London, a city that truly comes to life during the holiday season, has a special charm when it comes to Christmas decorations. The bustling streets, historic buildings, and festive markets all play a part in transforming this metropolis into a Christmas wonderland. But when exactly does the magic start? Let's dive into the festive calendar of London to find out when the city dons its holiday attire.
When Does London Start Decorating for Christmas?
The exact time when Christmas decorations begin in London can vary, but there are some general timelines that can give us a good idea:
- November: This is when most of the high streets, shopping centres, and stores start to put up their decorations. Typically, by mid-November, you’ll see Christmas lights, trees, and window displays.
- Black Friday: The Friday after Thanksgiving (or the last Friday in November) is an unofficial start for many retailers to begin their Christmas promotions, which often coincides with decorations going up.
🎄 Note: While many stores and public spaces might start early, the official city-wide illumination events happen in early December.
London’s Official Christmas Light Switch-On Events
London hosts several official events where the Christmas lights are switched on, marking the official beginning of the holiday season:
- Oxford Street: This is arguably the most famous Christmas light event in London, where millions of bulbs light up the city’s most famous shopping district. Typically, the switch-on happens in early November.
- Regent Street: Known for its angels and lights, Regent Street hosts its own lighting ceremony, often coinciding with Oxford Street’s event.
- Carnaby Street: With its unique, often themed decorations, Carnaby Street’s lights are usually switched on around the same time as Oxford and Regent Streets.
These switch-on events are not just about flipping a switch but are accompanied by live music, celebrity appearances, and special promotions, making them a significant part of London's Christmas festivities.
Christmas Markets and Ice Rinks
Another indicator of the festive season is the emergence of Christmas markets and ice rinks:
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: A massive Christmas event that opens towards the end of November, marking the start of the holiday season.
- Southbank Winter Market: This market, along with its ice rink, usually begins its run in late November.
- Other Markets: Markets like those at Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and the Borough Market also start setting up their festive stalls around this time.
The Lighting Ceremony for Central London
The most anticipated and central event in the city is the lighting ceremony for central London, often:
- Trafalgar Square: Not only does it receive the famous Christmas tree from Norway, but it also lights up its surroundings, with the event typically happening in early December.
- Piccadilly Circus: The iconic heart of London begins its festive glow around the same time, showcasing light shows and decorations.
The Changing of The City
As December progresses, the city’s transformation becomes more evident:
- Window Displays: Stores on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and other shopping districts showcase their artfully designed Christmas window displays. These are often unveiled in late November to early December.
- Street Decorations: Many streets are adorned with lights, wreaths, and festive decorations. While some might appear earlier, the full festive atmosphere peaks in early December.
❄ Note: Some residential areas might start decorating earlier, with personal touches that often go up in late November or even earlier.
Final Thoughts
Christmas decorations in London aren’t just about lights and trees; they’re a part of the city’s festive spirit, showcasing its charm, history, and the joy of the season. From early November, when retail starts to make the first festive gestures, to the grand illuminations in early December, London provides a unique experience for those who love the holiday season. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, the excitement of seeing the city dressed in its Christmas best never gets old.
Do all parts of London start decorating at the same time?
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No, different areas might start their decorations at slightly different times. Commercial areas tend to start earlier, while some historic or residential neighborhoods might take a bit longer to get into the festive spirit.
Is there a specific order in which lights are turned on?
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There isn’t a strict order, but popular spots like Oxford Street often lead the way, with other central areas following suit. Local councils might have their own schedule for neighborhood lights.
How long do the Christmas decorations stay up in London?
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Generally, decorations remain up until the first week of January. However, some commercial decorations might be taken down earlier for practical reasons.
