On Saturday 6th December, visitors to London’s iconic Regent Street are in for a treat as the road closes to traffic – the first time it will be fully pedestrianised during the festive season since 2020 – offering extra-special shopping, fun and seasonal celebrations.
The road will be closed to traffic between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, with festivities starting at 2pm and continuing through to 9pm. Visitors on foot can look out for three red, vintage London buses parked along Regent Street’s Festive Mile – each offering festive and fabulous experiences for the whole family to enjoy. These include:
The Spirit of Christmas Selfie Station
Head up to the top deck for an elevated seasonal selfie – perfectly positioned with Regent Street’s famous ‘Spirit of Christmas’ lights as a beautiful backdrop. The bus also has a platform in place for those with accessibility needs who are looking to capture memories of their visit to the Festive Mile on camera.
The Choose Love Disco Bus
Stop by this musical bus to enjoy a dazzling disco under the street’s sparkling lights. Hosted by charity Choose Love – which supports refugees and displaced people – there will be live music from choirs and DJs who will bring the Christmas cheer.
The Gift Wrap Station and Festive Crafts Bus
Get creative and book ahead to join a wreath making workshop or try a drop-in session with the little ones for some Christmas crafting. For those who have managed to tick some gifts off their shopping list, there’s a free gift-wrapping service aboard. Just show a receipt from a Regent Street or St James’s store* and leave with a picture-perfect present wrapped in Regent Street x Choose Love-branded paper.
While walking along the iconic curve, visitors can also bump into some fun characters with roving entertainment in the form of stilt walkers, juggling jesters, funny festive butlers and even the Hamleys’ elves to be found. Delicious hot drinks and snacks in the form of hot chocolate, fudge and non-alcoholic mulled wine will also be available to purchase for anyone in need of festive refreshments.
For anyone eager to make the most of their shopping day there’s a variety of exclusive offers and experiences available to enjoy from stores along Regent Street and in the surrounding area, including:
Bentley’s: Enjoy Christmas carols on the terrace or buy mulled wine and oysters to takeaway
NEOM: Have a go at the spin-to-win wheel to get your hands on some goodies and enjoy a complimentary travel candle with any £20 purchase (while stocks last)
Marc Jacobs: Join for an exclusive in-store event, with a DJ set and drinks on offer
66°North: Enjoy a drink while ticking off the gifting list
Ziggy Green: Feel extra festive and enjoy the sounds of the Soho Saint Brass Band while dining
Visit the Regent Street website to find the full list of offers and experiences available.
Plus, The Choose love Shop returns to Regent Street for a second year, as ‘The Ultimate Charity Shop’ pops up as part of the charity’s 10th birthday. The shop will stock essential supplies and life-saving interventions for refugees alongside Choose Love merchandise and luxury fashion and beauty donated by leading brands and designers sold at huge discounts. Everything the shop sells will help to change a life with every purchase going to support refugees. Free gift wrapping will also be available in-store on the 11th, 14th and 20th December, with shoppers once again able to bring items purchased from across Regent Street or St James’s to be wrapped with the Regent Street x Choose Love paper – all that’s needed is a valid receipt to claim the service.
Throughout the festive season, visitors can make the most of the capital’s best shopping, with world-class flagship stores, heritage brands and the finest craftsmanship to be found. For festive dining there are renowned restaurants offering delicious dishes – stop by nearby Heddon Street to enjoy global cuisines from the likes of Fonda, Casa do Frango, Sabor and Piccolino, or visit Swallow Street to discover the tasty offering from restaurants including Bentley’s and Gaucho. Stylish bars such as Ziggy Green’s Colony Room Green and Hotel Café Royal’s Green Bar also offer the perfect opportunity to toast to some Christmas cheer. 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.
