London switches on its Christmas lights: 300,000 bulbs and a car-free street for the first time since 2019

The famous London shopping street switched on its Christmas illumination: around 300,000 energy-saving LED bulbs, more than 30 angels in their 11th season, and a car-free evening for the first time since 2019. The ceremony coincided with Bonfire Night.

Aziz KarimovFirst published on tafs uz 6 November 2026 at 18:142 min read

The key facts

The lights were switched on by presenter Harriet Fisher at 6:30 pm, coinciding with Bonfire Night celebrations across the UK
The street was cleared of cars for the evening for the first time since 2019; guests were entertained by bands, a choir, LED dancers and stilt walkers
Nearby, in St James's Market, the 'Wishing Tree' returned: every touch triggers a £5 donation to the food rescue charity Felix

The traditional lights switch-on took place with the pedestrianised streets packed

Thousands of people gathered in London for the switch-on of the Christmas lights on the famous shopping street. As Euronews reports, the street was brought to life by around 300,000 energy-saving LED bulbs, while more than 30 angel-shaped decorations returned for their 11th season. The ceremony was hosted by presenter Harriet Fisher, who switched on the lights at 6:30 pm — the timing coincided with Bonfire Night celebrations across the UK.

A car-free evening and new decorative motifs

A significant difference this year was that car traffic on the street was banned for the evening for the first time since 2019: crowds filled the pedestrianised street, where live bands, a Christmas choir, LED dancers, stilt walkers and 'elves' from the Hamleys store performed. This year's decorations featured glowing words 'Joy', 'Smile' and 'Hope', as well as illuminated hearts, stars and new installations in Princes Arcade.

The charity 'Wishing Tree' returned to St James's Market

The festive programme extended beyond the main street: visitors to the nearby St James's Market could support the food rescue charity Felix through the returning 'Wishing Tree' — every touch triggers a donation of £5.