Christmas Lights and Christmas Trees in London

Whether you're in town for some ice-skating or Christmas shopping, make some time to check out all the Christmas decorations in different areas of London this year. They're always a great attraction, and really add to the Christmas spirit of the city.

Christmas Lights in the West End and in The City

This year, the Christmas Lights across the West End and in the City of London will be switched on simultaneously. There'll also be fantastic Christmas concerts, and a unique light show at St Paul's Cathedral, on Regent Street and at Oxford Circus.
All these festivities are part of London's Christmas Carol.
When: 5-6.30pm on 3 Nov

Christmas Celebrations at Covent Garden Market 

Covent Garden is concentrating on the traditional this Christmas. Visit the market during the festive season, and you'll find free musical performances from traditional choirs, reindeer-petting for kids and the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts drifting through the Market Building. With a 40ft (12m) Christmas tree, a 37ft (11m) topiary reindeer, workshops for kids, and story-telling for all the family, there'll be plenty of old-fashioned nostalgia on the Piazza this Christmas. Don't miss the exciting light installation from United Visual Artists, and the chance to stock up on delicious gourmet treats at the Covent Garden Real Food Market.
When: From 10 Nov

Carnaby Christmas Lights

Carnaby is known for quirky Christmas decorations, and this year is no exception! As 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of Carnaby, this year's Christmas lights are launching a year-long celebration of the Swinging 60s. The 12 streets of Carnaby will be filled with 15, six-metre-high inflatable decorations declaring 60s messages of Love, Joy, Hope and Peace. There are inflatable hot pink reindeers, surrounded by brightly coloured Christmas trees and sparkling 60s-coloured lights. Pop down on 10 November to enjoy a DJ set from Eddie Piller, head of the Acid Jazz record label, while Go-Go dancers on podiums will encourage you to to show off your best Twist and Mashed Potato!
When: From 6-7pm on 10 Nov

Westfield London's Christmas Lights

Mariah Carey will be switching on Westfield London's Christmas this year, before holding a special signing for her new album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel. As one of the world's biggest stars, Mariah's arrival will be suitably accompanied by pyrotechnics, butterfly confetti and hundreds of fans! Westfield's Southern Terrace will be transformed with a VIP pink carpet, lined with fans and shoppers while Mariah makes an entrance under a snowfall of confetti. Don't miss it!
When: 19 Nov 2009, 6-8pm

Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights

The Christmas lights switch-on in Leadenhall Market is always a sparkling affair. Beautifully restored to its original Victorian splendour, Leadenhall Market's cobbled streets, ironwork and painted ceiling have a real Dickensian feel. See the Lord Mayor of the City of London flick the switch on 20 November, as mulled wine, mince pies and music add a festive flavour to your Christmas shopping.
When: From 5pm, 20 Nov

Christmas Lights in Greenwich

Following an exciting lantern procession, the cast of Greenwich Theatre's Mother Goose are responsible for this year's Christmas lights switch-on in Greenwich Market. Santa and his elves will also be there, as well as live music and free entertainment.
When: From 3-7pm on 27 Nov

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

Every year since 1947, Norway has given a Christmas tree to London in gratitude for Britain's support for Norway during the Second World War. This year, the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree lights will be switched on on 3 December. On 6 December, St Martin-in-the-Fields is holding a service for the dedication of the crib, which is then placed in Trafalgar Square.
When: Lights from 3 Dec; Crib from 6 Dec

Christmas Cheer at Kew

If you're craving a bit of countryside Christmas cheer, head to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew this festive season. The Christmas decorations, lights and Christmas tree at the Victoria Gate in Kew Gardens will be up from 5 December.
When: From 5 Dec