London's 2026 Christmas Lights Season Kicks Off: Full Switch-On Schedule

London's 2026 Christmas lights season began on 1 November with Leicester Square's star-shaped illuminations, which celebrate the area's film and entertainment heritage and remain in place until 6 January. St Martin's Lane follows on 3 November at 4:45pm, with festive food samples and a live performance from a West End cast. Carnaby Street switches on 4 November with its 90s-inspired "Press Play on Christmas" display, while Regent Street lights up on 5 November — the street will be closed to vehicles for the occasion. Its "Spirits of Christmas" display, featuring sparkling angels, has been running for a decade and returns this year with a secret twist. Oxford Street goes next on 9 November with a Harry Potter-themed installation tied to the new HBO television adaptation due on Christmas Day. Knightsbridge follows on 10 November with eco-friendly lights made from aluminium and 3,000 recycled plastic bottles; its 12,000 low-energy LED bulbs are arranged in a design inspired by Knightsbridge's heritage, grand architecture and the nearby Hyde Park Barracks, with subtle equestrian details hidden within it. Covent Garden and Bond Street both switch on 12 November; Bond Street's 93,000 LED lights take the form of a Crown Jewels-inspired design, switching on at 7pm. Kew Gardens opens its 3km light trail on 13 November, though no official switch-on ceremony is planned. Fleet Street marks 18 November with a Dennis the Menace theme, while Leadenhall Market and St Katharine Docks both light up on 19 November. Chelsea Winter Village follows on 25 November, and The Shard — London's tallest skyscraper — rounds off the season on 1 December.