Christmas Lights Switch On London 2026: dates and where to dine after
Christmas lights switch on in London one district at a time, and this year the first four fall between 4 and 12 November: Carnaby Street on Wednesday 4 November, Regent Street on Thursday 5 November, Marylebone Village on Wednesday 11 November and Bond Street on Thursday 12 November. Oxford Street’s date is still to be announced.
Here at Aki, a Japanese restaurant in a Grade II listed former bank on Cavendish Square, we are minutes from Oxford Circus and Bond Street, so the walk from the crowd to a table is short. Below is each switch-on, then where to go afterwards: dinner at Aki, and cocktails and light bites in Kiyori, our bar in the original vaults beneath the restaurant.
Christmas lights switch on London · 2026
Christmas lights switch on London 2026: the dates, and where to celebrate after
When do the London Christmas lights go on? Carnaby Street first, then Regent Street, Marylebone Village and Bond Street, with Oxford Street’s date to be announced. Every confirmed date falls on a Wednesday or a Thursday, and Kiyori is open both nights.
- Carnaby Street: Wednesday 4 November
- Regent Street: Thursday 5 November, traffic-free from 5pm to 9pm
- Marylebone Village: Wednesday 11 November, official switch-on at 6pm
- Bond Street: Thursday 12 November, lights scheduled between 6pm and 7pm
- Oxford Street: date to be announced
- After the lights: dinner at Aki, and cocktails and light bites in Kiyori, minutes from Oxford Circus and Bond Street
Christmas lights switch on dates 2026: where and when
Every switch-on below is free to attend. Details were checked on 28 October 2026, and organisers can change times, so check on the day.
Wednesday 4 November
Carnaby Street Christmas lights switch on
Press Play on Christmas, a display inspired by a 1990s British Christmas in bright neon colour, designed by Sculptivate.
- Time: switch-on time not yet published
- Cost: free, with an optional free Switch-On Pass that includes a complimentary festive cocktail for the first 1,000 pass holders at the pop-up bar on Foubert’s Place
- Nearest stations: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus
Thursday 5 November
Regent Street Christmas lights switch on
The Spirit of Christmas angels return, with the street closed to traffic so you can walk beneath the lights.
- Time: traffic-free from 5pm to 9pm, with the exact switch-on moment not published
- Cost: free
- After the launch: the lights stay on into the new year, running until 5 January 2027
- Nearest stations: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus or Green Park
Date to be announced
Oxford Street Christmas lights switch on
This year Harry Potter-themed designs join the street’s star lights. New West End Company has said the date and programme will follow.
- Date: to be announced
- A note: some listings give 4 November, which is the opening of the new Harry Potter shop on Oxford Street, not a confirmed switch-on
- Nearest stations: Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Marble Arch or Tottenham Court Road
We will update this page when the date is announced.
Wednesday 11 November
Marylebone Christmas lights switch on
A Very Merry Marylebone Christmas: an afternoon and evening of live performances hosted by BBC broadcaster Jo Good, with a Ferris wheel, Santa’s grotto and a charity tombola for Evelina London Children’s Charity.
- Time: 3pm to 8pm, with the official switch-on at 6pm on Devonshire Street, led by a celebrity guest still to be announced
- Cost: free, with some ticketed workshops
- Nearest stations: Bond Street, Oxford Circus or Baker Street
Thursday 12 November
Bond Street Christmas lights switch on
The Crown Jewel lights, with the street closed to traffic and a countdown led by a live brass band.
- Time: 4pm to 8pm, with the lights scheduled to come on between 6pm and 7pm (some reports say 7pm)
- Cost: free, with no ticket required
- Nearest stations: Bond Street, Oxford Circus or Green Park
Where to celebrate after the Christmas lights switch on
Aki is on Cavendish Square, minutes from Oxford Circus and Bond Street, so you can be at a table soon after the crowd disperses. Booking ahead is advised on switch-on nights.
Dinner · Tasting menu
The Signature Menu
£99 per person
Nine courses, sequenced by the kitchen, for the evening where every decision is made for you. Read more about our Japanese tasting menu.
À la carte · Charcoal grill
Robata
Ordered your way
Japanese charcoal grilling over binchotan, alongside sushi and sashimi. See our robata restaurant in Marylebone.
Shared platters · Chef’s choice
Omakase
Nigiri and sashimi platters
Platters of nigiri and sashimi chosen by the chef, for the table that would rather leave the decisions to someone else. Explore omakase in Marylebone.
Cocktails · Light bites
Kiyori
Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm
Our bar in the original bank vaults beneath Aki, for Japanese cocktails and light bites once the lights are on. Every confirmed switch-on this year falls on a Wednesday or a Thursday, when Kiyori is open.
After the lights · Marylebone
Dinner and drinks after the lights.
Book your table at Aki, minutes from Oxford Circus and Bond Street.
Christmas lights switch on London 2026: your questions answered
Dates, times and where to eat afterwards, checked on 28 October 2026.
