Last updated: 20 October 2026
London’s Christmas lights are one of the best reasons to explore central London on foot during November and December. From extravagant Mayfair façades to the illuminated angels above Regent Street, many of the best displays can be connected in one self-guided walking route.
This London Christmas lights walking route starts at Green Park Station and passes Annabel’s, Fortnum & Mason, New Bond Street, Carnaby Street, Regent Street, Oxford Street, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. You can follow the complete route in one evening or skip the optional stops if you have less time.
Allow approximately three hours for the walk, and longer if you plan to shop, visit the Christmas market or stop for food and drinks along the way.
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Prefer to See the Lights by Bus?
This self-guided walking route is free, but central London can be crowded and cold during November and December. If you would prefer to see the displays without completing the entire walk, this 90-minute Christmas lights bus tour includes a live guide and covers some of London’s best-known festive streets.
[Check Christmas Lights Bus Tour Availability]
Your London Christmas Lights Walking Route
Starting point: Green Park Station
Finishing point: Tottenham Court Road Station
Best time to start: Around 4:00 pm
Recommended months: November and December
Estimated duration: Approximately three hours, excluding extended stops
Cost: The self-guided route is free
Starting Point: Green Park Station
Begin at Green Park Station and use the Piccadilly exit. From here, walk towards Berkeley Square for the first Christmas display. The route includes a few short detours, but it allows you to see Christmas lights across Mayfair, Soho and the West End in one evening.
1. Annabel’s, Berkeley Square
Address: 46 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AT
Annabel’s is known for transforming its Berkeley Square façade with an elaborate Christmas installation. The design changes each year, making it a worthwhile first stop even if you have followed this route before. The private members’ club cannot be entered without membership or an invitation, but the exterior display can be viewed from the street.
2. Fortnum & Mason
Address: 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
Continue towards Piccadilly and Fortnum & Mason. The historic department store is known for its festive windows, illuminated exterior and seasonal food hall. Allow extra time if you want to browse inside or pick up a hot drink before continuing the walk.
3. New Bond Street
Location: New Bond Street, London W1
Walk towards New Bond Street to see the seasonal displays created by its luxury shops. The decorations vary every year, but this remains one of the best areas in London for elaborate Christmas façades and window displays.
4. Burlington Arcade
Address: 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ
Burlington Arcade offers a quieter contrast to the surrounding shopping streets. Walk through the covered arcade to see its traditional decorations, historic shopfronts and festive lighting.
5. Liberty London, Optional Stop
Address: Regent Street, London W1B 5AH
Continue towards Liberty London, whose Tudor-style exterior makes it one of the most distinctive department stores in central London. Its Christmas shop and seasonal window displays make this a useful optional stop before visiting Carnaby Street.
6. Carnaby Street
Location: Carnaby Street, London W1
Carnaby Street introduces a different Christmas theme each year. The pedestrianised street is particularly easy to explore on foot and is surrounded by shops, restaurants and Kingly Court, making it a convenient place for a short food or drink break.
7. Regent Street
Location: Regent Street, London W1
Regent Street’s illuminated Spirit of Christmas angels are among London’s most recognisable festive displays. The lights stretch above the street and are particularly impressive when viewed from the pavements near Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus.
The 2026 Regent Street Christmas lights are scheduled to return on 5 November.
8. Hamleys, Optional Stop
Address: 188–196 Regent Street, London W1B 5BT
Hamleys is an optional stop for families or anyone interested in its Christmas windows and festive atmosphere. The shop can become extremely busy during November and December, so skip the interior if you want to complete the walking route more quickly.
9. Oxford Street
Location: Oxford Street, London W1
Oxford Street is one of the busiest sections of the route, but its overhead Christmas lights extend across the main shopping district. Take extra care when stopping for photographs and expect larger crowds during evenings and weekends.
10. Piccadilly Circus
Location: Piccadilly Circus, London W1
Continue towards Piccadilly Circus. Although it is not a dedicated Christmas-light installation, its illuminated signs and position between Regent Street, Leicester Square and Piccadilly make it a useful landmark along the route.
1. Leicester Square
Location: Leicester Square, London WC2H
If the Leicester Square Christmas market is operating during your visit, stop for seasonal food, drinks and market stalls before continuing towards Covent Garden. Entry to the main market area is normally free, although individual performances and attractions may require tickets.
12. Covent Garden
Location: Covent Garden, London WC2E
Covent Garden is one of the main highlights of this Christmas lights walking route. Its festive display includes the Market Building, seasonal decorations and the large Christmas tree on the West Piazza. The Covent Garden Christmas lights are scheduled to switch on on 12 November 2026.
3. Neal’s Yard, Optional Stop
Location: Neal’s Yard, London WC2H
Finish with an optional walk to Neal’s Yard. This small courtyard is known for its colourful buildings and provides a quieter final stop away from the busiest West End streets. From here, continue to Tottenham Court Road Station.
Finishing the Route
From Neal’s Yard, walk to Tottenham Court Road Station for the Central, Northern and Elizabeth lines. If you finish at Covent Garden instead, you can use Covent Garden Station on the Piccadilly line.
Practical Tips for Your Christmas Lights Walk
- Start after dark: Beginning at approximately 4:00 pm gives you enough time to see the displays illuminated.
- Avoid the busiest periods: Weekday evenings are generally more comfortable than Friday and Saturday nights.
- Dress for the weather: Wear warm layers and comfortable, weather-resistant shoes.
- Allow extra time: Shopping, photography and Christmas-market stops can extend the route beyond three hours.
- Save the map: Open or download the route before leaving in case the mobile signal becomes unreliable.
- Check seasonal dates: Individual displays and markets may begin and finish on different dates.
- Use public transport: Central London traffic and parking make travelling by Tube the easier option.
Prefer a Guided London Christmas Lights Tour?
Travelling with children, visiting in wet weather or unable to complete the full walk? You can also see the festive displays on a guided Christmas lights bus tour.
This self-guided London Christmas lights walking route is an easy way to experience several of the city’s best festive displays in one evening. Follow the complete route for the full experience, or select the stops that best suit your available time.
Check the official display and market dates before travelling, especially if you plan to visit during early November or after Christmas.
*Main Picture credit: @dave_torfs
