Christmas lights switched on in London’s poshest shopping street as 80,000 bulbs illuminate Bond Street
London's Bond Street has switched on 80,000 Christmas lights above its luxury shops, but this is the last year visitors will see the famous Crown Jewels-inspired display.
Christmas has arrived in one of London's wealthiest shopping districts, where 80,000 lights have been switched on above some of the most expensive shops in Britain.
Bond Street, famous for its designer handbags, luxury watches and jewellery costing more than the average annual salary, was closed to traffic on Thursday night (November 12) for its annual Christmas lights switch-on.
The Mayfair street, where brands including Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton have flagship stores, was turned into a pedestrian-only zone for the evening as the festive decorations were illuminated.
And anyone planning to visit London over Christmas will have one last chance to see the current display before it is scrapped and replaced next year.
The decorations, inspired by the Crown Jewels, feature 80,000 LED lights suspended above a street better known for attracting wealthy shoppers than bargain hunters.
Thursday's event also saw luxury brands including Burberry, Fendi and Jimmy Choo laying on entertainment, drinks and seasonal treats.
Montblanc, which sells luxury pens costing hundreds or even thousands of pounds, offered visitors a calligraphy experience.
The evening ended with the switch-on of the lights and a Christmas charity tree outside Ralph Lauren's New Bond Street store.
Visitors can donate to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and dedicate a personalised star decoration to someone special.
Bond Street Christmas lights to be replaced in 2027
This year's display will be the last featuring the current Crown Jewels-inspired design.
Organisers have confirmed that an entirely new lighting scheme will be introduced for Christmas 2027, although details of its appearance have not yet been revealed.
The existing decorations use 80,000 energy-efficient LED lights, with reduced operating hours intended to cut electricity consumption.
Bond Street is one of the most expensive retail addresses in the country, with stores selling designer clothing, diamonds, jewellery and watches carrying five and six-figure price tags.
But while the contents of its shop windows might be beyond most household budgets, the Christmas lights can be seen for free.
The switch-on comes as London's West End retailers prepare for the busiest shopping weeks of the year, with Black Friday on November 27 followed by the final rush towards Christmas Day.
Bond Street's decorations will remain part of the capital's Christmas attractions throughout the festive season before being retired ahead of next year's redesign.