‘The Spirit of Christmas’ Returns to Regent Street & St James’s

On Saturday 14th November, ​‘The Spirit of Christmas​ ’ was switched on, creating a warm canopy of light above the streets of Regent Street and St James’s. The festive period is going to look a little different this year, and although there will be no Christmas lights switch on event, The Crown Estate still hopes to spread some festive cheer from the heart of London with its much loved iconic lights display.

Injecting some sparkle into the world, the 45 handcrafted spirits can still be enjoyed by all. For Londoners and visitors, take a socially distanced walk along Regent Street’s famous curve or around St James’s streets and parks full of hidden gems. For those unable to visit, enjoy the lights from the comfort of your home via the Regent Street and St James’s social channels, where the destinations will be lighting up screens with beautiful imagery and video of the scheme.

Whilst some of Regent Street & St James’s doors are temporarily closed in line with Government guidance, there are still a myriad of ways you can partake in all the destinations have to offer, from takeaway services and hampers to click & collect and virtual shopping. Regent Street has long been famous for its spectacular festive lights display, being the first ever central London destination to introduce Christmas lights in 1954. The tradition has carried on and since influenced many other destinations worldwide to bring cheer to their local communities through celebratory lighting schemes. Making London’s most iconic streets glow bright every evening, this year’s lights will operate on a timer for a more sustainably lit Christmas.
Designed by leading British lighting creatives, James Glancy Design, the 300,000 LED lighting scheme is a breath-taking gift to all Regent Street & St James’s on street and virtual visitors in honor of the ‘most wonderful time of the year’.

#TheSpiritofChristmas

The Crown Estate encourages all those visiting Regent Street and St James’s to please help keep themselves and others safe by maintaining two metres apart, sanitising your hands at one of the on-street hand sanitisation stations and by wearing a face covering.