Where to See the Christmas Lights in London
The Top 7 Spots Near Hotel Saint
The festive season in London is pure magic. As the city’s skyline begins to sparkle, historic streets and modern landmarks transform into glowing works of art. From the elegant angels of Regent Street to the creative displays of Carnaby, London’s Christmas lights are worth travelling for — and Hotel Saint places you right at the heart of it all.
Located in Aldgate, just minutes from the City, Hotel Saint is the perfect base to explore London’s most dazzling winter attractions. Here’s your guide to the top seven Christmas light displays in London for 2025 — including when they switch on, what makes them special, and how far they are from your stay.
1. Carnaby Street, Soho
Switch-on date: Thursday 6 November 2025
What makes it special: Carnaby’s annual Christmas display is anything but ordinary. Each year brings a fresh, design-led concept — from cosmic installations to ocean-inspired themes. In 2025, expect “All is Bright,” a bold celebration of colour and creativity lighting up this iconic shopping street.
Distance from Hotel Saint: Around 25–30 minutes by Tube from Aldgate.
Perfect for: Shoppers, fashion lovers, and anyone who enjoys a vibrant, modern take on Christmas.
2. Covent Garden
Switch-on date: Wednesday 12 November 2025
What makes it special: Covent Garden is a classic — complete with a magnificent Christmas tree, twinkling lights over the historic market building, and festive entertainment throughout the day. This year’s theme, Theatre of Christmas, promises music, performance, and plenty of photo moments.
Distance from Hotel Saint: Around 20 minutes via Tube or taxi.
Perfect for: Couples, theatre-goers, and visitors who want atmosphere with a touch of tradition.
3. Regent Street & St James’s — The Spirit of Christmas
Switch-on date: Thursday 6th November 2025
What makes it special: Regent Street’s Spirit of Christmas angels are London’s most iconic light display. Over 300,000 LEDs form a canopy of glowing wings stretching across one of the city’s grandest shopping avenues. It’s elegant, timeless, and unmistakably London.
Distance from Hotel Saint: Around 25–30 minutes by Tube.
Perfect for: Luxury shopping, festive dining, and a quintessential London photo backdrop.
4. Oxford Street
Switch-on date: To be confirmed (expected early November 2025)
What makes it special: The beating heart of London’s retail scene becomes a glittering corridor of stars and sparkling motifs every Christmas. Don’t miss the department store window displays — Selfridges and John Lewis turn holiday decoration into high art.
Distance from Hotel Saint: Around 15 minutes via Tube.
Perfect for: A day of Christmas shopping followed by festive cocktails back at Hotel Saint.
5. Leadenhall Market
Switch-on date: Thursday 14 November 2025
What makes it special: Just a short stroll from Hotel Saint, this Victorian covered market is one of London’s most atmospheric Christmas spots. Its grand architecture and towering tree under the wrought-iron ceiling create a setting straight out of a Dickens novel.
Distance from Hotel Saint: 10 minutes on foot.
Perfect for: Guests who want local charm and tradition without leaving the City.
6. Christmas at Kew Gardens
Dates: Mid-November 2025 – early January 2026
What makes it special: Christmas at Kew Gardens is not just lights, but a full sensory experience. Follow a mile-long trail of illuminated trees, laser-lit lakes, and glowing tunnels. It’s one of London’s most immersive festive events — a true highlight for families or couples looking for a romantic winter evening.
Distance from Hotel Saint: Around 45–60 minutes via Underground and Overground.
Perfect for: A magical evening adventure outside central London.
7. Greenwich — Cutty Sark Lantern Parade
Switch-on date: Wednesday 19 November 2025
What makes it special: A maritime twist on the classic Christmas light switch-on. The masts of the Cutty Sark are transformed into a sparkling Christmas tree, complemented by a lantern parade and the glow of Greenwich Market nearby.
Distance from Hotel Saint: Around 35–40 minutes by DLR or Thames Clipper.
Perfect for: Something a little different — a riverside setting filled with charm and community spirit.
Your Festive Stay at Hotel Saint
After an evening beneath London’s Christmas lights, return to Hotel Saint and make the magic last. Our Christmas Package includes elegant stays, festive treats, and skyline views that shine as brightly as the city below — the perfect way to experience London at its most enchanting.
