With only 100 days until Christmas day, Covent Garden and Carnaby Street announce the 2026 switch-on dates for their iconic Christmas lights, officially starting the countdown to Christmas in the West End.
These eagerly anticipated events are landmark moments in London’s Christmas calendar, as the spectacular displays from two of the world’s most celebrated festive destinations mark the start of the Christmas season, drawing visitors from around the world to celebrate in the heart of the capital.
Carnaby Street
On Wednesday 4th November, Carnaby Street will mark the arrival of the festive season in the West End with the switch-on of its iconic Christmas lights.
Bringing together Londoners and visitors alike, the world-famous Soho destination will kick off Christmas with an evening of festive celebration, signalling the return of the season at one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Inspired by the feel-good nostalgia of the 90s, this year’s Christmas celebrations will invite visitors to rediscover the joy of coming together, creating moments to share with friends, family and the wider Soho community.
From shopping and dining to festive experiences throughout the season, Carnaby Street will provide the backdrop for Christmas in Soho, with further details to be revealed in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, visitors can start making their festive plans by exploring the guide to Christmas in Soho here.
Covent Garden
On Thursday 12th of November, Covent Garden will commence its 2026 festive season with its annual switch-on event. Expect over 300,000 sparkling lights twinkling throughout the neighbourhood, the return of the much-loved gold bells, mirror balls and baubles adorning the Market Building, and the return of the iconic British-grown Christmas tree on the West Piazza.
The Theatre of Christmas campaign will also be returning to the heart of London’s theatreland for 2026. The seven-week celebration, inspired by Covent Garden’s rich theatrical heritage, will invite visitors to step behind the curtain and enter a world of West End magic. More details on the programming to be announced soon, in the meantime discover ‘100 things to do in Covent Garden this Christmas’ and find more information on Covent Garden’s iconic switch-on event here.
Further details on the full Carnaby Street and Covent Garden festive programmes, including the switch on event details, to be announced in October.
