Carnaby Street Switches On Its '90s-Themed Christmas Lights
Written by AI from londonist.com's report. Not checked by a person.
Carnaby Street's 'Press Play on Christmas' illuminations, made from 60,000 energy-efficient LEDs and inspired by 1990s nostalgia, switched on 4 November 2026, with the boxy light fittings reused from previous years to reduce waste.
Carnaby Street in central London switched on its 2026 Christmas illuminations on Wednesday 4 November, unveiling this year's theme: 'Press Play on Christmas,' inspired by the feel-good nostalgia of the 1990s. The display is built from 60,000 energy-efficient LEDs arranged in boxy fittings that have been carried over from previous years rather than replaced, continuing Carnaby's commitment to reducing waste.
Covent Garden is next to light up, with its annual 'Theatre of Christmas' campaign scheduled for Thursday 12 November 2026. The switch-on will take place from the balcony of Covent Garden Market and will include the lighting of a British-grown tree in the West Piazza, alongside the return of the venue's oversized gold bells, mirror balls and baubles inside the Market Building — decorations that are also being reused this year.
With around 100 days to go until Christmas, the two announcements mark the start of London's festive lights season across the West End.
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