This holiday season, Regent Street will be illuminated by 17-meter-wide sculptural Christmas light installations that mimic 'spirits.'
Christmas Lights for the Festive Season
Regent Street, since its inaugural Christmas lights in 1954, remains an iconic destination renowned for its dazzling festive displays. Annually, it honors this legacy by hosting central London's grandest Christmas lights exhibit, titled 'The Spirit of Christmas'. This magnificent spectacle not only celebrates the street's history but also showcases British craftsmanship and design.
Extending from Langham Place to Waterloo Place at the southern end of Regent Street St James's, the luminous canopy unites the area's top-tier retailers, eateries, and hotels. Wander through the radiant neighborhoods, including Jermyn Street and St James's Market, and revel in the magic of the holiday season.
17-Meter Sculptural Christmas Light Displays Mimicking 'Spirits'
Regent Street's Christmas lights, a sculptural marvel, draw inspiration from its inaugural scheme of traditional angels playing trumpets. The current rendition is a modern reimagination of these angels, featuring an impressive fleet of 'Spirits' that stretch across the street. Crafted by James Glancy Design Ltd in collaboration with The Crown Estate, these lights are a bold testament to artistry. Each of the sixteen Spirits is a three-dimensional sculpture, meticulously handcrafted in London using avant-garde methods.
Standing tall with 17-meter wing spans, these Spirits are illuminated from below by spotlights and adorned with twinkling LED pea lights. The synchronization of these lights creates a mesmerizing ripple effect, accentuating the street's charm. The lighting of the Spirits marks the onset of the festive season, a moment cherished by many.
This year's 'Spirit of Christmas' introduces new lights adorning Regent Street and St James's. Glasshouse Street, Swallow Street, and Quadrant Arcade gleam with fresh installations, inviting visitors to revel in the festive ambiance. St James's Market showcases stunning designs, offering the opportunity to capture a photo with the sole earth-bound Spirit.
The grand display commences on November 9, 2023, illuminating early evenings through an environmentally conscious timer, ensuring a sustainable spectacle for all to enjoy. The Spirit of Christmas not only pays homage to history but also captivates audiences, transforming Regent Street and its neighboring areas into enchanting, luminous wonderlands during this joyous season.
Regent Street
Regent Street stands as London's hub for fashion, dining, wellness, and lifestyle. Built in 1819 by architect John Nash, its Grade II-listed facades showcase distinguished architecture. Hosting flagship stores like Burberry and world-class dining such as Veeraswamy, it offers a curated experience amidst neighboring streets like Conduit, Princes, and Brewer Street.
Also Read: Barbiecore Interiors: New Immersive Exhibit Opens in Texas This November
Other Christmas Light Displays Around the World
Rockefeller Center, New York City, New York
New York City's Rockefeller Center hosts a must-see for Christmas enthusiasts-the iconic 77-foot-tall Norway spruce adorned with 45,000 lights spanning five miles. Lit since 1933, it attracts over half a million visitors daily, especially during the tree-lighting ceremony set for November 29, 2023.
Canyon Road Farolito Walk, Santa Fe, New Mexico
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Canyon Road Farolito Walk offers a unique holiday spectacle with farolitos adorning streets and adobe walls, complemented by luminarias. Taking place on Christmas Eve from dusk until late, it's advisable to dress warmly and arrive early for parking.
Luci d'Artista, Salerno, Italy
Salerno hosts Luci d'Artista annually, illuminating streets with dazzling displays from November 24 to January 21. Starting at 5 PM daily, city squares and gardens will showcase LED night sky replicas, an illuminated zoo, and lemon tree-shaped lights paying homage to the Amalfi Coast nearby.
Related Article: Vibrant Light Installation Colors Facade of Parliament Building in Austria