Few streets in London capture the magic of Christmas quite like Regent Street. When those iconic angel lights illuminate the famous curve connecting Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus, you know the festive season has truly arrived in the capital.
If you’re planning to visit London for Christmas 2025, experiencing the Regent Street Christmas lights is an absolute must. This elegant shopping street transforms into a winter wonderland each November, drawing millions of visitors who come to admire one of the world’s most spectacular festive light displays.
From the switch on date to the best viewing spots, nearby attractions, and where to stay, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about the Regent Street Christmas lights in 2025.
When Do the Regent Street Christmas Lights Switch On in 2025?
The Regent Street Christmas lights will officially switch on on Thursday 13 November 2025, launching London’s world-famous ‘Spirit of Christmas’ display. The ceremony begins early evening, with the official countdown and switch-on taking place at around 6pm.
The official countdown takes place at around 6 pm, timed for maximum impact as darkness falls. Regent Street’s display then remains illuminated throughout the festive period.
The 2025 display will remain illuminated daily from Thursday 13 November 2025 until Sunday 5 January 2026. The lights will switch on each afternoon from around 3:30pm until midnight, allowing plenty of time to admire them whether you’re shopping, dining, or exploring the West End.
The earlier afternoon switch on means you can enjoy the full effect even during late day shopping trips or early evening dinners.
Where Can You See the Best Views of the Regent Street Christmas Lights?
The sweeping curve of Regent Street becomes the centrepiece of the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ display — a spectacular canopy of more than 300,000 LED lights forming elegant angels soaring the entire length between Oxford Circus and Waterloo Place.
The best views are found between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, where hundreds of illuminated angels appear to float above the entire length of the street.
Oxford Circus provides the classic view looking south along Regent Street’s curve. From here, you can see the angels stretching into the distance, creating that iconic perspective that appears on countless Christmas cards and Instagram feeds. The junction also offers views in multiple directions, with Oxford Street’s own Christmas lights visible to the east and west.
Piccadilly Circus offers the opposite perspective, looking north up Regent Street. The view from here captures the elegant Georgian architecture as a backdrop to the floating angels. The area around the famous Piccadilly Circus screens adds extra festive atmosphere with its bright lights and bustling crowds.
Mid way points along Regent Street itself provide intimate views of the angels suspended directly overhead. Standing beneath the lights looking up creates a different perspective that’s equally magical. The less crowded sections near Liberty and Hamleys toy shop offer good photo opportunities without fighting through dense crowds.
For photographers, the blue hour just after sunset provides the best natural light for capturing the display. The remaining twilight in the sky creates more interesting images than complete darkness, with the lights standing out beautifully against the dusky blue backdrop.
How Long Do the Regent Street Christmas Lights Stay On?
The Regent Street Christmas lights will glow from Thursday 13 November 2025 through Sunday 5 January 2026, lighting up central London for nearly eight weeks. The display will shine every day — including Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve — from 3:30pm until midnight.
For fewer crowds and perfect photo conditions, visit during weekday evenings in late November or early December. The lights are fully on, the atmosphere is festive, and the streets are easier to navigate than at weekends.
The lights operate every single day during this period, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. They illuminate each afternoon around 3pm or 4pm and remain on until midnight, giving you flexibility in when you visit.
This extended display period means you don’t need to rush your visit or fight the biggest crowds. Weekday afternoons in late November and early December offer quieter viewing conditions whilst maintaining the full festive atmosphere.
What Other Christmas Lights Are Near Regent Street?
Regent Street sits at the heart of London’s Christmas light district, surrounded by other spectacular displays within easy walking distance.
Oxford Street runs perpendicular to Regent Street at Oxford Circus, featuring its own elaborate light display stretching from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road. The combination of both streets creates an extended trail of Christmas lights covering over two miles.
Carnaby Street, just a few minutes’ walk from Regent Street, creates a completely different festive atmosphere with colorful, artistic light installations. This independent shopping district offers a more bohemian Christmas vibe contrasting nicely with Regent Street’s elegant angels.
Covent Garden lies a short walk away and hosts another beloved London Christmas display. The giant Christmas tree in the Piazza and lights suspended above the Market Building create magical scenes. The area’s street performers add extra entertainment during your visit.
Bond Street connects to Regent Street and features upmarket decorations reflecting the luxury shopping district’s character. The lights here tend toward sophisticated elegance rather than mass spectacle.
Trafalgar Square is within walking distance and hosts London’s official Christmas tree, gifted annually by Norway. The enormous Norwegian spruce dominates the square throughout December.
Visiting all these locations in one evening creates a comprehensive Christmas lights tour of central London, showcasing the variety of festive displays across different neighborhoods.
What’s the Best Way to Get to Regent Street During Christmas?
Regent Street’s central London location makes it easily accessible via multiple transport options.
By Underground, Oxford Circus station on the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines places you right at the northern end of Regent Street. Piccadilly Circus station on the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines serves the southern end. Both stations can become extremely crowded during peak times in December, particularly on weekend afternoons and evenings.
Green Park station on the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines provides an alternative that’s usually less crowded. It’s a short walk to the southern end of Regent Street via Jermyn Street.
Bus routes serving Regent Street and surrounding areas include the 6, 12, 13, 15, 23, 88, 94, 139, and 159. Buses give you street level views of the lights and can be less crowded than the tube, though traffic congestion slows journey times during the festive season.
Walking from nearby areas like Holborn, Barbican, or Farringdon takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on your starting point. The walk through London streets decorated for Christmas adds to the festive experience.
Driving isn’t recommended due to central London’s congestion charge, limited parking, and heavy traffic during the Christmas shopping season. If you must drive, use a park and ride facility outside central London and complete your journey by public transport.
Where to Stay Near Regent Street for the Christmas Lights 2025
Choosing accommodation within easy reach of Regent Street lets you visit the lights multiple times and explore central London’s festive attractions without lengthy journeys.
Nearest Hotels & How to Reach the Lights
- Bloomsbury Palace Hotel – around 15 minutes’ walk via Great Russell Street and Oxford Circus, placing you directly at the top of Regent Street.
- Hotel Cavendish – about 17 minutes’ walk via Gower Street and Oxford Circus.
- Arran House Hotel – roughly 18 minutes’ walk via Tottenham Court Road to Oxford Circus.
- Mabledon Court Hotel (King’s Cross) – about 10 minutes by Tube (Victoria line to Oxford Circus) or 25-minute walk via Tottenham Court Road.
- Great St Helen Hotel (City) – approximately 15 minutes by Tube (Central line westbound from Liverpool Street to Oxford Circus).
Each route brings you out close to either Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus, perfect entry points for the Regent Street lights trail.
Bloomsbury Palace Hotel offers comfortable rooms in the heart of literary Bloomsbury, within walking distance of Regent Street. The location provides the perfect balance between proximity to major attractions and peaceful residential surroundings for a good night’s sleep after busy days exploring London.
Arran House Hotel combines Victorian charm with modern amenities in a quiet Bloomsbury street. You’re within comfortable walking distance of Regent Street whilst enjoying the tranquility of a residential area away from tourist crowds.
Hotel Cavendish provides boutique accommodation with excellent transport links to Regent Street and other London attractions. The central location makes it easy to explore multiple Christmas light displays across the capital.
Mabledon Court Hotel near King’s Cross offers great value without sacrificing convenience. Superb transport connections mean you’re just minutes from Regent Street by tube, and the area’s recent regeneration has created interesting dining options right on your doorstep.
Great St Helen Hotel in the City provides comfortable accommodation with good access to both the City’s attractions and West End Christmas lights. The location works particularly well for visitors combining business with festive sightseeing.
All Crown Group properties provide knowledgeable staff who can advise on the best times to visit Regent Street, transport options, and other Christmas attractions worth exploring. Check the booking policies for flexibility options and review the terms and conditions before making your reservation.
Why Crown Group of Hotels Is Perfect for Your London Christmas Trip
Crown Group of Hotels understands what makes a Christmas visit to London special. The hotels provide more than just somewhere to sleep; they offer comfortable bases for experiencing everything festive London offers.
The central locations mean you’re never far from major Christmas attractions. Whether visiting Regent Street’s angels, Oxford Street’s lights, or Covent Garden’s Christmas market, you can reach all the main festive destinations quickly and easily.
Comfortable rooms provide welcome retreats after hours spent walking through cold December streets. Return to warmth, soft beds, and peaceful surroundings after the excitement of Christmas lights and shopping crowds.
Staff knowledge enhances your visit significantly. Instead of relying solely on internet research, tap into local expertise about optimal visiting times, avoiding the worst crowds, and discovering hidden festive gems tourists often miss.
The hotels cater to families, couples, and solo travelers equally well. Whether you need family rooms, romantic settings, or simply a comfortable retreat after a day’s exploring, Crown Group accommodations adapt to your requirements. More information about your data privacy is available in our privacy policy.
Early booking during the Christmas season secures better rates and room choice. December is one of London’s busiest months for tourism, so planning ahead ensures you get exactly the accommodation you want at the best available prices.
Book your festive stay with Crown Group of Hotels for easy access to Regent Street’s stunning Christmas lights and London’s best holiday attractions.
