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[title]There’s never a dull moment during the Christmas season – not between the parties, the shopping trips and the days out absolutely brimming with festive joy. And the best way to kick off proceedings in our book? Heading into central London to catch the big switch-on of Regent Street and St James’s illuminations on November 5.
Yep, ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ lights return to the area for another year – as twinkly and as gorgeous as ever – with a big switch-on event that promises to be fun for the whole family. The event will be totally traffic-free, with Regent Street closed to vehicles between 5pm and 9pm on the night – and there’ll be plenty of entertainment to be found along the street and surrounding areas too. That includes three stages featuring DJs, choirs and musical performances from the likes of Andrew Bourn.
Catch the best views of the lights at the junction of Conduit Street and Regent Street, where you can see right down to the Curve and up to Oxford Circus. For a quieter spot, head to North Regent Street near All Souls Church; from here, you’ll be able to see three of the new additions to the display. This year includes a huge, shimmering heart engraved with the words Regent Street – as shiny in the sunlight as it is at night – and uplifting words to be held by each of the ‘Spirits’ spotted along the trail.
Adding to the festivities, St James's Market will once again be home to an illuminated Wishing Tree, where visitors can simply tap to donate £5 to Felix, a charity dedicated to rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to communities in need across the UK. Oh, and all that is before we mention the in-store experiences, offers and surprises taking place during the switch-on. To help you make the absolute most of your time at the event, we’ve pulled together some Time Out-approved routes for the area – whether you’ve got a quick 60 minutes, a few hours, or you’re planning to make a long, leisurely day of it.
And if you’ve missed the lights switch on, fear not. These routes are just as useful as Christmas shopping itineraries to be used throughout the duration of the festive period.
Think of these as being a bit like hiking trails – albeit with gifts, glasses of Champagne and more sequins than you can shake a candy cane at. Whether you’re flying solo, with pals or have the kids in tow – and however much time you have and whatever you’re in the mood for – there’s an itinerary just for you.
Itinerary 1: The solo post-work dash
You’ve just sent your last email of the day and you’ve got 60 minutes to tick as many people off your list as humanly possible – just call it a power hour.
Antler (100 Regent Street)
From accessories to bags, the luxury British travel emporium offers up everything from washbags to luggage tags and keyrings. We love the packing cubes – clever and chic. Better still, if you find something you like on November 5 – the day of the Christmas lights switch-on – the kind folk here will even throw in a free gift.
Tommy Hilfiger (138 Regent Street)
Don’t forget to grab a free hot chocolate with your purchase at the People’s Place café upstairs at Tommy Hilfiger, complete with the best views on Regent Street for the Christmas lights switch-on. Other excellent vantage points on this route include Jo Malone, Reiss, Michael Kors and Guess.
Neom Wellbeing (143 Regent Street)
Super fancy, all-natural fragrances for the home, bath and body. Be sure to check out the in-store digital tool that enables you to find just the right scent for your lucky recipient, with bespoke wrapping and personalised ribbon thrown in. Free wellbeing gifts are also being handed out on November 5, because you deserve treats as well, right?
Molton Brown (227 Regent Street)
Head here for sustainably-made, proudly British lotions, potions and all the smellies. Our pick? The cult-like Black Pepper Bath & Shower Gel – talk about sugar, spice and all things nice! On November 5, the store is even creating free bespoke portraits with every purchase.
Ambassadors Clubhouse
Parched after all that running around after work? This Michelin-starred Indian restaurant and bar tucked just off Regent Street is the perfect post-shop pit-stop for cocktail hour. Make yours the Masala Margarita.
Itinerary 2: The leisurely family afternoon
There’s nothing quite like taking the family to see the bright lights of Christmas to get everyone in the mood, so you might as well team it with a spot of shopping to make it all the more efficient, right?
Hamleys (188-196 Regent Street)
Kick things off with a trip to the famous British toy store. Christmas just isn’t Christmas without an hour or so exploring seven floors of festive fun while picking up a few stocking fillers in the process. The shop will also be unveiling its spectacular Christmas window display on November 5, during the switch-on event – so it really will be the place to be.
Gymshark (165 Regent Street)
For activewear, workout clothes and accessories – there’s even a special in-store fitness challenge with the chance to win prizes during the Christmas lights switch-on event.
Michael Kors (179 Regent Street)
For shoes, handbags and clothes – as well as festive drinks, canapés, a live DJ and calligraphy for gift tags with your swag on November 5.
Cakes & Bubbles (68 Regent Street)
Appease the kids (and the adults), with a Michelin-starred take on sweet treats and sparkling wines. It’s an ideal way to restore those energy levels for your final couple of stops.
Hobbs (219 Regent Street)
Grab yourself a fancy new pair of shoes ahead of party season – spend over £200 on November 5 and you’ll even bag yourself a free gift!
Skims (245-247 Regent Street)
Viral shapewear, PJs and basics by Kim K. The Gen Z-er in your life will almost certainly have this on their wishlist.
Itinerary 3: The all-dayer with friends
You’ve been looking forward to it for weeks: a date in the diary with the group chat for shopping, wining and dining, and seeing the Christmas lights switch-on. And what better place than the independent boutiques, high-end designers and fancy eateries of St James’s for such a glittering occasion?
The Wolseley (160 Piccadilly)
Nothing says ‘Christmas’ quite like glamour-soaked breakfast at this European brasserie. Ask for one of the mezzanine tables for a prime people-watching perch and order the eggs benny with a glass of the finest Champagne, darling.
Aspinal of London (16 Regent Street)
For bags, purses, scarves, the works. Ask for the monogramming service as the finishing touch to a gorgeous gift – because we all know the devil is in the detail.
Maison Assouline (196a Piccadilly)
Head here to pick up some seriously luxurious coffee table books – always a good gift idea whether for an avid reader or interior aficionado.
Aesop (2 Piccadilly Arcade)
This Aussie skincare temple is the perfect spot to stock up on the ultimate luxe hand soap (be sure to gift yourself a bottle as well as those on your list!). The store is almost as inspiring as the stock with chic curves, stucco panels masquerading as mock Tudor cabinets and a light well with a hidden staircase (yes, really).
Sunspel (23 Jermyn Street)
Two floors of chic menswear and womenswear – think luxurious but affordable basics that are perfect for slipping under the tree. Joining the iconic street’s historic shirtmakers, some of whom have been in business since the 18th century, who wouldn’t love their classic t-shirts, pants and knitwear?
Berry Bros & Rudd (3 St James’s Street)
What to gift your hosts this Christmas? A bottle of something special (and strong!) from Berry Bros & Rudd of course. The oldest wine merchant in London comes with its own brand of bragging rights with plenty of in-store tipples to sip your way through while you’re there.
Claro (12 Waterloo Place)
All that shopping is thirsty work. This glamorous Mediterranean and Middle Eastern kitchen will be serving up special Christmas cocktails from November 5 – just in time for the big switch-on! Don’t miss the fabulous winter installation outside its entrance, either.