London Christmas Lights 2026: When Carnaby, Regent Street and Covent Garden Switch On
London’s Christmas lights go up earlier than most cities’, and 2026 follows the pattern, with the main West End displays switched on in the first half of November.
Switch-on dates announced so far
- 4 November — Carnaby. Usually the first major illuminations of the season.
- 5 November — Regent Street and St James’s. The street goes traffic-free for a special lighting event.
- 12 November — Covent Garden. Including the tall Christmas tree in the Piazza.
Oxford Street traditionally switches on in early November too; check the official Oxford Street website for its 2026 date. Most displays stay lit until early January.
Also opening
- 2 November — the Spirit of Christmas Fair at Olympia.
- 11 November — Skate at Somerset House.
- 19 November — Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
Tips for seeing the lights
Switch-on evenings draw large crowds and road closures. For a quieter look, walk from Oxford Circus down Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus on a weekday evening after the switch-on, then continue through St James’s.
Frequently asked questions
When are the Regent Street Christmas lights switched on in 2026?
Regent Street and St James’s lights are switched on on 5 November 2026, according to Londonist.
When do the Covent Garden Christmas lights go on in 2026?
Covent Garden switches on its lights, including the Piazza tree, on 12 November 2026.
Which London Christmas lights switch on first?
Carnaby is usually first; in 2026 its lights go on on 4 November.
Sources
Dates and details are taken from organisers’ and publishers’ information and may change. Check official sites before travelling or booking.
