Crowds gathered in central London as the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lights were switched on.
The tree was installed earlier in the week.
Meanwhile, not too far away, Prime Minister Theresa May switched on the Christmas tree lights in Downing Street.
She was joined by three children from her constituency of Maidenhead, who won a competition to design the PM’s official Christmas cards.
Mrs May sang Christmas carols with Chloe Hathaway, Amelie Beard and Dexter van Elkan, all aged nine, alongside the Military Wives Choir outside Number 10.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here