With just a week to go until Carnaby Street switches on its 2026 Christmas lights, here is everything you need to know about this not-to-be-missed evening in Soho on Wednesday 4 November.
Everything You Need To Know Guide: Carnaby Street Christmas Lights Switch On 2026
Register for a free ticket to unlock special offers
The switch-on is open to everyone to attend, with an optional free Switch-On Ticket providing access to a complimentary festive cocktail for the first 1,000 ticket holders and exclusive shopping and dining offers on the night. To register for a FREE ticket for the light switch on for ‘Press Play on Christmas’ on Wednesday 4th November, please visit: https://www.thisissoho.co.uk/sign-up-to-the-christmas-lights-switch-on/
Entertainment and live experiences
Roaming music performances: From 4.30pm, enjoy a soundtrack of 90s classics and much-loved Christmas hits as musical performances bring festive energy to the surrounding streets.
The Christmas lights switch-on show: The centrepiece of the evening, bringing Press Play on Christmas to life with a spectacular celebration of festive lights and 90s energy will take place from 6pm.
Press Play on Christmas photobooth in Kingly Court: Step into the festive theme and capture a keepsake at the dedicated Press Play on Christmas photobooth.
Your moment on stage: Visitors will have the opportunity to step onto the stage for their own Polaroid photo following the big Switch On moment, creating a festive memento of the evening.
Festive Shopping: One night only festive discounts and offers
From beauty and accessories to fashion and gifts, Carnaby Street’s stores are getting into the festive spirit with a host of special offers and in-store experiences on Wednesday 4 November.
Whether you’re starting your Christmas shopping early, looking for a gift or simply browsing, there will be plenty of reasons to step inside. Highlights include:
Fashion and accessories: Enjoy 20% off at Omnes, 20% off at FINLAY with complimentary drinks and nibbles, 15% off full-price styles at GANNI, and 10% off at Nudie Jeans. RIXO is giving its first 50 customers a scratch card for the chance to win 10% off everything or a gift with purchase. Astrid & Miyu offers complimentary gift wrapping, while EDIKTED and Paul Smith both bring in-store DJs alongside complimentary hot chocolate at EDIKTED, mulled wine at Paul Smith.
Gifts with purchase: Spend £150 at Barbour for a free gift, while stocks last, or £100 at Nobody’s Child for a complimentary triangle scarf. IZIPIZI’s first five customers from 4pm receive a three-piece gift set, with a complimentary acetate cord for everyone after.
Beauty and wellbeing: PURESEOUL has 10% off full-price products from 4–8pm, plus a free loyalty gift with any purchase, while stocks last. Charlotte Tilbury’s Dial-a-Wish game launches in-store on the night — buy any three products for the chance to play and win a prize. Aesop hosts an exclusive shopping evening with wine, cheese and personalised fragrance and skincare consultations. Pixioffers complimentary drinks, snacks and skincare consultations, plus personalised Glow Tonic and Antioxidant Tonic for spends over £35.
Switch-On Ticket required: MOSCOT is offering 20% off all frames, redeemable with a ticket only.
Don’t miss the Choose Love pop-up, which will open its doors on Carnaby Street for the event, where every gift bought helps support refugees and displaced people this Christmas.
Further participating brands include Ben Sherman, Diesel, Cubitts, Eastpak, Happy Socks, Jimmy Fairly, Missoma, Oakley and Ray-Ban – plenty more reasons to make Carnaby Street your first stop this Christmas.
Celebrate with exclusive food and drink offers
From seasonal sips to dinner with friends, Carnaby Street and Soho offer plenty of ways to make an evening of the switch-on. Highlights include:
Complimentary drinks: Quote “This is Soho” at Disrepute for a welcome drink, or “Carnaby Light Switch-On” at Kolamba for a glass of sparkling wine. At Two Floors, any dine-in order between 4pm and 7pm comes with a complimentary mulled wine, while stocks last.
Seasonal drinks and sweet treats: JENKI has 20% off a seasonal matcha or hojicha special from 2–8pm. EL&N is offering complimentary iced matcha with a pastry at its Carnaby Street café for a limited time. At Pastaio, quote “Let There Be Light” when ordering a plate of pasta for a complimentary mulled wine slushy.
Festive food and drink experiences: Dishoom’s festive chai pop-up sits right outside the restaurant, and Zahter will have warming glasses of mulled wine for purchase.
Festive pop-up treats: Cocomelt’s Kingly Court pop-up will be serving their renowned cookies, including an exclusive Quality Street cookie only available at Carnaby Street.
How to give back this Christmas in Soho
StreetSmart UK: Restaurants and bars across Soho and Carnaby Street are helping diners give back, in partnership with StreetSmart UK. From 1 November until 31 December, participating venues, including Heard, Cahoots Ticket Hall, Kolamba and The Palomar, are adding a voluntary £1 donation per table to the bill, with 100% of donations going directly to local projects tackling homelessness and supporting vulnerable people across the UK.
Choose Love: The Choose Love festive pop-up shop on Carnaby Street is a charity shop with a difference, with every purchase supporting refugees and displaced people around the world. Alongside Choose Love merchandise and a curated edit of fashion and beauty gifts, the shop stocks essential supplies and life-saving items, from hot meals and winter coats to medical kits and clean water, so every purchase helps change a life at a time when help is needed more than ever.
Best Spots to Get the Shot
The switch-on will be the perfect moment to capture the festive magic of Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights, beaming with vibrant neon colours. The two iconic Carnaby Street arches will also be illuminated, framing the perfect festive selfie or group picture moment.
Other top spots to snap include the junction on Carnaby Street with Ganton Street to capture the bold bright lights in all their glory, whilst the side streets like Kingly Street and Beak Street will be illuminated with colourful festoons lining the streets. The shops and festive window displays add a layer of extra charm, making Carnaby Street essential for the grid this Christmas.
The Kingly Court entrance on Carnaby Street will once again be dressed, this year with vibrant neons and twinkling lights, making it one of the season’s best spots for a selfie.
For a more interactive keepsake, head to the Press Play on Christmas photobooth in Kingly Court or take advantage of the on stage Polaroid photo opportunity with the event photographer.
Plan Your Visit
What: Carnaby Street’s Christmas Lights Switch-On, Press Play on Christmas
When: Wednesday 4 November 2026, 4pm to 8pm
Where: Carnaby Street and the surrounding Soho neighbourhood
Entry: Free and open to everyone.
Switch-On Ticket: Free registration for a complimentary cocktail for the first 1,000 ticket holders on the night and exclusive shopping & dining offers
