Christmas Switch On in London
Christmas will soon be with us, and preparations are already underway!
Oxford Street in Christmas lights
It’s time for the big Christmas lights switch on and the transformation of Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street, as well as local shopping centres such as Kingston upon Thames for the festive season.
Regent Street
Thursday 6 November
This year, Regent Street is the first to light up, with an as yet unnamed celeb doing the honours at 5.30pm on 6 November. The theme for 2008 is ‘Wish Upon a Star’.
Oxford Street
Wednesday 12 November
With live music and big stars on the night, Oxford Street is the main event on the West End’s Christmas light up calendar.
Kingston upon Thames
Thursday 13 November
Santa himself is set to emerge from his grotto and do the honours in south London’s biggest shopping centre. There’ll also be entertainment in the form of a brass band, a children’s nativity farm, face painting and festive carol singing. Entertainment from 4pm, lighting ceremony at 6pm.
Covent Garden
Friday 14 November
There’ll be a series of special free events around Covent Garden throughout the Christmas season. While crowds will once again be treated to a stunning interactive light display featuring hundreds of full colour LED tubes which respond to the movements of passers by.
Marylebone
Wednesday 19 November
Marylebone will be transformed into a winter wonderland with street entertainment, carols, Santa’s grotto and more. The lights will go on at 6pm, while there’ll be festival fireworks too!
Bond Street
Thursday 20 November
The Bond Street lights are set for a 6pm switch on. There’ll be carol singing, live music, street entertainment plus real reindeer. There’ll also be a sprinkling of snow to really get you in the festive spirit.