Dreaming of a Christmas straight out of a postcard? London is the place to be this season! As the days shorten and a crisp chill fills the air, the city transforms into a magnificent winter wonderland. London sparkles with millions of twinkling lights, historic streets adorned with festive garlands, and iconic landmarks gleaming with holiday cheer. There is a spectacular array of instagrammable Christmas spots in London that offer endless opportunities for photos to make your social media feed stand out. Get ready to discover where to find the most enchanting London Christmas locations and make your festive season truly unforgettable!
Where to Find the Prettiest Christmas London Displays?
During Christmas, London pulls out all the stops for the holidays, turning its grand avenues, quaint markets, and hidden corners into dazzling spectacles. To help you plan your picture-perfect itinerary, given below is our list of the best Instagrammable Christmas spots in London:
1. Regent Street
The "Spirit of Christmas" angels floating high above Regent Street are an absolute must-see. These majestic, illuminated figures create a truly awe-inspiring canopy, making it one of the most iconic Christmas lights London photo locations. You'll find these lights typically illuminated from early November. Stroll along, gaze upwards, and capture the classic red London buses passing beneath the glowing angels for an iconic shot.
Date: 6 November 2025
2. Oxford Street
Just a short walk away, Oxford Street dazzles with its own unique display, often featuring thousands of twinkling stars. For 2025, the Oxford Street lights are expected to bring a blanket of sparkle to this famous shopping thoroughfare. Both streets provide incredible backdrops for your festive London Instagram posts, especially as dusk settles and the city lights truly come alive.
Date: 3 November 2025
Suggested Read: Top Activities to Welcome New Year in London in Style
3. Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street always brings a unique, vibrant, and often playful twist to its Christmas decorations. Known for its annual themes, this pedestrianized street offers installations that are a feast for the eyes and perfect for a standout festive London Instagram shot. For Christmas 2025, the Carnaby lights are expected to shine more than ever. Expect vivid overhead displays and immersive artistry that truly set it apart from other London Christmas decorations.
Date: 6 November 2025
4. Covent Garden
Covent Garden is undeniably one of the best Instagrammable Christmas spots in London. The historic piazza is adorned with colossal baubles, giant golden bells, and an enormous Christmas tree that dominates the square. The Christmas lights in Covent Garden are typically switched on around mid-November for the grand illumination. The entire market building often gleams with festive garlands and intricate lights, creating a captivating scene. Don't miss the famed mistletoe chandeliers inside the Market Building for a romantic photo op.
Date: 12 November 2025
Suggested Read: London Eye New Year Fireworks: Your Ultimate Guide
5. Trafalgar Square
No Christmas in London is complete without a visit to Trafalgar Square. Each year, Norway generously donates a magnificent Christmas tree to London as a part of a tradition spanning over 75 years. The lights of the tree are traditionally switched on the first Thursday in December. While the tree's lights are strung in a traditional Norwegian style, it's a powerful symbol of international friendship and a grand focal point for your festive pictures, with Nelson's Column standing proudly nearby.
Dates: 9 November 2025 to 2 January 2026
6. Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
For a truly immersive experience and countless photo opportunities, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a must-visit. Running from mid-November until early January, this sprawling festive extravaganza in London offers everything from thrilling rides and ice skating to charming Christmas markets. Capture the magic of the Giant Observation Wheel, the glistening ice rink, or the whimsical Magical Ice Kingdom. The sheer scale of lights and attractions makes it a paradise for photographers.
Dates: 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026
Suggested Read: Enchanting Christmas Markets in London You Can’t Miss This Season!
7. Christmas at Kew Gardens
Escape the city bustle and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Christmas at Royal Botanic Gardens, commonly known as Kew Gardens. The UNESCO-listed site transforms into a breathtaking light trail during the Christmas season. Kew Gardens sparkle with dazzling tunnels of light, illuminated botanical installations, and reflections shimmering across the water. This unique experience offers a sophisticated and artistic Christmas.
Dates: 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
8. Somerset House
Skating at Somerset House is a quintessential Christmas experience in London that you should not miss out on! The grand 18th-century courtyard is framed by beautiful architecture and a 40-foot Christmas tree, which transforms into a magical ice rink during winter. Capture the joyful skaters, the elegant tree, and the historic facade bathed in soft light. It's a sophisticated setting for festive London Instagram posts, especially during the evening when the atmosphere is truly enchanting.
Dates: 17 October 2025 until 4 January 2026
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit in London: Discovering The Modern And Historical Marvels
9. Southbank Centre Winter Market
To enjoy New Year festivities with scenic river views, head to Southbank Centre Winter Market along the Thames River. The market typically opens from early November through December and features Alpine-style chalets selling treats and gifts. Capture the vibrant market scenes, then stroll along the river to photograph the London Eye and Houses of Parliament lit against the winter sky. The Winter by the River market near London Bridge also offers stunning views of Tower Bridge.
10. Leadenhall Market
Step back in time at Leadenhall Market, a stunning Victorian covered market in London that famously inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. During Christmas, its ornate architecture is adorned with fir tree garlands, giant baubles, and twinkling lights. The central 18-foot Christmas tree takes center stage beneath the star-covered roof. During the Christmas lights switch-on ceremony for 2025, visitors can even experience artificial snowfall. This elegant setting offers exquisite London Christmas photo spots.
Date: 13 November 2025
Suggested Read: Top Things to do In London: Gratify Your Heart in ‘The City of Dreams’
11. Churchill Arms Pub
For a truly unique and incredibly festive photo opportunity, head to The Churchill Arms in Kensington. Built in 1750, this pub is famous for its astonishing floral displays throughout the year, but at Christmas, it outdoes itself. Covered in hundreds of Christmas trees and thousands of lights, it is often dubbed as the most Christmassy pub in London. The exterior alone, with its dense covering of greenery and twinkling lights, is a magnificent sight and one of the most popular London Christmas photo spots. Its lights are usually switched on in early December.
Top Tips for Capturing the Best London Christmas Photo Spots
To ensure your festive London Instagram photos truly shine, keep these tips in mind:
- Go during just after sunset for a magical deep blue sky that contrasts beautifully with warm Christmas lights
- Arrive early or late to avoid the throngs and get clearer shots
- Use a tripod for stability for crisp, well-exposed night shots
- Dress in layers as London can be very cold in winter
- Book accommodations and flights in advance
London during Christmas is no less than a visual masterpiece, offering a unique blend of history, tradition, and spectacular modern displays. Each corner in the city reveals a new scene, a fresh opportunity to capture the magic of the season. So, grab your camera, bundle up, and prepare to fill your feed with the dazzling charm of the most instagrammable Christmas spots in London. Book our UK tour packages and get ready for your festive adventure like no other!
FAQ’s - Instagrammable Christmas Spots in London
Most Christmas lights in London are switched on from early to mid-November, typically staying lit until early January.
Covent Garden, Winter Wonderland, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Leadenhall Market offer incredibly picturesque Christmas market scenes.
Yes, London can be more expensive during the Christmas period due to high demand for accommodation and attractions. Booking in advance helps.
Yes, London is home to some fantastic spots for families, including Winter Wonderland, Christmas at Kew, and the ice rinks at Somerset House and Hyde Park.
The London Underground (Tube) is the most efficient way to get around London. However, you can also consider a dedicated Christmas lights bus tour for convenience and comfort.
.jpg)
