Central line to Liverpool Street. From there, it’s an 8-minute walk to Spitalfields Market.
Price: Free
Travel with SWR this festive season
Ready to plan your trip to London’s Christmas lights? We have plenty of cheap train tickets, from advance tickets to Group Save. If you want extra flexibility in case plans change, our Sunday Out and Semi-Flex return tickets are the ideal choice. Don’t forget to check your eligibility for Railcards and discounts to save even more on your journey.
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