Regent Street in London has officially begun its festive celebrations with the switch-on of its renowned Christmas lights. The "Spirit of Christmas" display now adorns the capital's shopping street, signaling the start of the seasonal festivities.
On Thursday evening, Regent Street was closed to vehicular traffic from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., allowing pedestrians to experience the lights without the usual congestion. Shops, restaurants, and bars along the street and in the surrounding St. James's area participated in the event with live music, seasonal offerings, and special in-store activities.
The Regent Street lights, a popular attraction for visitors worldwide, have been a fixture since 2016. Organizers have indicated that the 2026 display includes new elements for attendees to discover.
In addition to the overhead illuminations, Hamleys unveiled its Christmas window displays at 5 p.m., providing another attraction for families. Shoppers enjoyed a festive soundtrack, with a choir performing inside BOSS and live music at Tommy Hilfiger. The latter's event, running from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., included complimentary hot chocolate.
Other retailers also contributed to the evening's festivities. Mulberry offered drinks and entertainment, while Michael Kors hosted a DJ, seasonal beverages, and canapés alongside calligraphy services. Cakes & Bubbles provided samples and discounts, and Neom featured its 'Grab a Glimmer' experience. Gymshark invited visitors to participate in a fitness challenge for prizes.
Further promotions included a complimentary bespoke portrait with purchase at Molton Brown, a gift with purchase at Antler, and exclusive items at Calvin Klein for customers meeting a minimum spend. Pulse Laser presented treatment demonstrations, goody bags, Champagne, and talks.
The Regent Street lights are scheduled to remain on display each evening until January 5.