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 Christmas in London 2009: Festive Lights
 
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'A Christmas Carol' comes to London this winter as the city plays host to the world premiere of Disney's animated film version of Charles Dickens' Christmas classic. For the first time ever, the Christmas lights over Oxford Street and Regent Street as well as those at St Paul's Cathedral are switched on simultaneously with stars of the film including Jim Carrey and Colin Firth doing the honours. All over town, dark winter nights are lit up as London glitters under a canopy of sparkling Christmas lights.
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christmas in London 2009: Related Articles Shows & Pantos | Ice Skating | Carols & Services | Christmas Trees | Markets & Fairs | Christmas Day & Boxing Day | New Year's Eve | Christmas Lights | Hotel Hideaways   Oxford Street Christmas Lights
Oxford Street, W1C 1JN 3rd November 2009 - 5th January 2010 Jim Carrey has the honour of turning on the Christmas Lights on Oxford Street this year, part of the city-wide celebrations to mark the premier of A Christmas Carol, Disney's lastest film in which he stars. The lights on Oxford Street are, for the first time ever, linked to the those on Regent Street with the illuminations on both streets being switched on at the same time on 3rd November. Both streets are decorated to depict the characters from the film based on Dickens' famous festive story. As part of the evening celebrations there'll be Christmas concerts with a special performance by The Saturdays, street entertainment and carol singers to set the festive mood. Be prepared for a big crowd - a staggering total of 40 million shoppers usually visit Oxford Street over the Christmas period and the turning on of the Christmas Lights has come to mean Christmas is nigh. When night falls a large throng assembles to see the switching on ceremony, their expectant faces lit up by a canopy of brilliant lights. Venue: Oxford Street Address: London, W1C 1JN Phone: 020 7222 4345 Date: 3rd November 2009 - 5th January 2010 Time: 5pm-6.30pm Pricing: FREE Nearest Station: Oxford Circus Tube Oxford Street Christmas Lights - Information  Regent Street Christmas Lights
Regent Street, W1B 5SJ 3rd November 2009 - 5th January 2010 This year they're doing something a bit special for the Christmas Lights on Regent Street. For the first time ever the lights on Regent Street are being switched on at the same time as those on Oxford Street and both are decorated along the same theme - Disney's A Christmas Carol, to tie in with the new film starring Jim Carrey. As part of London's A Christmas Carol celebrations, the film's actors, Colin Firth and Robin Wright Penn, will be turning on the Regent Street Lights, revealing illuminations which bring Charles Dickens' popular Christmas tale to life. There'll be live music from Daniel Merriweather and The Noisettes, Christmas concerts, street events and carol singers to get the Regent Street crowd into the festive mood. Regent Street's Christmas Lights are among the most spectacular of all London's winter illuminations, and images of Regent Street under swathes of fairy lights are synonymous with this festive time of year. Families from all over the country make the trip to see the lights being switched on. Make your way to the sweeping John Nash-designed shopping street and you can see lights that have symbolised the spirit of Christmas since 1954 being switched on. With giant retailers like Hamleys, Liberty's and newcomers like Banana Republic and the Ferrari Store lining the street, you won't be short of present shopping opportunities either. The switching-on ceremony begins on 3rd November and the streets continue to be lit up until 5th January. Venue: Regent Street Address: Regent Street, W1B 5SJ Date: 3rd November 2009 - 5th January 2010 Time: Concert & Lights 3rd Nov 5pm-6.30pm Pricing: FREE Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus Tube Regent Street Christmas Lights - Information  St Paul's Cathedral Christmas Lights
St Paul's Cathedral, EC4M 8AD 3rd November 2009 This Christmas there's a series of major events, all part of A Christmas Carol, which are taking place across London to mark the world premiere of Disney's new film, A Christmas Carol, due to be shown in Leicester Square on 3rd November. Members of the cast including Jim Carrey and Colin Firth will be helping to switch on the festive lights across the city. Celebrations at St Paul's Cathedral include a Christmas concert with live music by Spandau Ballet, Little Boots and Faryl Smith and a record breaking attempt led by St Paul's Cathedral Choir for the biggest ever Christmas Carol sing-a-long. Actor Bob Hoskins will then turn on the lights over St Paul's, with a countdown timed to coincide with the simultaneous switching on of the Christmas lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street. This is the first time the two major shopping streets have joined together to illuminate their lights at the same time. Venue: St Paul's Cathedral Address: St Paul's Churchyard, EC4M 8AD Phone: 020 7236 4128 Date: 3rd November 2009 Time: Tue 5pm-12am Pricing: FREE Nearest Station: St Paul's Tube St Paul's Cathedral Christmas Lights - Information  Carnaby Christmas Decorations
Carnaby Street, W1F 7DN 10th November 2009 - 2nd January 2010 Six metre high inflatable hot pink reindeers create an eye catching addition to the traditional Christmas trees and sparkling lights suspended over Carnaby Street as the Carnaby Christmas Decorations take on a psychedelic theme this year. The free evening celebrations on Tuesday 10th November to mark the unveiling of the decorations include a swinging '60s disco - a nod to the decade in which Carnaby Street became well known - with a live DJ set from Eddie Piller. Go-Go dancers will get on down to his funky soul music while the crowd joins in. Carnaby Street and the streets surrounding it are always beautifully decorated at Christmas and this year Paul Dart from the James Glancy Design Agency has chosen fifteen, six metre high inflatable decorations with messages of Love, Joy, Hope and Peace - sentiments synonymous with the 1960s. The decorations and light installations extend to Kingly Court and the Newburgh Quarter with brightly clashing colours of red, yellow, orange and acid green. The decorations mark the launch of Carnaby's 50th anniversary due to start in 2010 with a year-long programme of special events. Venue: Carnaby Street Address: Carnaby Street, W1F 7DN Date: 10th November 2009 - 2nd January 2010 Time: 10 Nov 6pm-7pm Pricing: FREE Carnaby Christmas Decorations - Information  Covent Garden Christmas
Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 9DD 10th November 2009 - 4th January 2010 For a traditional Christmas treat head to Covent Garden Piazza this winter where they're planning 'A Very Merry Christmas' with carol singing and a very real Rudolph and his reindeer friends. There's an enormous 40 foot Christmas tree, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts - as well as a less traditional light installation by United Visual Artists and a 37 foot topiary reindeer! With the Royal Opera House in the northern corner of the piazza and operatic singers regularly performing impromptu concerts in the covered market, Covent Garden is well-known for its music. Continuing the tradition, there are free musical performances by traditional choirs as well as the chance to stock up on Christmas treats at the Covent Garden Real Food Market (every Thursday and Friday, 12th November until 18th December) - a throwback to the area's original purpose. Parents with young children can keep the kids entertained with reindeer petting sessions, workshops for youngsters and story-telling sessions. Venue: Covent Garden Piazza Address: Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD Phone: 020 3047 2555 Date: 10th November 2009 - 4th January 2010 Pricing: FREE Nearest Station: Covent Garden Tube Covent Garden Christmas - Information  Bond Street Christmas Lights
Bond Street, W1S 2YF 19th November 2009 - 2nd January 2010 Bond Street, well known for its collection of designer shops and expensive jewellers, knows how to put on a show, especially when it comes to its annual Christmas Lights. All the shops in the street are set to take part, laying on entertainments, hospitality and giveaways. The street is closed to traffic for the evening, from 5pm-8pm, allowing the whole area to be turned into a winter wonderland complete with snow, fir trees, reindeer and rickshaw sleighs. Although the details of who will be turning on the lights have yet to be confirmed, we do know that the lights will be switched on at 6pm on 19th November on the corner of Old Bond Street and Burlington Gardens. Last year Kelly Brook was the celebrity doing the honours, following in the footsteps of Sophie Dahl, Liz Hurley and Jerry Hall, a tradition started by the Princess of Wales in 1994. It may be the smartest street in the city but come along for the Christmas themed evening and you'll discover there's a fun and frivolous side to it too. Venue: Bond Street Address: Bond Street, W1S 2YF Date: 19th November 2009 - 2nd January 2010 Time: 19 Nov - Entertainment 5pm-8pm | Lights switched on 6pm Pricing: FREE Nearest Station: Bond Street Tube Bond Street Christmas Lights - Information  Marylebone Christmas Lights
Marylebone High Street, W1U 5HD 18th November 2009 - 2nd January 2010 There's much excitement surrounding the opening ceremony for the Marylebone Christmas Lights with live bands, fireworks, an open-air market and TV presenter Zoe Salmon officially turning on the lights. The entertainment starts from 4pm on Wednesday 18th November, culminating in the illuminations at 6pm. There's more seasonal merry-making on Marylebone High Street where the main stage hosts a good mix of live music - varying from the Marylebone Rock Choir to Elvis impersonator Lou Jordan. Marylebone's popular Cabbages and Frocks Market is also taking part as are all the small independent shops that help to create Marylebone's 'village' appeal, many of which will be offering food and drink to sample in the street. Santa is also going to be there giving out free gifts from his grotto - but only to the kids who've been good this year. Venue: Marylebone High Street Address: St Marylebone Parish Church Grounds, W1U 5HD Phone: 020 7580 3163 Date: 18th November 2009 - 2nd January 2010 Time: Wed 18 Nov 4pm-6.30pm | Lights switch on 6pm Pricing: FREE Nearest Station: Regent's Park Tube Marylebone Christmas Lights - Information  Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights
Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR 20th November 2009 - 2nd January 2010 The Lord Mayor of the City of London turns on the Christmas Lights at the historic Leadenhall Market each year. The festivities begin at 5pm with mulled wine, mince pies and music to keep things going until 9pm. The Lord Mayor officially switches on the lights at 6pm. It's all free but do turn up early as numbers are limited and it's sure to be a popular night out in the City. Leadenhall Market, with its Dickensian feel, is a lovely place to shop and go out in the run up to Christmas and the celebrations continue throughout December with festive music at lunchtime and after work plus a special carols concert at lunchtime on Monday 21st December. Venue: Leadenhall Market Address: Whittington Avenue, EC3V 1LR Phone: 0207 929 1073 Date: 20th November 2009 - 2nd January 2010 Time: 20 Nov Entertainment 5pm-9pm | Lights 6pm Pricing: FREE Nearest Station: Monument Tube Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights - Information  Kingston Town Centre Christmas Lights
Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1EU 19th November 2009 - 2nd January 2010 Taking time out from his Christmas preparations, Santa himself will be turning on the Christmas Lights over Kingston town centre on Thursday 19th November. Kingston can always be relied on to put on a good show to mark the switching on of the Christmas Lights and this year they've got players from the Harlequins rugby team appearing alongside a member of the Treasure Island cast, the Christmas show at the Rose Theatre. The seasonal fun goes on most of the day with various events taking place across Kingston, from the stage at the top of Clarence Street to a German market in the market place and a dedicated family area at the Memorial Gardens. There you'll find face painters, balloon modelling and a bauble making workshop as well as a fairground carousel. In addition, look out for a roller skating Christmas pudding, an ice fawn on stilts and an elf making caricatures out of balloons. Add to that angels, a brass band and a children's nativity farm featuring real live animals around the crib and you have a great family afternoon out. Venue: Kingston upon Thames Address: High Street, KT1 1EU Phone: 020 8547 2507 Date: 19th November 2009 - 2nd January 2010 Time: Entertainment on 19 Nov from 4pm | Turning on Ceremony 6pm Pricing: FREE Nearest Station: Kingston Rail Kingston Town Centre Christmas Lights - Information  The Enchanted Woodland
Syon Park, TW8 8JF 20th November 2009 - 6th December 2009 Over a thousand coloured lights illuminate the beautiful oak trees and gardens at Syon Park for special winter evening guided tours taking you through the Enchanted Woodland. The changing colours, shadows and magic of a frosty winter's night make this an ideal opportunity for photographing the floodlit forest. Hot refreshments, warm clothing and stout footwear are advised. Venue: Syon Park Address: London Road, TW8 8JF Phone: 020 8560 0882 Date: 20th November 2009 - 6th December 2009 Time: Fri to Sun 5pm-8pm Pricing: £5 (Adults), £2 (Children) The Enchanted Woodland - Information  Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree and Carols
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS 3rd December 2009 - 4th January 2010 The 2009 Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square - perhaps the most famous Christmas tree in the world - takes place on Thursday 3rd December with a formal ceremony to mark the occasion. For over half a century, since 1947, Trafalgar Square has been adorned with a majestic Christmas Tree - an annual gift from the people of Oslo, thanking us for support and friendship during World War Two. The giant evergreen is an integral part of Christmas in London and is always a prime specimen, towering high alongside Nelson's Column and decorated only with authentic Norwegian white lights. The tree is traditionally the location where carol-singers gather in the evening and this year there will be a different choir there nightly from 7th-21st December, raising money for charity. Once the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree is lit the lights remain turned on from noon until midnight daily throughout the festive season until the Twelfth Night of Christmas in early January. Singing groups and passers-by join around the tree most evenings to sing carols and soak up the Christmas cheer. Venue: Trafalgar Square Address: Central London, WC2N 5DS Phone: 020 7983 4813 Date: 3rd December 2009 - 4th January 2010 Time: Tree lights 12noon-12midnight | Carol singing approx 5pm-9pm, times vary Pricing: FREE Nearest Station: Charing Cross Tube / Rail Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree and Carols - Information  Westfield Christmas Lights
Westfield Shopping Centre, W12 7DS 12th November 2009 Santa himself will be switching on the Christmas Lights on Thursday 12th November at London's newest and largest shopping centre, the vast Westfield in Shepherd's Bush. Then, from 14th November, you can book into Santa's Wish Kingdom for an interactive journey where you can meet elves and fairies and see the magical 3D effects. While details have yet to be confirmed, last year saw a 30ft fir tree and real snow falling on the Southern Terrace - the pedestrian street lined with restaurants. What we have been told is that the atrium will be decked out like a scene from the Swiss Alps, complete with chalets for your shopping and an Alpine bar - cheers! Venue: Westfield Shopping Centre Address: Ariel Way, W12 7DS Phone: 020 3371 2300 Date: 12th November 2009 Time: Times to be confirmed Pricing: FREE Nearest Station: Shepherd's Bush Tube / Wood Lane Tube Westfield Christmas Lights - Information |
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