Last updated: 12 November 2026
Oxford Street’s Christmas lights are one of the longest festive displays in London, running above the street from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road. With the shops open late and the West End’s other lights a short walk away, it’s an easy, free way to spend a winter evening in the city.
Here’s when the lights go on, what’s new this year, the best places to see them and where to stay nearby.
Oxford Street Christmas Lights 2026: Key Dates
- Switch-on: Monday 9 November 2026
- Lights stay up until: early January 2027
- When they’re lit: every evening from late afternoon
- Cost: free
The lights switch on in early November most years, so if you’re planning ahead for next Christmas, expect a similar date.
What’s New This Year
For 2026, the display has a Harry Potter theme, with new designs alongside Oxford Street’s familiar star-shaped lights. It ties in with the new Harry Potter TV series launching on Christmas Day.
Whatever the theme, the lights hang across the street along its full length, so you can see them from almost anywhere on Oxford Street.
Where to See the Lights
Oxford Circus. The busiest junction, where Oxford Street meets Regent Street. You’ll see both sets of lights from one spot.
The Marble Arch end. Usually quieter than the middle of the street, and a good place to start if you want to walk the full length heading east.
The Tottenham Court Road end. Closest to Bloomsbury and handy if you’re walking from one of our Gower Street hotels.
The walk from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road takes around half an hour without stops. Go on a weekday evening if you can, as weekends in December get very crowded.
Other Christmas Lights Nearby
Once you’re on Oxford Street, plenty of London’s other festive lights are within walking distance:
- Regent Street, which crosses Oxford Street at Oxford Circus. See our guide to the Regent Street Christmas lights
- Carnaby Street, a few minutes south of Oxford Circus
- Bond Street, just south of Bond Street station
- Covent Garden, around 10 minutes on foot from Tottenham Court Road. See our Covent Garden Christmas light switch on guide
If you’d like to add some Christmas shopping beyond the high street, our guide to London’s winter markets has seven markets worth a visit.
How to Get to Oxford Street
Four Tube stations sit along Oxford Street:
- Marble Arch (Central line)
- Bond Street (Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth lines)
- Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines)
- Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern and Elizabeth lines)
Oxford Circus gets extremely busy in the evenings in December. Using Bond Street or Tottenham Court Road is often quicker. Driving isn’t a good idea at this time of year. Plan your route on TfL’s journey planner.
Where to Stay Near Oxford Street
Bloomsbury
The three Gower Street hotels are the closest Crown Group hotels to Oxford Street. You can walk to the Tottenham Court Road end in around 10 to 15 minutes:
- Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, fully refurbished in December 2025
- Hotel Cavendish, where every room is en-suite and continental breakfast is included
- Arran House Hotel, with the larger rooms of the three and breakfast included in every rate
Rooms are compact, but you’ll be close to everything, and it’s an easy walk back after an evening in the West End.
King’s Cross
The Mabledon Court Hotel is around 8 minutes on foot from King’s Cross St Pancras. The Victoria line runs direct to Oxford Circus from there.
Farringdon
From the Hatton Garden Hotel, the Elizabeth line takes you from Farringdon to Tottenham Court Road in one stop, or to Bond Street in two.
The City of London
From the Great St Helen Hotel, both the Central line and the Elizabeth line run direct from Liverpool Street to Oxford Street. It’s a Tube ride rather than a walk, but there’s no change.
Make It a Festive Break
Our sale covers stays from 17 to 26 December 2026, with up to 45% off when you book by 3 December. See our special offers for details.
Crown Group is a UK-owned group of six central London hotels. Take a look behind the scenes in housekeeping, read how we handle guest feedback, or contact our team if you have a question before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Oxford Street Christmas lights turn on in 2026? Monday 9 November 2026.
How long do the Oxford Street lights stay up? They stay lit every evening until early January 2027.
What’s the theme of the Oxford Street lights this year? For 2026, the lights have a Harry Potter theme, with new designs alongside the familiar star-shaped lights.
What’s the best station for the Oxford Street lights? Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road are usually less crowded than Oxford Circus. Marble Arch is the quietest end of the street.
Can I see the Oxford Street and Regent Street lights in one evening? Yes. The two streets meet at Oxford Circus, so you can walk one and then the other. Our guide to the Regent Street Christmas lights has the best viewpoints.
Which Crown Group hotel is closest to Oxford Street? The Bloomsbury hotels, Bloomsbury Palace, Hotel Cavendish and Arran House, are around 10 to 15 minutes’ walk from the Tottenham Court Road end.
