Christmas is coming. London is beginning to present indicators of the season with timber popping up, markets opening, and lights switching on throughout the UK capital. Given my favourite approach to see town is on foot, at this time 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 soak up London’s annual shows, from outside lights to Christmas markets and buying 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 a few of the hottest issues to see throughout the run-up to December twenty fifth (and for per week or so after).
In the event you want to take a guided London Christmas lights tour, there are many choices. From walks to bike and bus excursions, you might have a number of selections for seeing them with an knowledgeable. You may browse a range and guide 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 by way of the primary week of January. You may examine on-line for actual dates earlier than you go for a stroll to ensure issues are brilliant and twinkling while 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 significantly true of locations like Carnaby Road, which works 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 brief 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.
Suggestions for Exploring London at Christmas
Earlier than you head out, remember the fact that the climate in London is unpredictable and it could actually get very chilly in winter.
It’s a good suggestion to put on heat clothes and convey an umbrella with you. In the event you’re within the UK, I like to recommend this umbrella. In the event you’re within the US, this one is ideal. My winter packing listing for London may also help you with what to put on as effectively.
Moreover, town is among the greatest locations to vist at Christmas within the UK, and it will get crowded. In the event you’re on the town on a weekend, put together for locations like Oxford Road, Regent Road, Bond Road, and Carnaby Road 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 not noted of the station to stroll east down the road. You’ll begin to see the well-known lights as you go.
If you get to Previous Bond Road, flip left and stroll all the best way down it in direction of Oxford Road (the highway will change names to New Bond Road within the center, however maintain straight and also you’ll be wonderful).
Alongside the best way you’ll not solely look as much as see Bond Road’s iconic Christmas lights, but additionally larger-than-life embellished shopfronts and the Royal Arcade with its festive trimmings.
If you attain Brook Road, flip left. Stroll a brief distance to South Molton Road and switch proper. This pedestrianized highway is at all times embellished with brilliant lights throughout the festive season, and it’s a enjoyable place to soak up the ambiance.
Quickly you’ll come to Oxford Road. This is among 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.
If you attain Oxford Circus, flip proper on Regent Road. That is one other of the preferred locations for a Christmas lights stroll in London. The decorations listed here are wonderful, and so they’re lovely to see at night time.
If you attain Nice Marlborough Road, flip left and stroll previous the enduring Liberty London division retailer to get to Carnaby Road in Soho.
Make a proper on Carnaby Road and stroll down its pedestrainiazed stretch to soak up the distinctive Christmas lights. In the event you’re in a gift-buying temper, it is a good spot to go Christmas buying in London, too.
If you attain the top of the highway, flip proper on Beak Road and make your method again to Regent Road. Flip left while you arrive and proceed taking within the lights as you stroll right down to Piccadilly Circus. You are able to do extra buying if you wish to.
As soon as in Piccadilly Circus, stroll by way of it, take within the decorations, and head east on Coventry Road. This highway will take you into Leicester Sq..
There are extra lights right here, and an enormous Christmas market the place you’ll be able to browse the stalls, decide up conventional British Christmas meals and drinks, and take within the ambiance.
If you’re completed wanting round, exit Leicester Sq. on Bear Road, 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 Road. Cross over it as New Row turns into King Road. This festive highway will take you to the well-known Covent Backyard Piazza. Right here you’ll see hanging lights, enjoyable decorations, and one among London’s greatest Christmas timber.
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.
If you’re carried out, exit the piazza on Russell Road. If you attain Wellington Road, flip proper and stroll right down to the Strand. There are many lights and embellished facades to get enthusiastic about as you go.
If you get to the Strand, you’ll be able to 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 direction of the river on Northumberland Avenue.
If you get to the Thames, stroll throughout one of many Golden Jubilee Bridges to succeed in the South Financial institution. This a part of town is filled 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 soak up 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 Competition.
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 soak up the lights and get into the festive spirit.
This London Christmas lights strolling tour ends on the South Financial institution, however you’ll be able to discover as a lot of the better space as you wish to earlier than transferring on. From Tower Bridge to Bermondsey Road, 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 gratifying for the festive season as I do. Going round to see the decorations is among the one of the best issues to do in London at Christmas.
If you would like extra, you’ll be able to check out my Christmas walks in London, my London winter walks, my full listing 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. Completely satisfied Christmas!
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