When does London light up for the Christmas holidays?
From the beginning of November - and until mid-January - London's most famous streets, skyscrapers and neighbourhoods light up in Christmas colors!
November 2019
Thursday 07
- Carnaby Street (6pm)
In association with the foundation Project 0, the famous shopping street will offer this year a decorated underwater course a giant whale, dolphins, turtles, squid, coral, etc.
The slogan "One Ocean, One Planet" - on the traditional illuminated arch adorning the entrance to the street - will highlight the urgent need to protect and restore the ocean to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and create a sustainable future for life on Earth.
Each of the elements in this new theme has been made from recycled, reused or reusable materials - including water-based vegan paints, ecological.
Tuesday 12th
- Covent Garden (5.30pm)
On the program: 100,000 bulbs, 40 huge candlesticks, a giant tree - as well as the traditional sculpture of the queen !
Wednesday the 13th
- Marylebone Village (6pm)
A lively launch party - featuring chants from neighborhood school choirs .
Santa will also be there!
Thursday 14th
- St James's
- Kingston
- Regent Street (5.30pm)
Traffic will be cut off along the entire length of the street from 4pm, then the inauguration ceremony will follow from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, to end with an evening of dinners, walks and Christmas shopping until 9pm.
The year 2019 marks the 200th anniversary of this mythical street in central London.
- Seven Dials (6.30pm)
For the first time in the UK, Christmas decorations are becoming interactive and united .
Indeed, a collection point installed on Earlham Street - raising funds for the association Shelter - will illuminate (with each new donation) the 650 or so giant stars installed around Seven Dials!
Many activities will also be offered throughout the evening: making Christmas wreaths, making ecological glitter, singing by the House Gospel Choir, tasting Prosecco, etc.
Friday 15th
- Leadenhall Market (6pm)
A tree of more than 20 meters will be installed in the middle of the gallery.
Harry Potter and his friends will also be there!
Monday 18
- Chelsea (5pm)
From King's road to Sloane square via Pavillon road, the afternoon will begin with song from 2pm.
It is Santa Claus in person - assisted by a child - who will launch the neighborhood lights!
Wednesday 20
- Kew Gardens (5pm to 10pm - until 05/01)
The famous botanical garden - located in the west of London - will offer this year a unique light trail of more than a kilometer and a half: silver waterfall, tunnel of light, creatures magical, laser projections on the Temperate House *, etc.
Ephemeral show paid :
- £ 18 per adult
- £ 52 per family
* Huge greenhouse typical of the Victorian era.
- The Royal Exchange (6pm)
The traditional Christmas tree resumes its place and its colors in front of the first stock exchange in the English capital.
The singers of the East London Chorus will also be there!
Thursday 21
- St Katharine Docks (6.30pm)
- Oxford Street
A new device consisting of 27 light panels will replace the hundreds of hanging balls of the past 6 years.
The illumination will be accompanied by concerts of hip-hop and R&B on various stages throughout the shopping street.
The Christmas decorations on Oxford Street are celebrating their 60 years this year!
Saturday 23
- Duck of York Square (5pm)
December 2019
Monday 02
The Shard will offer every evening - until the end of the month - a light show (Shard Lights) on its last 20 floors !
3 sequences of 9 minutes - every half hour from 4pm to 1am.
Saturday 05
- Trafalgar Square (18h)
As has been tradition since 1947, a 20-meter-high Christmas tree - donated by Norway - will be installed in front of the National Portrait Gallery.
This annual tribute to London's support for Oslo during WWII, will be embodied by the Mayor of Westminster, the Ambassador of Norway and the Governor of Oslo - who will launch the illuminations together.
To take advantage of this exceptional launch party, plan to arrive early!
