Christmas seems to start earlier every year, but for me, it really begins when London’s Christmas lights are switched on (though I know some people would say it’s the arrival of the M&S Christmas sandwich). Seeing the Christmas lights in London with kids is one of my favourite things to do in the festive season. I love taking the boys into town after dark to see the streets lit up, stopping for a hot chocolate and making an evening of it.
In this guide, I’ve brought together the best Christmas lights to see with kids, estimated 2026 switch-on dates, a walking route that works for families and a few ticketed light trails if you want to make it a bigger outing.
For more festive days out, see my guide to the best things to do at Christmas in London with kids.
When do London’s Christmas lights switch on in 2026?
Not all 2026 switch-on dates have been announced, so I have included last year’s dates as a guide and will update this post as soon as this year’s are confirmed.
Oxford Street (3 November – 2025 date) – The BIG one and usually one of the first displays to switch on. London’s most famous shopping street is traditionally illuminated by thousands of stars stretching above Oxford Street. It gets incredibly busy, so I prefer to see this one earlier in the evening with children.
Carnaby Street (4th November) – Carnaby Street usually does something a little different with cool LED lights.
Regent Street (5 November) – One of London’s most iconic Christmas displays. There’s nothing quite like walking beneath the enormous Spirit of Christmas angels suspended above Regent Street, especially once it gets dark.
Bond Street (11 November – 2025 date) – London’s fanciest shopping street always takes my breath away at Christmas. Where else would you see a giant illuminated Chanel bottle suspended above you?
Covent Garden (12 November) – One of London’s biggest Christmas trees, a spectacular cascade of bells hanging above the Market Building.
Leadenhall Market (19 November) – Leadenhall Market is always worth catching at Christmas, as the gorgeous Victorian arcade looks even more beautiful covered in festive lights and decorations. Last year they even had snowfall!
Chelsea (15 November TBC) – Chelsea is another favourite of mine for Christmas lights and decorations.
The best free Christmas lights in London with kids
My absolute favourite thing to do at Christmas time is to check out the Christmas decorations around the streets of London adorning the facades of shops, restaurants and hotels. This is a great thing to do and it’s absolutely free! There are lots of Christmas lights which will particularly appeal to kids and here are some of my favourites.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a favourite with children. There’s usually an enormous Christmas tree, the bells hanging inside the Market Building and a big festive display that makes a brilliant photo stop. Afterwards, wander through nearby Seven Dials to see the lights across its smaller streets.
Regent Street
There’s something special about walking beneath the huge Spirit of Christmas angels on Regent Street. It’s one of my favourite displays, and huge size really impresses kids! I’d go earlier in the evening if you can, before the streets are too busy. If you ride an open top bus you can drive directly beneath them.
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is the one to choose if your children prefer bright colours and something a little different. Its decorations tend to be more exciting than traditional Christmas lights, and it’s only just off Regent Street.
Bond Street
I love taking the boys along Bond Street to spot the designer shops displays. Cartier, Dior, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and Chanel have all created extravagant festive façades in past years. It’s really fun turns a walk down the street into a game of finding the next display whilst doing a bit of casual window shopping!
London’s department stores
London’s famous department stores are another must for spectacular Christmas displays. Harrods is usually covered in a curtain of golden lights, while Fortnum & Mason has become known for transforming its Piccadilly façade into an enormous illuminated Advent calendar. Last year, Selfridges went even bigger with a giant Disney castle! All three also have incredible Christmas shops, so they’re worth popping inside while you’re there.
Annabel’s and Mayfair
Annabel’s private members’ club is always a must-see. You don’t need to be a member to admire the incredible façade from outside, and there’s a completely different creation every year. My favourite was the year the entire building was transformed into a giant Christmas tree.
The best decorated London hotels
London’s luxury hotels also compete for some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations in the city. Claridge’s, The Dorchester, The Savoy and The Ritz are always worth seeing, while The Connaught usually has a spectacular Christmas tree outside covered in lights created by a leading artist or designer.
Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station always does Christmas beautifully, with giant baubles, illuminations and decorations around the iconic building. There are usually pop-up markets and plenty more going on too, although activities such as rides and Glide ice skating are ticketed.
The Ever After Garden
Finally, I love the Ever After Garden, a beautiful garden filled with thousands of illuminated white roses in Duke of York Square in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The garden is free to enter, although a charity donation is very much appreciated. It’s particularly beautiful after dark and has a much quieter, more reflective atmosphere than many of London’s big Christmas displays. I dedicated a rose to my dad last year, so this one is especially meaningful to me. The Ever After Garden is open from 5 November to 21 December 2026 and will be open every day from 3-9pm.
Chelsea
There’s lots more in Chelsea too. Last year’s Twelve Days of Christmas displays were particularly fun for children to spot as we walked around the neighbourhood. I’ll update this entry when the 2026 theme is announced.
If you’re planning a festive day out without spending a fortune, I’ve also rounded up the best free things to do in London at Christmas with kids.
A Christmas lights walking route through central London with kids
For a Christmas lights outing with kids, I’d start at Covent Garden and finish in Mayfair. The walk takes you through Seven Dials, Carnaby Street and Regent Street before continuing to Fortnum & Mason, Bond Street and Annabel’s. You can stop at Regent Street if the kids have had enough, or carry on and make a full evening of it. Some spots get very busy, so don’t feel you need to linger at every stop sometimes a quick look and a photo is enough.
The route, stop by stop
1. Covent Garden: See the enormous tree and the decorations inside the Market Building. This is a good place to have something to eat or make a toilet stop.
2. Seven Dials: Wander through the smaller streets on your way to Carnaby. Remember to look up as you go to the canopy of lights.
3. Carnaby Street: Look out for its colourful, playful display before heading towards Regent Street.
4. Regent Street: Walk beneath the Spirit of Christmas angels. This is where I’d finish with younger children if everyone has had enough.
5. Fortnum & Mason: If you’re carrying on, head down to Piccadilly for Fortnum’s festive façade and windows.
6. Burlington Arcade and Bond Street: Walk through the arcade, then see which of the designer stores has the most extravagant Christmas display. This is my favourite place – I audibly gasped last time I saw the street so beautifully lit up.
7. Annabel’s: I think it’s well worth adding this stop even if means a slight detour as its display is always one of the best.
SilverSpoon tip: Start at about 4.30ish and it will be dusk but you will get the full effect of the twinkling lights. As night falls further it will be more dramatic. Trafalgar Square is an optional extra but makes the walk quite a bit longer.
The best ticketed Christmas light trails in London with kids
Christmas at Kew
What to expect: A 3km illuminated trail through Kew Gardens, with large-scale light installations, colour tunnels, music and a chance to see Father Christmas. There are also food stalls and fairground rides along the way. This is one of London’s hot tickets!
SilverSpoon Tip: I still haven’t made it to Christmas at Kew myself, but I’d book an early entry slot with younger children. The trail can take over two hours once you’ve stopped for food and photos, and pushchairs are allowed. Check which gate you’ve booked before setting off.
Best for: All ages, provided younger children are comfortable with a long outdoor outing
Dates: Selected evenings, 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
Price: Off-peak tickets from £29.50 per adult / £20 per child aged 4–15; under-fours go free
Getting there: Kew Gardens station is around 500m from Victoria Gate. Other entrance gates are available, so check the gate on your ticket.
Booking: Book here. Advance booking is essential. Use my code ANGIESILVER10 for a 10% discount.
Chelsea Winter Illuminations
What to expect: A 1.5km light trail through the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, with large-scale illuminated art, interactive installations and soundscapes. Afterwards, you can visit the Christmas market and food stalls at Chelsea Winter Village.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is a shorter trail length if you’re going with younger children. You can also visit the Winter Village without buying a trail ticket, although food, rides and other activities cost extra.
Best for: All ages, particularly families looking for a shorter light trail in central London
Dates: 25 November to 28 December 2026
Price: Varies by date; under-threes go free but need a ticket
Getting there: Royal Hospital Chelsea, on Royal Hospital Road. Check your ticket for the event entrance before travelling.
Booking: Book here.
Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace
What to expect: A snowy journey through Fulham Palace’s gardens, with a Candy Cane Walk, jingling trees, vintage sleds and a snow maze. The trail leads to the North Pole Lodge, where children can write a letter to Santa and play games before meeting him.
SilverSpoon Tip: The lights are part of the experience, but it’s a Santa visit rather than a large-scale light trail like Kew.
Best for: Children aged roughly 2–10
Dates: 20 November to 23 December 2026
Price: Varies by date and ticket type
Getting there: Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, SW6 6EA
Booking: Book here.
If meeting Father Christmas is top of your children’s list, have a look at my guide to the best Santa’s grottos in London, too.
How to see London’s Christmas lights without a long walk
A Christmas lights bus tour is a great way to see London after dark without walking miles with children or having to negotiate crowds, we do one every year. You can make an evening of it with afternoon tea on board, or choose a classic sightseeing tour if you’d rather just see the lights.
Peppa Pig Christmas Lights Bus Tour
A perfect choice for younger kids and Peppa fans. The festive Peppa Pig bus tour combines Christmas lights with a themed afternoon tea, songs and activities on board. It’s suitable for children aged two and over. Use the code ANGIESILVER10 for 10% off.
We’ve been on the regular tour, so you can read my Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour review to see what it’s like with children.
PAW Patrol Christmas Lights Bus Tour
The PAW Patrol tour pairs a themed afternoon tea and onboard entertainment with a trip past London’s festive sights. Another option for younger children who might find a long evening walk too much. Use the code ANGIESILVER10 for 10% off.
Paddington Christmas Lights Bus Tour
For Paddington fans, there’s a Christmas version of his afternoon tea bus tour, taking in the lights while everyone stays warm on the bus and enjoy some marmalade! Use the code ANGIESILVER10 for 10% off.
Grinchmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
The Grinchmas bus tour is a lively choice, with a Grinch-themed tea, games and entertainment as you travel past the Christmas lights. It’s for ages five and over. Use SILVERSPOON for 10% off when booking.
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The Snowman Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
If you love The Snowman, this themed afternoon tea bus tour brings the story’s music and festive treats together with views of London’s lights.
Christmas lights bus tours without afternoon tea
If you’d rather concentrate on the lights, there are also Christmas sightseeing bus tours. They’re a good easy option if you want to cover more of London without asking children to walk between every display.
Hamleys Christmas Lights Tour
Hamleys also has a Christmas lights tour with festive fun and Christmas music.
FYI the tour buses don’t have toilets.
If you’re visiting with very little ones, my guide to Christmas in London with babies and toddlers has more festive ideas for that age group.
Tips for seeing the Christmas lights in London with children
Check the switch-on dates first. London’s displays don’t all light up on the same day. If you’re following my walking route, wait until the main stops are switched on so you don’t arrive at a dark street with disappointed children.
Go at dusk if you can. You’ll see the lights properly without making it a late night. A weekday is usually less crowded than a Saturday, particularly around Covent Garden and Regent Street.
You can choose a few stops, not the whole map. The full walk ends at Annabel’s in Mayfair, but with younger children you could finish at Regent Street. The point is to enjoy the displays, not force everyone to keep walking. Nothing worse than enforced fun!
Plan one food and toilet stop. Covent Garden is a good place to do both before setting off. A hot chocolate along the way is a good incentive.
Take a buggy if you still use one. I know my children run out of steam once you’ve added crowds, cold weather and stops to look at every shop window.
Keep an eye on the roads. Some of the best lights stretch above busy shopping streets. It’s tempting to walk along looking up, so stop somewhere safe when you want to take it all in. And be careful with your phone as London is rife with phone snatchers.
For me, seeing London’s Christmas lights doesn’t need to be a big deal but it is still one of my favourite things to do. Some of our loveliest festive evenings have simply been a walk through town with the boys, a few spectacular shop windows and a hot chocolate along the way. Choose the displays that appeal to your children, check they’ve switched on before you set off, and enjoy as much of the route as everyone’s happy to walk.
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