London has the best Christmas lights, there’s no doubt about it. Not only are the streets always colourfully lit up, but restaurants and shops go all out to spruce up their fronts for the festive season.

Trying to decide where to go can be slightly overwhelming – there’s just so much to see! I recently used The Curious Pixie’s walking tour as a base to see some of the highlights in Central London this year. It was a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and snap some festive shots.

I ventured ever so slightly off the tour’s recommendation, so my route is below. They’re all within easy walking distance of each other, so it’s not a problem if you discover your own route. The tour can take around 40 minutes, but ours was much longer as we took so many photographs and ventured into some of the shops.

We started with Oxford Street and Regent Street, which have beautiful lights hanging above to enjoy as you shop. Just past H&M on Regent Street, head left down Foubert’s Place until you reach Carnaby Street, which has partnered with charity Choose Love for their light display. Further down Carnaby Street you can find Kingly Court, one of my favourite places in London. It has a fantastic range of restaurants and is under shelter – perfect for winter in the city.

Back onto Regent Street, follow the road round and cross on the right to Piccadilly. Turning right onto Piccadilly, you’ll spot department store Fortnum & Mason – you can’t miss its red façade. We also popped inside to see the incredible Christmas decorations they sell (and to shelter from the rain, of course – it’s London)!

On the other side of the road is the historic Burlington Arcade, the world’s first shopping arcade! Their luxurious Christmas decorations are picture-perfect. Walk all the way through to enjoy some window shopping, and you’ll reach New Bond Street on the other side, home to Cartier’s dazzling Christmas décor. Most of the designer shops down this road have impressive Christmas designs.

Back round onto Piccadilly and head back towards Piccadilly Circus, turning right once you get there towards Waterloo Place. Sofitel London St James has a brilliant tree on the square – we even saw Santa Claus!

From here it’s about a 15 minute walk through Leicester Square towards Covent Garden, which is the perfect place to stop for a hot chocolate or mulled wine and admire their bright decorations.

I also went to Chelsea at the weekend, which is another great spot to get in the festive spirit in London. King’s Road has its own lights, and the stores and restaurants have gone all out – even some homes are dressed up!

Have you got anywhere else in London you’d recommend for a festive walk? Share it in the comments!