One of London’s most famous shopping streets will transform into a pedestrian-only winter wonderland next month as Regent Street hosts a day-long festive celebration.
On Saturday, December 6th, Regent Street will be entirely traffic-free from 2pm to 9pm, allowing visitors to explore what organizers are calling the “Festive Mile” without the usual flow of vehicles along the iconic curved street.
The centerpiece of the event will be three vintage red double-decker buses parked along Regent Street’s famous Curve, each offering different seasonal activities and experiences.
Three Festive Buses
The “Spirit of Christmas Selfie Station” will invite visitors to the upper deck for Instagram-worthy photos with Regent Street’s famous Christmas lights providing the backdrop. The displays have become increasingly elaborate in recent years, making them a social media favorite during the holiday season.
A “Choose Love Disco Bus” will feature live music from choirs and DJs under disco lights. Choose Love is a charity supporting refugees and displaced communities, and will be hosting this musical experience throughout the afternoon and evening.
For those seeking hands-on activities, the “Gift Wrap and Festive Crafts Bus” will offer wreath-making workshops and children’s Christmas crafting sessions. Additionally, shoppers who’ve made purchases at Regent Street or St James’s stores can take advantage of free gift-wrapping services—simply show a receipt to have presents professionally wrapped.
Store Experiences and Offers
Participating retailers and restaurants along the street are offering exclusive experiences for the event. Bentley’s will feature Christmas carols on their terrace and offer takeaway mulled wine and oysters. Beauty brand NEOM will run a spin-to-win promotion offering complimentary travel candles with purchases over £20 while stocks last.
Marc Jacobs will host an in-store event complete with DJ set and drinks, while outdoor clothing retailer 66°North will provide refreshments for shoppers. Restaurant Ziggy Green plans to enhance the festive atmosphere with performances from the Soho Saint Brass Band.
Charity Shop Returns
The Choose Love shop is returning to Regent Street for its second year, offering a unique shopping opportunity that supports refugees. The pop-up stocks essential supplies and carries donated merchandise from luxury beauty and fashion brands sold at significantly reduced prices, with all proceeds supporting the charity’s work with displaced communities.
A Growing Tradition
The pedestrianization of major shopping streets for festive events has become increasingly popular in London and other UK cities, allowing visitors to browse and shop in a more relaxed atmosphere while enjoying seasonal entertainment.
Regent Street, designed by architect John Nash in the early 19th century, is particularly suited to such events due to its elegant Curve and wide pavements. The street has been progressively pedestrianized for special events in recent years, with this Christmas celebration among the most extensive.
For full details about the event and other seasonal activities in the area, visitors can check Regent Street’s Festive Hub online.
The December 6th event offers Londoners and visitors an opportunity to experience one of the capital’s premier shopping destinations in a completely different way—without the usual traffic and with added festive cheer at every turn.
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