London’s Christmas celebrations began with the biggest light switch-on of its kind in the world. It was a coordinated event that saw many tourist spots illuminated simultaneously.
Over one million LED lights were installed ahead of Christmas on some capital’s best-known streets, including Piccadilly Circus, Mayfair and Leicester Square.
Shopping at Oxford Street and Regent Street can also be a great way to buy your loved ones gifts. The lights are on from Friday.
To mark the start of Christmas, the Lord Mayor of Westminster switched all 20 street lights on in the West End of London at once.
London kicked off Christmas with the biggest light switch-on in the world. Pictured: Regent Street in London
This was the first ever time that 10 famous London streets were lit up at the same moment.
The lights will be visible from Friday for shoppers who buy gifts for their loved ones from Regent Street or Oxford Street. Pictured: Fortnum and Mason, (pictured right), was decorated in bright red and twinkly lights illuminated on Oxford Street.
To mark the start of Christmas, the Lord Mayor turned on all 20 streets in the West End of London. Pictured: Mayfair’s South Molton Street was bathed with wintry blue
Pictured: Christmas lights on Oxford Street were made up of glowing gold stars and silver streams when they were lit up
Pictured are cast members from “And Juliet”, and employees of John Lewis and Hamleys and Fortnums and Mason, at Piccadilly as the Christmas lights turn-on in London’s West End District at the same hour this evening
Pictures and videos from the switch-on event were shared via social media.
Twitter user: “London’s West End Christmas lights officially on!” It was a fantastic night in London’s West End for the switch-on of the largest ever Christmas lights.
Sadiq Khan was the London Mayor. He said that London is “the greatest city in the globe” and that the West End will host the largest ever Christmas lights switch-on.
There is plenty to do and see this Christmas season, from our amazing shops and attractions to arts and culture and our fantastic bars and restaurants.
After last year’s cancellation due to Covid, it was the first time that a festive light switch was switched on in London for two years. Photographed by Bond Street
Sadiq Khan, London Mayor, said that he hopes the festive spirit will help London bounce back from Covid. He encouraged Londoners and tourists to see the incredible lights and to show their support for the hostess to keep the city bouncing back.
Hamleys and Fortnum and Masons staff celebrate West End Christmas by switching on lights simultaneously at Oxford Street and Regent Streets, South Molton Streets, Bond Streets, Mayfair and Piccadilly Circuses, St James’ and Leicester Square
London’s Leicester Square is one of the 20 streets where you could see its festive lights on.
“With six weeks before Christmas I am urging Londoners to see all that the capital has to give, to witness the incredible lights, and to help our hospitality bounce back.
Ros Morgan, spokesperson for London’s West End said that “Tonight was a historic moment for London’s West End when 20 of London’s most iconic streets joined together to celebrate the beginning of Christmas.”
“Having missed Christmas this year, 2021 must be about regaining that Christmas joy. And where better than the West End to do that?