It’s time to get festive in the West End as dates have been released for the annual turning on of the Christmas Lights in London.
A highlight of the holiday season, turning on the Christmas lights is an annual tradition that sees the West End lit up for the start of festive season.
This year, Oxford Street turned on its Christmas lights today – Tuesday 5 November 2025. Singer Tom Grennan did the honours and switched on more than 300,000 LED bulbs stretching 1.5 miles to light up Oxford Street every night, illuminating London’s famous shopping street from 3pm to 11pm each day until January.
Tom was helped to switch on the lights by seven-year-old Emily, who has received care from Great Ormond Street Hospital and support from Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity – Oxford Street’s charity partner for this year.
Also today (5 November), Trafalgar Square is switching on its lights between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, including its famous Christmas tree – which since 1947 is an annual gift to the people of London by the city of Oslo. There will also be Christmas stalls and festive fun.Â
Coming up, Regent Street and Carnaby Street will have their big switch on this Thursday 7 November 2025.
Covent Garden, including the beautiful piazza with its huge 60 foot Christmas tree and 40 giant bells, will switch on its lights next Tuesday, 12 November 2024, from 4pm to 8pm. Alongside the switch-on there will be a full festive programme of shopping promotions, and their Winter Warmer Festival.
On 14 November, Saville Row in the West End will turn on its lights; followed by Belgravia on 17 November, switching on its Christmas lights from 3.45pm on Elizabeth Street, close to Victoria station.Â
A number of other switch-ons are happening across London next week, including Old Spitalfields Market, which have their Christmas lights illuminated on 13 November 2024; also on the 13 November, Marylebone Village will have its own switch-on celebrations from 3pm to 8pm, hosted by BBC London broadcaster Jo Good; and Leadenhall Market’s switch-on is the following day, 14 November 2024, as is The Shard’s switch-on.
The West End’s Christmas theatre season is also starting this month, with a wealth of Christmas musicals, plays, pantos and events kicking off in London. Check out our full Christmas 2024 Guide to London Theatre, including which Christmas Shows are playing in London and the West End.
Highlights include The Old Vic’s acclaimed production of A Christmas Carol starring John Simm, English National Ballet’s Nutcracker at the London Coliseum, epic new show Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular, plus a host of pantos, entertainment shows, festive plays and musicals, and more.
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