Carnaby goes first on 4 November, then Regent Street on 5 November and Covent Garden on 12 November. The confirmed switch-on dates so far.
London Christmas lights 2026: switch-on dates
London’s Christmas lights go on earlier than you might think, with the first ones in the first week of November. These are the 2026 dates confirmed so far.
Carnaby: Wednesday 4 November
Carnaby is first this year, with a 1990s theme. Free to walk around.
Regent Street and St James’s: Thursday 5 November
The Spirit of Christmas angels are back over Regent Street. The switch-on evening runs from 5pm to 9pm and is free.
Marylebone: Wednesday 11 November
Marylebone’s switch-on event runs from 3pm to 8pm, and the lights go on at 6pm.
Covent Garden: Thursday 12 November
The Theatre of Christmas theme returns, with a British-grown tree on the West Piazza and gold bells, mirror balls and baubles on the Market Building. Covent Garden says there are more than 300,000 lights.
Leadenhall Market: 19 November
The Victorian market in the City switches on at 6pm.
Not announced yet
Oxford Street, Bond Street, Leicester Square and Seven Dials have not confirmed their dates. The Trafalgar Square tree, Norway’s gift to London every year since 1947, is usually lit in the first week of December. We will update this page when the dates are out.
All the other Christmas dates are in our Christmas in London 2026 calendar. Planning a whole evening? Add one of the London ice rinks.
Frequently asked questions
When are the London Christmas lights switched on in 2026?
Carnaby switches on first on 4 November, then Regent Street and St James’s on 5 November, Marylebone on 11 November and Covent Garden on 12 November.
Is the Regent Street Christmas lights switch-on free?
Yes. The Regent Street switch-on evening on 5 November runs from 5pm to 9pm and is free.
When are the Oxford Street Christmas lights switched on?
Oxford Street hasn’t confirmed its 2026 date yet. We’ll add it as soon as it’s announced.
Sources
- Londonist: Christmas lights switch-on dates 2026
- Londonist: Carnaby and Covent Garden 2026
- LondonDrum: London Christmas lights 2026
- PlanTripLondon: Christmas lights dates
- Covent Garden: Christmas
- London City Hall: Christmas at Trafalgar Square
Last checked: 16 October 2026. Dates and prices can change, so check with each venue before you go. Photo: Michael Reilly / Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
