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Spooky season is officially old news, which means one thing and one thing only: Christmas is coming. It’s time for a calendar clogged with obligatory festive shindigs and for fighting through crowds of shoppers vying for last-minute stocking prezzies.
We’re gearing up for the good bits of Christmas, too, and the first thing to get us in the festive spirit is, of course, the yuletide illuminations that give the city a beaming glow.
Leicester Square’s light display was the first to be switched on in 2026, illuminating the central London piazza from November 1. You’ll also catch some twinkling bulbs at St Martin’s Lane and Carnaby Street, which have already flipped the switch. Oxford Street is next week.
Next up, the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ illuminations are bringing the angels back to Regent Street this week, marking their 10th anniversary overlooking the shopping strip. Regent Street was actually the very first road in London to be adorned by Christmas lights back in 1954, and this festive season will be no different, with thousands of radiant energy-efficient LED bulbs. Excitingly, this year the sparkling angels will be back with a secret twist, the details of which are being kept under wraps until they’re aglow.
Want to be in Regent Street to experience the moment of magic? Here’s everything you need to know.
Regent Street Christmas lights switch-on date
Move over Bonfire Night, because this year November 5 is going to mark another spectacle, and arguably an even brighter one. Yep, the angels are returning to Regent Street for the shopping strip’s annual Christmas lights switch-on this Thursday.
The road is even being closed to cars between 5pm and 9pm to make way for the crowds of awe-inspired onlookers.
What else can we expect from the festive event?
Twinkling lights aren’t the only thing to look forward to at the switch-on. Hamleys is planning to unveil its window display at 5pm on Thursday, and plenty of Regent Street’s stalwart stores are marking the day. Mulberry is dishing out festive drinks in-store, BOSS is hosting a Christmas choir for live music and Tommy Hilfiger is offering complimentary hot chocolate tasters.
When every major Christmas light display in London will turn on for 2026.
Did you see that the Natural History Museum’s t-rex has revealed a brand-new Christmas jumper for the 2026 festive season?
Plus: St Pancras station has revealed its 2026 Christmas tree – and it’s a gigantic advent calendar.
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