London Christmas Lights Map: Where to see the Lights

Every winter, London turns into one of the most magical cities on earth. But with displays scattered across the capital, working out where to go - and in what order - can be tricky. That's where our London Christmas lights map comes in. It plots the capital's best festive displays across our three bus tour routes, so you can see exactly which lights and landmarks you'll catch, whether you're exploring on foot or letting us do the driving.

How to use our London Christmas lights maps

The maps show our festive routes through central London, each starting and finishing at Northumberland Avenue, near Trafalgar Square. We run three different routes, and each offers a slightly different way to experience London at Christmas:

Route 1 - Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Day - 12:00, 12:30, 14:30 & 15:00 tours, 90 mins
The longest route, including Knightsbridge and South Kensington.

Route 2 - Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Evening - 17:00 & 17:30 tours, 90 mins
A different loop through Knightsbridge and Belgravia, including Harrods.

Route 3 - Sparkling Open Top Christmas Lights Tour

16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00 tours, 60 mins
Focused on London's best-known central Christmas lights and landmarks.

As you read through the stops below, we've noted which routes pass each one, so you can pick the tour that suits you best. Refer back to the maps as you go - each stop flows naturally into the next.

What is the route of the London Christmas lights?

Here's the journey in order, from first stop to last, with the routes that cover each one.

1. Trafalgar Square

Routes 1, 2 & 3

All three routes start in the heart of London at Trafalgar Square. The first thing to look out for is the famous Norwegian Christmas tree, gifted to London by Norway every year since 1947. Usually more than 20 metres tall and decorated with traditional vertical strings of lights, with the National Gallery behind it, it's one of the most recognisable Christmas scenes in the city.

2. St James's and Pall Mall

Routes 1, 2 & 3

From Trafalgar Square, all three routes head into St James's and along Pall Mall - one of the more elegant parts of the route. Look out for the Christmas tree at Waterloo Place, the lights around Pall Mall, and St James's Market's Wishing Tree, which supports The Felix Project.

3. Piccadilly

Routes 1, 2 & 3

Next comes Piccadilly, where famous displays sit alongside recognisable buildings. Spot Fortnum & Mason's celebrated festive windows, followed by The Ritz, which goes all out with elaborate decorations and a spectacular festive interior. Classic London Christmas at its most traditional.

4. Knightsbridge

Routes 1 & 2

Here, our Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Bus Tours head further into London's luxury shopping district, while the Sparkling Open Top Christmas Lights Tour stays central. Knightsbridge is known for its festive lights, decorated shopfronts, and famous department stores:

• Harvey Nichols - eye-catching seasonal displays at one of the area's most recognisable stores.
• Harrods - the famous Brompton Road façade is transformed with thousands of lights, and Harrods Christmas World brings even more sparkle inside.

5. Belgravia

Route 2 only

Route 2 adds a different festive journey through Belgravia. Look out for the elegant streets around Sloane Avenue, Eaton Square and Pont Street, with boutique shops, beautifully decorated façades and seasonal window displays. This extra loop gives Route 2 more of London's beautiful residential neighbourhoods alongside the big shopping streets.

6. South Kensington

Route 1 only

Route 1 continues into South Kensington, passing some of London's best-known cultural landmarks:

• The V&A and its annual Christmas tree installation.
• The Natural History Museum and its festive displays.
• Royal Albert Hall and its Christmas programme.

Grand Victorian architecture and world-famous museums look particularly impressive after dark.

7. Hyde Park Corner and Park Lane

Routes 1, 2 & 3

All routes return towards Hyde Park Corner and continue along Park Lane, with Hyde Park on one side. During the season, look across into the park for the lights and illuminated rides of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - a spectacular contrast to the elegant streets nearby.

8. Marble Arch and Mayfair

Routes 1, 2 & 3

From Marble Arch, all three routes head into Mayfair and towards some of the capital's most luxurious displays. Keep an eye out along Brook Street as you pass through this stretch of elegant architecture, luxury boutiques and beautifully dressed shopfronts.

9. New Bond Street

Routes 1, 2 & 3

Christmas with a serious dose of luxury. Bond Street's festive lights are inspired by fine jewellery, with illuminated crown and tiara details running along the street. Look out for beautifully dressed windows from the world's biggest luxury names, plus the Ralph Lauren Giving Tree, which returns in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

10. Regent Street

Routes 1, 2 & 3

One of the big moments of the tour: the angels. Regent Street's famous Spirit of Christmas lights stretch above the road, their dramatic illuminated angels creating one of London's most recognisable festive scenes. There are two London favourites to spot here too:

• Liberty - the iconic Tudor-style building is especially atmospheric at Christmas.
• Hamleys - the world's oldest toy shop gets even more magical, with festive windows and seasonal displays.

11. Piccadilly Circus

Routes 1, 2 & 3

All routes continue down to Piccadilly Circus. Look up at the famous Piccadilly Lights as the West End comes alive after dark - a completely different atmosphere from the elegant streets of St James's and Mayfair, full of bright lights, theatres and festive buzz.

12. Back through Trafalgar Square

Routes 1, 2 & 3

From Piccadilly Circus, all three routes make their way back towards Trafalgar Square, where you'll see the Norwegian tree from another angle before heading towards the river for the final stretch.

13. The River Thames and London Eye

Routes 1, 2 & 3

The final part of the journey brings some of London's biggest landmarks into view. As you reach the River Thames, look out for the London Eye lighting up the South Bank skyline - one of the best photo opportunities of the tour, particularly from the top deck of Route 3.

14. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Routes 1, 2 & 3

Next comes Big Ben, with the Houses of Parliament and the clock tower lit against the night sky. An unmistakably London moment.

15. Westminster Abbey and Whitehall

Routes 1, 2 & 3

The final stretch passes Westminster Abbey and heads back along Whitehall, with historic buildings and a festive atmosphere all around, before returning to Northumberland Avenue - right where the journey began.

Where is the best place to see Christmas lights in London?

If you're light-spotting on foot as well as by bus, a few spots are unmissable - including a couple our routes don't cover, so worth a wander on their own:

• Regent Street - the famous angels, arguably the most spectacular display in the city.
• Oxford Street - the most dazzling large-scale display, traditionally first to switch on. Now pedestrianised, it's easier than ever to stroll beneath the lights and take in the displays on foot.
• Bond Street - elegant, jewellery-inspired lights and luxury windows.
• Carnaby Street - always bold and different, with a fresh themed installation each year.
• Covent Garden - the piazza becomes a winter wonderland from mid-November, with giant baubles and a towering tree. It's also home to our Brigit's Bakery - the perfect spot for afternoon tea or brunch.

What streets are the Christmas angels on in London?

The famous Christmas angels are on Regent Street. Officially the Spirit of Christmas, the display sends sculptural "angels" soaring the length of the street with vast illuminated wings. The curve of Regent Street lets you take in a whole sweep at once - especially impressive after dark or from the top deck of a bus. All three of our routes pass along Regent Street, so you'll catch the angels whichever tour you choose.

What date do the Christmas lights go on in London?

London dresses up across November and December. Oxford Street traditionally leads the way in early November, followed by Regent Street, Bond Street, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden soon after. The Shard and Trafalgar Square usually add their sparkle in early December. Dates shift slightly each year, so to catch a switch-on - often a free event with live music - check the Visit London website closer to the time.

What time are the Christmas lights on in Oxford Street?

Most major displays, Oxford Street included, come on in the late afternoon as the light fades - typically from around 3pm to 4pm - and stay lit late into the evening. For the best experience, visit after dark. Weekday evenings are usually quieter than weekends.

Oxford Street is now pedestrianised, so it's best enjoyed on foot - a lovely way to wander beneath the lights without dodging traffic. Our tours take in plenty of nearby displays too, including the Regent Street angels, with the later evening and open-top departures travelling once the lights are fully lit.

London Christmas lights walking vs. by bus

You can absolutely explore the lights on foot, and a London Christmas lights walking route makes for a lovely evening. Just be prepared for the distances - the full loop covers a good stretch of central London, and the pavements around Oxford Street and Regent Street get very busy in December. If you'd rather take the weight off and see more in less time, our bus tours follow the routes above from the warmth (or open-top breeze) of a vintage Routemaster.

What's the difference between our two kinds of tour?

The afternoon tea tours and the open-top tour share the same festive spirit but offer quite different experiences.

The Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Bus Tour (Routes 1 and 2) is the longer, more indulgent option - a full festive afternoon tea served onboard, beautifully decorated tables, and allocated seating throughout. Traditional, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal and Gluten-free menus are all available.

The Sparkling Open Top Christmas Lights Tour (Route 3) is a 60-minute sightseeing adventure focused purely on the lights. It's an open-top bus with top-deck seating - no tables, no assigned seats, just you, the lights, and a complimentary glass of Silverhand Estate bubbly. There's no afternoon tea onboard, but you can pre-order a hamper of festive goodies. It runs later into the evening, so it's a great choice before or after a meal out.

Both are brilliant ways to see London lit up. It just depends whether you're after a full sit-down afternoon tea experience or a breezier sightseeing spin.

What about the family-friendly tours?

Our themed tours each follow their own routes, taking in different lights and landmarks - so they're worth a look if you'd like a different view of the city:

• Our Peppa Pig Christmas Bus Tour heads more into the city and south of the river, taking in Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market, St Paul's Cathedral and HMS Belfast.
• The Paddington Christmas Bus Tour passes the Law Courts, St Paul's and the River Thames, before joining the landmarks and lights of our main route.
• And the PAW Patrol Christmas Lights Bus Tour rolls past Trafalgar Square, Green Park, South Kensington, King's Road, the River Thames, Battersea Power Station, the MI6 Building and more.
• Our Grinchmas Afternoon Tea Bus follows the Routes 1 & 2 format above and is an ideal fun way to see the lights with the family.
• And only for 2026, the Cat in the Hat Afternoon Tea Bus Tour also follows Routes 1 & 2 and is a fun-filled experience with lots of giggles and sights to see.

Because the themed routes all differ, we'll be covering them in full in a separate guide. In the meantime, you can see the whole festive range on our Christmas bus tours guide.

FAQs about London's Christmas lights

Where are the London Christmas lights?

Mostly across the West End and Mayfair - Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Carnaby Street, Piccadilly and Covent Garden - plus Knightsbridge, Belgravia and South Kensington a little further out. Our map plots the ones on our routes in order.

Do I need tickets to see the Christmas lights?

No - the street displays are free to enjoy on foot. You only need to book if you'd like to see them from one of our bus tours, which we'd recommend doing early as festive dates are very popular.

Which route sees the most lights?

All three routes take in London's festive displays and decorated streets, from the Trafalgar Square tree to the Regent Street angels. The later departures - evening Route 2 and open-top Route 3 - travel after dark, so they show the lights at their most magical.

When is the best time of day to see them?

After dark, once the displays are fully lit - usually from late afternoon. Weekday evenings tend to be quieter than weekends.

Ready to see London light up?

However you explore, London's Christmas lights are a sight worth planning for. Use our map to plot your own route, or let us take the strain - sit back, look up, and enjoy the sparkle from a vintage Routemaster. Book your Christmas Lights Bus Tour today.

Enjoyed our handy Christmas lights map? Which route will you choose to see the lights this year?