Covent Garden officially kicked off its festive season with its annual Christmas lights switch on extravaganza, as Emmy Award-winning actress Christine Baranski and Oscar-nominated actor Richard E. Grant illuminated the destination’s iconic Christmas decorations. The pair, who are currently starring together in Noël Coward’s classic comedy Hay Fever at Wyndham’s Theatre, led the celebrations in the heart of London’s West End, as thousands gathered to enjoy a spectacular evening of live performances and festive entertainment.
“The Theatre of Christmas” returned for 2026, paying homage to Covent Garden long being the home of theatre in London. In partnership with Acting for Others, Covent Garden’s charity partner, the celebration saw leading stars of screen and stage joining the festivities to support and fundraise for the theatre industry, giving back to those who bring stories to life on stage and behind the scenes.
Covent Garden’s “The Theatre of Christmas” celebration took place on the balcony of the historic Market Building, with the voice of national treasure Dame Joanna Lumley opening the evening and welcoming the crowds. Hosted by close friends Vogue Williams, the broadcaster, and comedian and Celebrity Traitors star Joanne McNally, the show brought together celebrated stars and iconic West End performances for a show-stopping night of festive celebration.
Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant commenced the countdown and for the all-important button push moment that illuminated Covent Garden’s Market Building, the magnificent 50ft Christmas tree and 300,000 LED lights throughout the neighbourhood. The crowd then joined in a spirited rendition of Brenda Lee’s 1958 fitting Christmas classic, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, marking the official start of Covent Garden’s seven-week festive programme and the beginning of holiday season.
Christine Baranski said: “For an American actress in the heart of London’s great theatre district, here in Covent Garden, I’m pinching myself. It’s really a thrill.”
Richard E. Grant mentioned: “There is nowhere like Covent Garden, it is the heart of theatre land in London.” He later added: “Within one square mile, you can hit about 30 theatres. It is absolutely unique.”
The evening featured a number of spectacular live West End performances, with the casts of Sinatra The Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical and MAMMA MIA! The Musical, captivating the crowds gathered across the Piazza.
As the heart of London’s theatreland, Covent Garden is proud to be raising funds for Acting for Others, paying tribute to the performers, creators, and craftspeople who bring the magic of theatre, and the festive season, to life.
The switch-on moment marks Covent Garden’s transition into the ultimate Christmas destination. The historic
Market Building is illuminated, adorned with 40 gigantic gold bells with bows, 12 giant red baubles and 8
spinning mirror balls, with over 29 miles of gold leaf and 275 kilos of glitter suspended in the air. The famous
50-foot handpicked Christmas Tree sparkles and an additional 150,000 LED lights cascading through the streets of Seven Dials and suspended over beloved Neal’s Yard.
Catherine Riccomini, Director of Marketing and Communications at Shaftesbury Capital, shared:
“Theatre has always been part of Covent Garden’s character, so there’s something particularly special about bringing the performers and productions of the West End into the heart of the Piazza to celebrate Christmas. It’s a wonderful reminder of the creativity and talent that make this part of London so distinctive. We’re also delighted to support Acting for Others, whose work supporting people across the theatre industry feels especially meaningful at this time of year.”
The seven-week festive programme spans live performances, magical events, exclusive pop-ups, world-famous decorations and unforgettable shopping moments, alongside drinking and dining experiences, for an
unmatched Christmas line-up, reimagined for today’s audience. Throughout the Piazza, Market Building, Seven Dials, and surrounding streets, there’s festivities for all, making Covent Garden the place to experience “The
Theatre of Christmas” this season.
