Oxford Street Christmas lights 2025 sparkle into life as Vanessa Williams starts London’s festive season

The Oxford Street Christmas lights 2025 were officially switched on last night by actor and singer Vanessa Williams, marking the moment London truly enters the festive season. A canopy of 300,000 low-energy LED lights now stretches above the famous shopping street, signalling to the capital that Christmas has arrived.

Crowds gathered around Oxford Circus and Bond Street to watch the moment the lights flickered on at around 4pm. The display features thousands of stars and will remain lit until early January, illuminating central London evenings for weeks to come. Vanessa Williams said:

“It’s a joy to be part of London’s magical moment — when a city lights up, the feeling is unforgettable.”

A spokesperson for Oxford Street said it was important that the capital set the tone early.

“People come into central London in November looking for Christmas. Lighting up Oxford Street first tells the rest of the country that Christmas has begun here,” the spokesperson said.

The display, described by organisers as a “sky full of stars”, will remain in place through the run-up to Christmas and New Year. Visitors can check timings and late-night opening details via the area’s official Christmas listings.

Beyond Oxford Street

London’s other major Christmas light switch-ons follow in quick succession, offering residents and visitors a trail of festive cheer across the city.

• Regent Street & St James’s: On Thursday 6 November 2025 the iconic ‘Spirit of Christmas’ angels will glow overhead, spanning Regent Street, Piccadilly and St James’s.
• Carnaby Street: Also lighting up on 6 November, this year’s ‘All is Bright’ display verá sculptural LED forms suspended above the pedestrianised shopping zone in Soho.
• Covent Garden: Scheduled for Wednesday 12 November, the Piazza will shine with 40 giant golden bells, 12 oversized baubles and a 55ft Christmas tree behind the Market Hall.
• Marylebone Village: That same evening sees pedestrianised celebrations on the High Street, Devonshire Street and surrounding area, featuring live music and family-friendly festivities.
• Leadenhall Market: The City’s historic covered arcade will light up on Thursday 13 November, with tree garlands, baubles and weekend craft markets through the December run-up.
• Chelsea (King’s Road and Sloane Street): The switch-on takes place on Saturday 15 November, when the street is pedestrianised, pop-ups open and Father Christmas presides over the lights.

These events offer a map of London’s festive illumination, from the high-energy flash of Oxford Street to the neighbourhood charm of Marylebone and Belgravia.

Why it matters

London’s early November light switch-ons set a tone for the capital’s retail, cultural and civic calendar. The displays draw visitors, support local business and generate charitable contributions: Oxford Street’s switch-on supports the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH), helping seriously ill children.

In recent years the shift to LED installations has also become a marker of sustainable design: the Oxford Street scheme alone is claimed to be far more energy-efficient than older setups.

For the best experience, arrive around dusk, often between 4pm and 5pm in November, when the lights are most dramatic, and consider combining nearby streets for a walking tour of multiple switch-ons in one evening.

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