London: Private Christmas Lights Walking Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Walk through London’s Christmas lights & stories with a local

You’ll walk London’s most festive streets with a local guide, seeing Oxford Street’s famous displays, Regent Street’s angels, and Covent Garden’s giant tree. Explore hidden markets and hear stories behind each stop — plus time for photos and tips for your holiday. It’s one of those nights you’ll remember long after winter ends.

What’s the experience like?

It’s like the city’s holding its breath for Christmas — you step out near Oxford Street and suddenly you’re in it. The air smells faintly of roasted chestnuts (someone’s selling them from a cart, I think), and there are so many people bundled up, laughing or just standing still to look up at the lights. Our guide, Sam, waved us over by the Selfridges window — he’d already spotted something weird in the display that I totally missed. He knew all these little stories about the shops and how this street used to be Roman — I didn’t expect that part to stick with me.

We wandered through Bond Street (I tried to say “Fenwick” like a local but probably failed), then into Mayfair where everything felt quieter for a minute. There was this odd moment when we paused outside a tailor’s shop on Savile Row — you could hear someone inside humming while they worked. The Christmas decorations here are more subtle than on Regent Street, but somehow more… I don’t know, personal? Sam pointed out the side street where Queen Elizabeth II was born. It’s easy to walk past if nobody tells you.

Regent Street is wild — those angels overhead really do look like they’re flying right above you. The lights ripple down the whole street; even people who live here stop to take photos. We ducked into Carnaby Street after that (it’s loud and bright and smells like mulled wine), then drifted toward Covent Garden where there’s this giant tree covered in red ribbons. Kids were running around under the baubles and someone started singing carols near the market entrance. I’m not usually sentimental about holidays but… yeah, it got me a bit.

The last stretch took us past Somerset House — ice skaters wobbling around in circles, their laughter echoing off old stone walls — then finally Trafalgar Square with its huge tree from Norway. Sam told us why they send it every year; I’d never heard that before. We stood there for a while just watching people take selfies or hug each other under the lights. It was cold but didn’t really matter at that point.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — London Christmas Lights and Markets

• Visit Oxford Street shopping
• Explore New Bond Street boutiques
• Walk through Mayfair district
• See Christmas lights on Regent Street
• Stop at Liberty department store
• Shop at Carnaby Street market
• Visit Piccadilly Circus decorations
• Explore Royal Observatory Greenwich market
• Walk through Seven Dials and Covent Garden
• Visit Somerset House courtyard and ice rink
• Stroll along the Strand
• End at Trafalgar Square Christmas tree

Top questions

How long does the London Christmas walking tour last?

The tour covers several central neighborhoods at a relaxed pace; exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours of walking with breaks.

Is this Christmas lights tour private or group-based?

This is a private walking tour led by a local guide just for your group.

Which areas does the London Christmas tour visit?

The route includes Oxford Street, Bond Street, Mayfair, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Somerset House, and Trafalgar Square.

Are children welcome on this London Christmas walking tour?

Yes, children are welcome; infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers.

Is public transport available nearby during the tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available near all major stops along the route.

Does the tour include entry fees or just outdoor sights?

The focus is on outdoor sights and festive decorations; entry fees aren’t mentioned as part of this experience.

Will we have time for photos during the Christmas lights walk?

Yes, there are plenty of opportunities to stop for photos at each decorated area or market.

Is lunch or food included on this London Christmas tour?

No meals are included; however, you’ll pass markets where snacks can be purchased if you wish.

What’s included

Your evening includes a private walking tour through London’s festive neighborhoods with a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories and tips along the way; flexible stops for photos; stroller-friendly routes; and access to hidden corners of markets and decorated streets before finishing near Trafalgar Square.