Christmas in London: We're completely in love with the Strand's magical festive 'fairy lights'

The design celebrates the works of Joseph Swan, who created the first ever fairy lights in 1882 for the Savoy Theatre. The design celebrates the works of Joseph Swan, who created the first ever fairy lights in 1882 for the Savoy Theatre.
The design celebrates the works of Joseph Swan, who created the first ever fairy lights in 1882 for the Savoy Theatre. | Mickey LF Lee, mediamixer.co.uk
The magical ‘fairy lights’ pay tribute to the works of Joseph Swan, who created the first-ever fairy lights in 1882, for performers to wear as they danced on the opening night of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe, the first show to premiere at the Savoy Theatre in London.

London’s Christmas lights are a sight to behold. You can barely scroll two videos on social media without footage of the capital’s Christmas decorations popping up!

This year the festive season has taken on a distinct theme, with many of the shops and iconic locations nodding to Wicked, ahead of its release later in the month.

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Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Regent Street, and London’s West End are all lit up with twinkling decorations, but we have a new favourite.

The lights are everything I have dreamed of!The lights are everything I have dreamed of!
The lights are everything I have dreamed of! | Mickey LF Lee, mediamixer.co.uk

London Heritage Quarter has unveiled its new Christmas lights scheme for the iconic Strand and Villiers Street, with the display paying homage to the Savoy Theatre, a landmark on the Strand, which became the first public building in the world to be fully lit by electricity in 1881.

The installation, which was switched on yesterday evening, features rows of two enchanting, illuminated fairy figures positioned on either side, flying through the air with glowing trails of light behind them.

The design celebrates the works of Joseph Swan, who created the first-ever fairy lights in 1882, for performers to wear as they danced on the opening night of Iolanthe, the first show to premiere at the Savoy Theatre.

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The magical lights pay tribute to London's landmark Savoy TheatreThe magical lights pay tribute to London's landmark Savoy Theatre
The magical lights pay tribute to London's landmark Savoy Theatre | Mickey LF Lee, mediamixer.co.uk

Consisting of over of 96,000 cutting-edge LEDs, each chosen for its low energy consumption, long life, and high performance, the display celebrates the Strand’s rich cultural heritage whilst still embracing modern sustainability practices.

The lights’ frames are made entirely from recycled aluminium, and the electrical system are made using rubber, copper, and plastics – all derived from secondary raw materials, reducing environmental impact and helping conserve natural resources.

Further embracing the festive spirit, London HQ will be hosting fairy-themed workshops and children’s book readings to appeal to families over the Christmas holidays, helping attract visitors to the area.

This is in addition to organising 500 festive hampers for elderly vulnerable residents across the London Heritage Quarter district to enjoy over Christmas.

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The Strand fairy lights are a magical addition to London's Christmas light collectionThe Strand fairy lights are a magical addition to London's Christmas light collection
The Strand fairy lights are a magical addition to London's Christmas light collection | Mickey LF Lee, mediamixer.co.uk

Ruth Duston OBE, CEO of London Heritage Quarter said: “We are thrilled to bring this enchanting Christmas lights display to the Strand and Villiers Street, celebrating the legacy of the Savoy Theatre and the world's first fairy lights.”

“This installation not only pays tribute to a key moment in London's cultural history, but also showcases our commitment to sustainability. With over 96,000 energy-efficient LEDs and eco-friendly materials, we’re blending tradition with modern innovation. Our festive lights, workshops and community outreach highlight our commitment to make this this a magical and inclusive holiday season for all.”

These are our favourite Christmas lights we've seen so far!These are our favourite Christmas lights we've seen so far!
These are our favourite Christmas lights we've seen so far! | Mickey LF Lee, mediamixer.co.uk

Maxine English, General Manager of the Savoy Theatre commented: "Our history of the Theatre and the fairy lights of the past has long been celebrated, but it is a real honour for us to see the legacy shining brightly along the Strand across the festive period.

“We are even more thrilled to be hosting an event on the 28th November to celebrate the lights and partnering with our neighbours at the Savoy Hotel, London HQ and Northbank Bid, alongside Mean Girls the Musical who are currently playing at the theatre until June 8th."

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