C4.42 Christmas Lights Switch-On

UK Christmas Light Switch-On Events

Every year, the UK hosts Christmas light switch-on ceremonies, which usually start in November and are held successively in various cities and streets. Some of these events feature famous guests. The ceremonies are lively affairs—apart from live bands, most locations also host Christmas markets filled with snacks, entertainment, and speciality goods. Large crowds gather to count down to the switch-on. After all the street lights are illuminated, some areas even set off fireworks. The event signifies that Christmas is approaching and a new year is on the way. The lights refer to various colorful, shaped decorations lining UK streets, designed to enhance the Christmas atmosphere. It’s similar to how, during Chinese New Year, households in China put up Spring Festival couplets in advance and hang lanterns or Chinese knots everywhere. Most moderately sized UK cities hold light switch-on ceremonies, but the busiest, most vibrant, and interesting ones are mostly in London. Most of these events are free of charge.

Now, Shishengmiao will share the 2019 light switch-on times. However, this guide isn’t just for 2019—it’s also applicable to future events like 2020 and beyond. After so many years, the UK’s Christmas light switch-on traditions rarely change, and cancellations are extremely rare. So apart from the specific switch-on dates varying each year, almost everything else remains the same.

Regent Street Christmas Lights (London)

Shishengmiao’s recommendation: Don’t miss the 2019 Regent Street light switch-on! This year marks Regent Street’s 200th anniversary, and the 2019 switch-on ceremony will be more grand than ever before!

As shown in the image below, these are the lights on London’s Regent Street—aren’t they stunning? They’re all in the shape of angels

Regent Street Christmas Lights (London)Date: November 14, 2019, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PMAdmission: FreeVenue: Regent Street, London W1B 5AHOfficial Website: https://www.regentstreetonline.com/events/the-spirit-of-christmas-set-to-return-to-regent-street

2019 marks Regent Street’s 200th anniversary, and this year’s light switch-on will be a landmark celebration of this key milestone in London’s history. Many shops along the street will join in the festivities, and a series of surprise events will be held, including special offers and musical performances. The stunning "Spirit of Christmas" lights on Regent Street and St. James’s are inspired by the 1954 Regent Street Christmas lights and form the capital’s largest light installation. Due to the expected large crowds, traffic restrictions will be implemented near Regent Street during the event.

Oxford Street Christmas Lights (London)Date: To be confirmedAdmission: FreeVenue: Oxford Street, London W1C 1JNOfficial Website: https://www.oxfordstreet.co.uk

Covent Garden Christmas Lights (London)

Time: 5:30 PM on Tuesday, November 12

Admission: Free

Venue: Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF

Official Website: https://www.coventgarden.london/whats-on/covent-garden-christmas-switch-2019

During the Christmas light switch-on at Covent Garden, 40 magnificent chandeliers will return—each ranging in size from 2.5 meters to 3.5 meters and adorned with nearly 700 sparkling berries. Over 320 meters of garlands will connect these chandeliers, and approximately 100,000 pea lights will be hung across the square. Additionally, the square will once again host London’s largest hand-harvested Christmas tree.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Lights (London)Date: Thursday, December 5, 2019Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PMAdmission: FreeVenue: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JHOfficial Website: https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/whatson-event/lighting-of-the-christmas-tree-in-trafalgar-square/

Carnaby Christmas Lights (London)

Date: To be confirmed

Admission: Free

Venue: Carnaby Street, London W1F 9PB

Official Website: https://www.carnaby.co.uk/news-and-events/

Duke of York Square Christmas Lights (London)

Date: To be confirmed

Admission: Free

Venue: 80 Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY

Official Website: https://dukeofyorksquare.com/

Bond Street Christmas Lights (London)

Date: To be confirmed

Admission: Free

Venue: Bond Street, London W1S 1SR

Official Website: http://www.bondstreet.co.uk/

Marylebone Christmas Lights

time：Wednesday 13 November，3-7pm，Lights on at 6pm

address：Marylebone High Street, Paddington Street and Devonshire Street, W1

web：https://www.marylebonevillage.com/marylebone-christmas-lights

 Royal botanic garden-Christmas at Kew

time：Wednesday 20 November 2019 – Sunday 5 January 2020，5pm – 10pm (advance booking only)，need book and pay

address：Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE

web：https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas

price：Adult: from £18，Family: from £52，Child 4 – 16: from £11

 Christmas Lights

web：https://visitbirmingham.com/christmas/christmas-events

 Manchester Christmas Lights 

14 November 2019

Deansgate, MANCHESTER, Lancashire, M3 1RH

web：https://www.visitmanchester.com/whats-on/manchester-christmas-lights-switch-on-p89651

Newcastle City Centre

10 Nov 2019，5.30pm-6.30pm

Grey's Monument, Newcastle City Centre, NE1 6EE

web：https://www.newcastlegateshead.com/whats-on/newcastle-christmas-lights-switch-on-p851881

Christmas Lights 

Thursday 21 November ，Thursday17:00

Humberstone Gate 

web：https://www.visitleicester.info/whats-on/christmas-lights-switch-on-p725071

edinburgh

http://www.edinburghschristmas.com/#stq=&stp=1

glasgow

web：https://www.glasgowloveschristmas.com/