Start Under the Ironwork at Leadenhall Market
You arrive as the Victorian walkways come alive with Christmas garlands and the atrium tree stands 26ft tall. The switch-on is set for Thursday 19 November 2026, with celebrations from 5.15pm and the lights going on at 6pm. Live music fills the market and artificial snow drifts down. Warm light spills from the shops, and the crowd gathers beneath the painted roof.
Walk the Festive Light Tunnel in Beehive Passage
- Step into Beehive Passage, where a festive light tunnel glows with Victorian-style lights.
- Look up at the 26ft Christmas tree beneath the atrium — a focal point for photos and for meeting friends.
- Follow the decorated Victorian walkways, where Christmas garlands frame the shopfronts.
- Time your arrival for 5.15pm to catch the atmosphere before the 6pm switch-on.
Hear Live Music and See the Snow Fall
As part of the switch-on, live music plays through the market and artificial snow falls over the crowd. The event runs from 5.15pm, building to the moment the lights come on at 6pm. Further Christmas programme details are to be announced, so check back for additions to the season.
Plan Your Evening Around the Switch-On
- Date to hold: Thursday 19 November 2026.
- Arrive from 5.15pm for the start of celebrations.
- Stay for the 6pm switch-on, when the garlands, tree and light tunnel illuminate together.
- Keep an eye out for further Christmas programme announcements from Leadenhall Market.
Put Thursday 19 November 2026 in your diary and plan to be under the atrium by 5.15pm. With the tree, the light tunnel and the music all part of the evening, the switch-on gives you a clear, concrete way to begin the season at Leadenhall Market.