The Harry Potter Oxford Street Christmas lights will transform London’s busiest shopping street into a wizarding showcase this winter, with four giant Hogwarts house installations and a Christmas tree that promises enchanted snowfall. Organizers revealed the full festive programme on Thursday, following last month’s announcement of a partnership between HBO Max and the New West End Company.
The centrepiece will be four double-sided illuminated lights, each 16 metres wide, representing Ravenclaw, Slytherin, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. Positioned at different points from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road, the installations will appear alongside Oxford Street’s traditional star Christmas lights. Each house display will include a cluster of 30 floating candles and more than 75,000 individual LED lights, with the design process taking over three months. Organizers describe it as the biggest ever takeover of the historic Oxford Street Christmas lights.
A free switch-on event for fans
The celebrations will begin with a free-to-attend switch-on countdown on November 9. The event opens at 2 p.m. London time and runs until 7 p.m., with the official switch-on scheduled for 4:30 p.m. It will take place on part of the newly pedestrianized section of Oxford Street between Oxford Circus and Bond Street.
Hits Radio presenter and television personality Sam Thompson will host the event. Hits Radio’s Marvin Humes will provide DJ sets throughout the afternoon and evening. The Oxford Street Christmas Choir will perform carols, and attendees can expect a themed quiz, exclusive content and other surprises. Entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enchanted snowfall and themed ornaments in Hanover Square
Beyond the main lights, organizers have promised additional eye-catching experiences. A Christmas tree in Hanover Square will be decorated with Harry Potter-themed ornaments inspired by the upcoming series. The tree will also feature what organizers call enchanted snowfall, creating a focal point in the heart of the West End.
The decorations are timed to celebrate the Christmas Day premiere of the HBO Original series Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on HBO Max. The partnership also coincides with the opening of the Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street, the UK’s largest official Harry Potter flagship store, which opened its doors on Wednesday. Trans rights protesters made their voices heard on the shop’s opening day.
Further information about the switch-on event and the lights is available at www.oxfordstreet.co.uk.
