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 and Carnaby 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.
Carnaby Street | 2nd 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.
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.
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.
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.