This season sees a dazzling transformation on the busy streets of London as we prepare to welcome in the Christmas holidays. What better way to feel festive than to see the glittering lights lining the streets? From the iconic magical lights of Oxford Street to Covent Garden decked out in giant baubles and pine trees to twinkling gardens, we’ve compiled a list of the best…

Oxford Street

Lining London’s busiest shopping street, Oxford Street, which runs from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch, is home to this year’s Christmas lights. There are 1,778 decorations this year, which includes a whopping 750,000 LED lightbulbs. The decorations adorning the street are inspired by falling snowflakes, so take a stroll just south of The Marylebone and look up at these sparkling decorations whilst peeking into beautiful wintry shop window displays.

Carnaby Street

Take a short Stroll from The Bloomsbury and you’ll stumble upon the electric atmosphere of Carnaby Street. Marking the release of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ these Christmas lights are set to be fantastical as you ask yourself ‘Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?’ The shop windows, the restaurants that spill out into the streets and the glowing lights make this destination a festive hotspot.

Covent Garden

If giant mistletoe, big silver baubles and candy canes make you excited for Father Christmas’ visit, then head on over to Covent Garden. Not far from The Marylebone sits this gorgeous cobblestone piazza – once famous for its flower markets and now a bustling location for food, drinks and shopping, Covent Garden has a magical buzz about it. Take an iconic picture in front of the special seasonal backdrop which includes candy canes and mini pine trees and marvel at the giant Christmas tree as street performers encourage you to get you in the spirit.

South Bank

The perfect evening stroll alongside the river can be taken at South Bank. See the colourful reflections of the city lights in the river as you sip on mulled wine picked up from one of the

wooden chalets at the Winter Festival, just outside Southbank Centre. Here you’ll find festive music and strings of fairy lights whilst the smells of Christmas spices permeate the air.

Kew Gardens

This year, Kew Gardens is bringing all the festive cheer they can. A stunning seasonal makeover means that brilliant bright lights are casting dazzling illuminations on the trees and plants. The Laser Garden is not to be missed and can be found amongst the woodland and the Palm House Pond lights. Stumble upon an illuminated lake which will hold hundreds of twinkling boats before finding yourself feeling rather merry after a few glasses of mulled wine… this truly makes for a happyholiday!

Images from Flickr.