Christmas has officially arrived on Carnaby Street with the switch-on of the magnificent ‘All Is Bright’ Christmas lights installation this evening.
Thousands of Londoners gathered in Soho to witness the unveiling of this year’s spectacular display, ‘All Is Bright’, which now illuminates the world-renowned street in a dazzling display of colour and creativity. The night was hosted by presenter, broadcaster and philanthropist AJ Odudu before the switch was flipped by surprise guest Charlotte Tilbury MBE, Founder, President, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, who recently opened a brand-new store on Carnaby Street, lighting up the street to the delight of the crowd and passersby.
Abuzz with festivities, visitors were treated to live pop-up performances, including a surprise flash mob of 150 singers from Some Voices Choir performing All You Need Is Love while the talented host AJ Odudu dazzled in a festive glam make-up look created by Charlotte Tilbury make-up artists. AJ brought authenticity, joy, and a powerful presence that resonated with the festive audience in London for the switch on show. The evening culminated with Charlotte Tilbury compelling the crowd to, ‘Keep glowing and sparkling all season long!’, just before flipping the switch to ring in the festive season on Carnaby Street.
Charlotte Tilbury MBE said: ‘Darlings! I was so thrilled to join the celebrations on Carnaby Street to switch on the iconic Christmas lights, right beside my brand new Carnaby Street Beauty Wonderland. Christmas has always been my favourite time of year for gifting and spending time with loved ones and it was truly magical to share this special evening with the incredible AJ Odudu and everyone who came down to celebrate. The holiday season has well and truly begun!’.
Host, AJ Odudu, said: ‘It’s been such a joy to host the Carnaby Street Christmas lights switch-on tonight. There is nothing quite like seeing London come together to celebrate the start of the festive season *and* Carnaby Street always brings a certain magic!”
A remarkable new chapter for colour-driven Christmas lights, ‘All Is Bright’, has been developed following the introduction of last year’s ground-breaking design-led installation, set to be repurposed for following years. The ‘All is Bright’ display marks the next chapter of the sustainable, state-of-the-art scheme, introducing a colourful, fresh and dynamic direction for the joyful 2025 festivities. The ‘All is Bright’ installation extends through Carnaby Street and beyond, with eye-catching star-shaped entryways and cascading curtains of light in Kingly Court’s alfresco dining area, creating a cosy, intimate ambiance for visitors.
This year’s Christmas campaign is in partnership with Centrepoint to raise vital funds for helping young people facing homelessness across the UK at an important time of the year. Kingly Court will be the focal point of the partnership, hosting a series of fundraising activations in support of Centrepoint across selected dates from November to January. Alongside this, Carnaby Street’s shops, restaurants and bars will be supporting with QR-code activated donation points throughout the festive season. Together, they’ll encourage Londoners and visitors to support Centrepoint’s vital work this Christmas.
In line with the switch-on, Charlotte Tilbury also unveiled her exclusive Wishing Booth, popping-up on Carnaby Street for a limited time only from 6th to 9th November. Bringing festive magic to the streets of Soho, the glamorous booth will see shoppers snapping pics and selecting beauty wishes to pin on the Christmas tree in Charlotte Tilbury’s brand-new Beauty Wonderland on Carnaby Street.
Carnaby Street’s unique festive atmosphere is brought to life not only by its lights but also through its unrivalled mix of shopping and dining. Visitors can discover fashion must-haves and gifting ideas from both new and established stores including TALA, Pureseoul, Farm Rio, Charlotte Tilbury, GANNI, Adidas Originals, END., Astrid & Miyu and Carhartt WIP, alongside independent concept boutiques and international flagships.
For those looking for a little respite post-shopping, the food and drink scene in Carnaby Street and Soho continues to shine just as brightly. Recent openings include Heard and ALTA, located in dining destination Kingly Court, alongside the highly anticipated relaunch of The Shaston Arms. These join a line-up that already includes Soho favourites HIMI, Kiln, Rita’s, Marjorie’s, and Mountain, as well as immersive venues like Cahoots and The Little Violet Door.
For an unmatched festive experience, every Wednesday until Christmas Carnaby Street and Soho are hosting Soho Nights, a weekly celebration of Christmas dining, exclusive shopping experiences and live performances. The event offers visitors the chance to discover special festive discounts, shop exclusive collections and enjoy unique culinary experiences at some of Soho’s finest eateries, all whilst wandering the illuminated streets of this iconic London destination.
