Thousands packed central London last night for a star-studded ceremony.

The city's Christmas lights are being switched on, with Jim Carrey, Bob Hoskins and Colin Firth doing the honors.

All three star in Disney's 'A Christmas Carol,' which was part of the theme of the lights at the annual event.

There are free shows at three venues, including Saint Paul's Cathedral, Regent Street and Oxford Circus, which help build atmosphere before the big moment.

Performances include 80's music band Spandau Ballet, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and other artists like Taio Cruz.

Bocelli performs the closing song on the movie.

A world record-breaking Christmas Carol sing-along follows with Saint Paul's Cathedral Choir in Leicester Square.

It comes ahead of the premiere of the re-make of Dickens' classic tale. The production is directed by film maker Robert Zemeckis, who directed blockbuster movies like Back to the Future.

The evening is being hailed by organizers as the greatest co-ordinated Christmas lights switch-on and celebration London has ever seen.

The movie screening is one of 13 taking place at the same time across the UK. It's in an attempt to set the Official Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous 3D Film premieres.