Leadenhall Market decorated with a Christmas tree and festive lights

Christmas Lights Switch-on · London

Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights Switch-on 2026

A 26ft tree, a light tunnel and a snow flurry mark the start of Christmas in the City at Leadenhall Market.

2 min read

Thursday, 19 November 2026 · 18:00

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 1LT

Table of Contents

Overview

When: Thursday 19 November 2026, switch-on at 6pm.

Leadenhall Market's annual switch-on marks the start of the festive season in the City of London. The ornate Victorian market is decked with festive garlands around a 26ft Christmas tree, with a light tunnel, live music and a snow flurry as the lights come on.

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Highlights

  • 26ft Christmas tree
  • Light tunnel
  • Live music
  • Snow flurry

What to expect

A 26ft Christmas tree, festive garlands, a light tunnel, live music and a snow flurry at the 6pm switch-on.

Who it's for

City workers, photographers and anyone wanting to see one of London's prettiest Victorian markets lit up for Christmas.

Getting there

Bank, Monument and Liverpool Street stations are all within a few minutes' walk; Fenchurch Street is also close by.

Planning tips

The market's pubs and restaurants fill up quickly after work — book a table if you want to eat or drink there after the switch-on.

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Vendors worth trying

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PAD + SEN
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Cooking up authentic Pad Thai for Londoners, PAD + SEN serves fresh-from-the-wok noodles at the Southbank Centre Food Market (Waterloo, London) — Fri 12–8pm, Sat 11–8pm, Sun 12–6pm. Expect springy rice noodles tossed with tamarind, palm sugar, garlic, beansprouts, egg, and roasted peanuts, finished with lime. Protein choices typically include chicken, prawn or tofu, with vegan/vegetarian options on request.

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VooDoo Chicken
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The Polish Deli London
Polish

The Polish Deli London

The Polish Deli London serves authentic Polish food across some of the city’s biggest markets. From traditional sausages and grilled chicken skewers to handmade pastries and cured meats, every product is crafted with care using family recipes and high-quality ingredients. They also provide private and commercial catering with the same passion for Polish flavours.

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Somali Hooyo Kitchen
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Pakhlaan
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Pakhlaan

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FAQ

When is the Leadenhall Market Christmas lights switch-on 2026?
Thursday 19 November 2026, with the lights switched on at 6pm.
What happens at the Leadenhall Market lights switch-on?
The market is decorated with garlands around a 26ft Christmas tree, with a light tunnel, live music and a snow flurry as the lights come on.

Tickets & info

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