Celebrate the season with Aki: the 2025 Regent Street Christmas lights
As dusk begins to settle over London, a sense of shared anticipation builds along Regent Street. Crowds gather, their faces...
As dusk begins to settle over London, a sense of shared anticipation builds along Regent Street. Crowds gather, their faces turned upwards, waiting for that one, singular moment. Then, with the flip of a switch, the darkness is replaced by a brilliant, sparkling canopy. The iconic avenue is instantly transformed, bathed in the warm glow of hundreds of thousands of lights. It is a sight that never fails to inspire a sense of wonder, a cherished tradition that marks the moment London officially and wholeheartedly embraces the festive season.
Behind the glow: the 70+ year story of the Regent Street lights
The Spirit of Christmas, the official name of the switching on of the Christmas lights is a piece of London’s living history. This year marks the 71st anniversary of a tradition born from a powerful idea. In 1954, with the memory of war still fresh and rationing only just ending, a collective of retailers decided that London deserved to sparkle again. What began as simple strings of lights was an act of civic pride, a defiant statement against the city’s post-war drabness. It’s a legacy of optimism that has illuminated the capital for seven decades, a story woven into the very fabric of the West End.
Today, that original spirit is embodied in the soaring canopy of light that defines the modern spectacle. The Regent Street angels have become an icon of Christmas in their own right. With wingspans stretching 17 metres and powered by over 300,000 energy-efficient bulbs, they are a breathtaking piece of public art, transforming the historic street into a grand, open-air cathedral of light and a cherished piece of the city’s cultural heritage.
This year, the celebration is defined by a spirit of community and purpose. The event proudly partners with The Felix Project, a vital London charity dedicated to distributing surplus food to address hunger across the capital. This partnership offers a meaningful way to contribute to the city’s collective spirit during the festive season. Should you feel inspired, you are warmly invited to support their important work by donating via the official website here.
The Aki experience: festive sights, sounds, and sips
As the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ illuminates the world outside, we invite you to come join as at Aki for our own special celebration. The historic architecture of our Cavendish Square address will be filled with the sound of live carol singers, their singing creating a truly magical atmosphere. This is the perfect counterpoint to the joyous bustle of the street. A civilized and celebratory vantage point from which to soak in the festive spirit. This is the essence of the Aki London Christmas celebration: a moment of shared joy, curated with our signature style.
To toast the occasion, we will be serving perfectly spiced mulled wine, on the house. Imagine the aromatic steam of cinnamon, clove, and star anise rising to meet you, the deep ruby warmth of the glass in your hand. It is one of the most quintessential festive drinks London has to offer, and our gift to you as you gather beneath the glow of the city’s most iconic lights. It is the perfect sip to complete a truly unforgettable evening, a taste of the festive season itself.
Your invitation
Join us in celebrating this magical evening as the festive season officially begins. Here are the essential details for your diary:
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What: A celebration to mark the Regent Street Christmas Light Switch-On.
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Where: Aki London, 1 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0LA.
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When: Thursday, 6th November 2025, from 17:30 onwards.
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The Experience: Live Carol Singers and complimentary, perfectly spiced Mulled Wine upon arrival.
Witnessing the switching on Christmas lights in London is a cherished city tradition. The most enduring traditions, we believe, are those celebrated not just with excitement, but with genuine style. We invite you to step away from the crowds and into the heart of the scene, to raise a glass of spiced mulled wine with us. It is a toast to the magic of the season, to this iconic London moment, and to the start of all the festivities to come. The season of sparkle officially begins here.
The season officially begins here
Don’t miss London’s most stylish Christmas celebration.
While our celebration is open for all to enjoy, dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your place.
