Last updated: 5 November 2026
The Regent Street Christmas lights are one of the clearest signs that the festive season has started in London. Every year, giant illuminated angels stretch across the street, making the walk between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus one of the best free things to do in the city in winter.
Here’s what to expect this year, when to go, how to get there, and where to stay so you can see the lights without a long journey home.
Regent Street Christmas Lights 2026: Key Dates
- Switch-on: Thursday 5 November 2026
- Lights stay up until: early January 2027
- When they’re lit: every day from mid-afternoon until late
- Cost: free
On switch-on evening, Regent Street closes to traffic from 5pm to 9pm so there’s room for the crowds. If you’d rather avoid the busiest night, any weekday evening after the switch-on is a calmer time to see them. For the latest details, check Regent Street’s official website.
What the Lights Look Like
The display is called the Spirit of Christmas. It’s a run of huge angel figures suspended above the street, made up of hundreds of thousands of LED lights. 2026 marks ten years of the angels, so expect a few surprises this time round.
The angels run along the curve of Regent Street, and you’ll find smaller displays on the streets around it, including Jermyn Street and St James’s Market.
Best Places to See the Lights
Oxford Circus, looking south. The classic view, with the angels lined up down the street ahead of you. It’s also the busiest spot, so expect to queue for a photo.
Piccadilly Circus, looking north. You get the curve of the street and the angels sweeping away from you. Good for a wider shot.
Midway along the street. Stand on the pavement around the middle of Regent Street and you’ll often have more space than at either end.
For photos, aim for just after sunset when the sky still has some colour. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and the closer you get to Christmas, the busier it gets.
Other Christmas Lights Nearby
Once you’re on Regent Street, a lot of London’s best festive lights are a short walk away:
- Oxford Street, which crosses Regent Street at Oxford Circus
- Carnaby Street, just east of Regent Street, with its own themed display each year
- Covent Garden, around 15 minutes on foot, with its giant tree and decorations in the Piazza
- Trafalgar Square, a short walk south of Piccadilly Circus, with its Norwegian Christmas tree
You can link several of these into one evening walk without needing the Tube at all.
How to Get to Regent Street
The nearest stations are Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines) and Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines). Both get very busy in the evenings in December, so if you can, start at one end and walk the length of the street.
Driving isn’t a good idea. Parking is limited and the roads are slow in the run-up to Christmas. Plan your route on TfL’s journey planner.
Where to Stay to See the Lights
Staying central means you can head out after dark, see the lights at your own pace, and be back in your room without a long trip across the city.
Bloomsbury
The three Gower Street hotels are a 15 to 20 minute walk from Oxford Circus, so you can walk to the lights and back:
- Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, fully refurbished in December 2025
- Hotel Cavendish, where every room is en-suite and continental breakfast is included
- Arran House Hotel, with the larger rooms of the three and breakfast included in every rate
Rooms in Bloomsbury are on the compact side. You’re paying for the location, and for the lights, that’s exactly what you want.
King’s Cross
The Mabledon Court Hotel is around 8 minutes on foot from King’s Cross St Pancras. From there, the Victoria line takes you straight to Oxford Circus, and the Piccadilly line goes direct to Piccadilly Circus.
The City of London
From the Great St Helen Hotel, the Central line runs direct from Liverpool Street to Oxford Circus. It’s a Tube ride rather than a walk, but there’s no change to worry about.
Farringdon
The Hatton Garden Hotel is close to Farringdon station. Take the Elizabeth line one stop to Tottenham Court Road and walk along Oxford Street to Oxford Circus, seeing more lights on the way.
Make It a Festive Break
If you’re planning a December trip, our sale covers stays from 17 to 26 December 2026, with up to 45% off when you book by 3 December. You’ll find the details on our special offers.
Crown Group is a UK-owned group of six central London hotels. You can see how we keep things ready for your stay with a look behind the scenes in housekeeping, and read how we handle guest feedback. Got a question about which hotel suits your plans? Get in touch with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Regent Street Christmas lights switched on in 2026? Thursday 5 November 2026. The road closes to traffic from 5pm to 9pm that evening.
How long do the Regent Street lights stay up? They stay lit every day until early January 2027.
Is it free to see the Regent Street Christmas lights? Yes. The lights are on a public street, so there’s no cost to see them.
What time are the lights on? They come on from mid-afternoon each day and stay on until late. For the best view, go just after dark.
What’s the nearest Tube station to the Regent Street lights? Oxford Circus at the north end and Piccadilly Circus at the south end. Use TfL’s journey planner to plan your route.
Which Crown Group hotel is closest to Regent Street? The Bloomsbury hotels, Bloomsbury Palace, Hotel Cavendish and Arran House, are a 15 to 20 minute walk from Oxford Circus.
