Mon. Dec 23rd, 2024

Christmas is Coming to Covent Garden

Covent Garden, one of London’s most iconic festive destinations, is set to dazzle once again as it gears up for Christmas 2024. Tuesday, 12th November has been confirmed as the launch date for the highly anticipated Christmas lights switch-on, marking the start of the neighbourhood’s seven-week celebration packed with festive events, decorations, and activities.

Following last year’s impressive new decorative additions – including 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles, and 8 spinning mirror balls – this year will see a brand-new lighting scheme throughout the famous Seven Dials area. Nearly 260,000 LED lights will illuminate Covent Garden’s streets, including a further 30,000 lights decorating the much-loved British-grown, handpicked Christmas tree. Standing over 55 feet tall, this iconic tree is a central feature, and its arrival in early November signals the beginning of the festive season.

Family-friendly Activities

Alongside the dazzling lights, Covent Garden will offer an array of festive fun for all ages. Visitors can expect pop-up events, family-friendly activities, exclusive shopping evenings, and a wide variety of dining and entertainment experiences. With live performances, surprise appearances, and an atmosphere that captures the true essence of Christmas, Covent Garden promises to be the perfect place to embrace the holiday spirit.

‘Festive Thursdays’

A visit to Santa’s Sleigh, located on the West Piazza, will be a must for those looking for the ultimate Christmas photo opportunity. The charming chalet on the Piazza will offer mulled wine and festive treats, creating a cosy spot for families to relax and soak in the festive atmosphere. This year also marks the return of the popular ‘Festive Thursdays’, where visitors can enjoy live entertainment and late-night shopping every Thursday evening leading up to Christmas.

Covent Garden is known for delivering magical experiences during the holiday season, and this year is no exception. The streets of Seven Dials, Neal’s Yard, and the surrounding area will be adorned with over 150,000 additional LED lights, adding to the already stunning spectacle.

With a festive programme that promises excitement and enchantment for all ages, Covent Garden remains the go-to destination for Christmas in London. Further details on the full festive programme and the switch-on event will be announced in October, so keep an eye out for more updates as the festive season draws closer!

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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