Christmas is coming. London will begin displaying indicators of the season within the coming weeks as bushes pop up, markets open, and lights swap on throughout the UK capital. Given my favourite approach to see town is on foot, right this moment I wish to share my free self-guided Christmas lights stroll in London with you. There’s a map, too.
Christmas Lights Stroll in London
The festive season is a good time to absorb London’s annual shows, from outside lights to Christmas markets and purchasing arcades. They’re an integral a part of any London Christmas itinerary.
My London Christmas lights strolling route focuses on the primary of those, not least as a result of the lights are among the hottest issues to see throughout the run-up to December twenty fifth (and for per week or so after).
Should you desire to take a guided London Christmas lights tour, there are many choices. From walks to bike and bus excursions, you might have plenty of decisions for seeing them with an knowledgeable. You may browse a spread and e book your favourite right here.
When to See Christmas Lights in London
So when are you able to see Christmas lights in London? They begin going up in late October, and most get switched on in large ceremonies in early November.
The festive shows often keep up via the primary week of January. You may test on-line for actual dates earlier than you go for a stroll to ensure issues are shiny and twinkling whenever you’re out and about.
A number of the installations change yearly, so it’s value making this Christmas lights stroll in London an annual custom to see how issues look. That is notably true of locations like Carnaby Avenue, which fits all-out every winter with a special theme.
So far as what time of day to see them, the excellent news is that the times are quick in London in winter. It often begins getting darkish round 4pm within the festive season, so that you’ll have loads of time to see them every night.
Ideas for Exploring London at Christmas
Earlier than you head out, take into account that the climate in London is unpredictable and it might probably get very chilly in winter.
It’s a good suggestion to put on heat clothes and convey an umbrella with you. Should you’re within the UK, I like to recommend this umbrella. Should you’re within the US, this one is ideal. My winter packing record for London may help you with what to put on as properly.
Moreover, town is likely one of the greatest locations to vist at Christmas within the UK, and it will get crowded. Should you’re on the town on a weekend, put together for locations like Oxford Avenue, Regent Avenue, Bond Avenue, and Carnaby Avenue to be extraordinarily busy.
London Christmas Lights Strolling Route
This Christmas lights stroll in London begins at Inexperienced Park station in Mayfair. Exit on the north facet of Piccadilly and switch ignored of the station to stroll east down the road. You’ll begin to see the well-known lights as you go.
While you get to Outdated Bond Avenue, flip left and stroll all the way in which down it in the direction of Oxford Avenue (the highway will change names to New Bond Avenue within the center, however hold straight and also you’ll be effective).
Alongside the way in which you’ll not solely look as much as see Bond Avenue’s iconic Christmas lights, but in addition larger-than-life embellished shopfronts and the Royal Arcade with its festive trimmings.
While you attain Brook Avenue, flip left. Stroll a brief distance to South Molton Avenue and switch proper. This pedestrianized highway is at all times embellished with shiny lights throughout the festive season, and it’s a enjoyable place to absorb the environment.
Quickly you’ll come to Oxford Avenue. This is likely one of the most well-known locations to see Christmas lights in London. Flip proper and stroll right down to Oxford Circus, taking within the decorations, outlets, and lights as you go.
While you attain Oxford Circus, flip proper on Regent Avenue. That is one other of the preferred locations for a Christmas lights stroll in London. The decorations listed below are wonderful, they usually’re stunning to see at night time.
While you attain Nice Marlborough Avenue, flip left and stroll previous the enduring Liberty London division retailer to get to Carnaby Avenue in Soho.
Make a proper on Carnaby Avenue and stroll down its pedestrainiazed stretch to absorb the distinctive Christmas lights. Should you’re in a gift-buying temper, it is a good spot to go Christmas purchasing in London, too.
While you attain the tip of the highway, flip proper on Beak Avenue and make your manner again to Regent Avenue. Flip left whenever you arrive and proceed taking within the lights as you stroll right down to Piccadilly Circus. You are able to do extra purchasing if you wish to.
As soon as in Piccadilly Circus, stroll via it, take within the decorations, and head east on Coventry Avenue. This highway will take you into Leicester Sq..
There are extra lights right here, and a giant Christmas market the place you may browse the stalls, decide up conventional British Christmas meals and drinks, and take within the environment.
While you’re completed trying round, exit Leicester Sq. on Bear Avenue, cross Charing Cross Street, and and stroll down St Martin’s Court docket. Carry on it as you head throughout St Martin’s Lane and it turns into New Row.
New Row will deliver you to Bedford Avenue. Cross over it as New Row turns into King Avenue. This festive highway will take you to the well-known Covent Backyard Piazza. Right here you’ll see hanging lights, enjoyable decorations, and one in all London’s largest Christmas bushes.
Christmas in Covent Backyard is spectacular. It’s value spending time taking within the lights and exploring the outlets and markets across the piazza whilst you’re right here.
While you’re achieved, exit the piazza on Russell Avenue. While you attain Wellington Avenue, flip proper and stroll right down to the Strand. There are many lights and embellished facades to get enthusiastic about as you go.
While you get to the Strand, you may both take a detour to see the well-known ice skating rink at Somerset Home, or flip proper and take within the lights above you as you make your approach to Trafalgar Sq..
There’s one other Christmas market in Trafalgar Sq., in addition to an enormous tree. You may stroll round and take within the scene earlier than persevering with your Christmas lights stroll in London by heading in the direction of the river on Northumberland Avenue.
While you get to the Thames, stroll throughout one of many Golden Jubilee Bridges to achieve the South Financial institution. This a part of town is stuffed with life and leisure year-round, and Christmas is not any exception.
From the London Eye to Borough Market, there’s rather a lot to absorb right here. You may admire the Christmas lights, get a conventional Christmas drink like mulled wine on the outside markets, and discover the annual Southbank Centre Winter Pageant.
Don’t miss the seasonal decorations in Hay’s Galleria or the Christmas market by Tower Bridge whilst you’re within the space. They’re nice locations to absorb the lights and get into the festive spirit.
This London Christmas lights strolling tour ends on the South Financial institution, however you may discover as a lot of the better space as you wish to earlier than shifting on. From Tower Bridge to Bermondsey Avenue, there’s rather a lot to see round right here.
London Christmas Lights Strolling Route Map & Particulars
Self-Guided Christmas Lights Stroll in London
I hope you discover this Christmas lights stroll in London as satisfying for the festive season as I do. Going round to see the decorations is likely one of the one of the best issues to do in London at Christmas.
If you would like extra, you may check out my Christmas walks in London, my London winter walks, my full record of free self-guided London strolling excursions, and my London strolling map.
You may examine extra nice walks in London’s Hidden Walks, too. You may get it right here. Comfortable Christmas!
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