Your Ultimate Guide to the Christmas Lights Switch On 2024
As the festive season approaches, various cities and towns across the UK are preparing to illuminate their streets with Christmas lights. Here's a list of notable Christmas light switch-on events for 2024:
London
Oxford Street: Switched on from November 5, featuring over 5,000 stars with 300,000 LED lights.
Regent Street and St James's: Lights illuminated from November 7, showcasing the 'Spirit of Christmas' angels.
Carnaby Street: Lights on from November 7, with the theme 'Into the Light' featuring sculptural light forms.
Covent Garden: Switch-on event on November 12, featuring a 55-foot Christmas tree and festive decorations.
Leadenhall Market: Lights switched on from November 14, with a large central Christmas tree and LED lights.
Old Spitalfields Market: Lights illuminated on November 13, accompanied by live music and workshops.
Marylebone Village: Switch-on event on November 13, featuring festive activities and a ferris wheel.
Kew Gardens: 'Christmas at Kew' light trail begins on November 13, showcasing illuminated installations.
Belgravia: Lights switched on from November 17, with a festive event featuring Father Christmas and reindeer.
Trafalgar Square: The traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony is on December 5.
Scotland
Glasgow: Christmas lights switch-on event at George Square on November 17, featuring performances and festivities.
Edinburgh: Festivities begin on November 15, including Christmas markets and light installations.
Manchester:
Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park: From November 14 to December 31, 2024, Mayfield Park transforms into a 6.5-acre Christmas wonderland with 50,000 lights, festive treats, and various experiences for visitors.
Printworks: The Printworks Christmas Light Switch-On event and Festive Street Party will take place on Friday, 29 November. It will run from 6-8pm
Liverpool
Christmas Market: Taking place from November 16 to December 24, 2024, Liverpool's Christmas market is set against the backdrop of the neoclassical St George's Hall.
Blackpool
Christmas by the Sea: From November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025, Blackpool's Tower Festival Headland hosts a festival village with illuminated wooden cabins, an outdoor skating rink, simulated snowfalls, and festive-themed light projection shows.
East England:
Norwich: The annual Christmas lights switch-on event in Norwich is scheduled for November 21, 2024. The city center will be adorned with festive lights, and the event typically features live entertainment and a fireworks display.
Cambridge: Cambridge's Christmas lights will be illuminated on November 23, 2024. The switch-on event includes performances by local choirs and a festive market.
West England:
Bristol: Bristol's Christmas lights switch-on is set for November 24, 2024. The event will take place in the city center, featuring live music, street performances, and a Christmas market.
Bath: The historic city of Bath will light up its Christmas decorations on November 25, 2024. The switch-on ceremony will be accompanied by carol singing and the opening of the renowned Bath Christmas Market.
South West England:
Plymouth: Plymouth's Christmas lights switch-on event is scheduled for November 16, 2024. The city center will host live entertainment, a funfair, and the opening of the Christmas market.
Exeter: Exeter will illuminate its Christmas lights on November 17, 2024. The event will feature performances by local artists, a festive market, and the opening of the city's ice rink.
Wales:
Cardiff: Cardiff's Christmas lights switch-on is planned for November 18, 2024. The event will include a parade, live music, and the opening of the Winter Wonderland.
Swansea: Swansea will light up its Christmas decorations on November 19, 2024. The switch-on event will feature a festive market, ice skating, and a fireworks display.
Please note that dates and events are subject to change. It's advisable to check local council websites or event pages for the most up-to-date information.