On the Street

History of Regent Street's Christmas lights

Explore snapshots of our Christmas lights throughout history

How many of us remember the first time we saw Regent Street's iconic Christmas lights? During November and December, our stunning Spirits light up the skies of London's West End. Our Christmas Spirits were actually inspired by Regent Street’s first Christmas lights in 1954 - the first ever festive lights scheme in central London. Find out more about their unique design from the man who designed our modern Christmas light's display.

To celebrate our festive history, we partnered with the Museum of London to share a selection of images from its historic collection to showcase the Regent Street Lights of Christmas past, along with some of Regent Street’s flagship shops during the Christmas shopping season... Can you spot Hamleys below?

Be sure to check out the wide range of fun festive family activities at the Museum of London – the museum which tells the greatest stories from the greatest city in nine galleries. Meet Santa himself in his Grotto in Victorian Walk and plan your London day out now.

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