London's Christmas Lights 2024 (with map)....
In 2024, festive magic will once again transform Covent Garden's iconic Piazza, Market Building, Neal's Yard, Seven Dials, and the surrounding streets. Visitors can look forward to planning their trip to shop, dine, and immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. Covent Garden’s Piazza is often considered one of the most Christmassy spots in London during December.
This year, Carnaby Street features a dazzling galactic display with neon light waves, shining planets, and a vibrant vortex. The lights were switched on by Vick Hope, presenter and ambassador for Choose Love, accompanied by live music, entertainment, and food and drink from over 100 retailers.
The famous Oxford Street Christmas stars are back this year, arriving earlier than usual. To remain eco-conscious, the lights are powered for a limited time each night and made from recycled materials. In 2023, Oxford Street partnered with the children’s charity Starlight, allowing the public to sponsor a star to bring joy to children spending the festive season in hospital.
Marylebone’s Christmas lights support the mental health charity Mind. At the switch-on event, visitors enjoyed live music, festive activities, and the joyful "Merry Marylebone" celebration, making the area as festive as it is elegant.
Whether you're planning to get ahead with your Christmas shopping or simply looking for a fun festive outing, the Old Spitalfields Market's Christmas activities have you covered. Even beyond the seasonal events, there's always plenty to discover. With an impressive array of 42 food and drink vendors, along with 54 shops and stalls, Old Spitalfields Market offers a wide variety of experiences. Be sure to set aside ample time if you plan to explore everything on offer!
Known for starting the Christmas lights tradition in 1954, Regent Street once again features its iconic Spirits of Christmas display. Over 50 spirits soar above the street, spreading joy and maintaining a cherished tradition that remains one of the world’s most iconic Christmas light displays.
The Lord Mayor of London will officially launch the Christmas season at Leadenhall Market on Thursday, 14 November. The annual switch-on ceremony will begin at 5:30pm, with the lights illuminating the 18-foot Christmas tree at 6:00pm beneath the market's star-covered atrium. The tree, adorned with a colour-changing LED display, large baubles, and fir garlands, will be a highlight, along with the returning twinkling light tunnel in Beehive Passage. Though it's only September, the lights switch-on is set for this special event on 14 November.
Mayfair will transform into a festive wonderland on Thursday, 16 November, when its Christmas lights are switched on. From 5pm to 8pm, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, food, drink, and late-night shopping, with the light switch-on countdown at 6:30pm. Mount Street will sparkle with 63,000 lights shaped like blue bows, while The Connaught hotel unveils its renowned Christmas tree, designed by a new artist each year. Wooden chalets will offer warming drinks, festive gifts, and treats, while performances from The Nutcracker, carol singing, and music from The Salvation Army Band add to the festive cheer. Energy-efficient bulbs and timers ensure the lights balance beauty with environmental consideration.
Belgravia will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling Christmas lights on Sunday, 17 November. The festivities run from 11am to 4pm, with the lights being switched on at 4pm on Elizabeth Street. Visitors can enjoy festive treats in cosy cafes, shop for gifts in independent boutiques, and meet Father Christmas and his reindeer. The dazzling light display will illuminate Elizabeth Street, Motcomb Street, Pimlico Road, and more. The London Gay Men's Chorus will provide music for the event, while Belgravia's Christmas Trail of Cheer will showcase festive window displays. Expect plenty of mulled wine and hot chocolate!
Since 1947, the people of Norway have gifted London a Christmas tree each year as a token of gratitude for Britain’s support during World War II. This year, the lighting ceremony will take place on Thursday, 5th December. The tree, a slender Norwegian spruce, is carefully selected from forests near Oslo and is felled during a ceremony with the British Ambassador, the Mayor of Oslo, and the Lord Mayor of Westminster. Decorated with simple vertical lights in traditional Norwegian style, the tree stands proudly in Trafalgar Square from early December until 6th January, continuing a cherished annual tradition.
