The much-loved “The Spirit of Christmas” lights are back on Regent Street and St James’s later this year, celebrating their 10th anniversary as they signal the start of the festive season in central London. On Thursday 6th November, the lights will be switched on in the early evening with pop-up musical performances to celebrate the occasion. From the following day, the displays will run daily from 3pm until midnight, continuing to bring sparkle until Sunday 4th January 2026.
The installation features over 30 sparkling ‘Spirits,’ crafted from more than 300,000 LED lights, illuminating the heart of the West End while running on an energy-efficient timer system. The festive trail will span Regent Street and St James’s, including Jermyn Street and St James’s Market, with mesmerising lights also returning to Glasshouse Street, Swallow Street, Princes Arcade and the striking Quadrant Arcade.
Adding to the festivities, St James’s Market will once again be home to the beautifully illuminated ‘Wishing Tree’ where visitors can simply tap to donate £5. Each donation will trigger a captivating display of twinkling lights, with all proceeds supporting The Felix Project, a charity dedicated to rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to communities in need across London.
Visitors can soak up the festivities with seasonal shopping at world-class flagship stores, enjoy festive dining at renowned restaurants, and toast the season in stylish bars and luxury hotels. Alongside shopping and dining, the area also offers a wealth of entertainment across theatre, culture and the arts, making Regent Street and St James’s one of London’s most magical destinations to explore throughout the festive period.
For more information, visit regentstreetonline.com and stjameslondon.co.uk
