Amanda Holden, a well-known television personality, brought her signature festive spirit to Fulham Pier on Thursday night. She hosted an evening filled with holiday cheer, including a unique 'Great Reindeer Race' on the Thames and the highly anticipated Christmas light switch-on ceremony. The event marked the beginning of London's vibrant holiday season, drawing a lively crowd to the riverside.
Celebrities Usher in London's Festive Season with Grand Lightings and Unique Races
On a crisp Thursday evening, November 12, 2026, London was alight with festive celebrations, with two prominent events marking the official start of the Christmas season. At Fulham Pier, the radiant Amanda Holden, age 55, took center stage, captivating attendees in a stunning cheetah print faux fur coat. This elegant piece from Queens of Archive, featuring a sophisticated white fur collar and cuffs, perfectly complemented her chic pointed white boots. Holden, known for her vibrant personality, expressed immense excitement, stating, "I'm completely Christmas-obsessed, so when I heard about a reindeer race on the Thames, I knew this was no ordinary celebration - London is in for a treat." She enthusiastically added, "I'm thrilled to be switching on the Christmas lights at Fulham Pier and helping launch what promises to be a magical festive season on the riverside." The highlight of the evening was the inaugural Great Reindeer Race, a whimsical spectacle where six illuminated rowing boats, creatively designed as reindeer, gracefully raced along the historic River Thames. Following the enchanting race, presenter Mark Wright joined Holden to commentate before taking to the DJ decks, ensuring the festive atmosphere continued to pulsate through the night. The boats were expertly crewed by rowers from the Fulham Reach Boat Club, who traded their typical racing attire for festive costumes, adding to the jovial mood. Simultaneously, on the other side of the city, at the iconic Covent Garden, another star-studded Christmas light switch-on unfolded. Vogue Williams, 41, alongside her friend Joanne McNally, presided over this equally grand occasion. Williams embraced a stylish interpretation of Mrs. Claus, donning an eye-catching purple quilted winter coat with matching white fur cuffs and collar. Joanne McNally was also elegantly dressed in a leopard print faux fur coat, black PVC trousers, and chunky black heeled boots. The event saw McNally reunite with her "Traitors" co-star Richard E. Grant, who, in a gold embroidered jacket and tartan scarf, joined Christine Baranski to initiate the countdown. With the push of a button, the Covent Garden Market Building, a majestic 50-foot Christmas tree, and an astounding 300,000 LED lights throughout the neighborhood burst into brilliant illumination. The crowd erupted in a joyous rendition of Brenda Lee’s classic "Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree," echoing the festive sentiment. Richard E. Grant reflected on the unique charm of the location, remarking, "There is nowhere like Covent Garden; it is the heart of theatre land in London." Christine Baranski, equally delighted, shared, "For an American actress in the heart of London’s great theatre district, here in Covent Garden, I’m pinching myself. It’s really a thrill." These events collectively marked the commencement of Covent Garden’s extensive seven-week festive program, officially ushering in London's holiday season with spectacular light displays and celebratory gatherings.
The simultaneous, star-studded Christmas light switch-on events at Fulham Pier and Covent Garden perfectly encapsulated London's festive spirit, blending tradition with modern spectacle. The blend of celebrity presence, unique entertainment like the reindeer race, and stunning light displays created truly magical experiences for all attendees. It's inspiring to see how communities come together to celebrate, transforming urban landscapes into enchanting winter wonderlands. These events not only usher in the holiday season but also highlight the power of shared experiences in fostering joy and community spirit.
