If you’re planning a stay in London ahead of the festive season, remember to look up – the capital’s most iconic streets are transformed by spectacular Christmas lights each winter. The tradition began on Regent Street in 1954 and has since spread across the city, with glowing displays complementing the seasonal window displays of London’s shops and businesses.
Here’s your guide to London’s switch on dates:
Carnaby Street – 4 November
The theme is ‘Press Play on Christmas’, celebrating 1990s nostalgia.
Regent Street & St James’s – 5 November
Retaining the 1954 tradition of angels.
Ever After Garden, Chelsea – 5 November
A beautiful garden of 30,000 white roses, illuminated in tribute to lost loved ones (you can dedicate your own, for a donation to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity).
Covent Garden – 12 November
Gold bells, disco balls, giant baubles and 300,000 twinkling lights!
The Strand – 12 November
With inspiration from the area’s theatres and a nod to The Savoy Theatre’s 1882 invention of the world’s first electric fairy lights.
Bond Street – 12 November
Expect illuminated crowns towering above the luxury stores which are famous for their elaborate festive displays.
Trafalgar Square – 3 December
The lighting of the famous Christmas tree, accompanied by live carol performances from The Salvation Army Band and local choirs.
