Christmas spirit has taken over central London, with Regent Street’s iconic festive lights switched on this evening.
The spectacular ‘Spirit of Christmas’ installation is once again glowing above the capital’s renowned shopping destination, officially opening the area’s seasonal celebrations.
Regent Street was closed to traffic between 5pm and 9pm, allowing visitors to stroll beneath the illuminated displays and capture photographs without the usual stream of cars and buses.
Retailers, restaurants and bars across Regent Street and nearby St James’s joined the event, offering live performances, festive refreshments and special in-store experiences.
The popular display has lit up central London since 2016 and draws millions of visitors from across the globe.
Organisers say the 2026 installation includes new details, giving returning visitors fresh features to spot among the decorations.
Hamleys was also due to reveal its Christmas window displays at 5pm, providing an additional attraction for families visiting the famous shopping street.
Music formed part of the evening’s entertainment, with a festive choir performing inside BOSS and live music scheduled at Tommy Hilfiger.
Tommy Hilfiger’s event was due to continue until 8pm, with visitors offered complimentary samples of hot chocolate.
Christmas arrived in central London as Regent Street’s famous festive lights were switched on this evening
The dazzling ‘Spirit of Christmas’ display returned above the capital’s shopping street, launching the area’s festive celebrations
Traffic was restricted on Regent Street from 5pm until 9pm, giving visitors an uninterrupted view of the lights
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Businesses across Regent Street and neighbouring St James’s joined in with live music, seasonal treats and special events
Pictured: Members of the public watch the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ lights switched on across Regent Street and St James’s in London
The much-loved lights have illuminated central London since 2016, attracting millions of visitors from around the world
Mulberry offered drinks and festive entertainment, while Michael Kors hosted calligraphy, a live DJ, seasonal refreshments and canapés
The 2026 display introduces new touches, with organisers inviting visitors to discover the latest additions
Visitors could enjoy a festive choir inside BOSS and live music at Tommy Hilfiger during the evening
Mulberry marked the occasion with drinks and festive entertainment, while Michael Kors offered calligraphy, a live DJ, seasonal beverages and canapés.
Cakes & Bubbles served samples and discounts for those with a sweet tooth, while Neom introduced its ‘Grab a Glimmer’ experience at the Regent Street Wellbeing Hub.
Gymshark brought a competitive element to the celebrations, challenging visitors to complete a fitness test for the opportunity to win prizes.
Among the other promotions, Molton Brown offered a complimentary bespoke portrait with every purchase, Antler provided a gift with purchases, and Calvin Klein offered an exclusive poster or tote bag subject to a minimum spend.
Pulse Laser’s programme featured treatment demonstrations, goody bags, canapés and Champagne, as well as talks and giveaways, adding to the range of activities offered as businesses welcomed the Christmas season.
The festive lights are scheduled to switch on every evening through January 5.