London Turns On Christmas Lights: Sorting Hat Tree, 90s Neon in Soho, and Kew Gardens Light Trail

London has officially entered the 2026 Christmas season. By the weekend of November 14–15, city authorities and retailers completed the installation of street decorations along key central axes: above Oxford Street and Regent Street, in Soho, Covent Garden, Mayfair, and along the Thames embankments. According to Wave RBC.UA, most street locations can be viewed for free, while ice rinks and the evening light trail at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, require a ticket purchase. Below are the main spots that are already open and forming the city's festive map for the coming weeks.

Hogwarts in the Center: Hanover Square Tree and House Emblems

The most prominent highlight of the season is a nod to the Harry Potter universe. Above Oxford Street, the familiar light stars were joined by the crests of all four Hogwarts houses, and in Hanover Square—a short walk away—a Christmas tree inspired by the Great Hall from the new HBO series was installed. The Sorting Hat sits at the top of the tree, and artificial snow is launched around it every half hour. On Saturday, the light show runs from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and on Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. According to the organizers, the installation will remain up until January 5, 2027.

Regent Street Angels and 90s-Style Neon Soho

Suspended above the curve of Regent Street are once again the Spirit of Christmas figures—angels with wide garland wings. This year, new elements have been added to the more than 30 lighting figures, and the illumination is switched on daily from 3:00 PM to midnight, allowing visitors to see it both before dinner and on a late evening walk. In Soho, the Press Play on Christmas installation has been turned on—a vibrant neon illumination styled after the British 1990s. The neighborhood lit up over 300,000 lights, gold bells and baubles were hung in the Market Building, and a 15-meter tree was placed on West Piazza. The first open-air artificial snow here is scheduled for December 4, but over the weekend it can already be seen indoors at the neighboring Seven Dials Market at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

Mayfair and Piccadilly Luxury Displays, Somerset House Ice Rink

In Mayfair on November 12, the Crown Jewels arches were lit up, which organizers say is the final season for this illumination. Beneath the arches lie the festive storefronts of Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Bulgari, and Tiffany. In the windows of the department store at 181 Piccadilly, mice are making snowmen, playing chess, and preparing for the holidays, while a Christmas fairy illustrated by Olaf Hajek appears between rooms. For the Where Stars Align display, 24 festive windows and over 600 handmade stars were prepared; starting at 6:00 PM, the light show on the facade repeats every half hour, and a Dior Christmas pop-up runs here until December 27. In the courtyard of Somerset House, an ice rink has opened next to a 12-meter tree: the ice is open from November 11 to January 10, 2027, with adult tickets costing £13–28.50 depending on the session, plus a £1.50 booking fee.

Thames Embankments: Markets, Curling, and Ice Trails

At London Bridge City along the Thames, a market featuring handmade gifts and seasonal food has opened: the two-story Clubhouse bar features a terrace with river views, and six curling lanes operate near the pier. The market runs until January 3, 2027. Near the former power station, a 200-meter ice trail connecting three rinks has been laid out; nearby, on Malaysia Square, stands a 12-meter tree with over a thousand baubles, and giant candy canes are placed along Electric Boulevard. The rink is open until January 3, 2027.

Kew Gardens, Warner Bros., and Winter Wonderland: Evening Trails and Tickets

Starting November 13, visitors to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, can walk a three-kilometer evening light trail. New installations include rising illuminated spheres, giant flowers glowing to music, and a willow tree with a light waterfall; near the Palm House greenhouse, the route concludes with a fountain and projection show. The event continues on select days until January 3, 2027, with admission by timed-entry ticket. Outside the city at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London in Leavesden, the Hogwarts in the Snow program starts on November 14: the Great Hall will be decorated with trees and candles, the castle model dusted with cinematic snow, and winter sound effects demonstrated. The program runs until January 17, 2027, and requires a ticket. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park opens on November 19 and runs until January 3, 2027; organizers require visitors to book entry dates and times in advance.