A local’s guide to beautiful Christmas places on Regent Street, Central London – from sparkling lights to decorated shop windows, these are amazing photo spots!
Regent Street is undoubtedly the ultimate destination for soaking up London’s holiday vibes during Christmas.
As much, if not more, as Oxford Street, if I may.
Famous for its iconic light displays and lively atmosphere, this historic shopping street transforms into a winter wonderland every holiday season, two steps away from Piccadilly Circus.
From dazzling luxury shop windows to cozy hidden spots and, of course, huge sparkling angels lighting up the street, these are the prettiest Christmas places along Regent Street!
7 Christmas Spots on Regent Street from Shops to Photo Spots
Before we get started, this is but one of the many London Travel Guides you will find here on The Working Line.
If you are interested in shopping and find yourself in London not knowing really where to start, you’ll find many spots here, from charity shops to shopping streets, and even unique shops to visit when in town.
If you are, however, more interested in food, Central London’s cheap eats cater to smaller budgets, while aesthetic Mayfair restaurants have a more upscale feel to them.
There are many, many things to do in Central London whether it rains or it’s sunny out.
At Christmas time, you will definitely want to pop by one of London’s Christmas markets – a few of the most beautiful are located in Central London, so you can blend both to make your own bucket list!
Christmas Places on Regent Street: Decorations at Oxford Circus
When it comes to Christmas in London, Oxford Circus is the place where the holiday magic truly begins!
Located at the crossroads between Regent Street and Oxford Street, this bustling (read: overcrowded!) intersection turns into a spectacular masterpiece of lights, stars and angels.
Shops like Nike and Tezenis are great for clothing and fashion bits, and you will find some amazing shops on Oxford Street for all kinds of gifts, from Urban Outfitters and their great stationery and 90s clothes to Superdrug for British makeup.
Grab a hot chocolate or a cookie at famous Ben’s Cookies on Oxford Street, then make your way to Oxford Circus and turn to twinkling Regent Street to keep going with our little itinerary!
Read: The Best Multicolor Places in London
Christmas Places on Regent Street: Carnaby Street
Just a minute away from Regent Street, Carnaby Street is one of the prettiest spots for Christmas decorations from end of November, and simply pure magic.
Not only is Carnaby Street filled with hidden gems, from a Shakespeare sculpture to hidden alleys right off the street, but you’ll also find the famous Liberty department store at the top of the street.
Each year, Carnaby Street dresses up with a themed Christmas light display and huge decorations that often follow an environmental theme.
The vibe here is buzzing, with independent shops, trendy boutiques like Nobody’s Child (which you can often find discounted in TK Maxx shops!) and a secret food court, Kingly Court, that offers top-notch Neapolitan pizza and other street food bits.
Read: The Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to London
Christmas Places on Regent Street: Coach Shop
One of the most iconic shops on Regent Street, the Coach store is the definition of sophisticated-meets-classy during the holiday season.
With a display that changes every year, Coach is extra inviting at Christmas, and inside, well, the collection of bags, wallets and accessories, complete with special holiday packaging, makes for the most glamour treats.
If you’re not too sure about what you’d like to buy in London, and would like something a little posher for a close one, or if you’d just like to stroll past pretty Christmas windows, Coach definitely is a must-visit.
Read: How to Eat in London on a Budget
Christmas Places on Regent Street: Hamleys Shop Window
Now, for readers who might be visiting London with kids, Hamleys is another shop that you should visit for extra fun – each year, the window themes change, from soft teddies to Harry Potter, making Hamleys an ever-so-magical place.
Passing the threshold gives way to no fewer than seven floors packed with games, toys, demos, and even live performances at the entrance: definitely a great spot to pop by.
Also, for those of you who love to bask in the atmosphere of the Harry Potter world, Hamleys is one of the Harry Potter shops to visit when in town, with racks upon racks of Harry Potter-related items.
Let’s not forget, either, that Piccadilly Circus and the beginning of Shaftesbury Avenue at the end of Regent Street, make for a Harry Potter location that the saga lovers might enjoy snapping pics of!
Read: A Local’s Fashion in London Itinerary from Museums to Shops
Christmas Places on Regent Street: Jo Malone
If beauty, skincare and British shops and brands are your jam (I know they’re mine; from Barry M for makeup to Stussy for streetwear clothes!), Jo Malone is another luxurious Christmas destination you shouldn’t miss on Regent Street.
Elegant throughout the year, with the most beautiful florals during the spring, Jo Malone is a haven of beautifully scented gifts that scream sophistication and style.
The signature candles are one of the best things to buy at Jo Malone, although their limited-edition gifts sets at Christmas are another interesting treat.
Christmas Places on Regent Street: Regent Street Curve
And now, for one of the most famous places on Regent Street; the curve of the street, closer to Piccadilly Circus than to Oxford Street.
Lined with some of my favorite shops on the street, like L’Occitane (fantastic hand creams and floral perfumes – Néroli & Orchidée is my go-to) and, further up, Hollister, the curve offers gorgeous perspective for beautiful pictures.
If this curve to Regent Street is already a top photo spot, I also have another more secret place for you: Air Street, one of the smallest and hidden streets of London, with impressive columns and architecture.
Christmas Places on Regent Street: Quadrant Arcade
Only a few steps away from Piccadilly Circus and its huge Boots beauty and makeup shop, Quadrant Arcade is tucked away like a hidden gem amidst the hustle and bustle.
What makes Quadrant Arcade interesting is the blend of luxury shops it offers, like the nearby Burlington Arcade and Piccadilly Arcade that happen to house some of London’s best perfume shops.
As soon as Christmas time comes around, this gorgeous shopping arcade feels like stepping into a festive storybook, with twinkling fairy lights and elegant arches that make for a very instagrammable place.
Read: 15 Themed London Itinerary Ideas Off the Beaten Path
7 Christmas Spots on Regent Street from Shops to Photo Spots
It’s safe to say that Regent Street truly shines at Christmas, offering a little slice of magic at every turn.
Whether you’re looking for unique gifts from London or just looking to snap pictures of the sparkling decorations, you’ll quickly find that Regent Street is a special place to visit during the holiday season.
We are, after all, in a historic part of London, with beautiful neoclassical buildings lining the street, just minutes away from Piccadilly’s Hatchards and Maison Assouline for book lovers, or, for a festive breakfast or afternoon tea, The Ritz Restaurant.
In the end, no matter what brings you to Regent Street, you’ll leave with your heart a little fuller and your holiday cheer turned all the way up!