Christmas lights on the iconic Strand and Villiers Street will be switched on 12 November 2025. Please note, there will not be a formal ceremony to mark this occasion.
The London Christmas lights 2025 season officially begins! Christmas lights on the iconic Strand and Villiers Street are switched on 12 November 2025. These dazzling London Christmas lights displays are among the most enchanting sights in the capital, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the magic of Christmas lights in London.
The Christmas lights on the Strand were unveiled last year, with the display paying homage to the Savoy Theatre, a landmark on Strand, which became the first public building in the world to be fully lit by electricity in 1881. This year’s Christmas lights London Strand installation features rows of two enchanting, illuminated fairy figures positioned on either side, flying through the air with glowing trails of light behind them.
The design celebrates the works of Joseph Swan, who created the first ever fairy lights in 1882, for performers to wear as they danced on the opening night of Iolanthe, the first show to premiere at the Savoy Theatre.
Consisting of over of 96,000 cutting-edge LEDs, each chosen for its low energy consumption, long life, and high performance, the display celebrates the Strand’s rich cultural heritage whilst still embracing modern sustainability practices. The lights’ frames are made entirely from recycled aluminium, and the electrical system are made using rubber, copper, and plastics – all derived from secondary raw materials, reducing environmental impact and helping conserve natural resources.
Victoria Street will also enjoy a festive refresh, with small Christmas tree–shaped lights brightening up the columns near Westminster Cathedral Piazza, lighting up on 19 November 2025. In addition, giant Christmas trees will once again bring sparkle to Westminster Cathedral Piazza, Victoria Tower Gardens, and Christchurch Gardens.
Together, these London Christmas lights displays will create a warm, festive atmosphere across The Northbank District, Victoria, Victoria Westminster and Whitehall, inviting visitors and residents alike to experience the wonder of Christmas lights on Strand and beyond and enjoy the very best of Christmas lights in London this season.