The countdown to Christmas has officially begun! 🎄
The festive adverts are popping up everywhere, shopfronts are filled with sparkle and the seasonal spirit is everywhere. But nothing marks the arrival of Yuletide better than counting down and switching on a glittery light display.
Light up your festive season with our guide to some of the best Christmas light switch-ons across the UK for 2025!
Covent Garden – London
Crammed with history and characterful cobbled streets, the Christmas lights at Covent Garden have become iconic in the build-up to the big day. With over 44 million locals and tourists flocking to the capital’s shopping hub every year, the festive period is a particularly special time to visit London’s Covent Garden.
With the sparkling Christmas light switch-on taking place on the 12th November, this free festive event has previously exhibited performances by The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, alongside over 20,000 lights on the gorgeous Christmas tree alone. Why not add a Christmas light countdown to your festive shopping spree this November?
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George Street – Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s charming Christmas cheer returns to the Scottish capital this November. Renowned as the ultimate celebration of the festive season, Edinburgh’s Christmas features an array of sensational lights, exciting fairground rides and plenty of food, drink and crafts market stalls to explore.
Head over to Edinburgh’s George Street to catch the city’s famous Christmas light switch-on! With an outstanding fireworks display and Scottish choir performance, you’ll be sure to get into the festive spirit.
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Oxford City Centre – Oxford
Described as the city of Dreaming Spires, Oxford’s historic architecture and city centre is a beautiful sight all year round. But at Christmas, the sparkling lights create a Narnia-like quality to the city.
Starting with a Christmas light countdown on the evening of the 15th November, the festivities turn into a 3-day spectacular celebration of arts, culture and community known as the Oxford Christmas Light Festival. Explore dazzling Christmas light installations, delectable food stalls and delightful exhibitions and performances. One of the biggest highlights has to be the lantern parade that winds its way through the charming Oxford streets every year.
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Lower Gardens – Bournemouth
To celebrate the start of the Christmas festivities on the coast, why not head to Bournemouth this November? Bournemouth’s unique coastal Christmas light display is the perfect festive event for the whole family!
With live entertainment, fireworks and a Christmas Tree Wonderland trail to explore, Bournemouth will be full of magic and wonder this festive season. Discover the 60ft walk-through tree and over 100 other sparkling trees and Christmas light displays all throughout Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens.
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Merry Marylebone – London
One of London’s most underrated Christmas affairs, Marylebone Village’s annual Merry Marylebone event the cosiest Christmas light switch-on in the city.
Bringing together a magical Christmas light display, a charming Santa’s grotto, snow machines, food, drink and gift stalls as well a whole host of special offers in the local eateries, this festive extravaganza is a must-visit in the capital this winter season.
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Christmas Tree Festival Light Switch-On at Chester Cathedral – Chester
The whole family will love exploring the beautiful walled city of Chester this November as they enjoy the city’s annual, enchanting Chester Christmas Light Switch-On! Switched on during the stunning 12 Days of Christmas Parade, Chester’s festive lights are just the start of the city’s wondrous festivities.
With a cosy Christmas market offering an abundance of festive treats, Cinderella and The Snowman shows and an appearance from Santa himself, you won’t be short of joyful activities in Chester.
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Liverpool City Centre – Liverpool
Liverpool’s lively city centre is getting a festive makeover this November with a magnificent Christmas light switch-on, the grand opening of the Liverpool Christmas Market and endless decorations spread across the city. This truly is the winter wonderland you don’t want to miss!
Check out the Liverpool One shopping centre to join in the celebrations with the annual street festival. Or marvel at Liverpool’s main festive event: the glorious 50ft, heart-decorated Christmas tree, which even hosts its own bar underneath!
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George Square – Glasgow
Glasgow’s favourite festive, family-friendly event is back for 2025! Marking the start of the countdown to Christmas, this annual Glasgow event brings together a wide variety of singers, actors and comedians to take the stage.
Expect a breathtaking fireworks display, joyfully decorated streets and a vibrant atmosphere all throughout the city this November. However, don’t delay securing your spot, tickets sell out fast!
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Pittville Pump Room – Cheltenham
Don’t miss Cheltenham’s extraordinary Christmas event calendar for 2025! Starting with the town centre Christmas launch on the 23rd November and followed by the Christmas Launch Party in the city’s Brewery Quarter and the Christmas Lights Switch-On at the Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham’s festive celebrations make for the perfect day out with the family.
After you’ve enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate and witnessed the fabulous Christmas light switch-on, why not grab your skates and head to the Cheltenham Ice Rink for a magical winter evening experience?
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Carnaby Street – London
London’s most eccentric Christmas display is back for 2025! Famous for its unique and breathtaking festive decorations, Soho’s Carnaby Street proudly believes it offers the BEST Christmas light displays in London!
With a new theme every year, each exciting Christmas light installation is just as unforgettable as the last. Carnaby’s past decorations have spanned from carnival and ocean creature themes to featuring giant snowmen and collaborations with British icons such as Queen and The Rolling Stones.
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Newport Christmas Lights Switch-On – Newport
Newport’s festive season is officially kicking off November 2025 with the magical Christmas Light Switch-On. Get ready for a night filled with Christmas cheer alongside plenty of live entertainment at Central Square from 5pm onwards.
From local choirs and festive acts to a festive performance by the NOVA Panto cast! Santa Claus himself will be joining the Mayor and the winner of the Christmas Card Competition for the big switch-on at 6pm. Don’t miss the chance to sing along to carols in St Nicholas Church afterwards, accompanied by the Salvation Army, and grab a festive treat from Pretty Puds, BOD, Immi’s Cakes and Bakes and Bobby’s Bistro.
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Old Spitalfields Market Christmas Light Switch-On Party – London
Get ready to sparkle and shine at Old Spitalfields Market’s annual Christmas Light Switch-On Party! This festive event is a must-attend for anyone who loves Christmas cheer, delicious street food and live entertainment.
As the sun sets, the London street market will be transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Join in the fun as you explore the vibrant stalls, filled with unique gifts, handmade crafts and delicious treats. From gourmet food trucks to cosy restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every taste bud.
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Henley Christmas Festival & Switch-On – Henley-on-Thames
The charming town of Henley-on-Thames is back with its magical annual Christmas Festival and Switch-On event. As you stroll through the town centre or alongside the river, you’ll be enchanted by the sparkling lights, cheerful decorations and the delightful aroma of mulled wine and festive treats.
Enjoy cosy carol-singing performances, browse the unique Christmas market stalls and indulge in delicious seasonal goodies. The highlight of the evening is the spectacular switch-on of the Christmas lights, accompanied by a countdown and Christmas tunes.
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Cardiff’s City Centre Christmas Lights – Cardiff
Get ready to be dazzled! Every year, Cardiff puts on a spectacular show for the Christmas Lights Switch-On. Imagine Cardiff’s city centre transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations and a magical atmosphere that’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
The switch-on ceremony itself is a blast with live music, entertainment and plenty of Christmas market stalls to grab a bite to eat. Plus, make sure to have time to wander through the streets and soak up the festive cheer!
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