London lit up for Christmas

Christmas has begun, with the streets of London a glow from thousands of festive lights.

This year the Oxford Street lights, all 260, 000 of them were lit up by boy band Westlife and the lights in Regent Street by Lee Ryan - ex band member of pop band Blue. The celebrations took place separately on the 5th and 15th November respectively in front of large crowds eager to see the lights go on.

Every year at Christmas London is lit up and draped with decorations, transforming the city in to a carnival attraction. Different areas have their lighting ceremonies at different times, often with big named celebrities to switch on the lights and to attract even larger crowds. This year, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Islington and Covent Garden all have their own lighting events across London. For further information have a look at our Christmas attractions in and around the West End of London.

A shopping trip to London makes a welcome trip at anytime of the year but during the Christmas period the city comes alive. The reflections of the bright lights illuminating the faces of the crowds beneath... This year you can be a part of the magic! The Light Up London campaign is raising money for Breast Cancer Care and Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital by inviting people to sponsor a London light for a minimum of £5. The campaign is operating until the 14th December.

If you want to experience the lights of London at Christmas, make a day of it - go shopping and then see a West End show. For further information visit Shopping in London.