[title]
Time to start penning that wish-list to the North Pole, because Christmas is just two-and-a-bit months away. London’s traditions of the festive period – think carol singers warbling in the street, tall trees ornamented with shiny baubles and Christmas lights glittering in the streets – will be making a comeback in a mere matter of weeks. And this year, they’ll have a touch of added magic.
That’s because some of the Big Smoke’s most iconic Christmas lights will be themed around the wizarding world for 2026. Oxford Street’s yuletide illuminations will be going full ‘The Boy Who Lived’ this year to celebrate the launch of the new Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone TV show, scheduled to premiere on HBO on Christmas Day.
Alongside Oxford Street’s classic star Christmas lights, expect a series of Harry Potter-themed designs. Details of the illuminations are still under wraps, though, so as not to ruin the big switch-on, which usually takes place in early November. In recent years Oxford Street’s festive displays have been made out of eco-friendly materials including LED lights and recycled plastic.
The lights will also make their sparkling debut in conjunction with the new Harry Potter flagship store, which opens on Oxford Street on November 4 (check out all the deets here). 2026 is turning out to be a big year for Potterheads.
Check out Time Out's list of the best Christmas lights in London.
Did you see that the London Museum’s lost underground vaults will soon open as a free tourist attraction?
Plus: after 5 years, Monopoly Lifesized is closing.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.