By Luke Chapman
The City has never looked so beautiful as when it’s covered in festive lights and the hot chocolates are flowing. There are always so many festivities taking over the Square Mile, it can be hard to keep up with them. Switch-ons are always great events, filled with goodies and sometimes celebs, so we’ve taken the liberty of listing some of the City’s key festive moments leading up to the big day.
Photo by Sarah Larby.
Bow Lane Lights Switch-On (12 November, 4.30pm)
The first of the festive events across the Square Mile, the Bow Lane Lights Switch-On marks the welcoming of Christmas into the City and starts the procession of a lit-up Square Mile. Bow Lane takes its name from St. Mary-Le-Bow Church on the corner, which will also be adorned for this festive event.
Leadenhall Market Christmas Light Switch-On (13 November from 5.15pm)
One of the first activities for the newly elected Lord (Lady) Mayor, the iconic Leadenhall Market comes to life from November 13th, and this one is truly not an event to be missed. Think live musical performances, and for the first time in years, snowfall from the Market!
Ludgate Circus Christmas Light Switch-On (November 19th 5–8pm)
Next on the list for the Square Mile is the Ludgate Circus switch-on. Bringing Fleet Street Quarter to life, there’ll be a festive choir, food vendors on site and mulled wine. Head down to Ludgate Circus on 19November for some Christmassy fun.
Snoopy Trail Across Fleet Street Quarter (19 November– 16 January)
A real celebrity is coming to the Square Mile, it’s Snoopy! Fleet Street Quarter are bringing a 12-piece sculpture trail to the BID footprint, where the lovable character will be lying atop 12 bespoke painted dog houses, and you can walk around them all with a nice hot chocolate.
Eastern City Christmas Light Switch-On (20 November 5.30–6.30pm)
London’s biggest Christmas tree is back in the City. Returning for another year outside the Pan Pacific hotel, the Eastern City BID will be bringing the area to life on November 20th with a very special guest appearance.
Aldgate In Winter Festival (4&5 December)
The famous Aldgate in Winter festival is returning for another year, but this time it’s returning for two days! Across December 4th and 5th, you can expect live performances, the return of the Aldgate lantern parade and more. Be sure to join the two-day-long festivities at this Aldgate classic.
Christmas in the Crescent.
The City truly comes alive in the festive season, and so many areas go truly all out. So embrace the lit-up commute home, revel in the joy, and get stuck in!