Christmas lights switch-on events. Almost always a single evening, usually with a parade, stage acts and a countdown — get the date wrong and there is nothing to see.
21 markets
Nov4Wed
In 16 days
London, United Kingdom
The first big West End switch-on of the season — and for 2026, the theme is the nineties.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov12Thu
In 24 days
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Cardiff's lights come on the same day its Winter Wonderland opens — the start of the Welsh capital's Christmas.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov12Thu
In 24 days
London, United Kingdom
Over 300,000 lights, the giant baubles and mirror balls, and a British-grown tree on the West Piazza.
Checked 26 SepNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Newcastle starts its Christmas a week before the market opens, with the lights on Grey Street.
Checked 3 Oct
Nov14Sat
In 26 days
Belfast, United Kingdom
The Lord Mayor lights up Belfast at City Hall — on the same day the Continental Christmas Market opens. Ticketed.
Checked 3 Oct
Nov14Sat
In 26 days
Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
A full day of markets, street food and stilt walkers in Shakespeare's town, ending with the lights at 5.30pm.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov15Sun
In 27 days
Swindon, United Kingdom
A Sunday afternoon of school choirs, a festive market and the countdown at Wharf Green.
Checked 27 Aug
Nov18Wed
In 30 days
London, United Kingdom
A lantern parade through historic Greenwich, ending with the market's Christmas lights coming on.
Checked 3 OctCwmbran, United Kingdom
An afternoon of festive activities in Cwmbran town centre, with the official switch-on at 5pm.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov21Sat
In 33 days
Littlehampton, United Kingdom
One afternoon only — the High Street lights go on, with entertainment and local stalls from 3pm.
Checked 27 Aug
Nov21Sat
In 33 days
Newton Abbot, United Kingdom
Father Christmas switches on the lights at the town's old clock tower, after an afternoon of entertainment and stalls.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov28Sat
In 40 days
Derby, United Kingdom
Derby switches on its lights and launches Festive Derby on the last Saturday of November.
Checked 3 OctOakengates, United Kingdom
An afternoon of Santa, choirs, funfair rides and stalls in Oakengates, with the lights coming on at six.
Checked 3 OctShifnal, United Kingdom
A refreshed switch-on for 2026, with more music, children's activities and Santa's sleigh — reported for the last Saturday of November.
Thatcham, United Kingdom
New for 2026: Thatcham's switch-on and Christmas market combined into a single festive Saturday.
Checked 3 OctBirmingham, United Kingdom
Birmingham city centre's lights switch-on — 2026 date not yet announced.
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Glasgow's Christmas lighting trail along its main shopping streets — 2026 date not yet announced.
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Liverpool's city-centre Christmas lights — 2026 switch-on still to be announced.
London, United Kingdom
A mile and a half of lights over London's busiest shopping street — 2026 date still to be confirmed.
London, United Kingdom
London's most famous Christmas lights — and a switch-on date that is being widely misreported.
York, United Kingdom
York's Christmas begins with the Lord Mayor's lights switch-on — 2026 date not yet confirmed.