It’s that time of year again, and London is celebrating by launching a selection of spectacular Christmas lights across the city.
The capital will be even more picturesque than usual this November, with a host of stunning displays brightening the winter nights.
With the evenings drawing in, the lights are sure to prove idyllic backdrops to festive cheer, winter wonderment and we daresay a lot of last-minute Christmas shopping in London’s streets over the coming weeks.
These are London’s most magical Christmas lights to see in 2018.
Carnaby Street Christmas Lights
Lines from classic Queen hit Bohemian Rhapsody feature in the lights on Carnaby Street this year, marking one of the most spectacular and unconventional festive displays in the capital. Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor were joined by the cast of Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody at the switching-on ceremony, which took place on October 21. The lights are up now, although an additional Carnaby Christmas event is planned on November 8, where additional lights are set to be unveiled. Fans have until early January to plan a Queen pilgrimage and see them for themselves.
Carnaby St, Soho, London W1F 7QS
Oxford Street Christmas Lights
The Oxford Street lights due to hang above shoppers this year are the same ones that caught the eye last Christmas. A new design had reportedly been due to celebrate the arrival of the Crossrail, but the inevitable delay of the service until 2019 means Londoners will be seeing the orb-based lights return once again. Still, the lights are always a welcome addition to the city’s busiest shopping district.
Oxford Street, London, W1D 1BS
Bond Street Christmas Lights
Bond Street boasted one of the boldest designs anywhere in the capital back in 2017, when it unveiled its Peacock-inspired design. This year the lights return to the area on November 8, bringing extra sparkle to the already gorgeous area.
Bond Street, W1S
South Bank Christmas Lights
The switching-on of the South Bank lights coincides with the launch of the wintertime market, which welcomes visitors from November 9. There’ll be charming lights on display all along the waterfront, while the London Eye is also lit up. Street food from all around the world will be on offer, while the The Circus Bar in front of Royal Festival Hall will have plenty of mulled wine and cider for guests to warm up with.
South Bank, SE1
Covent Garden Christmas Lights
The Standard had a very hands-on role in the Covent Garden lights this year, helping to pick the venue’s 55ft Christmas tree. Between 25,000 and 30,000 lights will adorn the tree, which will be switched on during a special event on November 13. The Kingdom Choir, who sang at Harry and Meghan’s wedding earlier this year, will perform Stand By Me during the ceremony — look out for the Evening Standard’s two Christmas baubles while you’re there, too.
Covent Garden, WC2E 8RD
Marylebone High Street Christmas Lights
One of the quaintest lights ceremonies takes place on November 14, when the Marylebone High Street lights are switched on for 2018 by celebrity guest Roger Daltrey. There will be live entertainment from 3.45pm onwards, including children's choirs and Christmas card competitions, while the switching-on of the lights takes place at 6pm.
Marylebone High Street, City of Westminster, W1U
Regent Street Christmas Lights
Christmas is coming to the West End, with the Regent Street lights due to be illuminated on November 15. The street will be traffic-free for the switching-on event, ensuring guests can take in the sights and then shop for gifts without worrying about honking taxis.
Regent Street London, W1B
Seven Dials Christmas Lights
The switch-on event for the Seven Dials Christmas lights takes place on November 15 at 6.30pm, with the display up until January 6. It’s not just the displays that guests can look forward to on the launch night either — those registering for a ticket to the event can enjoy shopping discounts, as well as Christmas workshops from 5-9pm.
Seven Dials, WC2H 9HD
Kew Gardens Christmas Lights
Kew Gardens is gearing up for another spectacular series of Christmas light displays this year, running from November 22 to January 5. Guests can walk a trail around the gardens, encountering enchanting arches and festive flotillas as they go. More than a million twinkling pea-lights are being used to create a special festive atmosphere, while thousands of lazers will light up the side of the conservatory.
Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AB
Trafalgar Square Christmas Lights
Norway has gifted London a Christmas tree every year since 1947, and this year they will do again – long may the tradition continue. A newly-cut Norwegian Spruce will sit proudly in Trafalgar Square, adorned with Christmas lights, while the square’s fountains also get a festive makeover. It's the last of London’s major light displays to be switched on, taking place on December 6, with the opening ceremony due to take place in early December.
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DX
London Zoo Christmas Lights
In London Zoo, there’s a whole fountain show. Head to the penguin pool after dark for a dazzling light installation as part of the Zoo’s mile-long winter trail. Walk beneath 100,000 glistening pea-lights, head through vortex tunnels and marvel at the colossal glowing animal structures while their furry residents slumber.
ZSL London Zoo, NW1 4RY
Wembley Park Christmas Lights
At Wembley Park, there’s an interactive labyrinth called the Light Maze, a jungle of glass panels that reflect light rays in a rainbow spectrum — Instagram heaven.
Market Square, HA9 0TG
Eltham Palace Christmas Lights
Eltham Palace will become an enchanted woodland from December 6. Step through arches of twinkling lights, watch fountains dance to music and marvel as the walls of the palace are illuminated with rainbow projections.
Court Yard, SE9 5QE
Chiswick House Christmas Lights
Chiswick House has a new winter trail that casts the 18th-century house and gardens in a new light. Called After Dark, it’s a slick, 45-minute walking light show put together by contemporary designer Nick Gray and soundtracked with music curated by Kasabian’s Sergio Pizzorno.
Burlington Lane, W4 2QN
