London in winter may be cold and dark but it’s never short of Christmas spirit thanks to the legendary Christmas lights that adorn the capital each year. So when do the Christmas lights in London get turned on? Well every neighbourhood has a slightly different date for their big switch-ons, with Oxford Street leading the charge on 2nd 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.
And 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.
Oxford Street | 2nd November
London’s, if not the world’s, most iconic Christmas lights are being turned on on Oxford Street on Thurs 2nd November, which, this year, comprise thousands of white stars suspended above the street. Oxford Street is partnering with children’s charity Starlight for 2023 with QR code donation points along the street and the option for the public to sponsor a star in the installation to help children staying in hospital have a brighter time through play.
Covent Garden | 7th November
Covent Garden is mixing things up this winter with a brand new festive display, something that hasn’t happened for almost a decade. On Tues 7th November, 40 massive bells with bows, 12 giant baubles and eight spinning mirror balls will go up in the Market Building, alongside over 140,000 LED lights twinkling across the Piazza, Seven Dials and the rest of the neighbourhood, and over 30,000 LED lights on the 60-ft Christmas tree.
Carnaby Street | 8th November
Carnaby Street’s lights are going to be out of this world this year as the theme is Carnaby Universe. The vibrant neon lights will go on alongside a shopping and dining party, so you can pick up some early pressies and soak up some live entertainment.
Regent Street & St James’s | 9th November
Regent Street was the first central London area to install festive lights, way back in 1954, and they’re coming back better than ever for 2023. The Spirits of Christmas will be flying above Regent Street, Regent Street St James’s, Piccadilly, Jermyn Street and St James’s Market from 9th November this year. And for the first time, there’ll be brand new lights over Glasshouse Street, Heddon Street, Quadrant Arcade, St James’s Market and Swallow Street to make the neighbourhood extra festive.
Marylebone Village | 9th November
The theme for the Village this year is Merry Marylebone, with a new display featuring lights made from recycled plastic bottles and an energy-saving LED system. The switch-on event on 9th November, held in support of charity partner Mind Brent Wandsworth and Westminster, will be hosted by BBC London’s Jo Good and a special celeb guest, and will also feature festive workshops, market stalls, music, a Ferris wheel and Santa’s grotto.
Belgravia | 15th November
Belgravia will be aglow with lights above Motcomb Street, Elizabeth Street, Pimlico Road, Eccleston Yards and Halkin Arcade from the 15th November. As well as the lights switch-on, the area will also be launching a Christmas Trail of Cheer, featuring window displays across the neighbourhood, a roaming concert from the London Gay Men’s Chorus, a pop-up Christmas market and even an appearance from the big man himself.
Mayfair | 16th November
Mayfair’s lights, including the big blue bows above Mount Street, will be illuminated on 16th November this year, with a switch-on event that includes performances from the Salvation Army’s brass band, St Georges School Choir, Mayfair Community Choir, and Danceworks. Roebuck sparkling wine will be flowing from one of Mount Street’s wooden chalets with gifts on offer from some of the neighbourhood’s best brands in the other.
Leadenhall Market | 16th November
The Lord Mayor of London is getting the City ready for Christmas by switching on the lights at Leadenhall Market on 16th November. Carols from the London Youth choir and pyrotechnic firework fountains will accompany the switch-on, which’ll include a colour-changing LED display on the eight-metre tall Christmas tree and a twinkling light tunnel complete with snow on Beehive Passage.
Chelsea | 18th November
Head to the King’s Road on 18th November to see Chelsea’s Christmas lights get switched on. The street will part-pedestrianised on the evening, which’ll feature a Christmas market, entertainment, mulled wine, a fireworks display, a light show, an appearance from Santa and even a dusting of snow.
Connaught Village | 22nd November
Christmas is coming to Connaught Village from Wed 22nd November this year, with the illuminating of the Give a Little Love Tree, which’ll have a brand-new neon display showcasing love in every language, and the Christmas Design Collective pop-up gifting experience where you can shop from a range of brands in the area.