West London marks the start of the Christmas season
The Christmas season is upon us, at least if you judge by the festive lighting of our high streets. From Covent Garden tonight (!) to Kew in early December, bring the family: there’s reindeer for the kids, mulled wine for you, and holiday cheer for all.
What: Covent Garden Christmas Lights
When: Tuesday 4 November, 6pm
Features: London Youth choir, 22-foot-tall silver reindeer, personalised doughnuts
More info: website
What: Oxford Street Christmas Lights
When: Thursday 6 November, 5pm (lights on at 6:15pm)
Features: Cheryl Fernandez Versini switches on the lights, plus various musical performances
More info: website
What: Chelsea Christmas Lights
When: Saturday 8 November, 3pm (lights on at 5:30pm)
Features: live reindeer, elves, carol choir
More info: website
What: Kingston Christmas Light Switch-on
When: Thursday 13 November
Features: Narnia theme, acrobats, magicians
More info: website
What: Carnaby Christmas Lights and Shopping Party
When: Thursday 13 November, 5pm to 9pm
Features: party with shopping discounts, live music, DJs, goodie bags
More info: website
What: Portobello Square Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Saturday 15 November
Features: lights switched on by local child
More info: website
What: Regent Street Christmas Lights
When: Sunday 16 November, 4pm (lights on at 4:45pm)
Features: celebrity guests, lights and fireworks display
More info: website
What: Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre Christmas Lights
When: Friday 21 November, 6pm
Features: lights switched on by local children
More info: website
What: Putney Christmas Lights & Market
When: Friday 28 November, 3pm to 7:45pm
Features: live music, children’s rides & entertainment, local market
More info: website
What: Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Thursday 4 December, 6pm
Features: enormous Norwegian spruce, carol singing
More info: website
What: Kew Sparkle
When: Friday 5 December, 5:30pm to 8pm
Features: Christmas lights, stalls, mulled wine, carol singers from local schools
More info: website
About the author:
Elisa moved to London seven years ago from San Francisco, where, in pre-children days, she was the managing editor at Sierra magazine. She lived in Brook Green and Notting Hill before settling in Chiswick, where she lives with her book-loving daughter, train-loving son, and thickly moustachioed husband.
