Regent Street marks the start of the Christmas season in London

On the evening of November 5, 2026, the famous Regent Street in London was illuminated to mark the official start of the Christmas season in the British capital. The event featured the return of the iconic 'The Spirit of Christmas' display, which consists of large, illuminated angel figures floating above the street, a tradition that has been in place since 2016.

To accommodate the festivities and ensure public safety, Regent Street was closed to vehicular traffic for several hours, allowing thousands of visitors and tourists to walk freely under the lights. The event turned the thoroughfare into a pedestrian zone, with nearby establishments in Regent Street and the St James’s area participating by hosting musical performances and offering various holiday-themed services to the public.

The display has become a landmark annual event, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year to the center of London. The transformation of the iconic street serves as the symbolic kickoff for the holiday celebrations throughout the metropolitan area, drawing large crowds that documented the ceremony.