2026 update: Christmas light switch-on dates vary by street and year. Check the current organiser or local authority information before travelling.
The switching on of the different Christmas lights in London marks the beginning of Christmas in London. Some of the capital’s biggest shopping destinations, such as Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden and Carnaby Street celebrate the switching on of the Christmas lights with live music, free events and sometimes even fireworks!
London celebrates Christmas like no other city. Every little street in London is neatly decorated to the smallest detail with the largest display of Christmas decorations and lights that one can imagine. In addition, the ice skating rinks and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park open in November, and many Christmas markets start to appear in London. The Nutcracker ballet opens its doors to the public as well as many Christmas musicals and pantomimes.
For Christmas 2026, organisers publish switch-on dates at different times. Displays usually continue into early January 2027, but end dates vary. Check each organiser’s current event page before travelling.
One way to see the best Christmas lights in London is on an Open Top Vintage Bus Sightseeing Tour.
The 2026 Oxford Street switch-on date and final display day have not been confirmed on the Oxford Street organiser’s current events page. Check it before planning a trip specifically for the switch-on.
Oxford Street has used illuminated star displays in recent Christmas seasons; check the 2026 announcement for this year’s design and dates. These stars, in addition to lighting up Oxford Street during the Christmas season, also light up London’s West End.
Over the past few years, we have seen various Christmas lights on Oxford Street, including the green and blue hues that simulated the Aurora Borealis over the London sky and the 1,778 white balls that floated above Oxford Street every Christmas for the past few years. Oxford Street is also partnering with children’s charity Starlight this year, which helps children in hospital to experience playtime and joy throughout their treatments. To help raise money for the charity, members of the public can sponsor a star.
Live entertainment, road closures and shop offers change each year. Check the organiser’s announcement if you want to attend an event rather than simply see the lights.
Carnaby Street has not yet published a verified 2026 switch-on date on its official site. Check its event details before travelling. Carnaby´s Christmas lights are undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events of Christmas in London since the Christmas decorations of Carnaby Street are usually nothing less than spectacular.
Carnaby decorated the streets in 2023 with the most-loved pieces from the past to celebrate this. Throughout Carnaby, visitors saw an exciting element of historic installations, including neon lyrics from Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, glittering Rolling Stones tongues, fan favourites such as oversized robins, a giant snowman, colourful palm trees from Carnaby Carnival as well as underwater scenes from the unforgettable Under The Sea.
This year’s installation is called Carnaby Universe. Neon colours and light waves will take over Carnaby Street, Foubert’s Place, Ganton Street and Newburgh Street. The iconic Carnaby arches will also be beautifully adorned.
This year Carnaby will once again collaborate with the Choose Love Charity, a charity that raises funds for refugees around the globe. A pop-up shop will open at 57 Carnaby Street, where you will be able to buy limited edition products and refugee gifting packages.
Carnaby Christmas Shopping Party takes place on the same day as the Christmas lights are switched on from 4 pm to 8 pm. More than 100 shops, bars and restaurants in the 13 streets of the Carnaby area offer a 20% discount on most of their products on the day. There will also be live music, competitions and giveaways. If you just want to see the Christmas lights switch on, you can just show up on the day, but if you want to take advantage of the Carnaby Christmas Shopping Party discounts, you need to register in advance on their website.
Regent Street
The 2026 Regent Street switch-on date has not been verified; check the organiser’s current announcement before travelling. Displays often continue into early January; check the organiser’s published end date for 2026–27.
Every year, the Regent Street Christmas Lights switch-on in central London is celebrated in style. Some years Regent Street is closed to traffic throughout the day, and becomes filled with numerous stalls with activities for all ages from early in the morning. There is a stage at one end of the street (usually the Piccadilly Circus end) hosted by celebrities and featuring live music. The switching on of the Christmas lights on Regent Street usually takes place at around 5 p.m. and is often accompanied by a fantastic fireworks display. But all these details haven´t been confirmed yet for 2026!
Magical Covent Garden is even more magical at Christmas, and you cannot miss this wonderful place if you are planning to visit London this Christmas. Covent Garden’s official Christmas page lists Thursday 12 November 2026 for its festive launch. Recheck the event page for the time and programme.
Inside the piazza, the Christmas decorations and lights that hang from the ceiling are usually one of the most photographed places during Christmas in London. This year a new Christmas installation will take place, we can´t wait to see it! Outside the piazza, you´ll find a giant Christmas tree. There are also free events that run during December to get into the festive spirit.
The 2026 Trafalgar Square tree-lighting date has not been verified on City Hall’s Christmas page; check it before travelling. The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is the latest Christmas detail to take place in London. It is the tallest Christmas tree that is installed each year in London.
The ceremony and carol schedule may change each year. Use City Hall’s event page for confirmed 2026 times.
Planning a trip to London for Christmas
By mid-November, all the Christmas lights in London have been switched on except the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square. All the ice rinks and the Christmas Markets are normally open too.
Most shops will also have their Christmas shopfronts installed. Harrods, Selfridges, and Fortnum and Mason´s are well worth visiting. Every shop in the most famous shopping areas, such as Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden, will also have amazing shopfronts installed.
Discover Everything you need to know about Christmas in London
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.
3 Comments
THANK YOU! HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON!
You have not mentioned the time when the lights will be switched on.
Hi!
They are normally switched on between 3.30 pm until midnight. Hope that helps!