London Christmas Lights Switch-On Dates 2026

Four London switch-ons had announced their 2026 dates by 6 October 2026. Carnaby goes first, on Wednesday 4 November. Regent Street and St James's follow on Thursday 5 November, Marylebone on Wednesday 11 November and Covent Garden on Thursday 12 November.

The dates come from the organisers' own announcements and from Londonist's 2026 listings. Where a street has not announced anything, I say so and give no guess. I'll add each new date to these Christmas Lights Switch-On Dates as the organisers announce it.

Which Christmas Lights Switch-On Dates Are Confirmed for 2026?

Carnaby, Wednesday 4 November. The theme is “Press Play on Christmas”, a nod to 90s nostalgia. Londonist reports around 60,000 LEDs, reused from earlier years.

Regent Street and St James's, Thursday 5 November. The Spirit of Christmas angels return, 30 of them made from 300,000 LED lights. They hang over Regent Street, Jermyn Street and St James's Market. The switch-on event runs from 5pm to 9pm, and the lights then burn daily from 3pm to midnight until 5 January 2027. For the shops and windows nearby, see Christmas in St James's.

Marylebone, Wednesday 11 November. Londonist lists the Marylebone Village switch-on for 6pm. My guide to Christmas in Marylebone covers the village lights, the shops and St Christopher's Place.

Covent Garden, Thursday 12 November. The Theatre of Christmas returns for seven weeks, with more than 300,000 lights across the neighbourhood. Gold bells, mirror balls and baubles go back on the Market Building, and a British-grown tree stands on the West Piazza. The switch-on has live performances and a countdown to the button. For the tree, the market, Seven Dials and Cecil Court, see Christmas in Covent Garden.

Londonist also lists three more as confirmed: Old Spitalfields Market on 11 November, Fulham Pier on 12 November and the Fleet Street Quarter on 18 November.

When Do the Oxford Street and West End Lights Go On?

Oxford Street, Bond Street and the streets around Piccadilly and Leicester Square had not announced 2026 dates by 6 October 2026. I won't guess. The dates will go here once the organisers publish them.

When Is the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Lit?

The Greater London Authority says the lighting takes place in December. No date had been announced by 6 October 2026. The tree is a gift from Norway each year.

How Long Do the Lights Stay On?

Regent Street's lights run daily from 3pm to midnight until 5 January 2027. Other streets publish their own end dates, so check each organiser's page before planning a January visit.

Where Can I See Christmas Lights After the Switch-Ons?

My ranked guide, The Best Christmas Lights in London, Ranked, covers the displays across the city. Christmas in Mayfair has the streets, arcades and facades. Chelsea, Belgravia and the City each have a post of their own, and none of those areas had a 2026 switch-on date in the listings I found.

Visiting the Christmas Switch-Ons: Practical Notes

📍 Where: Carnaby in Soho, Regent Street and St James's, Marylebone Village, and Covent Garden Piazza.

⏰ Opening: Regent Street's switch-on event runs from 5pm to 9pm, and Marylebone's is listed for 6pm. I have no time yet for Carnaby or Covent Garden.

📅 Open days: Carnaby on Wednesday 4 November, Regent Street and St James's on Thursday 5 November, Marylebone on Wednesday 11 November, Covent Garden on Thursday 12 November.

🎫 Admission: The lit streets are free to walk. Check each organiser's page for ticketing at the switch-on events themselves.

🚇 Getting there: Oxford Circus for Carnaby and Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus for St James's, Baker Street or Bond Street for Marylebone Village, Covent Garden or Leicester Square for the Piazza.

📷 Best time: Once the sun has set, from about 4pm in mid-November.

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