Regent Street Christmas lights turned on in London

The famous Christmas lights on Regent Street in central London were switched on on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The Daily Mail reported that the Spirit of Christmas display returned to the capital's major shopping thoroughfare to mark the beginning of its seasonal celebrations. [1]

To mark the occasion, Regent Street was closed to motor traffic from 5pm until 9pm on Thursday, according to the Daily Mail. This allowed visitors to walk beneath the light displays and take photos without the usual presence of cars and buses. Local shops, bars, and restaurants participated in the event with live music, seasonal treats, and special offers. [1]

Regent Street is a major shopping street located in the West End of London. It begins at Waterloo Place in St James's, proceeds north through Piccadilly Circus and the Quadrant, and intersects with Oxford Street at Oxford Circus before ending near All Souls Church. [5][8]