Looking for all of London's Christmas lights? We've got information about all of the 2026 switch-on dates and events.
The Oxford Street Christmas lights will have a Harry Potter theme for 2026, and they'll be illuminated from ✨ Monday 9 November ✨.
The lights will take the format of four double-sided, glowing banners strung across the street between Marble Arch and Tottenham Court Road, each one representing a Hogwarts house (Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff). Each will be surrounded by a floating cluster of 30 candles. Additionally, a Harry Potter themed Christmas tree will go on display in Hanover Square, to the south-west of Oxford Circus.
The wizarding twist to the festive illuminations celebrates the opening of the world's largest Harry Potter store on Oxford Street, as well as the new HBO series Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
While fans of the franchise welcome the new theme, trans activists and campaigners have criticised the move, demanding that the partnership be cancelled, due to Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling's controversial stance on transgender issues. Rowling is an executive producer on the new HBO series.
A special lighting event takes place Monday 9 November. The festivities begin at 2.30pm, with the switch-on at 4.30pm, led by celebrities including Marvin Humes and Sam Thompson. We're also promised Harry Potter-inspired celebrations throughout the festive season. Keep an eye on the Oxford Street Instagram and website for updates.
It's all change on Oxford Street this Christmas, as the western end is now pedestrianised, giving us more room to wander beneath the lights, and take a few festive snaps without having to dodge traffic. Room for a quidditch pitch too, perhaps?
