With Halloween over, it’s time for some Christmas cheer, and some of London’s most iconic landmarks are getting ready to switch on their festive displays.
Winter Wonderland is getting ready to open, and some of the capital’s busiest streets are prepping their gorgeous Christmas-inspired decorations for the festive season.
While some displays are continuations from previous years, like Regent Street, others, such as Oxford Street, are mixing things up with exciting new decor.
If you want to wrap up warm and check out some festive illuminations, here’s when and where to see Christmas lights in London.
Carnaby Street, Soho – November 4
Carnaby Street is expected to be one of the first major parts of London to switch on its Christmas lights.
According to reports, organizers have promised lots of color and creativity, and have so far teased that the lights, called Press Play on Christmas, are inspired by 90s nostalgia.
The Carnaby Street Christmas lights will be switched on next week on November 4.
Regent Street – November 5
While Oxford Street is doing something unique for 2026 with its Harry Potter-themed Christmas lights, the iconic Regent Street is sticking to tradition… sort of.
The large glittery angels, known as Spirits of Christmas, that hang above shoppers on Regent Street are returning this year. The decorations have remained the same for about 10 years now, but organizers have teased that there will be a ‘secret twist’.
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The Regent Street Christmas switch-on will happen on November 5.
Oxford Street – To be confirmed
For 2026, Oxford Street, which has just been pedestrianised, will be treated to Harry Potter-inspired Christmas lights in celebration of the launch of the Harry Potter television show by HBO, which premieres on Christmas Day.
organizers for the event, the New West End Company, have described the lights as a ‘festive celebration of one of the world’s most beloved stories’, and have confirmed that shoppers will be treated to a series of illuminated designs to bring the world of Harry Potter to life.
No date for the switch-on has been confirmed yet, and New West End Company is being somewhat tight-lipped about the lights, but it has confirmed more news in the coming weeks.
Knightsbridge – November 10
This famous shopping hub will be switching on its Christmas lights on November 10, and it’s doing things a little differently than the others on this list.
organizers for Knightsbridge’s Christmas lights are taking an eco-friendly approach this year, using 12,000 low-energy LED bulbs to decorate the area for the festive season.
Marylebone Village – November 11
Often overlooked, Marylebone Village will have its big day on November 11, and it’s celebrating with a bang.
organizers will transform the area into a winter wonderland with food and drink on offer, as well as family entertainment, a 55-foot Ferris wheel, and live performances at Devonshire Street throughout the afternoon.
organizers have teased that the switch-on, which starts at 6pm, will be led by a celebrity guest.
Covent Garden – November 12
Covent Garden’s Christmas lights will be illuminated on November 12, later than most other London switch-ons.
For this year, around 30,000 LED lights will dazzle shoppers, who will also be treated to a new installation of Christmas trees inspired by West End shows like Moulin Rouge and Mamma Mia.
Like previous years, the iconic giant baubles and bells will return.
Bond Street – November 12
November 12 looks to be a busy day for Christmas light switch-ons. Over 90,000 LED lights will be illuminated at 7pm on the busy shopping street, all arranged into a design inspired by the famous Crown Jewels.
The Crown Jewels-inspired lights were displayed in 2023 and last year, and will return this year before they’re replaced by a completely different lighting scheme next year.
organizers have confirmed that a live brass band will play throughout the evening before culminating in the gorgeous switch-on.
Chelsea – November 12
Chelsea is one of London’s most gorgeous boroughs, and that is without any of the festive lights and decorations.
On November 12, the shopping destination around King’s Road will be decked top to bottom with Christmas decorations, with the official switch-on ceremony happening at the Duke of York Square.
The area is expected to be pedestrianised, and you can expect plenty of activities, street performers, food, and drink for the family to enjoy.
The Churchill Arms – November 12
The Churchill Arms is one of London’s most gorgeous pubs! Throughout the summer it is covered in bright and colorful flowers, while in the winter, you can enjoy illuminating Christmas lights and decorations.
The pub’s grand switch-on will happen on November 12 (you’re honestly spoilt for choice on November 12), and if you’re interested in learning a little more about the pub’s festive lights, read our interview with its owners.
Kew Gardens – November 13
Christmas at the world-famous Kew Gardens is a must for anyone seeking festive fun on a large scale.
While there is no official switch-on at Kew Gardens, the park is running its famous Christmas at Kew celebration from November 13, which includes light trails and displays, glistening tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections and trees drenched in color.
You must book tickets on the Kew Gardens website, which start at £25.50, and, new for 2026, Kew Gardens will be hosting adult-only evenings on December 3 and 9.
Fleet Street – November 18
Although Fleet Street isn’t really a place you’d flock to for Christmas decorations (most people just skip straight to St Paul’s Cathedral), it’s going to be one to watch this year.
On November 18, Ludgate Circus will be decorated with 12 sculptures of Beano characters in honour of the comic’s office, which is located directly on Fleet Street.
Leadenhall Market – November 19
On November 19, the Victorian-inspired halls of Leadenhall Market will turn into festive cheer when a 26ft-tall Christmas tree is erected.
Other Christmas decorations like garlands, as well as a light tunnel, will be unveiled from 6pm, alongside live music for you to enjoy.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – November 19
If you’re wondering when London’s iconic Hyde Park Winter Wonderland returns this year, you actually don’t have much time to wait.
The theme park will return to Hyde Park from November 19 for six weeks, until January 3, 2027.
Will you be going to Winter Wonderland this year?
- Definitely!
- It’s not for me
You can expect the usual marketplace, including food and drink stalls, as well as rides and Christmas lights. For 2026, a new VIP tour experience has been introduced, so you can skip queues and spend more time enjoying the sights.
The official Winter Wonderland website confirms over 150 unmissable attractions to enjoy, as well as plenty of live entertainment, and you can save 25% when you book online in advance, so get going!
The Shard – December 1
Finally, one of London’s most famous landmarks will see its lights turn festive on December 1, although details on exactly what to expect are being kept secret.