What day do Christmas decorations go up in London?

Christmas decorations and major light displays in London typically go up and are switched on in early to mid-November, with most main attractions active by the second week of November. Oxford Street lights often start the season around the first week of November (Nov 3, 2025), with others like Carnaby Street and Covent Garden following shortly after.

What date do the Christmas lights go on in London?

London's Christmas lights typically switch on in early to mid-November, with major areas like Oxford Street often lighting up first (around Nov 3rd in 2025), followed by streets like Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Covent Garden in the first couple of weeks of November, staying lit until early January. The iconic Trafalgar Square tree usually gets illuminated in early December.
 

Is the 12th night on 5th or 6th January?

If Christmas Day is the first of the twelve days, then Twelfth Night would be on January 5, the eve of Epiphany. If December 26, the day after Christmas, is the first day, then Twelfth Night falls on January 6, the evening of Epiphany itself.

Is London decorated for Christmas in October?

London is so invested in Christmas that decorations start popping up by the end of October, and are in full swing by mid-November. The flip-side of this Christmas craze is that London really capitalises on the season.

Is London decorated for Christmas in late November?

When do the Christmas lights go on in London? London Christmas lights are switched on at different times depending on the area. Most London Christmas decorations go up between November and December.

Christmas in London: What You NEED To Know Before You Go

What time do the Christmas lights go on Oxford Street?

Oxford Street's Christmas lights turn on daily around 3 PM to 4 PM, staying lit until about 11 PM, running from early November (Nov 3, 2025) to early January (Jan 5, 2026) for the 2025-2026 season, allowing for festive shopping and sightseeing. 

Is 12th night 5th or 6th?

The Epiphany falls on 6th January, which means the decorations should, in theory, be tidied away on the 5th. This is the most popular date! However, not everyone follows this tradition. Many countries, including Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic believe the Twelfth Night to be the 6th.

Why is it bad luck to leave the decorations up after Twelfth Night?

It's considered unlucky to leave Christmas decorations up past Twelfth Night (January 6th) due to ancient superstitions that evergreen decorations housed tree spirits, and leaving them up risked angering those spirits or inviting misfortune for the coming year, with some lore suggesting they could become possessed by goblins if left too long. This tradition also marked the end of the festive season, signaling a return to work, with Victorians popularizing taking them down by this date, though medieval practice often extended to Candlemas (February 2nd). 

Why keep the Christmas tree up until January 6th?

People leave Christmas trees up until January 6th because it's the Feast of the Epiphany (Three Kings' Day), marking the traditional end of the 12 Days of Christmas, a significant Christian festival celebrating the visit of the Magi (Wise Men) to baby Jesus, and it's considered by some to bring bad luck to take them down sooner. This tradition extends the festive season, with some cultures even using January 6th for gift-giving and special celebrations, making it a natural endpoint for decorations. 

What do kids do on the Eve of January 5th?

On the eve of January 5, children often leave grass out for the Kings' horses, and in return the Kings leave gifts. And then the celebration really begins—music, food, and community festivities.

Is Christmas on January 6 or 7?

So, they continued to mark Christmas on the Julian calendar which, at that time, had it falling on January 5th but, because the Julian calendar is based on a different solar year, it keeps moving relative to the Gregorian calendar and eventually Old Christmas fell on January 6th.

What time are the covent garden Christmas lights on in 2025?

Covent Garden's Christmas lights 2025 officially switch on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, with the main event starting around 5-6 PM for the ceremonial lighting, though the lights will be on daily from mid-afternoon (around 3:30 PM) until midnight from that date until early January 2026. The theme is "The Theatre of Christmas," featuring 300,000 lights, a 55ft tree, and golden bells in the Market Building, with daily festive entertainment.
 

Which street has the best Christmas lights in London?

For the best Christmas lights in London, focus on the central shopping districts like Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Bond Street for dazzling displays, while Carnaby Street offers creative themes and Covent Garden provides a festive hub with markets and giant trees, plus unique spots like Belgravia for elegant residential sparkle and Leadenhall Market for historic charm. A walking route covering these areas is ideal for experiencing the variety, from Regent Street's angels to Carnaby's installations.
 

Is Canary Wharf lights free?

Winter Lights is free to attend, no ticket or pre-booking required, just turn up and enjoy.

How long should you leave your Christmas tree up for good luck?

✨ Old tradition says decorations should come down on Twelfth Night (January 5) or Epiphany (January 6) — or you risk inviting bad luck for the year ahead.

Is 12th night the 5th or 6th of January?

They partied hard, right through from Christmas Eve to the evening of the 5th of January, otherwise known as Twelfth Night.

When should the nativity set be taken down?

You should take down a nativity scene after the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6th, or the Sunday after) to mark the end of the official Christmas liturgical season, but many traditions extend it to Candlemas (February 2nd) for the Presentation of Jesus, with no strict rule, though early removal after New Year's is also common for practical reasons.
 

Do you wish Merry Christmas on 24th or 25th?

English variants and international norms

Both greetings are acceptable across December and on Christmas Day. In casual contexts it is also common to extend the exchange into the days following 25 December by saying Hope you had a Merry Christmas as people reconnect after the holiday.

What happens if you don't take decorations down by 12th night?

The tradition that it is bad luck to keep decorations up after Twelfth Night and the Epiphany is a modern invention, although it may derive from the medieval notion that decorations left up after Candlemas eve would become possessed by goblins!

Is Jan. 6 the 12th day of Christmas?

Yes, January 6th is widely considered the 12th Day of Christmas (Epiphany) in many traditions, marking the end of the festive season that starts on Christmas Day (December 25th), though some count the 12 days as Dec 26th to Jan 6th, making Jan 6th the final day and Twelfth Night the evening before (Jan 5th). It celebrates the arrival of the Magi (Three Kings) and is a significant feast day, often when Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down. 

Where is the best walking route for Christmas lights in London?

A Fantastically Festive Walk Through London's Christmas Lights And Decorations

• Trafalgar Square Christmas tree. ...
• St James's Christmas tree. ...
• Regent Street Christmas lights. ...
• Fortnum & Mason at Christmas. ...
• Bond Street Christmas lights and windows. ...
• Annabel's in Berkeley Square. ...
• Oxford Street Christmas lights.

Who pays for Oxford Street Christmas lights?

The lights were paid by shop owners and the local council, and were installed in order to give a sense of occasion to shoppers that could not be found anywhere else.