Get ready for celebrities, carols and candy canes.
London is one of the best places in the world to celebrate Christmas. The city gets into the festive spirit with Christmas lights in iconic locations. If you’re looking to add some sparkle to your day, here are dates for your diary.
The turning on of Christmas lights in London has long been a tradition. Over the years, everyone from pop stars to politicians have been summoned to push the prestigious button. Celebrities have included Enrique Iglesias, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Richard Branson and the Spice Girls. London is about to get lit.
Regent Street: 7 November
Regent Street has paved the way for Christmas lights in London. In 1954, it was the first road in London to get decorated with festive lights. The latest display includes 45 angels that look like they are playing the trumpet, and is made up of thousands of individual LED lights. The lights are turned on daily from 3pm to 11pm until January.
Carnaby Street: 8 November
Carnaby Street is unafraid of making a statement with its Christmas lights. For the last four years, the street has partnered with the refugee charity, Choose Love, and opened a pop-up store that raised money for the winter months.
Covent Garden: 12 November
Can you picture 260,000 lights? At Covent Garden you can – as its latest Christmas decorations include almost twice as many lights as last year. The site is filled with Insta-worthy moments, which include the towering tree in the middle of the cobbled courtyard.
Soho: 12 November
Soho might not sound like the most family-friendly place, but it has been creating a cute Christmas light display in London. In 2023, the Soho Kids Christmas Lights were designed by the local Soho Parish Primary School, and included hand drawn pieces which featured everything from snowmen to stars.
Old Spitalfields Market: 13 November
If you want to go old school, head to the historic Old Spitalfields Market. The lights will be turned on at 5.30pm on 13 November. Guests can get into the festive spirit with craft workshops, mulled wine, minced pies and street food stalls.
Marylebone Village Christmas Lights: 13 November
Merry Marylebone gets into the groove from 3pm to 8pm on 13 November. The event includes live music, market stalls and a celebrity guest. The details of the guest are currently kept under wraps, but famous faces have ranged from Fearne Cotton to Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Kew Gardens: 13 November
Kew Gardens has one of the most magical Christmas lights in London. The trail takes over the 300-acre site, and includes blockbuster illuminations across the lakes, trees and iconic glass house. Plus, there is the grotto where you can have a meet and greet with Father Christmas. The event runs until 5 January.
Leadenhall Market: 14 November
At Leadenhall Market, it feels like you are stepping into a Charles Dickens novel. The Victorian architecture comes alive with Christmas lights, which span colour changing LED baubles and a light tunnel through the Beehive Passage. The Lord Mayor of London traditionally turns on the lights.
The Shard: 14 November
For the highest Christmas lights in Western Europe, whizz to the top of The Shard. The iconic building boasts a display, which competes with the stunning skyline. This year’s Christmas lights are inspired by much-loved Christmas carols.
Chelsea: 16 November
Chelsea is famous for its classy Christmas lights in London. The family-friendly event includes fizz, food and Father Christmas. In previous years, the event included roaming performers, concerts and a firework display.
Belgravia: 17 November
Belgravia goes classic with its event with Father Christmas, reindeer and a family-friendly party. The Christmas lights span Elizabeth Street, Eccleston Yards, Halkin Arcade and Pimlico Road. Plus, you can get a selfie with The Snowman from Sadler’s Wells.
Trafalgar Square: 5 December
The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square has made its way into the London history books. Since 1947, the tree has been gifted from Norway, and is often one of the last Christmas lights in London to be turned on. Expect a carol concert on the night in St. Martin in the Fields.
