October 9th 2024.
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it's hard to ignore the fact that Christmas is just around the corner. Even though it's only October, the festive season is slowly creeping up on us, and there's no better time to start getting into the spirit. And what better way to do so than by planning a trip to London's famous Christmas markets and dazzling light displays?
While many of the city's biggest light displays are still being prepared, the switch-on of these dazzling installations is just weeks away. From the iconic Oxford Street to the enchanting Kew Gardens, there will be no shortage of mesmerizing light trails to choose from this year. And once the markets open, you'll be spoilt for choice with plenty of options for early Christmas shopping or indulging in the first mince pie and mulled wine of the season.
To add some pre-Christmas sparkle to your life, keep reading to find out where you can catch the best festivities this year. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start, so we've rounded up some of the top spots for Christmas lights in London.
First up, we have Oxford Street, where the Christmas lights are usually the first to turn on in London, typically on November 5. This year, the display will feature over 5,000 glowing stars, adorned with 300,000 LED light bulbs. Not only are they dazzling, but they are also 75% more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs. This year's theme, in partnership with Great Ormand Street Hospital Charity, aims to support seriously ill children, and you can even sponsor a star to contribute to the cause. The lights will be switched on from 3 pm until 11 pm every day to reduce energy consumption.
Covent Garden is another must-visit spot for getting into the festive spirit. Last year, the central London destination introduced a brand-new display for the first time in a decade, and it's back for a second season. Visitors will be treated to over 40 giant bells with bows, 12 giant baubles, and eight spinning mirrorballs. Other attractions include the Winter Warmer Festival, complete with mulled wine, late-night shopping on Thursdays, and, from December, the return of the Christmas Sandwich Festival. And don't forget to snap a photo with the Christmas sleigh in the West Piazza, open for photo opportunities from 9 am until 9 pm daily.
For one of the largest Christmas displays in London, head to Regent Street, where the lights will be lit up from November 9. This year's theme, 'The Spirit of Christmas', will feature around 50 large winged angels adorned with approximately 300,000 low-energy LED lights. The glittering display stretches from Langham Place to Waterloo Place and surrounding areas, promoting a sustainable experience by using a timer each day. And just like Oxford Street, the lights will also be supporting a charitable cause. Make sure to check out the website for more details.
Carnaby Street is always a standout for its Christmas lights display, with a new theme unveiled each year. Last year, the theme was 'Carnaby Universe', a neon display filled with vibrant shades of pink and blue. This year, the 'Into the Light' display is set to dominate the sky with 60,000 LED lights, powered by renewable energy and reused for the next five Christmases. Visitors can enjoy hourly light displays, large star-shaped features, and special events, offers, and pop-ups throughout the festive season.
For a truly magical experience, don't miss Christmas at Kew Gardens. With over 2km worth of lights to walk through, including glittering tunnels, lakeside reflections, and color-drenched trees, you'll be transported to a winter wonderland. And don't forget to sample some festive food and drink from street vendors along the way.
Last but not least, Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross will be transformed into an Alpine Wonderland, complete with a 46-foot-high Christmas tree and a variety of markets, activities, and immersive sculptures to enjoy. While the exact date is yet to be announced, the area will be lit up from November 9, so make sure to mark your calendars.
So there you have it, the best Christmas lights in London this year. With so many dazzling displays to choose from, it's never too early to start planning your festive adventures. We hope this guide has brought some pre-Christmas sparkle to your life and helped you get into the holiday spirit. Happy holidays from London!
As the days grow shorter and the air grows colder, the holiday season is fast approaching. Though it may only be October, Christmas is just around the corner, and there's no better time to start getting into the festive spirit. And what better way to do so than by planning a trip to London's renowned Christmas markets and dazzling light displays?
While some of the city's grandest light installations are still in the works, the official switch-on dates are just weeks away. From the bustling streets of Oxford Street to the serene wonders of Kew Gardens, there's no shortage of options when it comes to experiencing the magic of Christmas through glittering light trails. And once the markets open, there's even more to enjoy – from early gift shopping to indulging in some warm mince pies and mulled wine.
To help you bring a touch of pre-Christmas sparkle into your life, read on to discover the best places to catch the festive spirit in London this year.
Oxford Street is known for being one of the first areas to light up for Christmas, usually flipping the switch on November 5th. This year, visitors can expect to see over 5,000 glowing stars, made up of 300,000 LED lights that are not only dazzling, but also 75% more energy efficient than traditional bulbs. And as an added bonus, the display is in partnership with Great Ormand Street Hospital Charity, so you can even sponsor a star and support a good cause. The lights will be on from 3pm to 11pm daily, in an effort to reduce energy consumption.
Covent Garden is another must-see destination during the holiday season. Last year, they introduced a brand-new display for the first time in a decade, and it's back again this year. Visitors can expect to be surrounded by over 40 giant bells, 12 oversized baubles, and eight spinning mirrorballs. And that's not all – there's also the Winter Warmer Festival, late-night shopping on Thursdays, and the return of the Christmas Sandwich Festival in December. Plus, the iconic Christmas sleigh in the West Piazza is open for photo opportunities all day, every day.
Regent Street boasts one of the largest Christmas light displays in London, and this year's theme is "The Spirit of Christmas". The street will be adorned with around 50 giant winged angels, or "spirits", each covered in approximately 300,000 low-energy LED lights. The display will stretch from Langham Place to Waterloo Place, and also include surrounding areas like Jermyn Street and St James's Market. Just like Oxford Street, the lights will be on a timer each day to promote sustainability.
For a unique and colorful display, head to Carnaby Street. They're known for their creative and ever-changing Christmas lights, and this year's theme is "Into the Light". Visitors can expect to see 60,000 LED lights illuminating six-meter sculptures and star-shaped features, as well as hourly light displays and special events throughout the holiday season. And as an added bonus, the lights are powered by renewable energy and will be reused for the next five Christmases.
Kew Gardens is another must-visit spot for a stunning light trail experience. With over 2km of lights to walk through, including glittering tunnels and color-drenched trees, it's no wonder this event is so popular. And while you're there, be sure to try some festive food and drinks from the street vendors, and maybe even catch a glimpse of Santa himself. Just remember to book your tickets in advance, as capacity is limited.
And finally, for a more unique Christmas experience, check out Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross. This North London location will be transformed into an Alpine Wonderland, complete with a 46-foot-high Christmas tree and a variety of markets and activities. From a Vegan Christmas market to a Mexican Christmas market, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And don't miss the return of the immersive sculpture Temenos, which will light up Lewis Cubitt Square once again this year.
No matter where you choose to go, there's no doubt that London is the place to be for a festive and magical Christmas experience. So start planning your trip now and get ready to be dazzled by the city's stunning light displays and Christmas markets. Happy holidays!
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