Christmas Lights in London

Every Christmas London lights up in an electric flush of seasonal colour. The streets are transformed into a jolly, luminous carnival, awash with flocks of carol singers, Christmas shoppers, merry-makers and visitors. Many of London’s most famous streets and attractions will be draped in sparkling lights and it is a great time to see them. The more adventurous can even venture out of London to see what goes on at Christmas in the smaller towns. Here’s a selection of the most extravagant shining spectacles that epitomise London at Christmas time...

Oxford Street Christmas Lights

Oxford Street, W1
9th November 2006 - 6th January 2007

The crowds of gift-gatherers that flock to the world’s most famous shopping street during the Christmas rush have to be seen to be believed. When night falls, the throng moves back and forth under a canopy of brilliant lights that become more extravagant year on year. This year the switch will be flipped on 9th November. Late night shopping over the festive period allows you to duck in and out of some of the world's best shops whilst enjoying the lights in their full glory.

This year the turning-on ceremony (presented by Jamie Theakston and Harriet Scott) will welcome the recently reunited All Saints who are set to flip the switch on the lights outside the Selfridges department store. Peter Andre and wife, Katie Price, will follow on with a rousing performace of their Christmas single. Ex-X-Factor contestants, G4 and Andy Abrahams, are also scheduled to make an appearance.

Oxford Street Christmas Lights - Information | Hotels near Oxford Street

Marylebone Christmas Lights

Devonshire Street, Marylebone, W1
16th November 2006 - 6th January 2007

Like its selection of small independent retailers, Marylebone's Christmas celebrations aren't as spectacular as rivals on Oxford and Regent streets, but they make up for it admirably in charm. With the medical thoroughfare of Harley Street running from north to south, this lattice of wide, calm streets will be bejewelled with sparkling bulbs.

For the opening ceremony there will be entertainment all afternoon on 16th November. The pavements will be strewn with jugglers and magicians entertaining the crowds, Santa will be dishing out some early pressies at his grotto on Marylebone High Street, plus angelic kids from local schools will be singing carols on stage in Devonshire Street. Actress Bonnie Wright (most famous for playing Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films) will be flicking the switch at half past five before some live music and some festive fireworks.

Marylebone Christmas Lights - Information | Hotels near Marylebone

Regent Street Christmas Lights

Aquascutum, 100 Regent Street, W1
7th November 2006 - 6th January 2007

Regent Street’s lights are traditionally the most spectacular of all, and images of the street are synonymous with Christmas.

Families from all over the country will make the trip to see the lights, which this year use characters from the film 'Flushed Away' - the latest offering from Aardman Animations. The lights will be turned on by three of the actors who voice the film - Sir Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis and Shane Ritchie. The ceremony will take place on a stage erected outside designer clothes shop, Aquascutum.

Regent Street will be closed off to traffic so the public can wander along outside Hamleys, Liberty and the other famous department stores, to see London's Town Crier initiate proceedings. This fantastic display has symbolised the metropolitan spirit of Christmas since 1954. Previously the lights have been turned on by a diverse group of celebs ranging from Busted and Billie Piper to Kylie and even ex-Prime Minister John Major.

Regent Street Christmas Lights - Information | Hotels near Regent Street

Bond Street Christmas Lights

Junction of Old Bond Street and Burlington Gardens, W1
23rd November 2006 - 6th January 2007

London’s most expensive shopping street will be ablaze with luminous displays, mounted by some of the boutiques, as well as a huge public light display suspended across the whole street.

The lights will go on at the annual Bond Street Christmas Party. At this festive street gathering, a number of celebrity guests will mingle with crowds and commuters for some mince pies and mulled wine. The area will be turned into a winter wonderland replete with snow, reindeer, rickshaw sleighs, tuneful carol singers and entertainers. Many of the luxurious shops will be laying on entertainments and hospitality in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The smartest street in the city still has a sense of fun.

Bond Street Christmas Lights - Information | Hotels near Bond Street

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, WC2
7th December 2006 - 6th January 2007

For over half a century Trafalgar Square has been adorned with a majestic Christmas tree, an annual gift from the people of Oslo, thanking us for support and friendship during World War II.

The tree – perhaps the most famous in the world – is an integral part of Christmas in London. The evergreen is always a prime specimen, a giant decorated only with authentic white lights.

Singing groups and passers-by join around the tree every evening to sing carols and soak up the Christmas cheer (starts 11th December). On some evenings the angelic voices of the St. Martin-in-the-Fields choir lead the tune. This is a wonderful spot to capture the spirit of Christmas.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree - Information | Hotels near Trafalgar Square

Canterbury Christmas Lights

Day Trip

Long Market, Canterbury, CT1
16th November 2006 - 6th January 2007

Take a day out to one of England’s most attractive towns and see the narrow streets and timber framed houses twinkle in a blaze of festive cheer. The Christmas lights will be switched on by the panto stars from the local Marlowe Theatre, before the ceremony culminates in a brilliant fireworks display.

The town - a UNESCO World Heritage site - is dominated by the arresting Norman cathedral which houses some extremely rare stained glass windows. It was under its roof that Archbishop Thomas Beckett was murdered at the behest of Henry II. Throughout the town you’ll come across sections of the mediaeval city walls and in this history-packed location attention-grabbing museums abound.

Nowadays you won’t have to arrive on horse back like Chaucer’s pilgrims; it’s just a short train ride - why not treat yourself and travel in style by steam train - from London. Worthy of a visit any time of year, this indescribably pretty, diminutive city is only enhanced by the Christmas decorations.

Canterbury Christmas Lights - Information | Hotels near Canterbury

Covent Garden Christmas Lights

Covent Garden Piazza, WC2
16th November 2006 - 6th January 2007

The celebrated piazza of central London’s former fruit and vegetable market will be festooned with glittering trails of light throughout Yuletide, not to mention the tallest outdoor Christmas tree in all of London. The attractive Victorian market halls sparkle in the glow of the decoration, whilst huddles of stalls set up camp outside, selling everything from jewellery to antiques – ideal for stocking fillers and unusual gifts.

Just like the rest of the year, the streets are peppered with buskers and street entertainers, bringing a smile to the faces of astonished spectators. This is a great place to shop for shoes, clothes and souvenirs while you enjoy the festive lights.

There will be a fun-packed day to celebrate the turning on, with performances from the cast of West End musicals 'The Lion King' and 'Chicago', whilst an as yet unnamed celebrity will have the honour of hitting the switch. All this will be preceded by an afternoon of performances from local school children singing carols and street dance from the students of Pineapple Performing Arts School.

Covent Garden Christmas Lights - Information | Hotels near Covent Garden Piazza