11 magical London Christmas light switch-ons you don't want to miss in 2024

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Explore the magical Christmas light switch-on events across London in 2024, featuring iconic locations like Oxford Street, Regent Street, and more.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas... (or at least it will do soon)

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The festive season is one of the most magical here in London.

In just a few weeks the streets will be adorned with twinkling lights and fun events will be taking place all across the capital.

From ice skating rinks to Christmas markets, you will be feeling festive af.

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Here you will find a useful guide to London’s (confirmed) Christmas light switch-on events for 2024.

We’ll be updating this as and when more come in, so don’t forget to bookmark the page.

1. Oxford Street

The famous Oxford Street lights will be lit up from Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

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Over 5,000 star-shaped lights will decorate the street, creating a magical atmosphere until January 2025.

There will no official ‘switch-on’ event this year, instead people are being encouraged to visit Oxford Street all throughout the festive season.

2. Regent Street and Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street Christmas lightsCarnaby Street Christmas lights
Carnaby Street Christmas lights | Getty Images

Both will have their lights switched on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

Expect dazzling displays across these iconic streets.

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3. Covent Garden

The lights here, including a massive 55ft Christmas tree, will be illuminated from Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

4. Leadenhall Market

Their switch-on event will be on Thursday, November 14, 2024, with a large tree and colour-changing lights.

5. Trafalgar Square

The illuminated Christmas tree is reflected in puddles in Trafalgar Square in central LondonThe illuminated Christmas tree is reflected in puddles in Trafalgar Square in central London
The illuminated Christmas tree is reflected in puddles in Trafalgar Square in central London | AFP via Getty Images

The annual lighting of the Norwegian Christmas tree will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

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6. Old Spitalfields Market

Christmas lights will switch on in Old Spitalfields Market on Wednesday, November 13.

7. Marylebone Village

London’s stunning Marylebone Village will be lit up on Wednesday, November 13.

8. Kew Gardens

The Christmas Cathedral is a favourite at Kew Gardens. Credit: RBG Kew, Jeff Eden.The Christmas Cathedral is a favourite at Kew Gardens. Credit: RBG Kew, Jeff Eden.
The Christmas Cathedral is a favourite at Kew Gardens. Credit: RBG Kew, Jeff Eden. | RBG Kew, Jeff Eden

Kew Gardens will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland on Wednesday, November 13.

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You can visit the spectacular lights until Tuesday, 5 January 2025.

9. The Shard

The Shard’s Christmas lights will be switched on during a special service on Thursday, November 14.

Gareth Malone will lead a choral performance from the magnificent building.

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10. Chelsea

Chelsea Christmas Light Switch-On will be taking place on Saturday, 16 November 2024

In celebration of the day, the King’s Road will be part-pedestrianised, featuring a local Christmas market, face painting, cookie decorating, and delicious mulled wine.

Father Christmas will once again take centre stage for the 5pm light switch-on, accompanied by his little local helper, for a dazzling 360-degree display of lights, music and fresh snow.

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11. West End

Leicester Square

Leicester Square’s Christmas lights will be illuminated from 7th November 2024 - 7th January 2025. They will coincide with the Christmas Market.

Coventry Street

The lights will be illuminated from 7th November 2024 - 7th January 2025.

Cranbourn, Irving & Bear Street

The lights will be illuminated from 7th November 2024 - 7th January 2025.

These lights will also be lit up from 7th November 2024 - 7th January 2025.

The Piccadilly Christmas lights will be switched on from 7th November 2024 until 5th January 2025.

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