Oxford Street Christmas Lights Switch-On

Oxford Street’s Christmas lights stretch for well over a mile along London’s busiest shopping street, from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road. They are usually the first major West End display to come on each year.

Why there’s no date here yet

The 2026 date has not been announced. Estimates of 2 or 3 November are based on previous years, and Visit London lists the date as to be confirmed. 2026 may well be different: Oxford Street is going traffic-free from the autumn, and the body now responsible for the street has said it is working to make this Christmas a special one. We will update this page when the date is confirmed.

What usually happens

In recent years there has been no big public ceremony for Oxford Street’s lights — they simply come on and stay lit each afternoon and evening until early January. With the street closed to traffic for the first time, that may change.

Getting there

Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road tube stations all sit on Oxford Street. Walking its length after dark is the best way to see the lights.

Make an evening of it

The department store windows — Selfridges especially — are a London Christmas tradition. Regent Street crosses Oxford Street at Oxford Circus.

When will we know?

We are checking the official source weekly and will update this page the day the dates are confirmed. In the meantime, our What’s open? tool shows the markets that have confirmed dates for any day you’re travelling.

When the dates are confirmed, dress for standing still outdoors in the cold — see our guide to what to wear.