The festive season has well and truly arrived on St Martin’s Lane this evening as stars of the Olivier Award-winning Into the Woods took to the street for a special live performance before switching on Art of London’s Theatreland-inspired festive lights, bringing a touch of stage magic to the heart of London’s West End.
Against the backdrop of Art of London’s festive display, John Dagleish, Laura Pitt-Pulford, Keith Ramsay, Matthew Seadon-Young, and Lucas Koch performed a special medley of It Takes Two, Giants in the Sky and Children Will Listen, transforming St Martin’s Lane into an open-air stage for the evening.
The cast then led the official countdown as the lights illuminated St Martin’s Lane, marking the return of the street’s distinctive Theatreland-inspired display. The illuminations will shine nightly until 6 January 2027, adding a little extra magic to winter evenings in the West End.
The celebrations continued with a festive choir and seasonal food and drink from St Martin’s Lane favourites including Mr Fogg’s, Chipotle, Pizza Express, St Martins Lane London hotel, The Real Greek and Côte Brasserie.
Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director at Art of London, said: “The West End comes into its own during the festive season, with theatres, restaurants, bars and shops pulling out all the stops to create something truly special for visitors. There’s nowhere quite like it at this time of year, and having the cast of Into the Woods switch on our Theatreland-inspired lights is the perfect way to kick off the festivities.”
Jamie Wilson, Producer for Into the Woods, said: “Into the Woods is a story filled with magic, adventure and the unexpected, so it felt particularly special to bring a little of that spirit beyond the theatre and onto St Martin’s Lane. Performing beneath the festive lights and leading the switch-on was a wonderful moment for the cast, and a brilliant celebration of Christmas in Theatreland.”
The switch-on begins a packed festive season across the West End, giving Londoners and visitors plenty of reasons to make a day or night of it. From skating beneath the lights and catching a West End show to Christmas shopping, festive food and cultural experiences, there’s something for date nights, family days out and festive get-togethers.
Just around the corner, Leicester Square is also lit up for the season with its star-shaped illuminations celebrating the square’s heritage as London’s home of film and entertainment. Switched on by Discover Leicester Square on 1 November, they provide the backdrop to Skate Leicester Square, bringing an open-air ice rink and festive market to the heart of the West End.
Theatre-goers can choose from an extensive programme of musicals, plays and family favourites including Olivier award-winning Into The Woods at the Noël Coward Theatre, the Nutcracker at London Coliseum, and Oliver!, starring Matt Lucas during a six-week limited run at the Gielgud Theatre.
For those looking to tick off their Christmas shopping, the West End is also home to festive gifts and experiences including the National Portrait Gallery, Fortnum & Mason, Globe-Trotter, Aspinal of London and Church’s, while Blacklock gift cards and Haymarket Hotel’s A Very London Christmas package offer experience-led gifting ideas.
Into the Woods is playing at the Noël Coward Theatre on St Martin’s Lane until 9 January 2027, while Art of London’s St Martin’s Lane festive lights will shine until 6 January 2027.
For more festive inspiration and cultural itineraries in the heart of the capital, visit artoflondon.co.uk.
