London is home to some legendary Christmas lights which adorn the streets each year. But when do the Christmas lights in London get turned on? Well every neighbourhood has a slightly different date for their big switch-ons, with Carnaby Street leading the charge on the 4th November. The bulk of the other displays will be turned on by mid-month, giving you plenty of time to see and snap them all before the big day. Some dates are still to be confirmed – including Oxford Street which will be incorporating a Harry Potter-inspired designed alongside its usual starry display.
If you want to see a bunch of them in one go, jump on the top deck of the 139 bus, which runs from Waterloo, through Covent Garden, Piccadilly, Oxford Circus and Marylebone, up to Golders Green. Here are all the confirmed switch-on dates for London’s Christmas lights so you can start getting suitably festive.
Carnaby Street | 4th November
On Weds 4th November Carnaby Street is unveiling its new festive display which this time-round is inspired by the decade that changed it all – the 90s. Carrying on the hype from the Tate’s latest exhibition, the lights will bring some feel good nostalgia to one of the capital’s favourite shopping streets.
Regent Street | 5th November
Regent Street and St James’s ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ lights are returning on Thurs 5th November. The display consists of over 30 sparkling ‘spirits’ made up of over 300,000 LED lights which have lit up the West End every Christmas since 2016. There’ll also be an illuminated Wishing Tree installation in St James’s Market where you can tap to make a donation to food rescue charity The Felix Project.
Knightsbridge | 10th November
Knightsbridge debuted its Christmas lights last year, and now they’re back for 2026 from Tues 10th November. The display of over 12,000 bulbs will light up Brompton Road and the surrounding streets. The designs nod to the area’s equestrian heritage and including a 14-metre animated installation.
Covent Garden | 12th November
Covent Garden is bringing back its massive bells with bows and giant baubles to the Market Building from Thurs 12th November. There’ll be over 300,000 twinkling lights across the neighbourhood and the return of the signature 55ft British-grown Christmas tree. The Theatre of Christmas campaign is also back for 2026.
Leadenhall Market | 19th November
Leadenhall Market’s Victorian walkways will once again be decked out for the festive season from Thurs 19th November. The decorations include garlands strung along the hallways and a towering 26ft Christmas tree taking centre stage beneath the atrium. At Beehive Passage, you’ll find a festive light tunnel illuminated with Victorian-style lights.
Chelsea | 25th November
From Weds 25th November, Royal Chelsea Hospital becomes home to an immersive festive experience. As well as the lights overhanging the streets, the Chelsea Winter Illuminations, provides a longer and more extended light trail filled with large-scale art from some of Britain’s leading light artists. Once you’ve completed the trail, head to Chelsea Winter Village for the Christmas market, mulled wine & festive bars, fairground rides and more.
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