Can you feel it? There’s a nip in the air, a soupcon of sparkle in the shop windows and a general feeling of festive merriment: Christmas is around the corner. And, while you might not have started your gift shopping yet (don’t worry, we’ve got you covered here), you probably have noticed that fairy lights have started appearing across the capital’s tourist hotspots and retail thoroughfares.

London’s Christmas lights are back in a big way this year – replete with switch-on extravaganzas that aren’t to be missed. From Mayfair to Chelsea, Covent Garden to the City, don’t miss the chance to see London in all its bedazzled beauty…

Covent Garden, West End: 7 November

Covent Garden piazza will come alive on 7 November, with a festive light display featuring more than 115,000 dazzling bulbs, and an impressive 60ft Christmas tree, adorned with a further 30,000 twinkling lights. The festive decor will also extend into the market, which will see the return of its famous giant baubles, mistletoe, and mirror balls. Visitors can also expect exclusive pop-ups, Christmas offers and in-store promotions, alongside over 1,000 weatherproof outdoor dining seats across 55 restaurants promising the chance to experience the magical festive scheme from all angles.

Visit coventgarden.london

Carnaby Street, Soho: 8 November

Image: Dave Perry

Image: Matt Crossick

Carnaby Street’s world-famous light displays are Instagram catnip for the masses. The buzzy street will be illuminated from 8 November, boasting an out-of-space theme where you’ll be immersed in vibrant neon spheres of colour and light waves creating a moving vortex along the street. Visitors can enjoy live music, in-store activations and discounts from 4-8pm.

Visit carnaby.co.uk

Regent Street and St James's, West End: 9 November

Regent Street and St James’s festive light display, The Spirit of Angels, will illuminate the skies from 9 November. The sparkling canopy of lights will be comprised of more than 50 large-scale spirits, soaring above Regent Street, Regent Street St James’s, Piccadilly and Jermyn Street, and will be visible from the early evening. Powered by green energy, the 300,000-light scheme is made up of low-energy LED bulbs which operate on a timer, conserving energy during daylight hours and overnight.

Visit regentstreetonline.com

Marylebone Village: 9 November

Head down to charming Marylebone Village on 9 November to celebrate Merry Marylebone and the switching on of the beautiful Christmas light display in support of mental health charity partner, Mind in Brent Wandsworth and Westminster. To mark the unveiling, retailers and restaurants will be offering exclusive promotions, festive experiences, gifts with purchase and specially curated menus throughout the day from 3-8pm. Alongside special in-store discounts, a variety of exciting activities will take place across the village, including a charity tombola, food and gift stalls, live music, a Santa’s grotto, fairground rides and a celebrity switch-on moment. 

Visit marylebonevillage.com

Belgravia: 15 November

The charming streets of Belgravia will be illuminated from 15 November this year, with the launch of a festive trail featuring beautiful installations across the picturesque neighbourhood, spanning Motcomb Street, Elizabeth Street, Pimlico Road, Eccleston Yards and Halkin Arcade. The London Gay Men’s Chorus will be performing a moving choral set throughout the evening, while Santa and two of his reindeer will visit Motcomb Street from 7-8pm, and also say hello to The Snowman from Sadler’s Wells while you're there. The famous Belgravia Christmas trail will celebrate the local shops and their sparkling window displays, designed to deliver delight and wonder, complete with an impressive Christmas tree.

Visit belgravialdn.com

South Molton Street and Mount Street, Mayfair: 16 November

One of the capital’s most elegant and expensive neighbourhoods, Mayfair’s iconic South Molton Street and Mount Street will turn on its dazzling display of 63,000 energy-efficient sparkling lights at 6.30pm on 16 November. The big blue blows will run up and down the picturesque street, anchored by The Connaught hotel’s iconic, towering tree. The road will be temporarily closed from 5pm so revellers can enjoy the festive music, artisan cocktails and stellar giveaways.

Visit mayfairldn.com

Leadenhall Market, City of London: 16 November

Festive revellers can enjoy Leadenhall Market in all its illuminated Victorian splendour on 16 November, when it will be flanked by a giant Christmas tree, festooned with colour-changing LED lights and crowned with beautiful fir tree garlands. As part of the much-loved annual ceremony, the Lord Mayor of London will switch on the lights at 6pm, accompanied by firework fountains and carols from the London Youth Choir as well as late-night shopping, workshops and festive guided tours.

Visit leadenhallmarket.co.uk

King's Road, Chelsea: 18 November

Head to the iconic King’s Road for the grand unveiling of the Chelsea Christmas lights on 18 November. The street will be part-pedestrianised with a festive market and a roster of fun activities from midday, including meeting Santa’s reindeer and face painting alongside mulled wine and festive fizz. Father Christmas himself will then light up the streets, switching on the lights at 5pm, followed by a Santa’s Grotto pop-up.

Visit chelseachristmas.co.uk

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