London Christmas Lights 10k Run with Secret London Runs
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Ideal for runners comfortable with a 10k distance at varied paces including walking intervals.
Overview
Celebrate the holidays with Secret London Runs’ Classic 10k Christmas Lights Running Tour. Run, pause, and admire London’s iconic festive displays at a pace that suits you along the West End and South Bank.
Classic 10k Christmas lights running tour
Most popular - tickets selling fast!
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About This Adventure
Experience the magic of London’s Christmas lights on a festive 10k run with Secret London Runs! Celebrate the season with cheerful tunes, stunning displays, and photo opportunities as you explore iconic locations like Carnaby Street and the South Bank. Join a supportive community and run at your own pace—no one gets left behind!
Join Secret London Runs as we run through London's Christmas lights, trees and window displays with festive tunes pumping as you go ho ho, on another brand new route for 2025!
Back for its 10th edition, jingle all the 10k through Mayfair and the West End at its festive best, choosing from a range of dates at a variety of paces to keep you in your comfort zo-ho-hone.
What's included#
- Christmas-loving run guide
- See all the main lights displays in the West End
- Festive tunes as you go-ho-ho
- Loads of photo ops
Highlights#
- Carnaby Street
- Regent Street
- Annabel's nightclub
- New Bond Street
- The South Bank
- And so many more
Where to meet#
The tour starts inside Charing Cross station, which has the best free public toilets in London! Meet inside the station next to the water fountain. The tour ends near to the start.
No one gets left behind#
This is a running tour, not a race. We run at the pace of the gentlest runner among us and we don't leave anyone behind. That said, please make sure that you're able to run 10k at the pace advertised (with breathers) for the enjoyment of the other runners.
Pace and dates#
Each tour has a guide pace to keep you in your comfort zone. The tour contains stops along the way for photos and festive history, but please select the pace that you usually run at:
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Festively fast: for those who usually run sub-10 minute miles (you usually run 10k in under 1 hour). Sunday 23rd November - 4pm Friday 5th December - 7pm
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Merrily medium: for those who usually run 10-12 minute miles (you usually run 10k in just over 1 hour - 1 hour 15 minutes). Sunday 16th November - 4.30pm Friday 21st November - 7pm Saturday 22nd November - 4pm Tuesday 25th November - 7pm Thursday 27th November - 7.30pm Friday 5th December - 6.30pm Sunday 7th December - 4pm Saturday 13th December - 6.30pm Wednesday 17th December - 6.30pm
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Gentle jingle: for those who usually run 12-13 minute miles (you usually run 10k in 1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 20 minutes. Monday 17th November - 6.30pm Thursday 20th November - 7pm Saturday 22nd November - 4pm Sunday 23rd November - 4pm Wednesday 26th November - 6.30pm Sunday 30th November - 4pm Tuesday 2nd December - 6.30pm Wednesday 3rd December - 6.30pm Tuesday 9th December - 7pm Saturday 13th December - 4pm Monday 15th December - 7pm Thursday 18th December - 6.30pm Sunday 21st December - 4pm
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Walk/run intervals: "jeffing" - we'll be mixing up short intervals of gentle jogging with walking. We'll aim for a 1 minute of jogging to 30 seconds of walking ratio, but will work with the group to make sure everyone is comfortable on the night. Saturday 22nd November - 6.30pm
Will we stop at the lights?#
Yes - we stop to admire the lights, take photos and give you a little bit of festive history too.
What to wear#
Festive fancy dress very much encouraged.
Adventure Tips
Pace Yourself
The run accommodates all paces with grouped segments so nobody is left behind—choose the pace option that fits your fitness level.
Dress Warm and Festive
London evenings in winter can be chilly; layered clothing with reflective elements and festive gear makes for comfort and visibility.
Bring a Phone or Camera
You’ll want to capture vibrant light displays along Carnaby Street, Regent Street, and the iconic South Bank.
Use Charing Cross Station Facilities
Start and end inside Charing Cross Station where clean, free public toilets are available—ideal for preparing before or after your run.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban foxes occasionally seen in quieter parks nearby
- Resident pigeons that flock around the South Bank area
History
The West End has long been London’s entertainment and shopping district, lighting up spectacularly since early 20th century Christmas seasons.
Conservation
Secret London Runs emphasizes low-impact group size and encourages responsible waste disposal to minimize urban environmental footprint.
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Adventure Hotspots in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Running shoes with grip
Provides stability on potentially wet or slick London streets in winter.
winter specific
Reflective jacket or vest
Ensures visibility during early nightfall on city roads.
winter specific
Layered clothing
Allows adjustment to changing temperatures while running through chilly London evenings.
winter specific
Headlamp or handheld light
Helpful for extra visibility along dimmer streets and safe footing.
winter specific