As the city transforms into a winter wonderland, we invite you to join us on a merry adventure through the enchanting areas around Central London, which include Trafalgar and Leicester Square, Chinatown, Covent Garden, and the Strand. Cozy up in your warmest Christmas sweater and get ready to hit the town!

Table Of Contents

1. Map of Central London's Christmas Lights
2. Tips for Exploring London's Christmas Lights
3. Trafalgar Square
4. Leicester Square
5. Newport Place | Chinatown
6. Seven Dials
7. St. Martin’s Courtyard
8. Conduit Court
9. King Street
10. Covent Garden
11. Apple Market
12. Covent Garden Christmas Tree
13. The Strand
14. Somerset House

Map of Central London’s Christmas Lights

Tips for Exploring London’s Christmas Lights

When do the Lights Turn On?

In November, the lights start to be turned on, and they are kept up until early January. Thankfully, the sun goes down earlier in the winter, so the lights turn on around 5 p.m. This means you have lots of time to explore the illuminated city after the sun sets!

When is the Best Time to See the Lights?

If you want to avoid the huge Christmas crowds, you’re better off planning your trip in November. And be aware that weekends will be much busier than weekdays. I loved going out after dinner on a weeknight to explore the stunning laneways as a perfect nightcap to end a lovely evening.

But personally, I LOVED being right in the centre of London during the week leading up to Christmas. There was such a palpable atmosphere, with people flooding the streets and busy shoppers rushing around to finish getting everything on their Christmas lists. There really isn’t a bad time to come, just expect the crowds.

Trafalgar Square

We will start our tour in one of the most iconic spots in London: Trafalgar Square. Trafalgar Square is perhaps the most famous public square in the UK. It is in the centre of Westminster, just steps from many of the most iconic buildings in London. The square was built in the 19th century to honour the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. During this battle, the British navy captured a difficult victory against the Napoleonic off the coast of Cape Trafalgar. Nelson’s Column stands in the centre of the square. It towers over the rest of the courtyard at 169 feet tall and is guarded by four lion statues.

While the column is usually the tallest structure in the square, the colossal Christmas tree installed in the yard gives the column a run for its money. Since 1947, Norway has gifted the city of London with regal Norwegian spruce. The first tree was a gift to thank the British for their support during World War II. They decorate the tree in a simplistic Norwegian style, with only a few lights strung vertically yearly. It is erected 12 days before Christmas and remains in the square until 12 days after Christmas. Making the square even more festive is the fabulous Trafalgar Christmas Market. Over 20 stalls sell everything from Christmas ornaments, jewellery, hand-crafted goods and lots of sweets!

St. Martin-in-the-Fields Winter Lodge

Walking north up Charing Cross Road, stop behind the historic St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, where they host a Winter Courtyard Bar inside a cozy winter lodge. You can sit beside a roaring fire and enjoy Christmas cocktails, mulled wine & cider, hot chocolate, beers, and seasonal snacks. The winter lodge is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout December. This is the perfect way to warm yourself up for the rest of the evening.

Leicester Square

Continuing along Charing Cross Road, cut through Irving Street and west towards Leicester Square. Leicester Square transforms itself at Christmas into a charming (although frequently very crowded) Holiday Market with alpine-style stalls and chalets. Hanging from the trees above are sparkling twinkle lights in the shape of giant snowflakes, which create a magical atmosphere in the heart of London. The various stalls in the market sell Christmas-themed goods, crafts, gifts, and holiday treats. If it’s not too busy, this is a great place to grab roast chestnuts or German Bratwurst.

Newport Place | Chinatown

Walking north from Leicester Square, cut across Cranbourn Street and up Leicester Court, past Lisle Street, to Newport Place. You’ll notice almost immediately the hundreds of Chinese paper lanterns hung throughout the entire Square that announces your entrance into London’s Chinatown. Chinatown is a vibrant and culturally rich neighbourhood home to diverse Asian cultures. Traditional Chinese elements are embedded in the architecture and signage, and the iconic red and gold colour scheme is used throughout the area. At Christmas, they even add some sparkling white twinkle lights to the trees around the Square, creating a beautiful blend of the two cultures.

Seven Dials

Walk through Chinatown along Gerrard Place, then turn onto Shaftesbury Avenue towards the infamous Seven Dials intersection. Seven Dials is a circular junction where seven streets converge, giving the area its distinctive name. It’s one of the liveliest parts of London, and at Christmas, their light displays are so dynamic. The central column is surrounded by starry snow globes lighting your entry into the Seven Dials.

Along the converging streets are vibrant pink and silver lights hung above the cobblestone streets. I love the modern take on the Christmas lights juxtaposed against the Victorian buildings.

Pick & Cheese

If you’re looking to grab a quick snack, head into the Seven Dials Food Market, which is also captivatingly decorated with Christmas lights. This chic multi-level food court is home to dozens of micro-restaurants & bars. My favourite is the Pick & Cheese Cheese Bar, the world’s first and only cheese conveyor belt restaurant. Here, you can pull up to the bar and admire their array of British cheese pairings swirling around under glass domes. Once you find one that catches your fancy, simply pull it off the belt and enjoy! At Christmas, they have specialty pairings that feature everything from Christmas Cheddars, pickled apples and brussel sprouts, fruits and soaked raisins.

St. Martin’s Courtyard

Walk back west along Shelton Street to St. Martin’s Courtyard. St. Martin’s Courtyard is hidden away, just off of Long Acre Street in Covent Garden. Walking into the courtyard, you pass under the most incredible oversized holly wreaths covered by bright white twinkle lights. The holly leaves seem to spill onto the street as boughs of garlands wrap around the shop windows.

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Conduit Court

Passing one courtyard, make your way shortly across Long Acre and then through Conduit Court. Conduit Court is a historic alley connecting Long Acre to Floral Street. Industrial warehouses and small factories initially occupied this area. But in the mid-19th century, Conduit Court’s buildings were turned into commercial businesses. In recent years, an art installed called the “infinity chamber” takes visitors through a series of mirror-clad arches lit up with changing coloured lights. It’s a mesmerizing little cut-through.

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King Street

Exiting onto Floral Street, cut across Rose Street towards King Street. King Street, a cobbled gem within the heart of Covent Garden, is a captivating blend of old-world elegance and modern sophistication. The street’s enchanting architecture, characterized by Georgian and Victorian facades adorned with charming bay windows and ornate ironwork, is a testament to London’s architectural heritage. And at Christmas, all the boutiques and artisanal shops go all out with their Christmas light displays.

St. Paul’s Church

Across from King Street, you can enter a side entrance into St. Paul’s Church. St. Paul’s Church is a secret spot inside Covent Garden, affectionately known as The Actors’ Church. It features a modest Christmas light display but is set in the most peaceful setting. Make sure to stop in and look at each of the benches lining the garden pathways dedicated to famous actors from London. St. Paul’s Church Covent Garden is a favourite among Londoners. Famed singer Gwen Stefani was even married to her first husband, Gavin Rossdale, in this church.

Covent Garden

From the church, make your way into the old Covent Garden Market. This historic marketplace is steeped in centuries of tradition, but at Christmas time, it is one of the most festive centres in London. The market’s elegant piazza, adorned with neoclassical architecture and lively street performances, is brimming with twinkle lights, Christmas trees, oversized wreaths and the smell of mulled wine emanating throughout the air.

Also, outside the Piazza, you’ll always find some special exhibitions. In years past, there was a special Frozen Christmas Village, and last year, Dolce and Gabanna set up a multicoloured light display that made for awe-inspiring photos!

Apple Market

Covent Garden’s Apple Market dates back to the 17th century when it was a bustling fruit and vegetable market. Today, it houses a crafts and antiques market. Walking inside, you will be overwhelmed by the fantastical giant silver and gold disco ornaments hanging from the ceiling, creating a kaleidoscope of lights reflecting off every surface. Oversized mistletoe chandeliers also dangle above, inviting romantic Christmas kisses.

Covent Garden Christmas Tree

You’ll find the mammoth Covent Garden Christmas tree outside the Apple Market! This Christmas tree is the largest hand-picked tree in all of London. In addition to this, the tree was grown at the same tree farm where the Royal family gets their Christmas trees. So it’s perhaps the poshest tree in London as well! It takes organizers over 300 hours to decorate the tree. And they even used a cherry picker to get those baubles to the top.

The area outside near the Christmas Tree is where visitors can get the chance to see “snow” falling in London. The snow falls every hour on the hour, so arrive accordingly. Sure, it might be fake snow made of soap, but how everyone erupts with delights and how magical it makes the space feel is all that matters!

The Strand

Make your south of the square, onto Southhampton Street, which lets you exit onto the famous Strand. This is a historic and prestigious thoroughfare that runs along the northern bank of the River Thames. All along the street, you’ll find famous landmarks and renowned institutions. At Christmas, they hand these beautiful light displays shaped like blue and gold ornaments hanging above the road. One of the best parts of this area is looking at the iconic red double-decker bus driving under the sparkling Christmas lights.

Somerset House

To finish the evening, continue along the Strand, past Landcaster Place, entering through the Northern arches to enter Somersert House. The Duke of Somerset once owned the property, but today, the building is often used to host events centred around arts and education.

At Christmas, the square is transformed into a giant fairytale-like ice skating rink. A massive 40-foot twinkling Christmas tree stands watch over the skaters. At night, the rink is illuminated in multicoloured lights, which create a magical atmosphere and highlight the architectural beauty of the building itself.

If you feel like putting on a pair of skates, this is a great opportunity to enjoy an iconic Christmas activity set in a historic London landmark. The best way to end a perfect evening exploring central London’s Christmas Lights!

I hope you have enjoyed all the sights, sounds, and scents of our Central London Christmas Lights walking tour. Wishing you all a joyful and luminous holiday season!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Best Self-Guided Christmas Lights Walking Tour of Central London first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.