Every November, Christmas lighting ceremonies are held across the UK. This traditional event signals the arrival of the festive season and adds warmth to chilly winter evenings. Fireworks and entertainment will light up the city and immerse people in the joy of Christmas. Below is a list of Christmas lighting ceremonies around the UK.
London
Oxford Street Christmas Lights
Time: 2 November 2023 to early January 2024
Location: Oxford Street, London W1A 1EX
This year, Oxford Street is the first to be lit with Christmas lights in a romantic display. Under this sky, 5,000 stars twinkle individually, intertwining to form a stellar river, creating a romantic spectacle. Since 2019, Oxford Street’s lighting has been refreshed with new and more environmentally friendly LED lighting technology. This year marks the 63rd year that Oxford Street in London has been lit up for Christmas, and continues last year’s theme of ‘stars in the sky’. The star-shaped lights create a magical atmosphere when strung together. The mesmerizing effect remains. The lights are traditional stars in shape.
Regent Street Christmas Lights
Time: 9 November 2023 to early January 2024
Location: Regent Street, London W1B 5AH
The Christmas Lighting on Regent Street in London has long been a much-anticipated event. Every year, the event attracts countless tourists and members of the public. Regent Street is an important shopping street in central London, rich in history and culture, and the lighting on 9 November adds to the festive atmosphere. This year’s Christmas lighting theme continued the traditional ‘Christmas spirit’, with the whole street from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus adorned with gorgeous Christmas lights. The elegant angel lights, spreading their wings across Regent Street, lend a warm and mystical ambience.
Carnaby Christmas Lights
Time: 2 November 2023 to early January 2024
Location: Carnaby Street, London W1F 9PB
Carnaby Street is a famous shopping street in London’s Soho neighbourhood, next to Oxford Street and Regent Street. The street’s fashion is punk-rock related and full of character, but at the same time, retains a solid British flavour. This year’s Christmas lighting was themed ‘Carnaby Universe’. Each year, Carnaby Street’s Christmas Lighting theme has been a pleasant surprise, with a marine theme in 2019, filled with cute dolphins, seahorses and coral, a charity theme in 2020 with a cosy message, and over 600 glittering neon butterflies adorning the street in 2021, creating a beautiful scene.
England Region
Birmingham Christmas Lights
Time: 15th November – 17th December
When: Birmingham Cathedral, Cathedral Square, Colmore Row
Birmingham’s Illuminations is a much-anticipated event that will take place at Birmingham Cathedral on 15 November and will feature light-ups, street performances, and live music acts to add even more cheer to this particular season. There will be an eclectic mix of German food, macaroons, craft beer and fried chicken. Meanwhile, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the UK’s most authentic traditional German Christmas markets, offering visitors an excellent opportunity to experience German Christmas traditions. Birmingham Cathedral in Birmingham city centre will be one of the areas with the most intense winter Christmas atmosphere, with Christmas lights illuminating the whole market with a warm and joyful atmosphere.
Southampton Christmas Lights
Time: 16 November-2 January
Location: Southampton city centre
On 16 November, Southampton‘s Christmas Lighting Ceremony will take place in the city centre, starting at 4 pm and lasting for three hours. Compared to previous years, this year’s Countdown to Christmas is a much bigger event, lasting four days. There will also be a grand opening of the Christmas Market, which will run until 2 January next year. Visitors will have the chance to experience the UK’s tallest Ferris wheel and a variety of other rides, as well as more than thirty shops selling food, drink and crafts.
Liverpool Christmas Lights
Time: November 17 – January 2024
Location: Liverpool One Shopping Mall
While Liverpool doesn’t have an official Christmas lighting ceremony this year, on November 17, Liverpool ONE shopping centre will be lit with Christmas reindeer lights, neon trees, angel wings and Christmas lights. Liverpool ONE will also host a cultural event from that afternoon, with live aerial dance and pantomime performances. There will be no official ceremony, but these events will provide a special Christmas treat for Liverpool and visitors alike. A 25-metre-high Christmas tree will also be erected in Chavasse Park this year, adding even more festivity to Christmas in Liverpool.
Scottish Region
Edinburgh Christmas Lights
Time:17th November – 6th January 2024
Location: Edinburgh Royal Mile
The start of the Christmas season in Edinburgh is always exciting! The arrival of the Christmas Market and the switching of the lights on Princes Street marks this special time of year. The opening of the Royal Mile on the 17th of November will be a grand celebration, with spectacular light projection displays across Edinburgh, adding even more cheer to this particular season. The arrival of Santa Land will bring joy and entertainment throughout the winter months, and Market Place’s Santa Land will bring fun and entertainment throughout the winter months, with the city’s centre of lights and a wide range of entertainment facilities to make people forget the cold and enjoy this particular time of year.
Glasgow Christmas Lighting
19th November – January 2024
George Square, Glasgow
Wintertime in Glasgow is always a time of joy and glitz, and the Christmas season officially begins when the coloured lights come on in George Square. Glasgow’s Christmas Lighting Ceremony is undoubtedly one of the most popular events during the winter months, with many eager to witness the glowing occasion. The Christmas Lighting in George Square will take place on 19th November, and tickets for the event must be purchased in advance. There will be fireworks displays, singing and dancing, and the streets will be transformed into a vibrant and cosy Christmas scene.
FAQ
Where will the most significant lighting ceremonies be held in the UK in 2023?
The most dazzling events are set to take place in iconic locations like Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Covent Garden. Each offering its unique blend of tradition and innovation, these venues will be adorned with breathtaking light displays.
Are the 2023 UK Christmas Lighting Ceremonies family-friendly?
Absolutely! The lighting ceremonies are designed to captivate audiences of all ages. They offer a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and create precious memories amidst the festive cheer.
Will there be any new features in the 2023 lighting ceremonies?
Yes, the 2023 lighting ceremonies promise to introduce captivating new elements, reflecting our vision for the future while cherishing our cherished traditions. Stay tuned for an enchanting blend of the familiar and the innovative.
