There’s something truly magical about Oxford Street at Christmas. The moment those lights switch on, London transforms into a winter wonderland that draws millions of visitors from around the world. If you’re planning a festive trip to London in late 2025, you’re probably wondering when the famous Oxford Street Christmas lights will illuminate the capital’s most iconic shopping street.
Whether you’re a first time visitor or a seasoned London enthusiast, the Oxford Street Christmas lights represent one of the city’s most beloved seasonal traditions. This year promises to be extra special, with new installations, sustainable designs, and plenty of festive events to enjoy throughout the season.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about Oxford Street’s Christmas lights for 2025, from the switch on date to the best viewing spots, travel tips, and where to stay during your festive London adventure.
When Will Oxford Street’s Christmas Lights Turn On in 2025?
The Oxford Street Christmas lights will officially switch on Monday 3 November 2025, marking the start of London’s festive season. Oxford Street is the first major display to light up this year, with the ceremony taking place around 6pm.
Arrive 45–60 minutes early on switch-on night for a good viewing spot, as crowd control measures are common near Oxford Circus.
The lights will remain illuminated daily from Monday 3 November 2025 until Sunday 5 January 2026, shining each afternoon from around 3pm until 11pm. This extended schedule allows visitors to enjoy the display at any point during the festive period.
The switch on ceremony itself has become a major event, often featuring celebrity guests, live music, and entertainment. Thousands of people gather along Oxford Street to witness the moment when the lights first illuminate the night sky. If you want to attend the ceremony, arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, as the street gets incredibly busy.
For those who prefer a quieter experience, visiting on weekday evenings in mid to late November or early December offers beautiful views without the intense crowds of the switch on night or the peak shopping weekends before Christmas.
What’s New for Oxford Street Christmas Lights 2025?
2025 brings back the spectacular ‘starry sky’ canopy: more than 5,000 illuminated stars made from approximately 300,000 energy-efficient LEDs, designed to be reused and recyclable. The scheme uses around 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and continues its support for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.
Expect warm white and gold tones across the full Marble Arch → Tottenham Court Road stretch, creating a continuous canopy effect that photographs beautifully from Oxford Circus and outside Selfridges.
The design theme for 2025 celebrates classic Christmas elegance with a contemporary twist. Expect to see cascading lights creating canopy effects above the street, illuminated star designs suspended between buildings, and warm white and gold tones dominating the colour palette. These timeless colours create a sophisticated festive atmosphere that photographs beautifully.
New for this year are interactive light installations at key points along Oxford Street. These special displays respond to movement and sound, creating dynamic experiences that change as crowds pass beneath them. It’s particularly enchanting for children and adds an extra layer of magic to your evening stroll.
The display spans about 1.5 miles from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road, with the densest canopy views around Oxford Circus and outside Selfridges.
Additional decorations adorn the trees lining the street, creating a complete festive transformation of this famous thoroughfare.
How Long Do the Oxford Street Christmas Lights Stay On?
Planning your visit around the lights? Here’s what you need to know about timing.
The Oxford Street Christmas lights will run from Monday 3 November 2025 through Sunday 5 January 2026, giving you more than eight weeks to visit.
The lights illuminate daily from around 3pm until 11pm throughout the season. The earlier afternoon switch-on means you’ll catch the full effect even on a late-day shopping trip.
For the best experience, visit between 5pm and 8pm when the lights look most spectacular against the darkening sky, but the shops are still open if you fancy some festive shopping. Weekday evenings in November and early December tend to be less crowded than weekend nights or the days immediately before Christmas.
If you’re staying at one of the Crown Group hotels, you can easily plan multiple visits throughout your stay, experiencing the lights at different times and in varying crowd conditions.
Where to See the Best Views of Oxford Street Lights
Not all vantage points are created equal when it comes to viewing Oxford Street’s Christmas display. Here are the prime spots for soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Selfridges Corner at the intersection of Oxford Street and Duke Street offers one of the most photographed views. The department store’s own decorations complement the street lights beautifully, creating a picture perfect backdrop.
Oxford Circus provides panoramic views where you can see the lights stretching in multiple directions. The junction creates natural breaks in the crowd, making it easier to stop and take photos without blocking the pavement.
Marble Arch End is ideal if you prefer a less crowded experience. The western end of the display tends to be quieter, particularly on weekday evenings, and offers lovely views looking eastward towards the heart of Oxford Street.
Tottenham Court Road End gives you views looking westward. The lights here merge beautifully with the decorations in nearby Soho and Shoreditch, creating an extended festive trail if you’re up for a longer evening walk.
For an elevated perspective, some nearby restaurants and hotels offer windows overlooking Oxford Street. Booking a window table for dinner gives you spectacular views whilst enjoying a meal in comfort.
What Events and Festive Activities Are Happening Nearby?
Oxford Street’s Christmas lights are just the beginning of London’s festive offerings. The surrounding areas burst with seasonal activities throughout November and December.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park runs from mid November through early January, offering ice skating, Christmas markets, circus performances, and fairground rides. It’s a short walk or tube ride from Oxford Street and makes a perfect addition to your lights viewing.
Covent Garden’s Christmas market and decorations create another magical destination within easy reach. The giant Christmas tree and mistletoe installations hanging above the piazza look stunning, particularly when combined with the street performers who entertain visitors year round.
West End theatres showcase special Christmas productions and pantomimes throughout the season. Catching a show makes for a perfect festive evening, and many theatres are within walking distance of Oxford Street. The atmosphere around Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus adds to the Christmas spirit with their own impressive light displays.
Christmas markets pop up across central London, with notable ones at Southbank Centre, Leicester Square, and various locations in Shoreditch. Each offers unique gifts, festive food, and mulled wine to warm you up on cold winter evenings. Where Can You Get the Best Food in Shoreditch has more ideas for festive dining in that area.
Shopping on Oxford Street itself becomes an experience during the Christmas season. Major department stores like Selfridges, John Lewis, and Marks & Spencer create elaborate window displays that are attractions in their own right. Many shops extend their opening hours in December, making evening shopping under the lights both practical and atmospheric.
How to Get to Oxford Street During the Festive Season
Getting to Oxford Street is straightforward, though the festive season brings extra crowds that require some planning.
By Underground, Oxford Street has excellent tube connections. Oxford Circus station (Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines) sits at the heart of the street. Marble Arch station (Central line) serves the western end, whilst Tottenham Court Road station (Central and Northern lines) serves the eastern end. Bond Street station (Central and Elizabeth lines) also provides access to the western section.
During peak times, particularly weekend afternoons and evenings in December, these stations can become extremely busy. Station staff sometimes implement crowd control measures, temporarily closing entrances when platforms get too full. Plan extra time for your journey and consider using alternative nearby stations if one appears too crowded.
By Bus, numerous routes serve Oxford Street, including the 6, 7, 10, 23, 73, 94, 98, 137, 159, and 390. Buses give you street level views and can be less crowded than the tube, though traffic congestion during the festive season can slow journey times.
Driving to Oxford Street is generally not recommended. The area has extensive traffic restrictions, limited parking, and congestion charges apply. If you must drive, use a park and ride facility on the outskirts of London and complete your journey by public transport.
Walking from nearby areas often proves the most pleasant option if you’re staying centrally. From Liverpool Street, it’s about a 25 minute walk through interesting streets. Many Crown Group hotels are positioned perfectly for walking to Oxford Street whilst avoiding the most congested areas.
Accessibility is good along Oxford Street itself, with dropped kerbs and relatively flat pavements. However, crowds can make navigation challenging for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. Visiting during quieter times makes for a more comfortable experience.
Where to Stay Near Oxford Street for Christmas 2025
If you’re planning a festive stay in London, choosing accommodation close to Oxford Street makes your trip far easier. You’ll be able to enjoy the lights, explore nearby attractions, and return to your hotel without long journeys across the city. Once you’ve soaked in the atmosphere, rest and recharge at one of Crown Group’s conveniently located hotels.
Crown Group Hotels Near Oxford Street
Bloomsbury Palace Hotel — around 15 minutes’ walk to Oxford Circus via Bloomsbury Street and Oxford Street.
Hotel Cavendish — about 15 minutes’ walk via Gower Street and Oxford Street.
Arran House Hotel — 17 to 18 minutes’ walk via Gower Street and Tottenham Court Road.
Mabledon Court Hotel — 8 to 10 minutes by Tube from King’s Cross St Pancras to Oxford Circus on the Victoria line, or around a 25 to 30 minute walk.
Great St Helen Hotel — 12 to 15 minutes by Tube from Liverpool Street to Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road on the Central line.
Each hotel offers a comfortable stay with excellent access to Oxford Street, making them ideal bases for exploring London’s festive attractions.
How to Reach the Oxford Street Lights
By Underground, Oxford Circus station (Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines) sits at the centre of the lights. Marble Arch, Bond Street, and Tottenham Court Road stations offer alternative access and often less congestion.
By Bus, routes such as 6, 7, 10, 23, 73, 94, 98, 137, 159, and 390 all serve Oxford Street.
Tips for Visiting Oxford Street at Christmas
Make the most of your Oxford Street Christmas lights experience with these practical tips gathered from years of festive visits.
Timing is everything. Weekday evenings, particularly Monday through Wednesday, are significantly quieter than weekends. If you can be flexible with your visit, choosing these days makes for a more relaxed experience. Late November and the first two weeks of December offer the festive atmosphere without the intense pre Christmas crowds.
Layer your clothing. December evenings in London are cold, often hovering around 5°C or lower. You’ll be outside for extended periods, so dress warmly. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you’ll likely cover several miles exploring the lights and nearby attractions.
Arrive early for photos. The best light for photographs comes during the blue hour, roughly 30 minutes after sunset, when there’s still some natural light in the sky to balance the artificial illumination. This creates more visually interesting photos than complete darkness.
Use side streets strategically. When Oxford Street itself becomes uncomfortably crowded, ducking into parallel streets like South Molton Street, St Christopher’s Place, or the roads behind Selfridges gives you a breather whilst still keeping you close to the action.
Consider off peak alternatives. If you find Oxford Street overwhelming, remember that nearby areas like Liverpool Street and Shoreditch also have beautiful Christmas displays. What Are the Best Coffee Shops in Shoreditch for Remote Work can help you find warm spots to take breaks during your festive explorations.
Plan your route. Walking the entire length from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road takes about 30 to 40 minutes without stops. Factor in time for photos, window shopping, and perhaps a warm drink break at one of the many cafes along the way.
Stay hydrated and fed. The excitement and cold weather can make you forget to drink water and eat properly. Pop into cafes or restaurants regularly, particularly if you’re with children or elderly relatives.
Keep belongings secure. Busy areas attract pickpockets. Keep bags zipped and in front of you, and avoid using your phone whilst walking in crowded areas. Stay aware of your surroundings whilst still enjoying the atmosphere.
Why Visit Oxford Street for Christmas 2025?
Oxford Street’s Christmas lights represent more than just festive decoration. They embody London’s community spirit, bringing together millions of visitors in shared celebration of the season.
The tradition dates back decades, evolving each year whilst maintaining the magic that makes it special. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or as a romantic couple, the experience creates lasting memories. There’s something universally appealing about standing beneath twinkling lights, surrounded by the energy of one of the world’s great cities dressed in its festive finest.
The location offers convenience too. Unlike some Christmas attractions that require specific travel arrangements, Oxford Street sits at the heart of London’s transport network. You can combine lights viewing with world class shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions, all within walking distance or a short tube ride.
For international visitors, seeing Oxford Street’s Christmas lights provides an authentic London experience. It’s not a manufactured tourist attraction but a genuine part of how Londoners celebrate the season. You’re participating in a tradition that locals cherish as much as visitors.
The 2025 display promises to be one of the most impressive yet, with new technology creating effects that weren’t possible in previous years. The combination of traditional Christmas magic and cutting edge design means there’s something fresh to discover even if you’ve visited before.
Planning your visit as part of a longer London stay allows you to experience the lights alongside everything else the capital offers during the festive season. From world class museums and theatres to cosy pubs and bustling markets, London at Christmas is truly special.
Plan your London Christmas getaway with Crown Group of Hotels, offering comfortable stays just moments from Oxford Street’s dazzling festive displays.
Book early to secure the best rates for your holiday stay.
