Let me set the scene for you: you have absolutely no idea what day it is, you haven’t left the house in almost a week, you’re gradually morphing into a Quality Street, and you’re considering a new career in property because you managed to put three houses on Mayfair during a game of Monopoly last night. That’s right folks, it’s the crimbo limbo.
Now, as much as I whole-heartedly support hibernating in your pajamas until the new year; we all know that inhaling fresh air and getting some steps in is good for us. And what better way to partake in both of those things than with a festive walking tour of our lovely capital city?
Christmas may be over, but London is still glowing, glistening and giving out some well-needed end of year cheer. So, we’ve mapped out the ultimate festive walking tour of London to help you dash your way around the best and the brightest Christmas lights in the city before they’re taken down in January. You can thank us later…
Start your walking tour at London’s most Christmassy pub
Your journey will begin at the iconic Churchill Arms in Kensington. Here you can admire the magically festive display that adorns its entire exterior and grab a glass of liquid courage to help you brave the cold.
Make your way to Kensington High Street and down Gloucester Road, until you reach Da Mario
Credit: @da_mario_kensington
This beloved, family-owned spot is actually Princess Diana‘s old local Italian restaurant, and is usually vibrantly lit-up for the festive season.
Continue through South Kensington and past the Natural History Museum
Although the museum is sadly no longer home to one of London’s best ice rinks; it’s still well worth a mention. As far as I’m concerned, if one gets the opportunity to gawp at the Natural History Museum; one should always take that opportunity.
From there, head on over to Knightsbridge
This is where you’ll find one of the newest and shiniest additions to London’s impressive roster of Christmas lights. Knightsbridge’s gorgeous new display is inspired by the area’s rich heritage and distinctive architecture. The lights are trinkling along Brompton Road (and its neighbouring streets), and they’re certainly worth a visit.
Continue all the way up Brompton Road until you reach Fortnum & Mason
@fortnums via IG
Fortnum & Mason’s annual advent calendar and Christmas window display truly never disappoints – and is set to continue sparkling until the end of this week.
Head to Mayfair via Bond Street and New Bond Street
This year, Bond Street has had a rather regal glow-up and its festive display features over 93,000 energy-efficiant LEDs, inspired by the Crown Jewels. This year’s display has been crafted from recyclable, long-life materials and has a 75% lower energy consumption than Bond Street’s previous installations. Not bad, hey?
Take a quick detour to Annabel’s
This much-loved spot on Berkeley Square unveils a sensational new design every year. This year’s show-stopping display features a jaw-droppingly gorgeous wintry scene, inspired by C.S. Lewis’ iconic The Chronicles of Narnia series. Well worth a little detour, in my humble opinion.
From there, head up to Regent Street
It’s an oldie but a goldie. Because who can resist the annual event of trying to awkwardly position yourself in front of the camera to make it look like you have angel wings?
And then on to Oxford Street
Another certified staple on the Christmas-in-London scene; the Oxford Street stars are as synonymous with London as angry commuters and big red buses. Be warned, though: Oxford Street during the January sales is not for the faint-hearted.
One street over (past Liberty’s, if you fancied popping in there, too) is Carnaby Street
Credit: @thisissoho via IG
Carnaby Street is always a personal favourite of mine at Christmastime – and this year is no different. There’s a plethora of pubs, restaurants and coffee shops for a mid-walk pit-stop here so you can gaze at the lights whilst refueling and rehydrating for the remainder of the festive walk. What more could you ask for?
Make your way through Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square
Top tip: make your way through both of these as quickly as possible because you do not want to get caught up in the rush and chaos here. Trust us. This is, however, where you’ll find London’s newest ice rink, if you fancy having a quick skate about.
Take a quick detour to Covent Garden (you won’t regret it)
Covent Garden is where you’ll find yet another London must-see. The whopping 55-foot tree is adorned with 30,000 LED lights, which is actually just a drop in the ocean, considering that the total amount of lights across the piazza is a rather eye-watering 260,000. I wouldn’t want to be the person having to untangle those, that’s for sure…
Now on to the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree…
Each year, the lovely people of Norway donate a tree to London as a thank-you for helping them out in World War II, and have done since 1947, which is rather nice of them. Each year, Londoners love to poke fun at said tree with phrases like “world’s tallest cucumber” often bandied about. But look, lots of effort is required to bring the tree to Trafalgar Square and get it lit, so it’s well worth a visit if you’re in town.
From there, take a wander across the river (and revel in the gorgeous view of the city) to the Southbank
Here you can reward your high step count with a cup of something warm and cosy, and some delicious street food at the Southbank Christmas Market.
So, there you have it – our ultimate festive walking tour of London’s Christmas lights. We know, we know: so many lights, so little time – but we hope this helps. Most of the city’s lights and displays will be shining until this weekend (January 4), so make the most of them whilst you still can, as soon enough they’ll be gone for another year!