Christmas

Regent Street and Oxford Street Christmas Lights

FREE

Until Jan 5 2010

The two West End streets are presenting joint Christmas lights this year themed to tie in with Disney’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ and a combined switch-on ceremony takes place on Tuesday Nov 3. The Regent Street lights go on first, lit by Colin Firth from the main stage at the junction of New Burlington Street and Regent Street and accompanied by a pyrotechnic display. Next up is the City of London, also getting in on the act, with a switch-on by Bob Hoskins at St Paul’s and a light show. Finally Jim Carrey does the honours at Oxford Circus for the Oxford Street illuminations. Entertainment starts at 5pm (the performers are still tba) with the three ceremonies taking place between 6pm and 6.30pm. The public can buy tickets for the premiere of ‘A Christmas Carol’, which takes place later that evening at three cinemas in Leicester Square, with stars Jim Carrey, Colin Firth, Robin Wright Penn and Bob Hoskins in attendance (visit www.visitlondon.com; tickets £25-£50, including a donation to Great Ormond Street hospital Children’s Charity). Read more

A Very Merry Christmas in Covent Garden

FREE

Until Jan 4 2010, Covent Garden Market

This year’s lights in the Market Building, spectacular chandeliers made from 600 LED tubes, are again designed by United Visual Artists, who worked on effects for tours by Massive Attack and the Chemical Brothers. The seasonal transformation also features a 40ft christmas tree, 37ft topiary reindeer and occasional visits by live reindeer. The lights will be up until Jan 4 and related events to entertain visitors include choir performances (Thur evenings Nov 19-Dec 17), the Covent Garden Real Food Market, children’s storytelling and workshops to make gingerbread men and other seasonal items, as well as reindeer petting on the West Piazza (Nov 28, Dec 5, 12 & 21 12noon-5pm). Check the website for details of a surprise ‘all-star line-up’ of busking bands. Read more

Carnaby Christmas Lights Launch

Critics' Choice

Tue Nov 10, Carnaby Street

Ready to do the Mashed Potato, the Twist or jive in the street? In anticipation of Carnaby’s fiftieth anniversary next year, the Christmas decorations in the 12 streets of the area have a 1960s theme – the hippie concerns of Love, Hope, Joy and Peace feature strongly. On the launch night the area will be transformed into a swinging sixties disco complete with glitter cannon. Read more

Marylebone Christmas Lights

Wed Nov 18, Marylebone High St

Events on this chic street centre around a stage on the corner of Devonshire Street, which hosts carols from local schoolchildren and the Marylebone Rock Choir. Local shops will be offering discounts and treats such as glasses of sherry, the Cabbages and Frocks market will be up and running and children can visit Father Christmas's grotto. Zoe Salmon flicks the switch. Read more

Bond Noël

FREE

Nov 19, Bond Street

Bond Street will be transformed into a one-day winter wonderland featuring snow, fir trees, reindeer and carol singers for this special Christmas shopping event in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. At 6pm a celebrity TBC will switch on the lights on the corner of Old Bond Street and Burlington Gardens (previous 'Bond girls' have included Princess Diana, Jemma and Jodie Kidd, Thandie Newton and Sophie Dahl). Street entertainment, including fireworks and rickshaw sleighs, will continue until later in the evening. Read more

Croydon Christmas Lights Switch-On

FREE

Thu Nov 19, North End

Former ‘Eastenders’ actress Michelle Williams will be doing the honours. There’s entertainment including a light show before the event, and the following week a German-style Christmas market launches in Croydon’s North End pedestrian area (Nov 27-Dec 20). Read more

The Brunswick's White Christmas

FREE

Fri Nov 20, Brunswick Centre

Launching the shopping centre’s first Christmas lights switch-on is last year’s ‘X-Factor’ contestant Laura White, singing six songs. Local school children start the event with a later parade, there’ll be snow falling and free mince pies, and music from the Choir with No Name and the UCLU choir. The Renoir is screening ‘A White Christmas’ at 8.30pm (see www.curzoncinemas.com for ticket prices). Read more

Putney Christmas Market

FREE

Fri Nov 27, Church Square

Celebrations to accompany the switching on of the Christmas lights in Putney High Street include stalls from 30 local retailers selling food and gifts, plus carol singing and children’s activities including a bouncy castle and a treasure hunt. Read more