How To Celebrate Earth Hour 2026

Looking up at the night sky, it’s often difficult to catch a glimpse of the stars – especially if you live in an urban area. Shrouded in the light pollution from office blocks, restaurants and homes, the constellations are usually concealed from sight. But all that will hopefully change this Saturday (28 March) as the world switches off the lights in celebration of Earth Hour 2026. 

What Is Earth Hour?

The idea for Earth Hour was first conceived back in 2007. Frustrated at the inaction against climate change and the planet’s dwindling biodiversity, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) decided to take a stand. And on 31 March that year, more than 2.2m individuals and 2,000 businesses across Sydney, Australia switched off their lights for one hour.

Today, that one hour has gone global with more than 190 countries and millions of people participating in this year’s switch-off. With 2026 marking the world’s 20th Earth Hour, the grassroots environmental movement is now one of the largest of its kind with iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the Sydney Opera House set to turn off the lights in a powerful display of solidarity for our planet. 

When Is It?

This year, Earth Hour takes place from 8.30pm to 9.30pm (GMT) on Saturday 28 March 2026. A live countdown is displayed on earthhour.org.

How To Get Involved

Since it began, Earth Hour has always been more than just a blackout. It’s a chance to connect with what matters most – nature and each other. WWF asks that we not only switch off our lights as a symbolic act for the planet, but use the time to reflect on our relationship with the wider world. Read below for some ideas on how to celebrate Earth Hour 2026.

1. Switch off

The most important way you can participate in Earth Hour 2026 is by switching off all the lights in your home. And if you really want to make an impact, go one step further by shutting down all your devices for 60 minutes, abstaining from technology as you immerse yourself in the moment. 

2. Tuck Into A Dinner By Candlelight 

Why not celebrate this year’s Earth Hour with an ambient candlelit dinner to be shared with your family and friends? You can even go the extra mile by preparing your food by the light of the flame as well. 

3. Enjoy A Night at the (Candlelit) Theatre

First founded in 2019, the Orchestra for the Earth is once again putting on an Earth Hour concert for 2026. Hosted at at Central Saint Martins with an 8:30pm start time, the concert will mark WWF’s global ‘lights out’ moment with a candlelit performance of Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale – a darkly funny fable about greed and consequence — narrated by Tony Hawks, with dance by Tabitha O’Sullivan (in collaboration with Shobana Jeyasingh Dance) and sustainable costumes drawn from CSM students’ RESET work. Book here.

4. Listen To The WWF’s Earth Hour Playlist

Created in association with Music Declares Emergency, WWF’s Earth Hour 2026 playlists have something for everyone, from The Maccabees and Guy Garvey (Elbow) to Hot Wax, Goat Girl, Dougi Poyner and more. There’s even a specific classical mix with nature-inspired tunes by Vivaldi and Beethoven. Put your phone on ‘do not disturb’, shut your eyes and enjoy. Listen here.

5. Become A Walrus Detective

While Earth Hour is the perfect time to switch off from our devices, there’s plenty we can do on our screens to help the planet too. Walruses are one of the animals suffering worst from the climate crisis. And so, since 2021, WWF and British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have asked the public to contribute to conservation science by becoming walrus detectives. Spend your Earth Hour searching for and counting walruses across thousands of satellite images taken from space and see how many you can spot in the time. Get searching.

6. Gaze At The Stars

With the stars so often masked by light pollution, if this year’s Earth Hour brings clear skies with it this will be the perfect moment for a spot of stargazing amidst the sounds of nature. And if you want to learn more about the heavens above, download a stargazing app to help identify the constellations. 

7. Spend Time With Your Family And Friends

Whether through a games night or communal crafting, this organised blackout is the perfect time to put away the screens and come together with your loved ones.

8. Have An Hour Of Peace And Calm

Pull out that yoga mat, put on your headphones and spend the hour immersed in yoga or meditative soundscapes free from distractions. 

9. Download the Footprint Calculator

If you want to use this time to reflect on your own impacts on the planet, then download WWF’s My Footprint. The app gives you access to an online Footprint Calculator so you can set yourself daily climate challenges to help reduce your carbon contribution. Explore here.

10. Spread The Word

There’s no point in switching off your lights if none of your neighbours do the same. Do your bit by spreading the word among your family and friends to get as many people celebrating Earth Hour 2026 as possible. 

To find out more, please visit wwf.org.uk