Christmas in London is a serious affair. In fact, the city already dresses up for Christmas several weeks before December 25th. Twinkling lights and Christmas decorations begin to appear everywhere, adorning London’s streets and shop windows. Large shopping centres compete to see who can come up with the most impressive decoration. This is a way of attracting visitors who, perhaps, on the wave of Christmas euphoria, will choose to shop there. It is, however, the great high streets of London that provide the most colourful and magical snapshots. Here, indeed, no expense is spared and the true magic of Christmas in London can be felt. And, of course, there are many typical Christmas markets. A tradition that has also spread to the UK and involves the city’s coolest squares and corners.
The magic of Christmas in London: events and thousand lights
Christmas in London: the Regent Street lights
Located in the heart of London’s West End, Regent Street is one of London’s most fashionable streets and home to over 70 international flagship stores. From Hollister to Abercrombie, via Apple, Liberty and the legendary Hamleys toy shop, all vie for space on this street. Every year, more than 70 million people cross it to shop or enjoy delicacies in the elegant cafés and restaurants, inside buildings with typical Georgian architecture.
This year’s Christmas lights feature large installations of glittering spirits hovering over people’s heads. Step into the many shops lining the street and side streets to get your fill of wonder.
Oxford Street Christmas Lights
Oxford Street intersects with Regent Street in Oxford Circus and is considered the largest shopping street in London. The tradition of Christmas lights dates back to 1959 and each year it is the turn of a famous person to inaugurate the Christmas season. Among the must-see shop windows (and interiors) is the Selfridges department store with an entire floor dedicated to selling Christmas-related items.
Carnaby Street
In the Soho district, just off Regent Street, is this quaint little pedestrian street where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the busy neighbouring streets. Carnaby Street is the perfect place if you want to take a dip into the 1960s, when it was a popular area for street artists and musicians. Even today, independent brand shops still dominate and have allowed this street to become a fashionable part of London.
Every year at Christmas, Carnaby Street gets dressed up with different themes that make it even more intriguing. This year’s Christmas light installation is a colourful mix celebrating the last 25 years of Christmas decorations. From palm trees to Queen’s phrases to planets flying over visitors’ heads. It’s always a big party here on Carnaby Street!
Covent Garden
Not far away is Covent Garden with its cobbled streets that turn into a winter wonderland during the Christmas period. This small district, a true architectural masterpiece, attracts visitors from all over the world and offers numerous cultural, entertainment and dining options. Be enchanted by the mistletoe chandeliers hanging from the ceiling of the large Market Hall, the magnificent Christmas tree and thousands of twinkling Christmas lights that illuminate the 19th century square.
Leicester and Trafalgar Square Christmas markets
Many of the pedestrianised squares also contribute to the magic of Christmas in London with their characteristic markets. The two most famous are certainly those in Leicester and Trafalgar Square. A large number of festively decorated wooden huts selling tasty food and offering glittering gift ideas crowd these squares in the shade of many lights and colourful Christmas trees.
Christmas in London at Harrods
Any self-respecting holiday in London must include a visit to Harrods, long considered the world’s largest shop. A true icon of the City and an undisputed landmark for millions of visitors who come here in search of the best bargains. For Christmas 2022, Harrods has partnered with the fashion house Christian Dior and the entire façade of the department store has been covered with an intricate light structure that recalls the world and the solar system.
Christmas lights in Mayfair & Bond Street
The chic district of Mayfair, along with Bond Street, offer decorations in subdued colours tending towards blue, in line with the class that characterises this area of London. In particular, Mayfair’s Christmas lights are characterised by their sparkle and the iconic archway that lights up the whole of South Molton Street stands out. On Bond Street, on the other hand, you can see light installations inspired by the Crown Jewels.
You can find more information and interesting facts on the official Visit London website!
