Carnaby Street and Regent Street Christmas lights dates confirmed
Central London's festive season will begin with light switch-on events in early November.
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Only Dee Corsi is named; no documents or additional outlets, so trust remains low at 42.
Higher is stronger
Provides dates and a quote, but reads like a press release, limiting craft score to 80.
Higher is stronger
Lively language and promotional tone push hype to moderate level.
Lower is better
The festive season in central London will officially commence with two major Christmas light switch-on events in early November 2026. Carnaby Street in Soho has announced its lights will be turned on on 4 November, with a celebration planned from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The event will feature a soundtrack of 90s hits and Christmas classics, alongside musical performances and a 'Press Play on Christmas' photobooth in Kingly Court.
Regent Street will follow on 5 November 2026, with its lights scheduled to switch on between 5 pm and 9 pm. This year's display is inspired by the original festive lights first erected on the street in 1954. Organisers have indicated a potential twist for the 2026 event, and the street will be temporarily pedestrianised to allow visitors to admire the lights and surrounding shops, which are also offering in-store experiences.
Alexia Putellas favoured to win Ballon d’Or Féminin as London hosts ceremony
Polymarket data gives the Spanish forward a 94% chance, while Polish striker Ewa Pajor holds just over 4% ahead of the 26 October event
Oxford Street Details Remain Unconfirmed
Details regarding the Christmas lights and a planned Harry Potter takeover on Oxford Street are currently not public. The newly pedestrianised street is set to be transformed with themed designs and activities from 4 November, coinciding with the opening of a new flagship store. Dee Corsi, CEO of the New West End Company, stated that the Harry Potter collaboration will create an 'unforgettable experience' and showcase the West End. However, the specific date for the switch-on of Oxford Street's usual festive lights has not yet been confirmed.
Other London Switch-On Dates
Daniel Keeble completes Tube Challenge in 19 hours
The London Underground enthusiast visited all 272 stations and raised £2,500 for Cancer Research.
Several other London locations have also announced their Christmas light switch-on dates. Bond Street and Covent Garden are scheduled for 12 November. Bond Street will feature a Crown Jewel theme and will be traffic-free for the evening, with lights illuminating at 7 pm. Covent Garden will see over 300,000 lights switched on, with its 50ft Norwegian Spruce and returning decorations like golden bells and mirror balls. Leadenhall Market's display, featuring garlands and a 26ft Christmas tree, is set for 19 November.
Questions this report answers
+When will Carnaby Street's Christmas lights be switched on?
Carnaby Street's Christmas lights are scheduled to be switched on on 4 November 2026. The event will run from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm and will include a 90s-themed soundtrack and musical performances.
+What is the date for the Regent Street Christmas lights switch-on?
The Regent Street Christmas lights will be switched on on 5 November 2026, between 5 pm and 9 pm. The theme is inspired by the street's first festive lights from 1954, and the street will be pedestrianised for the event.
+Has Oxford Street confirmed its Christmas lights date?
No, details for Oxford Street's Christmas lights and its planned Harry Potter takeover are still under wraps and have not been confirmed. Organisers are expected to release more information soon.
+Which other London streets have confirmed Christmas light switch-on dates?
Bond Street and Covent Garden are set for 12 November, while Leadenhall Market will switch on its lights on 19 November. Other confirmed dates include St Martin's Lane on November 3 and Fleet Street on November 18.
News London Desk
This article was written at the News London news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs News LondonCorrections
The London Ledger
A considered capital-wide edit delivered each morning.
More Coverage in Culture & Arts
Alexia Putellas favoured to win Ballon d’Or Féminin as London hosts ceremony
Daniel Keeble completes Tube Challenge in 19 hours
West End theatres dim lights on 3 Nov to honour Sir Patrick Stewart
