Aaaaand Regent Street Christmas lights were switched on, it’s now officially Christmas here in London. Based on my (not-so-extensive) research, Oxford and Regent Street Christmas lights are the most awaited ones in London as they’re the most extravagant most of the time. It’s my first Christmas in London (hopefully not the last) and yes, I do agree with that as both streets are two of my favorites among all the Christmas lights I’ve seen this year.
Regent Street is one of the famous shopping destinations in London. It rivals the likes of Fifth Avenue in New York and Champs Elysees in Paris where leading fashion brands regularly choose to launch their European operations. Buildings along Regent Street are listed as Grade II facades (buildings that are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them) and are considered some of the most distinguished architecture in London. Add some magnificent Christmas lights in it and it’s like you’re walking in someone else’s dream.
It was raining when we arrived in Regent Street while doing this self-made walking tour (itinerary to follow) but I was so focused on taking photos of the beautiful Christmas lights hanging above us that I never noticed the rain until we were drenched. My hair was dripping wet when we went inside Mango to seek shelter (and also do a bit of shopping for myself) but I think it was all worth it as I was able to capture some good photos anyway.
The theme for this year’s Christmas lights installation is “The Spirit of Christmas” – with 300,000 Christmas lights lighting up the whole length of Regent Street across Piccadilly finishing at Waterloo place making it the biggest Christmas lights installation in the whole of London. The numerous life-size angels along the whole of Regent Street is just incredible to look at, it’s impossible not to be mesmerized by it.
Regent Street was the first ever street to display a central London Christmas lights scheme which started in 1954. It’s a tradition which all the Londoners and tourists alike have been looking forward to. This year, the lights were switched on last week, 17th of November. A star-studded event was hosted with the whole of Regent Street closed from 4pm to 8:30pm.
Since it’s my first Christmas in London, I never knew that the Christmas lights switch on events are such a big deal here. I’ve only been to one switch on event and that was in my neighborhood, Kingston. It was a small event but incredibly festive so I can only imagine how wonderful it must be if I witnessed the bigger Christmas lights venues like that of Regent Street. (Mental note to self: attend next year’s Christmas lights switch on all over London.)
Regent Street Christmas lights is definitely one of the highlights of Christmas in London. I think I will end my Christmas light series with it as I’m pretty sure everything else won’t be as magical as this.
Plan your visit to see Regent Christmas Lights:
Nearest underground stations: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus and Green Park
Christmas lights will be on until 6th of January
For more Christmas in London festivities, do visit the below posts:
Christmas Ice Rinks in London
Natural History Museum
Skate at Somerset House
Street Christmas Lights in London
Oxford Street
Bond Street
Carnaby Street
Covent Garden
Seven Dials
Regent Street
Christmas Markets in London
Christmas in Leicester Square
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
Kingston Christmas Market
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Christmas Walking Tours
Christmas Walking Tour Part 1
Christmas Walking Tour Part 2
Check out my Snapchat video of my Christmas Walking Tour Part 2:
Pin it for later:
This inspires me to go visit London during the Holidays so I can get to see these beautiful lights! Can’t wait to finally plan a trip there.
It’s a must Mimi. 🙂
Wow, those are really gorgeous light installations! Are they always the same? I’ve never seen anything like that dangled across a main thoroughfare. I like the theme this year for sure. Just beautiful. Have a Merry Christmas!
It’s the same for the whole of Regent Street but if you go to a different street, the decor changes. They also change it every year, I think. 🙂
Wow, those street lights are truly beautiful at their own innate state. I love how they set up everything, from the light street colors to the design they have chosen. I would love to see myself in the facade of the street lights and have a photo of it.
It is magical! 🙂
Wow I love all the incredible photos you’ve shared! You post has really made me want to visit London for Christmas now! There’s something that really draws me in to the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Oxford Circus at Xmas time.. Especially the christmassy Vibe. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you Nicola, I think Christmas time is the best time of visit London. 🙂
London looks like a winter wonderland! I wish we were in a big city for a few days to enjoy it all decorated for Christmas! I will keep this in mind for next year to see if we make it to London for Christmas! Now we know all the hot spots!
Thank you Megan. I hope you do make it next year. 🙂
This post takes me back to my time spent in London around the holidays many years ago. I love New York and cannot imagine living elsewhere for now, but I admit London is a much prettier city. The old architecture mixed with these Christmas lights is so beautiful. Cheers to a joyous holiday season for all!
Wow Stephanie, that’s a lot to say. Most of the time, those who like New york or London will not admit that the other city has its good points too. Lol. I haven’t been to New york during this season so I guess I should go and try it too. 🙂
I remember seeing this photo on your Instagram! The angel is so gorgeous! I’d love to be able to see it in person. Hopefully you’ve dried off by now 😉
Thank you Carmy. 🙂
Wow you have captured the lights so beautifully! I was down there a few weeks ago but I only had my iPhone…the images were horrible! I do love London at Christmas.
Oh wow really? It’s beautiful isn’t it? 🙂
I didn’t know that was such a big event there either! You captured it really well. Love that giant angel light.
Everyone should visit London during the Christmas season, it’s so much prettier. 🙂
Those are some truly amazing lights! I have never been to London and this would be such an amazing sight to see. I really enjoy this time of year with all the wonderful displays of the holidays 🙂
MAke it happen next year! 🙂
so pretty!
It’s so very pretty Tanja. 🙂