Christmas arrived with a bang in Chelsea!

Eight-year-old Kouzma lit up the King’s Road with one confident press of the big red button — moments before a thunderous firework display cracked open the night sky in a shower of glittering golds and reds.

Families gasped, kids squealed, and pint-sized Kouzma stood starry-eyed alongside Santa Claus beneath the booming spectacle that officially kicked off Chelsea’s festive season.

Facing a crowd of more than a thousand, Kouzma shouted: “This is amazing!”

Santa and Kouzma take the plunge ©Cadogan

No one could disagree — the place was buzzing with pure Christmas joy, the sort of electric excitement that sweeps up even those who say: ‘bah humbug!’

King’s Road was pedestrianised from Sloane Square to Walpole Street — transformed into a Yuletide promenade lined with pop-up bars, festive markets and seasonal surprises at every turn.

Dozens of huts served street food from around the world, the air thick with the smell of spices, sizzling pork and melted chocolate. Long queues snaked towards the roast pork stands as hungry shoppers stamped their feet for warmth and clutched steaming cups of mulled wine.

‘I only came for a quick look, but one bite of that Korean fried chicken and I’m not leaving till they turn the lights off!’ 22-year-old Chelsea resident Max told The Chelsea Citizen, fat gleefully dribbling down his chin.

His girlfriend Fran added: ‘The hot churros are magic! Honestly, you could smell them halfway down the road.’

The King’s Road was pedestrianised and transformed into a street food market Photo: Marta Abreu

Following its stunning two-year, £46-million transformation, Sloane Street joined the celebrations with an afternoon of hot chocolate, candy canes and festive charm from some of its most celebrated boutiques.

The Chelsea Citizen can reveal the street’s Christmas makeover uses a breathtaking 34 kilometres of twinkling lights, featuring a third of a million LEDs!

This year’s Switch-On – generously sponsored by Cadogan Estates and the King’s Road Partnership – is in support of the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation’s Winter Appeal supporting local families who need help paying their bills or who are in financial hardship.

The king of light displays shines above the King’s Road ©Cadogan

Chelsea resident Nancy said: ‘It’s all for a good cause. The lights in the trees, especially in Sloane Square, are enchanting. It feels like walking through a Christmas film set.’

The main part of Duke of York Square was transformed by more than 30,000 illuminated white roses, creating a beautiful remembrance garden raising vital funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Visitors to the Ever After Garden — which has raised over £1.2 million since 2019 — were invited to dedicate a rose to a loved one while making a donation.

The Ever After Garden in aid of the Royal Marsden hospital Photo: Marta Abreu

In the build-up to the big 5pm switch-on, mums, dads and excited youngsters were entertained by street performers like glitter skirted songbirds Verity and Violet, who wowed with spirited versions of Christmas classics like Santa Claus Is Coming to Town and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.

Children danced, parents filmed, and even the security officers on duty cracked smiles.

As the countdown neared, all eyes turned to the stage in Duke of York Square, where hundreds of children crammed close while the high-energy CK Gospel Choir belted out festive tunes — until a big red plunger was wheeled in and Father Christmas appeared from the wings with local lad Kouzma Shilov, chosen for his charity work, including rescuing stray dogs.

“Three… two… one!” shouted the crowd. Down went the plunger, fireworks exploded, the Oohs and Ahhs rolled across Chelsea — and King’s Road and Sloane Street, shimmering in fairy lights, threw open their arms to Christmas 2025.

A spectacular fireworks display took off after the big switch on ©Cadogan

Getting into the Christmas spirit ©Cadogan

Countdown to switch on video by MARTA ABREUTH