Christmas lights switch on dates 2018 – from London's Oxford Street to Blackpool, when to see the best UK displays

But with so many celebrations taking place, here’s our guide on where to catch the best of the bunch.

Regent Street, London

  • Regent Street’s ‘Spirit of Christmas’ display will be switched on on Thursday, November 15 at 5.30pm.
  • It is said to be the largest light installation in the capital, with those golden angels making a comeback for the third year running.
  • The area will be traffic free from 5pm until 9pm with a number of celebrities in attendance

Oxford Street, London

  • The Oxford Street lights were switched on on Tuesday, November 6 2018 at 6pm
  • There was no celebrity doing the honours this year
  • Instead, a series of in-store gigs at shops in Oxford Street with emerging UK artists kicked off just as the lights were illuminated across the famous street

Blackpool Promenade & Town Centre

  • Blackpool's illuminations have actually been on since late August  – they were switched on as part of the illumination season
  • However, the town centre will switch Christmas lights on on Saturday December 1  in St Johns Square
  • Festivities will begin at 2pm until 5.30pm when the lights are switched on by Danny Miller, who plays  Aaron Dingle in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale

Albert Square, Manchester

 

  • Manchester's Christmas Lights have already been switch on – they were illuminated on November 3 at 7.30pm
  • Stars of stage and screen were in attendance, including Jonas Blue, Max George, the cast from Wicked, Dr Dolittle and The Producers
  • The night was topped off with a massive fireworks display

Covent Garden, London

  • The Covent Garden lights will be switched on on Tuesday, November 13 at 6pm
  • The Kingdom Choir, who performed at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will sing at the event – performances start at 5.45pm
  • The surrounding area will be transformed into a winter wonderland, glittering with 115,000 lights across the historic Piazza and its adjoining streets
  • New for 2018 will be a gorgeous 'infinity chamber' light installation, which will adorn Conduit Court (just off Floral Street)

Bristol City Centre

  • Bristol's Christmas lights at Cabot Circus will be turned on in spectacular style with a huge fiesta on November 9 at 6pm
  • This year's switch-on will be a Brazilian-inspired carnival party, featuring pinatas, feel-good music and carnival performances during the course of the evening
  • The lights coming on will coincide with the opening of Broadmead Christmas Market

Liverpool

  • Liverpool One shopping centre will be switching their Christmas display on on Thursday, November 8 at 6pm
  • The display includes a 30 metre tree and a giant illuminated reindeer
  • The party starts at 4pm with festive street performances, including storytelling, dancing, singing and lots of special effects

Sheffield City Centre

  • Sheffield's city centre will be illuminated on Sunday, November 18 at 5.30pm
  • The event will begin at 2pm and will include choirs, Santa’s grotto, carolling, panto, street entertainment, Christmas markets, children’s tv and film characters, Christmas craft activities and fairground rides
  • Heart Yorkshire presenters will host the stage programme with a mix of Christmas music, entertainment and interviews

George Square, Glasgow

  •  Glasgow's Christmas Lights in George Square will be illuminated on Sunday November 18
  • This is a ticketed event which will be allocated by public ballot
  • Successful applicants were told in mid-October if they had secured tickets

George Street, Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh's Christmas lights will be switched on at 3pm on November 18, 2018
  • Choirs from across Scotland will perform in front of an expected audience of around 20,000 people
  • There will be a fireworks display after the illumination

 

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