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A London Christmas 2008: Festive Lights
 
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London is at its best in winter. With millions of lights brightening up the streets and window displays looking like a Christmas wish-list, there’s a festive feel to the city. Regent Street is the first to switch on its illuminations this year, to much fanfare, marking the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Depending on where you choose to see the turning on of the lights you may get a celebrity appearance, fireworks, live performances or Santa in his grotto. From the lights over the designer shops on Bond Street to those over the Cabbages and Frocks market in Marylebone, we’ve listed the most shining examples. Wherever you are, you can expect a wonderful carnival atmosphere under a canopy of twinkling lights.
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A London Christmas 2008: Related Articles Sugar and Spice | Hotel Hideaways | Food and Flower Markets | Traditional Toys | Ice Skating | Festive Fairs | Shows and Pantos | Christmas Lights | Tinsel and Trimmings | Christmas Day and Boxing Day | Carols and Services | Butchers and Fishmongers | Greengrocers and Delicatessens   Bond Street Christmas Lights
Bond Street, W1S 3EP 20th November 2008 - 4th January 2009 Kelly Brook is the celebrity lighting up the designer shops on London's most expensive shopping street this year. You can catch the actress - starring in the West End production Fat Pig - turning on the Bond Street lights at 6pm on 20th November on the corner of Old Bond Street and Burlington Gardens. The street will be closed to traffic allowing the whole area to be turned into a winter wonderland complete with snow, fir trees, reindeer and rickshaw sleighs. Many of the luxurious shops will be laying on entertainments, hospitality and giveaways proving that it may be the smartest street in the city but it still knows how to have fun. Venue: Bond Street Date: 20th November 2008 - 4th January 2009 Time: Street Party 5pm-8pm | Lights turned on 6pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Bond Street Tube Bond Street Christmas Lights - Information  Brighton Christmas Lights
Brighton, BN1 1HR 20th November 2008 - 1st January 2009 Thursday 20th November marks the switching on of the Christmas lights in Brighton with a Wizard of Oz theme. Dorothy herself is switching on the lights, followed by a performance from the Wizard of Oz cast. Every Thursday night after that, in the run up to Christmas, the shops will be open late. For the 'switching on' night head to East Street and explore the pretty shopping streets around North Laine, North Street and The Lanes. A short train ride from London, Brighton - dubbed 'London-on-sea' - is a cosmopolitan resort famous for its stunning Georgian squares and sea front buildings. The permanent funfair on its one operational pier is especially fun at this time of year and throughout December up until 23rd, Father Christmas takes up residence at Brighton Marina. A day trip is definitely recommended. Venue: Brighton Address: East Street, BN1 1HR Date: 20th November 2008 - 1st January 2009 Time: 20th Nov 5pm-8pm | Switching On Lights 6pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Brighton Rail Brighton Christmas Lights - Information  Carnaby Christmas Decorations
Carnaby Street, Newburgh Street and surrounding area, W1F 7DN 13th November 2008 - 1st January 2009 DJ Norman Jay gives 'Silent Night' a new spin when he helps to switch on the Christmas lights over Carnaby Street with a silent disco on Thursday 13th November. The street party marks the unveiling of giant snowmen and snowflakes which light up Carnaby Street and the pretty, pedestrian streets that surround it. This inventive and environmentally friendly update on the traditional Christmas lights comes from Paul Dart, designer for James Glancy Designs. As well as the light reflective snowmen there are traditional Christmas trees with pretty pea lights in Newburgh Street and shimmering light installations in the cafe culture area of Kingly Court. Refuel for cheap eats at Alan Yau's Cha Cha Moon when shopping gets too much. Venue: Carnaby Street, Newburgh Street and surrounding area Date: 13th November 2008 - 1st January 2009 Time: 6pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Oxford Circus Tube Carnaby Christmas Decorations - Information  Covent Garden Christmas Lights
Covent Garden Market, WC2E 8RF 17th November 2008 - 5th January 2009 United Visual Artists, the light installation experts behind stage shows for the Chemical Brothers and Massive Attack, are putting on some very special Christmas lights in Covent Garden this year. The futuristic sculptural light display in the covered market centres on three large scale 'chandeliers' that visitors can interact with. Things kick off on 17th November when a series of music collaborations start with the London Contemporary Orchestra, an exciting new outfit formed just this year who champion young talent and have worked with artists like Radiohead. UVA Music Collaborations: 17th November: London Contemporary Orchestra 4th December: Modified Toy Orchestra 11th December: Shlomo and the Vocal Orchestra 19th December: Choir with no Name 22nd December: Nathan 'Flutebox' Lee Venue: Covent Garden Market Address: Westminster, WC2E 8RF Date: 17th November 2008 - 5th January 2009 Time: TBC Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Covent Garden Tube Covent Garden Christmas Lights - Information  Herne Bay Christmas Lights
Mortimer Street, Herne Bay, CT6 5ER 22nd November 2008 - 5th January 2009 Herne Bay on the south east Kent coast twinkles in a blaze of festive cheer when the Christmas lights go up on 22nd November. Near to Canterbury, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this attractive seaside town is certainly worth a visit and there's a regular bus service between the two towns. This year Emma Barton - Honey in 'EastEnders' - is switching on the lights at Mortimer Street and you can also see her starring as Snow White at the Marlowe Theatre this Christmas. To warm up the crowd, kmfm Roadshow breakfast presenter Bob Mower presents live music from Electric River and Billy Wears Dresses. Venue: Mortimer Street, Herne Bay Address: Kent, CT6 5ER Phone: 01227 742765 Date: 22nd November 2008 - 5th January 2009 Time: 3pm-5.30pm | Lights Switched On 5.15pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Herne Bay Rail Herne Bay Christmas Lights - Information  Kingston Town Centre Christmas Lights
Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1EU 13th November 2008 - 2nd January 2009 Emerging from his grotto, Santa himself will be turning on the Christmas lights over Kingston town centre on Thursday 13th November. He'll be joined by a brass band, face painters and local school children who'll be filling the air with some festive carol singing. It's a great family afternoon out with a children's nativity farm featuring real live animals around the crib - a lovely way of bringing the Christmas story to life. Venue: Kingston upon Thames Address: High Street, Kingston, Surrey, KT1 1EU Phone: 020 8547 5016 Date: 13th November 2008 - 2nd January 2009 Time: 13th Nov Entertainments from 4pm | Turning on Ceremony 6pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Kingston Rail Kingston Town Centre Christmas Lights - Information  Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights
Leadenhall Market, EC3V 0DR 28th November 2008 - 1st January 2009 The Lord Mayor of the City of London turns on the Christmas lights at the historic Leadenhall Market this year. The festivities begin on 28th November at 5pm with mulled wine and mince pies and music provided by the Matt Fripp Jazz Quintet. The Metropolitan Swing Band continues the celebration with top musicians from the Guildhall School of Music to follow and a DJ keeping things going until 9pm. It's all free but do turn up early as numbers are limited and it's sure to be a popular night out in the City. Venue: Leadenhall Market Address: Whittington Avenue, off Gracechurch Street, EC3V 0DR Date: 28th November 2008 - 1st January 2009 Time: 28th November 5pm-9pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Monument Tube Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights - Information  Marylebone Christmas Lights
Marylebone High Street, W1W 5DS 19th November 2008 - 5th January 2009 Marylebone's Christmas celebrations are like an art house movie compared to the blockbusters of its rivals on Oxford Street and Regent Street. In keeping with the small independent shops that line its high street, Marylebone marks the festive season with an intimacy that its 'village' label suggests. For the opening ceremony there's entertainment from 4pm on Wednesday 19th November when Santa gives out free gifts from his grotto and Last Choir Standing performers 'Hear Me Now' join local school children for some angelic singing. The Cabbages and Frocks Market at the north end of the high street also offers an ideal opportunity to purchase presents for people who've been especially good this year. Venue: Marylebone High Street Address: Marylebone, W1W 5DS Date: 19th November 2008 - 5th January 2009 Time: 4pm-6.30pm on 19th Nov (ceremony and switching on of lights) Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Regent's Park Tube Marylebone Christmas Lights - Information  Oxford Street Christmas Lights
Oxford Street, W1B 3AG 12th November 2008 - 4th January 2009 The crowd of gift-scouting shoppers that flock to the world's most famous retail street during the Christmas rush has to be seen to be believed. A staggering total of 40 million shoppers usually visit over the Christmas period. When night falls on 12th November the assembled throng is lit up by a canopy of brilliant lights that has come to mean Christmas is nigh (well, it's over 6 weeks away but who's counting). This year's celebrity doing the honours has yet to be announced but it's sure to be someone big. Last year X-Factor star Leona Lewis turned on the lights and sung her No. 1 single, 'Bleeding Love' to the crowd. Head for House of Fraser to catch all the action. Venue: Oxford Street Address: Westminster, W1B 3AG Date: 12th November 2008 - 4th January 2009 Time: From 5pm (ceremony), 6pm (switching on of lights). Both on 12th Nov. Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Oxford Circus Tube Oxford Street Christmas Lights - Information  Regent Street Christmas Lights
Regent's Street, W1B 5BT 6th November 2008 - 7th January 2009 Regent Street's lights are among the most spectacular of all London's Christmas illuminations, and images of the street under swathes of fairy lights are synonymous with this festive time of year. Families from all over the country make the trip to see the lights being switched on. Make your way to the sweeping John Nash designed shopping street on Thursday 6th November and you can see lights that have symbolised the spirit of Christmas since 1954 being switched on. With giant retailers like Hamleys, Liberty and US stalwart Banana Republic lining the street, you won't be short of present shopping opportunities either. Venue: Regent's Street Date: 6th November 2008 - 7th January 2009 Time: 6pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus Tube Regent Street Christmas Lights - Information  Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS 4th December 2008 - 5th January 2009 For over half a century Trafalgar Square has been adorned with a majestic Christmas tree - an annual gift from the people of Oslo, thanking Britain for support and friendship during World War Two. The tree - perhaps the most famous in the world - is an integral part of Christmas in the capital. The evergreen is always a prime specimen, a giant tree, decorated only with authentic white lights. The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is lit on Thursday 4th December in the early evening and from 8th to 19th December singing groups and passers-by join around the tree every evening to perform carols and soak up the Christmas cheer. On some evenings the angelic voices of the St Martin-in-the-Fields choir lead the tune. This is a wonderful spot to capture the spirit of Christmas. Venue: Trafalgar Square Date: 4th December 2008 - 5th January 2009 Time: TBC Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Charing Cross Tube / Rail Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree - Information  Westfield Christmas Lights
Westfield London, W12 7DS 13th November 2008 Johnny Vaughan is to switch the lights at London's newest and largest shopping centre, the vast Westfield in Shepherd's Bush, on Thursday 13th November. The Capital FM presenter will be joined by two special guests to turn on the lights and present a musical performance. A 30ft tree, Santa's grotto and real snow falling on the Southern Terrace - the pedestrian street lined with restaurants - are all part of the festivities to get shoppers in the Christmas spirit. Venue: Westfield London Address: Wood Lane, Shepherd's Bush, W12 7DS Date: 13th November 2008 Time: Snow fall 5pm, Lights Switch On 6.30pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Shepherd's Bush Tube / Wood Lane Tube Westfield Christmas Lights - Information
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