Nothing says it’s that time of year like twitter preparing for melt down over John Lewis’s seasonal snow-sprinkled ad – and the city’s Christmas lights.

Oxford St’s famous lights will be switched on for the 58th time by singer – and all round national treasure – Rita Ora. It’s FREE to attend plus there’ll also be songs from last year’s X Factor winner Matt Terry, boy band 5 After Midnight and some classic jazz from the cast of Five Guys Named Moe. And they’re even promising falling snowflakes!

Tues 7th Nov, 5pm: The Oxford St Christmas lights switch on
Park House (near M&S at the Marble Arch end), Oxford Street, W1
FREE – just show up. For more info click here

This year’s theme at the Carnaby St switch on is carnival. Billed as a shopping party there’ll be street entertainment, drinks, in-store discounts and giveaways including FREE lattes. Of course, the aim is to get you to spend more but if you’re after Christmas prezzie discounts then this is a good place to be.

Thurs 9th Nov, 6pm: The Carnaby St Christmas lights switch on, shopping party 5-9pm
FREE – For more info & to register for a ticket click here

Expect a very musical Covent Garden as the cast from 42nd Street kick off proceedings with some numbers from the show. For the first time Pudsey will be making an appearance as the world-famous piazza has teamed up with Children in Need. There’ll be plenty of in-store discounts, selected stores will be serving up FREE Prosecco – and the reindeer statue is back!

Tues 14th Nov, 5.30pm: The Covent Garden Christmas lights switch on + shopping party
For more info click here