Carnaby Street has officially launched its Christmas season with the unveiling of its “Into The Light” display, transforming the famous London shopping street into a festive wonderland. Thousands gathered to witness the switch-on of this year’s installation, marking the arrival of Christmas to Carnaby Street and Soho.
Partnered with the charity Global’s Make Some Noise, Carnaby Street’s Christmas launch aims to support small charities across the UK. The Into The Light display features six-metre-long sculptural light installations illuminated by thousands of energy-efficient LEDs, all glowing with warm, golden hues. A dynamic lighting sequence now runs hourly, creating a mesmerising show up and down the street, accompanied by live choir performances. CapitalXtra radio hosts Rob Bruce and Shayna Marie hosted the event, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Carnaby Street’s iconic stores joined the festivities, with brands such as Astrid & Miyu, Wolf & Badger, PANGAIA, Size?, Barbour, MAC, and Ray-Ban offering exclusive Christmas deals. The evening saw additional in-store events, including complimentary beauty treatments, drinks, and holiday treats from Aesop and Sculpted By Aimee. Soho Radio broadcasted live from their pop-up studio on Marshall Street, with a lineup of popular London DJs playing throughout the evening.
In addition to the main display on Carnaby Street, visitors to nearby Kingly Court were treated to a festive transformation of its alfresco dining area. Star-shaped entryways and cascading light curtains give the courtyard a warm, inviting glow, creating a cosy setting for diners. Local restaurants, including Goldies, Miznon, Cahoots, Kolamba, Duck & Rice, and Dishoom, have launched festive menus to add a seasonal touch to Soho’s culinary offerings.
Carnaby Street and Soho are set to host “Soho Nights” every Wednesday in partnership with TimeOut. Each weekly event will feature a mix of exclusive shopping experiences, festive dining, and live entertainment, giving visitors the chance to enjoy Christmas specials from local shops and restaurants. The celebrations offer exclusive discounts, limited edition collections, and seasonal treats, making it an ideal time for Londoners to start their Christmas shopping while enjoying the holiday spirit.
For those seeking Christmas experiences, Carnaby Street promises an immersive seasonal atmosphere throughout the festive period. Hourly choreographed light displays will continue each evening, while live choir performances are scheduled weekly. Alongside shopping and dining, a wide range of festive menus and takeaway options provide visitors with seasonal fare as they stroll through the Christmas-decorated streets.
The Into The Light installation, spanning across Carnaby Street and Soho, brings a unique holiday ambiance to London, adding to its reputation as a must-visit destination during the Christmas season. From festive light displays to exclusive offers and seasonal dining, the Carnaby Street Christmas launch captures the joy of the season while supporting charitable causes.