London in Winter Light: The Ultimate West End Festive Trail

400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB

💡 Arrive just as twilight settles to marvel at the theatrical holiday vitrines wrapping the corner of Oxford and Orchard Streets before looking upward to catch the glowing canopy of starry drapes illuminating Oxford Street. Step inside the ground floor atrium briefly to visit the seasonal installations or grab a warm pastry from the Food Hall.

Kingsland House, 122-124 Regent St., London W1B 5SA

💡 Walk down from Oxford Circus into the sweeping curve of Regent Street to take in the soaring, 17-metre "Spirit of Christmas" angels suspended overhead, then slip east into pedestrianised Carnaby Street to experience its contrasting, vibrantly colourful neon overhead light installations and independent boutique shopfronts.

Underground Ltd, Long Acre, London WC2E 9JT

💡 Enter from King Street to face the piazza’s monumental 60-foot British-grown Christmas tree draped in more than 30,000 twinkling LED bulbs; stroll under the 19th-century Apple Market arches to see the illuminated giant mistletoe chandeliers and pick up hot roasted chestnuts or a cup of warm mulled wine from a festive stall.

Strand, London WC2R 1LA

💡 Conclude your walk at the grand neoclassical Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court overlooking the River Thames; even if you aren't lacing up skates, the surrounding viewing terraces offer unobstructed views of the 40-foot Christmas tree and rink, backed by hot alpine drinks and fondue at the rinkside Skate Lounge.