The short version
Start at Oxford Circus after dark, walk down Regent Street, cut through Carnaby, cross Piccadilly Circus to Leicester Square for a hot drink, and finish at the Covent Garden tree. About 2 km, flat, and roughly two hours with stops. The West End lights are usually switched on in early November and stay up until early January.
The route, stop by stop
1. Oxford Street (start at Oxford Circus)
Begin at Oxford Circus station once it's properly dark (from about 16:30 in December). The Oxford Street lights run east and west from the junction, and the big department store windows are worth a slow look.
2. Regent Street
Head south. Regent Street's lights hang right across the curve of the street, which makes it the best photo of the evening. Stand on the pavement near the top of the curve and shoot downhill.
3. Carnaby Street
Turn left into the side streets. Carnaby changes its Christmas installation every year and it's usually the most playful display in the West End.
4. Piccadilly Circus to Leicester Square
Cross Piccadilly Circus and walk on to Christmas in Leicester Square. This is the place for a hot drink and a warm-up.
5. Covent Garden
Finish at the giant tree in the Piazza and the decorations in the Market Building at Covent Garden. Covent Garden and Leicester Square stations are both a few minutes away.
Book a guided Christmas tour
Small groups with a local host and tastings included. No booking fees, free cancellation.
Tips that make the evening better
Go on a weekday. Saturdays in December are packed, especially on Oxford Street.
Walk it in this direction. Regent Street looks best walking south, and you finish near food and the Tube.
Dress for standing still. You'll stop more than you walk.
Keep your phone and wallet zipped away. The busiest stretches are the usual spots for pickpockets.
Prefer someone else to lead?
Our Lights & Markets by Night tour walks exactly this route with a local host, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 18:00 from 19 November to 22 December 2026. It's £29 per person with a hot drink included, in a small group of 10 at most, with no booking fees and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Want food as well as lights? The Foodie Christmas Tour follows the river instead, with 5 tastings from the Southbank to Tower Bridge. Compare every option in our guide to London Christmas tours.
