UK city has 'Europe's best Christmas lights displays' and most are free to visit

11 December 2023 , 12:08

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Regent Street's gorgeous lights have become a huge hit with visitors in recent years (Image: Getty Images)

There's nothing quite like Christmas lights to transform a city into a festive wonderland once the sun has set - and the good news for Brits is that you won't need to venture far to check out some of the best twinkling displays.

That's because London has just been named Europe's best city for Christmas lights, according to research from ferry and cruise operator DFDS which looked at social media data to determine the rankings.

The English capital has long been a firm favourite with visitors thanks to the plethora of lights to be found whether you're heading to. Regent Street to see the iconic angels above the shopping hub, Carnaby Street with its quirky themed displays, or even Kew Gardens where you'll find everything from illuminated trails to animated displays.

The twinkling lights to be found on Oxford Street this Christmas (TOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

According to the DFDS team, some of the best lights not to miss include:

• Regent Street Christmas lights - Known for its annual Christmas light display, London’s famous shopping street creates a magical atmosphere in the city with its flying angels.
• Christmas in Covent Garden - The self-proclaimed most festive neighbourhood in London lights up each year at Christmas with exaggerated and iconic displays that are a feast for the eyes.
• Oxford Street Christmas lights - Twinkling Christmas lights and decorations elegantly illuminate one of London’s most iconic shopping streets.
• Carnaby Street Christmas lights - Each year Carnaby Street dresses the shopping district with a fun, colourful and elaborate display. Enjoy the vibrant ‘Carnaby Universe’ this year.
• Christmas at Kew - Kew Gardens in London hosts a festive light display with illuminated trails, glowing trees, and animated light installations with a botanical theme.

Carnaby Street always has impressive displays with a quirky theme (AP)

London wasn't the only UK city to make the top 10. Edinburgh also impressed, taking the eighth spot in the rankings. It's no surprise that the Scottish capital impresses - after all, it's also tipped to have the UK's most beautiful Christmas market complete with traditional stalls selling gifts and delicious treats (hot chocolate, anyone?), a ferris wheel that offers unrivalled views of the city at night, and plenty of rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

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Europe's top 10 cities for the best Christmas lights displays

1. London, England
2. Barcelona, Spain
3. Paris, France
4. Zurich, Switzerland
5. Lisbon, Portugal
6. Budapest, Hungary
7. Dublin, Ireland
8. Edinburgh, Scotland
9. Vienna, Austria
10. Madrid, Spain

While Barcelona and Madrid were tipped as Spain's best hotspots for Christmas lights, there's one underrated city that's also worth having on your radar. Malaga tends to be a popular destination in the summer, but most people don't realise that come winter it has its own festive charm - including some seriously impressive Christmas lights displays.

Thousands flock to the pedestrianised Calle Larios, where 16 breathtaking angels feature in an impressive show that runs three times every evening and lasts for about eight minutes, complete with 3D projections on the city's iconic Cathedral.

This year the market is running until January 6, 2024, with plenty of stalls selling gifts, decorations, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and late opening times for the main shops for those who need to get some last-minute Christmas shopping ticked off!

• You can find out more on dfds.com

Julie Delahaye