We love Christmas lights! If you do too, please read on.. ✨

There’s something truly magical about Mayfair during the festive season. As London’s most elegant neighbourhood transforms into a glittering wonderland, the historic streets come alive with some of the capital’s most spectacular Christmas displays. Let me guide you through the perfect evening of Christmas lights in Mayfair.

When to Visit

For the best experience, arrive around 4pm when the lights begin to twinkle but before the evening crowds surge. Weekday evenings, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, offer a more relaxed atmosphere for photography and exploring. If you’re planning to take photos, that golden hour just before sunset creates stunning backdrops against the historic architecture. For me, I do not like crowds, so would say around 4pm is the best time to start. It will allow you to finish just in time for some food or a drink in a local pub.

The Perfect Mayfair Christmas Lights Route

Begin at Fortnum & Mason

Start your journey at this iconic store on Piccadilly, where their magnificent facade becomes a giant advent calendar each year. The windows here are always a spectacular sight, with animated displays that capture the imagination of visitors of all ages. Step inside briefly to see their central staircase installation, it’s right up there with warmed mulled wine and all the delightful Christmas treats—that’s what I love about this season.

Burlington Arcade

Cross Piccadilly to enter this historic shopping arcade, where traditional Beadles in their Victorian uniforms add to the quintessentially London atmosphere. The arcade’s Christmas decorations, set against its heritage architecture, create one of London’s most photographable festive scenes.

Bond Street Brilliance

Emerging onto Bond Street, you’ll find yourself among some of the world’s most creative Christmas displays. The highlight here is Cartier (only my favourite shop in the whole world – wish my boyfriend would take note!), whose entire building is typically wrapped like an enormous present, complete with their signature red ribbon and prowling panthers. Take your time here – trust me, you will love it as well.

Annabel’s Show-Stopping Display

A slight detour onto Berkeley Square brings you to what’s often considered London’s most photographed Christmas displays – Annabel’s private members’ club. While you can’t go inside, their exterior decorations are a spectacular sight that changes theme each year.

Mount Street Magic

Continue onto Mount Street, where The Connaught Hotel presents one of Mayfair’s most sophisticated Christmas trees. The surrounding boutiques and restaurants create an intimate festive atmosphere with individual displays.

Photography Tips

• The Cartier building looks most spectacular after dark – also great for dropping hints for Christmas present gifts
• Burlington Arcade offers beautiful symmetrical shots
• Annabel’s is best photographed at dusk when the lights are on but you can still see the building details
• Mount Street’s archways offer the perfect frame for festive shots

Beyond the Lights

Before Your Light Trail

• Consider visiting the Novikov Christmas Market or another nearby
• Start with a festive afternoon tea at The Connaught or Claridge’s
• Browse the Christmas shop at Fortnum & Mason

After Your Walk

• Warm up with a hot chocolate at The Connaught Patisserie
• Visit nearby Leicester Square’s Christmas market for traditional festive treats
• Head to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for more Christmas magic
• Explore the Southbank Centre Winter Market for riverside festive views

Local Tips for the Perfect Evening

• Dress warmly – you’ll be standing around a lot and will want time to take photos
• Most displays stay up until early January
• The area is especially magical on clear evenings when the lights reflect off wet pavements
• Many shops stay open later during the festive season
• Several historic pubs along the route offer perfect warming stops

Experience Christmas Like a Local

While Mayfair’s Christmas lights attract visitors from around the world, there’s something special about experiencing London’s festive season like a local. At London Homestays, we help international visitors do exactly that. Our host families often have their own favourite Christmas light spots and local festive traditions to share – from secret shortcuts through Mayfair’s atmospheric back streets to recommendations for the cosiest pubs serving mulled wine.

If you’re planning to visit London during the festive season, consider staying with one of our carefully selected host families. Not only is it more affordable than central London hotels, but you’ll also get insider knowledge of seasonal events, local Christmas markets, and perhaps even an invitation to join in some British Christmas traditions. Our hosts are particularly popular with international students and young professionals who want to experience an authentic London Christmas while having a comfortable base to explore from.

Getting There and Away

Start: Green Park or Piccadilly Circus tube stations End: Bond Street or Oxford Circus tube stations
Duration: 1-2 hours of gentle walking, depending on your pace and photo stops

Tag us in your photos using #MayfairLights – we’d love to see your favourite displays! ✨

@londonhomestays

P.S. Visit on a weekday evening to enjoy these magical displays without the weekend crowds, and don’t forget your camera!