Searching for the best Christmas spots in London? From November through early January, the city transforms into a winter wonderland — central streets glow with festive lights, department stores compete for elaborate window displays, and markets pop up across the capital.
The best Christmas photo spots in London include Covent Garden, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, New Bond Street, Fortnum & Mason, Annabel’s Mayfair, Leadenhall Market, Trafalgar Square, South Bank, and Winter Wonderland. These places are especially popular for festive lights, Christmas trees, decorated shopfronts, markets, and Instagrammable seasonal displays.
Still deciding when to visit? Our London by season guide compares spring blossom, summer evenings, autumn colour, and festive winter breaks.
This guide lists 30 Christmas spots in London for lights, markets, ice rinks, and photo opportunities. For more London planning, see our London guide.
This guide covers
* list of spots,
* Christmas light switch ON dates in London,
* the best angles and spots to take Christmas Photos in London,
* best time to visit and the equipment to take
* exact location and
* Christmas tour routes 😉Pin to read later:
Quick Guide: Best Christmas Photo Spots in London 2025
| Photo Spot | Best For | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Covent Garden | Christmas tree, lights, decorations | Early morning or evening |
| Regent Street | Angels Christmas lights | After sunset |
| Carnaby Street | Colourful festive lights | Evening |
| New Bond Street | Luxury shopfronts | Morning for fewer crowds |
| Fortnum & Mason | Festive façade | Evening |
| Annabel’s Mayfair | Extravagant decorations | Daytime or early evening |
| Leadenhall Market | Historic covered market | Weekday morning |
| Trafalgar Square | Christmas tree | Evening |
| South Bank | Christmas market | Sunset/evening |
| Winter Wonderland | Funfair and festive scenes | Evening |
1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Dates: November 14 – January 1, 2026
Instagram Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is London’s most spectacular Christmas attraction and the ultimate Instagram backdrop. This year features two exciting new additions:
- Luminarie Lane – a stunning LED light installation perfect for golden hour photos
- Revamped Santa Land with enhanced photo opportunities
Top Photo Spots:
- Traditional wooden chalets lined with festive lights
- The UK’s largest outdoor ice rink with twinkling lights
- Bar Ice with everything made from ice
- Zippo’s Christmas Circus entrance
2. Covent Garden Christmas Decorations
Dates: November 12 – January 5, 2026
Light Switch-On: November 12
Covent Garden always transforms into a Christmas paradise over the festive period. The area is full of twinkling Christmas lights and decorations, including mistletoe chandeliers, a giant reindeer, a present-filled vintage car and a huge Christmas tree. My favourite part of London was crossing this area every day on my way to classes. Last but not the least, colourful Neal’s Yard is also located in the area.
Covent Garden’s Christmas display is iconic for a reason. With over 300,000 sparkling lights and the famous gold bells, it’s a photographer’s dream.
Must-Capture Moments:
- The towering 55ft British-grown Christmas tree
- Golden bells suspended above the Market Building
- The Theatre of Christmas immersive experience
- Santa’s sleigh parked on the piazza
Location: Covent Garden
3. Leadenhall Market Christmas Tree
Christmas Lights Switch-On: November 13
Any Harry Potter fans here? You will not want to miss this spot. This covered market in London, located on Gracechurch Street, was the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. You can definitely tell why once you enter Leadenhall!
Best time to go: This place gets really busy during lunchtime with all of the workers around having their break, so try to go in the morning to experience it with no people.
This Victorian covered market transforms into a magical Christmas scene with its stunning architecture providing an elegant backdrop.
Instagram-Worthy Features:
- 18ft colour-changing LED Christmas tree
- Twinkling light tunnel in Beehive Passage
- Victorian architecture with festive decorations
- Historic cobblestones and ornate ironwork
Location: Leadenhall Market
4. Harrods Christmas Window Displays
If New York City has Macy’s, Paris has Galeries Lafayette, London has Harrods. Harrods is definitely London’s most famous department store and the largest department store in Europe! The store occupies a 20,000 m² site and has over 90,000 m² of selling space! Located in Knightsbridge, you should visit during the night to see the store sparkle and light up! Also renowned for its spectacular window displays, do not forget to snap their Instagrammable Christmas luxury decorations inside and outside.
World-renowned for their elaborate window displays, Harrods creates magical scenes that attract photographers from around the globe.
Annual Themes:
- Fairy tale-inspired displays
- Interactive window experiences
- Luxury Christmas shopping backdrops
Location: Harrods
5. Selfridges Holiday Windows
Modern and artistic Christmas displays that blend traditional festive themes with contemporary design.
In 2025, Selfridges went all out with their Christmas Disney-themed display and became a hot Christmas spot in London for Influencers, tourists and locals.
6. Ivy Chelsea Garden Christmas front
The Chelsea Garden branch of The Ivy Collection restaurants was made into a gingerbread house for Christmas in 2018. Walls were made up of sweets, gingerbread men, candy canes, and colourful baubles. In 2019, it became a white Christmas wonderland and Santa’s North Pole in 2020. Definitely the perfect Instagram backdrop you must visit!
Best time to go: Early in the morning as the restaurant is just in front of the main road and the display gets quite busy with traffic and pedestrians passing by along with all the other Instagrammers.
Location: Ivy Chelsea Garden
7. Winter by the River at London Bridge
Dates: November 13 – January 4, 2026
This riverside market offers spectacular views of Tower Bridge and the Thames, making it perfect for dramatic Christmas photography.
Key Photo Spots:
- Heated rooftop canopy for cosy shot
- Coppa Club Igloos
- Two-story Glasshouse with panoramic Thames views
- Wooden huts lined along the riverbank
- Tower Bridge backdrop
The Coppa Club igloos return every Christmas near Tower Bridge and are a huge Instagram spot. Since they are so popular, you can only book them online, with a few available each day for walk-ins. If you don’t get a spot, don’t worry, it is also possible to take photos of them from outside.
Location: Coppa Club Igloos
8. Fortnum & Mason Christmas Window Display
One of the most stunning places to have brunch or afternoon tea in. This upmarket department store in Piccadilly is a lovely place to find sparkling and fancy Christmas gifts. Fortnum’s offers high-quality British products, and you can even have an unforgettable afternoon tea experience there.
Do not miss the main staircase inside the store. It is one of the most Instagrammable London spots ever!
Location: Fortnum & Masons
9. Annabel’s Mayfair Christmas Decorations
Annabel’s is a members-only club that became Insta-famous due to its over-the-top holiday decor outside. Every December, the entrance to Annabel’s has the most beautiful decor in London! Even if it is a private club, you don’t have to get in to see its decor. In 2018, the display was a huge red and gold tree arched by two candy canes. In 2019, it was a white and gold tree. In 2021, it was a nutcracker doll house. In 2025, it looks like something unique is coming up too.
Location: Annabels at Mayfair
10. Maddox Gallery
This art gallery in Mayfair gets a Christmas makeover every year. The displays are always incredible and over the top. Maddox Gallery specialises in contemporary and modern art, so if this is something you are into, you should definitely check it out!
Location: Maddox Gallery
11. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Dates: November 9 – January 2, 2026
Tree Lighting: December 4, 5 pm
Home to London’s most famous Christmas tree – a gift from Norway since 1947 – Trafalgar Square offers classic festive photography opportunities.
Instagram Highlights:
- Evening shots with the tree illuminated
- The iconic Norwegian Christmas tree
- Festive market stalls with twinkling lights
- Views of the National Gallery backdrop
Location: Trafalgar Square
12. Southbank Centre Winter Market
Dates: November 3 – January 4, 2026
The riverside location provides stunning Thames views combined with alpine-themed huts, creating the perfect blend of London landmarks and Christmas charm.
Photo Opportunities:
- Golden hour shots across the water
- Thames riverside views with the London Eye
- Cute alpine-style chalets
- Mulled wine and seasonal treats
13. King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard
Dates: November 22 – December 22
This modern Christmas market combines contemporary design with festive charm, offering unique photo opportunities.
Instagrammable Elements:
- Curling rink for action shots
- 50-foot Christmas tree
- Pop-up shops with creative displays
- Modern architecture meets Christmas lights
14. Leicester Square Christmas Market
Dates: November 1 – January 4, 2026
Completely revamped for 2025, Leicester Square now features London’s newest ice rink and enhanced festive decorations.
New for 2025:
- Central London’s bustling Christmas atmosphere
- Brand new ice skating rink
- Market Place Food Hall
- Enhanced lighting displays
15. Borough Market Christmas
Dates: December 1-24
London’s famous food market becomes a foodie’s festive paradise, perfect for capturing delicious Christmas treats.
Instagram Gold:
- Artisanal cheeses and festive foods
- Mulled wine and spiced ciders
- Victorian market architecture
- Seasonal produce displays
16. Regent Street Christmas Lights
One of London’s most famous Christmas light displays, Regent Street’s elegant curve provides the perfect Instagram backdrop.
Best Photography Times:
- Just after sunset for the initial illumination
- Blue hour for magical light effects
- Weekend evenings for bustling crowd shots
17. Oxford Street Christmas Lights
The shopping capital’s Christmas display creates a tunnel of lights stretching for miles, perfect for dramatic perspective shots.
Photo Tips:
- Capture the endless tunnel effect
- Use the double-decker buses as focal points
- Shoot from different angles along the street
18. Carnaby Street Christmas Display
Known for its creative and unique Christmas installations, Carnaby Street offers some of London’s most artistic festive displays.
19. Greenwich Christmas Market
Dates: November 19 – January 2, 2026
Lantern Parade: November 20, 4 pm
This historic market combines Christmas charm with maritime heritage.
Unique Features:
- Traditional carol singing
- Lantern parade and light switch-on
- Historic Georgian market architecture
- Views of the Cutty Sark
20. Arcades in London
- Royal Arcade- Located in the upscale shopping district of Mayfair, this covered shopping arcade is a true hidden gem. Packed with luxury stores, the Christmas decorations are always on point and are super Instagrammable. As it is a historic Victorian arcade, it is touristy, and it does get pretty busy. You should go there right when it opens if you can.
- Burlington Arcade is also a covered shopping arcade. Here again, it is home to luxury retail ranging from accessories, clothing, footwear, art, and antiques. This beautiful place extends 179 meters from Piccadilly through to Burlington Gardens. During Christmas, the decor is lovely, but just like the Royal Arcade, it gets busy. Try going at the opening or right before it closes.
21. Liberty Christmas Display
The Tudor-style department store creates elegant Christmas scenes that blend traditional architecture with modern festive creativity.
22. Old Spitalfields Christmas Market
Dates: November 30 – December 24
Late Shopping: December 4, 11, 18 (until 8 pm)
Victorian architecture meets contemporary Christmas markets in this historic East London location.
Instagram Highlights:
- 40+ food stalls
- Nearly 60 unique shops
- Victorian market hall
- Christmas Shopping Lates with gospel choir
23. Natural History Museum Ice Rink
The stunning Romanesque architecture of the Natural History Museum provides one of London’s most spectacular ice skating backdrops.
Photo Opportunities:
- Gothic Revival architecture
- Illuminated facade at night
- Ice skating action shots
- Museum’s grand entrance
24. Somerset House Ice Rink
The elegant neoclassical courtyard transforms into a magical ice skating venue surrounded by Christmas lights.
25. Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre
Dates: December 5-7 & December 12-14
Royal Christmas atmosphere in a historic palace setting.
26. New Bond Street Christmas Displays
Cartier presents a beautiful, stunning display every year. Despite the growing crowd, it has been my favourite Xmas Spot in London.
The trick to beat the crowd or take pics with the crowd is to get creative with your camera angles, as you can see from my pics. Use the giant baubles and tree branches to cut out the crowd and have a lot and lot of patience.
27. Sparkle in the Park, Charlton
Dates: November 28 – December 1
Free Event
Light displays, Christmas market, and performances in a charming park setting.
28. Kingston Christmas Market
Dates: November 13 – December 28
Bavarian-style Christmas market just outside central London, offering an authentic German Christmas atmosphere.
Unique Features:
- Traditional wooden chalets
- Bavarian curling lanes
- Less crowded than central London markets
- Authentic German food and drinks
29. Guildhall Christmas Market
Dates: December 8-9 (evening and day sessions)
Historic architecture meets charity Christmas shopping in this two-day exclusive event.
30. Camden Market Christmas
Dates: December 6-24
Alternative Christmas market experience with over 1,000 traders and unique festive installations.
Special Features:
- Ice Grotto installation
- Massive Christmas tree
- Street food and artisan crafts
- Alternative Christmas atmosphere
Some other Xmas stops in London
Instagram Photography Tips for London’s Christmas Spots
Best Times to Visit
- Golden Hour: 30 minutes before sunset for warm, magical lighting
- Blue Hour: Just after sunset when Christmas lights glow against twilight skies
- Weekday Mornings: Fewer crowds for cleaner shots
- Late November to early January for most decorations
- Avoid Saturday evenings in Covent Garden, Regent Street, and Winter Wonderland if you want clean photos
Essential Hashtags
#LondonChristmas #ChristmasInLondon #WinterWonderland #LondonChristmasMarkets #FestiveLondon #ChristmasLights #HolidayLondon #ChristmasPhotography #LondonWinter #MagicalLondon
Equipment Tips
- Bring a tripod for night photography
- Use a wide-angle lens for market scenes
- Portrait lens for detailed shots of decorations
- Power bank for extended photo sessions
- Bring a fast lens for night shots
Planning Your Instagram Christmas Tour
Here I have summarised different London Christmas maps to make it easier for you to visit London Christmas lights photography spots.
Central London Route (1 Day)
- Start at Covent Garden (morning)
- Walk to Leicester Square
- Continue to Trafalgar Square
- End at Southbank Centre (sunset)
Markets Route (Weekend)
- Day 1: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- Day 2: Borough Market → London Bridge → Spitalfields Market
Lights Route (Evening)
Oxford Street → Regent Street → Carnaby Street → Covent Garden
One-Day Christmas Photo Walk in London
Here is a short London Christmas Itinerary:
- Covent Garden
- Leicester Square
- Regent Street
- Carnaby Street
- Liberty London
- New Bond Street
- Fortnum & Mason
- Trafalgar Square
- South Bank
Best Christmas Spots London to look out for
1. Best free Christmas photo spots in London
1. Covent Garden
2. Regent Street
3. Carnaby Street
4. New Bond Street
5. Fortnum & Mason
6. Annabel’s Mayfair
7. Leadenhall Market
8. Trafalgar Square
9. South Bank
2. Best Christmas lights for photos
Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, Bond Street, Covent Garden.
3. Best Christmas shopfronts in London
Fortnum & Mason, Cartier, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Harrods, Selfridges, Annabel’s.
4. Best Christmas markets for photos
South Bank, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Winter Wonderland.
5. Best hidden Christmas photo spots in London
- King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard
- St Christopher’s Place
- Burlington Arcade
- Royal Exchange
- Belgravia
- Chelsea
- Marylebone Village
- Duke of York Square
FAQ: Christmas spots in London
When do Christmas lights go up in London?
Most Christmas spots in London switch on their lights from mid-November, with major displays like Regent Street and Oxford Street typically lit through early January. Markets usually run from late November to 23 December or New Year’s Eve, depending on the venue.
What are the best free Christmas spots in London?
Regent Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, Leadenhall Market, and Trafalgar Square are all free to visit. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park has free entry before 3 pm on weekdays (rides and food cost extra).
What are the top 10 Christmas Photo spots in London?
The best Christmas photo spots in London are:
1. Covent Garden
2. Regent Street
3. Carnaby Street
4. New Bond Street
5. Fortnum & Mason
6. Annabel’s Mayfair
7. Leadenhall Market
8. Trafalgar Square
9. South Bank
10. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
What is the most Instagrammable Christmas spot in London?
Covent Garden is one of the most Instagrammable Christmas spots in London thanks to its huge Christmas tree, festive lights, market decorations, and seasonal installations. Regent Street, Carnaby Street, New Bond Street, and Annabel’s Mayfair are also among the most photographed Christmas locations in the city.
What is the best time to take Christmas photos in London?
The best time to take Christmas photos in London is during blue hour or after sunset when the lights are fully visible. For quieter photos with fewer crowds, visit early in the morning, especially around Covent Garden, Bond Street, Regent Street, and festive shopfronts.
Where are the best Christmas shopfronts in London?
Some of the best Christmas shopfronts in London are at Fortnum & Mason, Cartier on New Bond Street, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Selfridges, Harrods, and Annabel’s Mayfair. These locations often have elaborate festive displays that make excellent photo backdrops.
Is Covent Garden good for Christmas photos?
Yes, Covent Garden is one of the best places in London for Christmas photos. It usually has a large Christmas tree, festive lights, decorated market buildings, seasonal displays, and plenty of photo opportunities around the Piazza and Apple Market.
Is Regent Street good for Christmas photography?
Yes, Regent Street is one of the most iconic Christmas photography spots in London. Its famous angel lights stretch above the street and look especially beautiful after sunset. For the best photos, visit during blue hour or later in the evening when the lights are on.
What are the best Christmas markets in London for photos?
The best Christmas markets in London for photos include South Bank Christmas Market, Leicester Square Christmas Market, Covent Garden, and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. These places are great for festive stalls, lights, food, decorations, and seasonal atmosphere.
Where can I take Christmas photos in London without crowds?
For fewer crowds, visit popular Christmas photo spots early in the morning on weekdays. Bond Street, Fortnum & Mason, Covent Garden, Leadenhall Market, and Regent Street are much quieter in the morning compared with evenings and weekends.
Where to stay in London?
Luxury
Mid – Range
Budget
** Note: Central London is quite pricey; to avoid the above charges, it is better to stay in Greater London and commute via tube/metro.
Conclusion
London’s Christmas magic is unmatched, offering endless opportunities for Instagram-worthy shots. From the grand spectacle of Winter Wonderland to the intimate charm of smaller markets, each location provides its own unique festive atmosphere. Plan your route, charge your camera, and prepare to capture the most magical time of year in one of the world’s most photogenic cities.
Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover London’s Christmas charm or a visitor planning your festive itinerary, these 30 trending Christmas spots will ensure your Instagram feed sparkles with Christmas magic throughout the holiday season.
Pro Tip: Many markets offer free entry, making it budget-friendly to visit multiple locations. Always check individual websites for the most up-to-date opening times and any entry requirements.
Other useful reads:
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🪻14 Best Places to See Wisteria in London (2026 Guide)
🌸 When and Where to See Cherry Blossom in London 2026
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