Leadenhall Market will bring a little festive magic to the City this November, with its annual Christmas lights switch-on. Expect a towering tree, Victorian-style lights, live music and a flurry of snow beneath one of London’s most beautiful historic roofs.
Leadenhall Market Christmas lights switch-on 2026
Returning on Thursday 19 November 2026, the celebrations begin at 5.15pm, with the official switch-on taking place at 6pm.
Leadenhall’s Victorian walkways will be dressed in festive garlands and decorations, while a 26ft Christmas tree will take centre stage beneath the Market’s glass-and-wrought-iron atrium.
Leadenhall Market will light up its 26ft Christmas tree beneath Victorian glass arches
A festive light tunnel will also stretch through Beehive Passage, illuminated with Victorian-style lights. As the switch is flicked, visitors can expect live festive music and artificial snowfall to add to the seasonal atmosphere.
The Market’s restaurants, pubs and bars will be open throughout the evening, making it easy to turn the switch-on into a proper festive night out. Options include:
- The Lamb Tavern
- Boom Bap Burger
- MRBL
- The Golden Goose
Visitors can stop by for festive drinks, snacks or dinner before or after the ceremony.
Leadenhall Market is already one of London’s most atmospheric spots at Christmas
Leadenhall Market is already one of London’s most atmospheric spots at Christmas. Its Grade II-listed Victorian building, designed by Horace Jones and dating from 1881, becomes especially magical when filled with twinkling lights, baubles and seasonal decorations.
The Market traces its roots back to the 14th century and stands on the site of Roman London, giving its Christmas makeover an extra dose of old-city charm.
