Giles Guide: London's Festive Light Trails & Displays 2024

Ready to see London sparkle? During winter, the city transforms into a magical wonderland, with dazzling displays lighting up iconic locations across the capital. From eco-friendly installations to botanical illuminations, here's your complete guide to London's most spectacular light displays!

Iconic Street Lights

Oxford Street

Marvel at over 300,000 individual lights, including 5,000 twinkling stars, illuminating London's famous shopping thoroughfare. These eco-friendly displays use LED lights and recycled materials, creating a sustainable yet spectacular show. Don't miss the 'Big Day Of Joy' on December 7th, featuring street performances and special activities supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Location: Oxford Street, London

Dates: Until 5th January 2025

Time: 4pm-midnight daily

Price: Free

Website: Oxford Street

Regent Street

Experience London's original Christmas lights display, a tradition dating back to 1954. The iconic design features 45 spectacular angels seemingly playing trumpets across the street, created with thousands of LED lights. This grand display creates one of London's most photographed festive scenes.

Location: Regent Street, London

Dates: Until 5th January 2025

Time: 3pm-11pm daily

Price: Free

Carnaby Street

Discover 'Into the Light', a groundbreaking installation using 60,000 LEDs and programmatic lighting to create dynamic, immersive displays. This sustainable installation, powered entirely by green energy, features sculptural light forms stretching up to six metres in length, offering a unique take on festive illuminations.

Location: Carnaby Street, Soho

Dates: Until 5th January 2025

Time: Dusk until late

Price: Free

Website: Carnaby Street

Magical Venues

Christmas at Kew

Step into a glittering wonderland featuring larger-than-life illuminations throughout the 300-acre botanical garden. Marvel at the stunning reflections on the lake, explore the illuminated glasshouses, and enjoy warming winter treats along the trail. New for 2024: Threshold's golden helix shapes, TILT's giant blooming plants, and TOER's jumping fish installations.

Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE

Dates: Until 5th January 2025

Time: 4:20pm-10pm (last entry 8pm, 7pm on 24th December)

Price: £16.00-£25.50 (varies by time and age)

Website: Kew Gardens

Covent Garden

Experience London's most festive destination with 260,000 lights illuminating the historic market building. Admire the 18-metre Christmas tree adorned with 30,000 LEDs, spot the unique Santa's sleigh created from an 1884 carriage, and look up to see 40 gigantic bells, 12 giant baubles, and 8 spinning mirror balls adorning the Market Building's roof.

Location: Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 8RF

Dates: Until 5th January 2025

Time: Daily

Price: Free

Website: Covent Garden

The Shard

Watch as London's tallest building celebrates the season with a spectacular light show inspired by traditional Christmas carols. The top 20 storeys come alive with 15-minute light sequences representing beloved songs including 'Jingle Bells' and 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.

Location: 32 London Bridge Street, SE1 9SG

Dates: Until 1st January 2025

Time: 5:30pm-midnight (sequences repeat hourly)

Price: Free to view

Sustainable Displays

Marylebone Village

Discover super-sustainable Christmas lights designed by Blachere Illumination, featuring curly banners adorned with golden leaves. Created from recycled plastic bottles and using 95% less energy than conventional lighting, these eco-friendly displays demonstrate how festive cheer can be both magical and environmentally conscious.

Location: Marylebone Village

Dates: Until 5th January 2025

Time: Dusk until 11pm

Price: Free

Website: Marylebone Village

Savile Row

Admire the bespoke display celebrating the street's tailoring heritage with giant golden shears cutting through twinkling fabric. These sustainable lights use extra-low energy LED bulbs and feature 3D-printed sections made from 100% recyclable plastic.

Location: Savile Row, Mayfair

Dates: Until 31st December 2024

Time: Dusk until late

Price: Free

Planning Your Visit

• Visit on weekdays when possible to avoid the largest crowds

• Bring your camera - these displays offer fantastic photo opportunities

• Consider a walking route linking multiple displays for a magical evening

• Layer up warm and bring waterproof clothing

• Several displays are easily accessible from St Giles London Hotel - ask our friendly staff for the best routes

Stay tuned for our next guide featuring London's magical Christmas Markets! Want to make the most of these dazzling displays? Book your winter stay with us by clicking here and put yourself in the heart of London's festive action.