Regent Street to go car-free for 'festive fun' day

London, UKLocal News

Regent Street will close to traffic on December 6, 2025, for a festive, car-free day of holiday shopping and entertainment. The pedestrianized area will span from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus from 14:00 to 21:00 GMT, transforming into a "festive mile" filled with pop-up food stalls and entertainers. Organizers plan to park three vintage red double-decker buses that will offer crafts, gift wrapping, and a seasonal "selfie station," along with live music from DJs and choirs. Local retailers will present special shopping deals to attract more visitors. This event is significant as it marks the first pedestrianization of Regent Street since the 2020 holiday season, which aimed to encourage shopping amidst pandemic restrictions.

The street is known for its Grade II listed architecture and houses iconic retailers, including Hamleys, Apple, and Burberry. The move aligns with broader efforts by the mayor of London to reduce traffic in central areas, enhancing the shopping experience for pedestrians. Such initiatives may pave the way for future car-free days in London.

Related Articles

Man charged with murder of second woman

Simon Levy, 40, faces murder charges for two women, including Sheryl Wilkins and Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, found dead in London. He also faces additional charges of rape and grievous bodily harm related to another woman. Levy is scheduled to appear in court for these charges this week.

Budget Havering Council among the London boroughs seeking help

London boroughs face a combined funding gap of £1 billion this year, escalating to £4.7 billion by 2028-29, prompting calls for government support. Councillor Ray Morgon of Havering highlights severe local service cuts and the need for financial reforms, particularly in funding for temporary accommodation. Residents like Linda advocate for higher taxes to sustain essential services.

Race to rescue London's rare hairy snail

Conservationists and citizen scientists are working together to protect London's endangered German hairy snail, which is found only in fragmented habitats along the River Thames. The project, led by Citizen Zoo and the Zoological Society of London, aims to assess the snail's distribution and implement conservation strategies to restore its population.