Christmas 2026 | November light switch-ons
November is switch-on season in London. Here are five festive light displays to see in the West End this month, plus a cosy spot nearby to warm up afterwards.
1. Leicester Square (now on)
Leicester Square’s star-shaped lights are already up, celebrating its film heritage, with the Skate Leicester Square ice rink alongside. See our West End Christmas guide.
2. St Martin’s Lane (Tuesday 3 November)
Theatreland-inspired lights switch on with a performance from the cast of Into the Woods, a festive choir and seasonal bites.
3. Carnaby Street (Wednesday 4 November)
Carnaby’s famously creative installation lights up on 4 November. Afterwards, head to Liu Xiaomian, moments away on the first floor of Kingly Court, for spicy and numbing Chongqing noodles in its newly revamped neon-lit restaurant, inspired by the city’s cyberpunk cityscape.
4. Regent Street and St James’s (Thursday 5 November)
The big one: Regent Street’s famous lights switch on on 5 November. Read our Regent Street switch-on guide. Kingly Court is just around the corner, so Liu Xiaomian is perfect here too. Try the new Chao Shou Mian, handmade pork wontons and noodles in one generous bowl.
5. Marylebone Village (Wednesday 11 November)
Marylebone’s village-style lights switch on on 11 November. Liu Xiaomian’s original restaurant is hidden in the basement of The Jackalope pub on Weymouth Mews, pairing Chongqing noodles with the cosy feel of a classic London pub.
Where to eat
Liu Xiaomian Carnaby, First Floor, Kingly Court, London W1B 5PW
Liu Xiaomian Marylebone, Basement of The Jackalope, 43 Weymouth Mews, London W1G 7EQ