London's Christmas markets and lights switch on in November
Summarised from 2 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 2 Nov, 17:26 · Archive
London's festive attractions are opening throughout November 2026, with markets, ice rinks and light displays returning across the capital.
London's festive season is beginning in November 2026 with multiple attractions opening across the capital. Winter by the River, a riverside Christmas market beside the Thames at London Bridge, will reopen on 10 November and run daily until 3 January, operating from 11am to 10pm. The festival will feature boutique stalls with handcrafted gifts from independent traders, including jewellery, decorative baubles and sustainable skincare, alongside food stalls offering Yorkshire puddings, bratwurst and creamy pasta. A Community Cabin will showcase charities and social enterprises.
Multiple light displays are being switched on throughout November. Regent Street's iconic Spirit of Christmas angels will illuminate on 5 November, with traffic closed between 5pm and 9pm to allow visitors to enjoy the decorations. Carnaby Street will switch on its lights on 4 November with a 1990s theme called 'Press Play on Christmas', featuring 90s music and performances from 4.30pm to 7.30pm, with the first 1,000 online ticket holders receiving exclusive offers and free drinks. Covent Garden's celebrations begin on 12 November with more than 300,000 sparkling lights, giant golden bells and a 50ft Christmas tree.
The Southbank Centre Winter Market opens on 2 November with traditional Alpine-style wooden chalets, offering festive food and drinks, and will run until 4 January 2027. Ice rinks are also opening, with Battersea Power Station opening on 6 November and Somerset House from 11 November. Kew Gardens will open its illuminated Christmas trail on 13 November with coloured installations and glowing tunnels.
How it is being reported
- London Christmas lights switch-on - all the dates confirmed so farFrom Carnaby Street and Leadenhall Market to the iconic Regent Street spirits, London's festive season is officially hereMyLondon · 2 Nov, 16:54
- All the dates London's biggest Christmas attractions are openingLondon Christmas 2026 guide: key dates for festive lights, ice rinks, markets, Winter Wonderland, Kew Gardens, events and Christmas travel advice for visitors.This Is Local London · 2 Nov, 05:00
- Christmas is coming to London with 10 festive attractions opening in NovemberChristmas is coming to London! Discover 10 festive attractions opening in November 2026, including Winter Wonderland, Christmas at Kew, ice rinks and festive lights.This Is Local London · 1 Nov, 05:00
- These magical London Christmas attractions won't cost a pennyDiscover London's best free Christmas lights and festive attractions for 2026, including Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Regent Street and markets near Tube stations.This Is Local London · 1 Nov, 05:00
- London Bridge Christmas market 2026 opening date revealedWinter by the River returns to London Bridge on November 10, 2026, with Christmas market stalls, festive street food, live music and views of Tower Bridge.This Is Local London · 1 Nov, 05:00
In this story: London Bridge · Thames · Tower Bridge · Regent Street · Southbank Centre · Covent Garden · Carnaby Street · Winter by the River
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