Christmas lights in London

This is an archived page.

Discover where to see London's Christmas lights and find out who will be switching them on

It's that time again, when the seasonal mood in London is set by celebrities of various calibres ceremoniously pushing the button on Christmas lights around town. We'll be updating this page with all of this year's fantastic Christmas light displays, plus telling you exaclty when and where to be to see the lights switched on.

See Christmas lights in London

Christmas in Trafalgar Square 2012

Dec 6-Jan 6 2013, Trafalgar Square

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has been a seasonal symbol in London since 1947. It takes pride of place in the square until January, when it is taken down for recycling.
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Bond Street Christmas Lights 2012

Until Jan 6 2013, Bond Street

The Christmas lights on upmarket Bond Street were switched on by Gareth Malone and the Military Wives Choir during a late-night shopping event on November 22.
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© regentstreetonline.com

Regent Street Christmas Lights 2012

Nov 13-Jan 6 2013, Regent Street

A new design of gold holly and red berry garlands decorates the 'Mile of Style' this Christmas, along with celebratory tributes to the Olympic and Paralympic teams and gold filigree plaques telling the story of the 12 days of Christmas.
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Carnaby Christmas Lights 2012

Nov 8-Jan 6 2013, Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street celebrates its musical heritage this Christmas with decorations inspired by the fiftieth anniversary of the Rolling Stones. Large 3D sphere suspended along the street contain gold and silver vinyl records emblazoned with the band's artwork from the past half a century.
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Oxford Street Christmas Lights - © Abigail Lelliott

Oxford Street Christmas Lights 2012

Nov 5-Jan 6 2013, Oxford St

Oxford Street's twinkly illuminations for 2012 are, intriguingly, sponsored by that famously divisive yeasty spread, Marmite.
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Covent Garden Christmas 2012

Nov 7-Jan 6 2013, Covent Garden Market

If Marmite Christmas lights and the buzz of Oxford Street leave you cold, this alternative Christmas destination could be just the thing.
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South Molton Street Christmas Lights 2012

Nov 15-Jan 6 2013, South Molton St

The car-free shopping street dazzles with sparkling arches for pedestrians to walk through.
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Marylebone Christmas Lights 2012

Nov 14-Jan 6 2013, Marylebone High St

The Xmas lights on one of London's most atmospheric high streets are always worth a seasonal stroll.
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© Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2012

Nov 23-Jan 6 2013, Hyde Park

Entry to the site, including Santa Land and the Christmas Market, is free and an after-dark stroll is surprisingly atmospheric.
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St James's Christmas Tree

St James's Christmas Lights 2012

Nov 21-Jan 6 2013, Jermyn St

The posh shopping streets of St James's, including Jermyn Street, usually give good seasonal sparkle.
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Westfield London Christmas Lights 2012

Nov 6-Jan 6 2013, Westfield London

Some 10,000 fans watched US pop princess Taylor Swift switch on Westfield London's Christmas lights.
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