Marylebone Village was one of the first areas in London to announce when they would turn on their charming Christmas lights display this year. They announced the date all the way back in September (!) when we were still wearing a light jacket at most… But now, after months of anticipation, they’ve strung up the decorations and turned on the lights, and the area is once again adorned with tinsel and aglow with twinkly lights. Christmas is a mere matter of days away now – and it’s sure starting to feel like it!
Across the city, Londoners are no doubt getting ready to dust off their baubles and untangle their string of fairy lights to bring the Christmas spirit indoors too. After all, almost everywhere else in London has – and Christmas is just over a month away!
Merry Marylebone
Marylebone Village celebrated the turning on of the lights with a special event on November 13. Visitors were treated to a whole host of festive activities, magical market stalls, and live music through the night. And – of course – there was the epic Christmas light switch on.
The lights themselves were switched on from the main stage on Devonshire Street. The event was hosted by BBC London broadcaster (and Marylebone Village local), Jo Good, and the lights themselves were switched on by a surprise celebrity guest. None other than acclaimed actor, Martin Freeman, was on hand to turn the glimmering display on. Freeman joins previous celebs who have turned on the display, which includes Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Fearne Cotton, and Roman and Martin Kemp.
Throughout the village that evening, there was all manner of Christmassy goings-on, including musical and choral performances and a range of immersive activities, from bauble and wreath making to Santa’s Grotto. Artisan market stalls were also on hand to serve up a whole host of scrummy street food and there were even some late-night Christmas shopping opportunities. It all sounds like it was a pretty dreamy way to kick off the festive season to us.
The best stations for those visiting the lights are Baker Street and Marylebone.