Come Christmas, London gives Paris a run for its title of the city
of lights. Here’s where to go to see the best Christmas lights in
London.
1. Regent Street Christmas Lights
The lights on this store-lined street go up on November 9, with the
help of radio DJs Jamie Theakston and Harriet Scott. This year they
will be Narnia-themed to celebrate the release of the new 3-D film,
Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Narnia fan or not, the lights
are gorgeous and an evening stroll after shopping is a perfect
Christmas activity.
Regent Street, SW1Y 4XT
Tube: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus
Get more info: regentstreetonline.com
2. Marylebone High Street Christmas Lights
Watch Marylebone High Street light up while sipping hot cocoa or
mulled cider on November 17 from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. The Cabbages and
Frocks Christmas Market will also be in full swing for shopping
opportunities.
Marylebone High Street W1
Tube: Bond Street, Baker Street
3. Covent Garden Christmas Lights
The United Visual Artists, who have done shows for U2 and Basement
Jaxx, will be decking out Covent Garden with a very unique Christmas
light installation. See the first lighting on November 11 when you can
also munch on roasted chestnuts and be entertained by street
performers.
Covent Garden WC2
Tube: Covent Garden, Leicester Square
Get more info: coventgardenlife.com
4. Oxford Street Christmas Lights
See the street sparkle when the lights are turned on at 6 pm on
November 4 or visit it up until January 5 for a completely Christmas
experience. Known as the biggest shopping street in London, the
Christmas lights are equally spectacular.
Oxford Street W1
Tube: Oxford Circus, Bond Street
Get more info: oxfordstreet.co.uk
5. Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Lighting
The enormous tree donated from Norway is decked out with Christmas
lights starting on December 2. Carol singers will also be performing in
the square every night from 5 to 9pm, from December 7 to December 22.
Trafalgar Square
Tube: Charing Cross, Leicester Square
Get more info: london.gov.uk/trafalgarsquare
6. Bond Street Christmas Lights
Bond Street is turned into a winter wonderland, complete with snow,
carols, live music, street entertainers and reindeer at the opening
night on November 18 from 5 to 8 pm. A special celebrity guest will
also appear as the “Christmas Bond Girl”.
Bond Street W1
Tube: Bond Street
Get more info: bondstreetassociation.com
7. Carnaby Street Christmas Lights
Starting November 10, this popular shopping street near Oxford
Circus will shine bright with Christmas lights. Last year’s theme was
the swinging 60’s and this years is bound to be just as distinctive.
Carnaby Street W1
Tube: Oxford Circus
Get more info: carnaby.co.uk
8. Greenwich Christmas Lights
See the village by the Thames festively lit up and then stop in at
the Christmas-themed market. The lights will be up from November 24 to
January 5.
Greenwich SE 10
Tube: Greenwich
Get more info: visitgreenwich.org.uk
9. Seven Dials Christmas Lights
Seven Dials shopping area near Covent Garden will not only be
spectacularly lit, they are also giving a 20% off coupon for the
surrounding shops, restaurants and bars. It takes place on November 25,
2010 from 5 to 9pm.
Seven Dials WC2
Tube: Covent Garden
Get more info: sevendials.co.uk
10. Westfield Christmas Lights
Singer Rihanna will do the honours of flipping the Christmas light
switch at the Westfield London shopping centre this year. That means
you can expects some Hollywood glamour mixed in with British festive
cheer.
Westfield London shopping centre W12 7S
Tube: Sheperd’s Bush, Wood Lane
Get more info: uk.westfield.com/london
