Time to start penning that wish-list to the North Pole, because Christmas is under two 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 – have already started to return. And now we know when ’s lights will be switched on for 2026. 

Mark your calendars for . And this year, Oxford Street’s display will have a touch of added magic. The shopping stretch’s yuletide illuminations will be going full ‘The Boy Who Lived’ this year to celebrate the launch of the new 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.

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