With the cold weather firmly rolling in, it won’t be long before people start thinking about their upcoming Christmas plans.
London is undoubtedly the ultimate place to get into the festive mood in the coming months, thanks to a variety of festive events and Christmas light switch-ons.
While we’re yet to mark Halloween and Bonfire Night, Christmas will be here in a blink, so why not start planning your festive events early?
From Kew Gardens to Oxford Street, there are plenty of spectacles to get excited about — and some of them will be kicking off as soon as next month.
So get ready for some mulled wine, musical guests, and a swathe of dazzling lights that will illuminate the capital into 2026.
It’s time to mark your calendars - here’s everything you need to know about the best 2025 Christmas light switch-on events and festive decorations in London.
Covent Garden
Just as last year, Covent Garden will switch on its Christmas lights on Wednesday, November 12.
This year, the central London location will feature 300,000 sparkling lights as well as the famous gold bells in the Market Building, and a 55ft British-grown Christmas tree. Guests can also head to Miracle, the popular festive pop-up bar, to sip seasonal cocktails after marvelling at the lights.
Covent Garden will also commemorate “The Theatre of Christmas” this year, featuring seven weeks of festive celebrations and guaranteeing plenty of seasonal fun in the run up to the big day.
Not much has been confirmed about the time of the switch-on yet, but it is expected to take place sometime after dusk.
Carnaby Street
This year, Carnaby Street will switch on its lights on Thursday, November 6.
For 2025, Carnaby Street will also introduce a new light installation as part of its spectacular festive plans, which will evolve over the next few years.
We haven’t received any confirmation of the timing, but expect more details to be announced pretty soon.
Belgravia
Belgravia’s Elizabeth Street Christmas lights will be switched on this year from Sunday November 16, at a festive event between 12pm and 5pm.
During this event, guests can enjoy performances from London Gay Men's Chorus, the Fulham Brass Band and steel band Solid Steel, as well as enjoy a meander around Eccletson Yard’s Christmas Markets.
Kew Gardens
In Kew Gardens, the Christmas lights event also kicked off on November 14 and will run until January 4, 2026.
The spectacular garden event will dazzle guests with gorgeous light displays, festive street food, and even a visit from Santa.
This is a ticketed event, so it’s best to book that in advance if you plan to go.
Chelsea Winter Village
This year will also mark some exciting new Christmas light displays, including a 1.5 km journey of glowing installations, interactive artworks and magical soundscapes in Chelsea.
The light display, called ‘Illuminations’, takes place on the grounds near the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and guides visitors toward the Chelsea Winter Village, which is filled with festive market stalls and the scent of mulled wine.
Guests can also have a go at curling at the pop-up Curling Club, among other festive activities.
The new festive light display will be switched on from November 26 to December 28. It’s a ticketed event, so it’s best to book early.
Regent Street
Regent Street was one of the first central London locations to display Christmas lights as early as 1954.
This year, reports are saying the lights will be switched on from November 6, as it marks its 10th anniversary of the famous ‘Spirit Of Christmas’ display.
Oxford Street
Each year, shoppers heading to London’s busiest shopping thoroughfare walk under a spectacular array of festive lights and decorations.
Oxford Street’s Christmas lights are usually switched on around early November, with some reports suggesting November 4 has been set for this year’s light switch-on.
However, this year’s date hasn’t been officially confirmed yet.
Don’t forget also to take a trip down to Selfridges Oxford Street to marvel at their famous Christmas window displays, which will be unveiled on November 6 in collaboration with Disney.
Trafalgar Square
While Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree has faced backlash in previous years, nothing beats enjoying the area's spectacular lights and festive feeling over the coming months.
This year, the famed square is likely to feature more market stalls, dazzling lights, and festive performances.
Trafalgar Square is yet another location where the official switch-on date hasn’t been revealed, but we can expect the date to take place sometime in early November.
Marylebone Village
From November 12, Marylebone Village will join in the Christmas fun with its own switch-on celebrations.
Merry Marylebone will feature several musical acts and market stalls, with the main strip pedestrianised to mark the celebration between 3pm and 8pm.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of musical and choir performances, while Jo Good will also host the switch-on event at 6:00 p.m. There’s also a Ferris wheel, Santa’s grotto, and crafts workshops.
Stay tuned as organisers will be announcing the celebrity guest tasked with turning on the lights pretty soon.
High Street Kensington
While not necessarily a traditional Christmas light switch-on, High Street Kensington will also be hosting an array of festive events in the run up to Christmas.
This includes the Big Kensington Vintage Flea Market, A Christmas Wrap at Japan House, and a Seaside-themed Christmas Escape at Kensington Palace, featuring decorations and displays that mark a Victorian Christmas.
Southbank
There doesn’t appear to be an official launch date for Southbank’s Christmas events this year, but keep your eyes peeled for updates about its famous Christmas markets and festive displays in the coming weeks.
