Christmas 2025 has almost arrived here in London!
Our city is known throughout the world as one of the best places to view some incredible Christmas lights - and, honestly, I don't think they ever disappoint.
I've lived in London for 20 years and have been a tour guide for 13 years and I would say the Christmas Lights on Oxford Street are definitely the best well known, and the ones I get asked about the most.
So I've written this post to give you all in the information about what's in store for Christmas 2025 on Oxford Street.
In the video below, Sinead, a tour guide with us, Tours by Foot London, takes you on a short virtual walk of the Christmas lights on Oxford Street.
We do a fantastic London Christmas Lights Tour, which includes Oxford Street so consider coming to check it out with us!
Oxford Street is a world-class shopping destination for visitors from all across the globe, right in the heart of the city.
Londoners do actually shop here, as well as tourists.
Although, I will say that I personally try to avoid it on the weekends whenever possible as the crowds can be overwhelming - especially during the holiday season.
Considering London pulls out all the stops when it comes to Christmas decorations, it's no surprise that Oxford Street is always decked out in beautiful, twinkling lights throughout the Christmas season!
In years gone by, many celebrities have been invited to flip the switch and officially start London's Christmas Season.
My friends and I would come down every year to see who would be given the honour each time.
I've seen Bob Geldof, Cliff Richard, the Spice Girls, Robbie Williams and Jim Carrey!
I think the years of A-list switchers on is largely over, though. I haven't seen a celebrity guest turn on the lights since 2017, when Rita Ora did them.
This year, the lights will be turned on on the 5th of November and should shine until the 5th of January 2025.
It also used to be the case that I'd see the lights twinkling all day at night, but since 2021, in an effort to be more "green," the lights are only on from 16:00 (4:00pm) and they switch off around 23:00 (11:00pm).
Where is Oxford Street?
Oxford Street is right in the centre of the city.
It's sandwiched in between Soho and Mayfair to the South, Kensington to the West, Covent Garden and Bloomsbury to the East, and Fitzrovia and Marylebone to the North.
Owing to its central location, it's very easy to get to Oxford Street!
It's just a short walk up from Westminster and Soho, and I usually pair a visit to Oxford Street with a meal or drinks in Soho.
Or I'll head up there after my Westminster Tour finishes in the afternoon to get some shopping done before the crowds grow.
What Are the Decorations for 2025?
In 2021, it was announced that the Oxford Street lights would be little more scaled back than in previous years owing to the current hike in energy bills in the UK, and would only shine until 23:00 (11:00pm) each night.
Also, that year, in an effort to be more eco-conscious, the new light display was made up of cost-friendly materials like recycled plastic.
And, in keeping with the trend, those lights have been reused each year since, including the 2025 season.
Although I am disappointed that the lights will be the same as last year, I am still excited to see them!
Walking down the street will have me strolling under 5,000 recyclable dangling stars, twinkling with over 300,000 light bulbs!
The stars dangle over the entire street and I definitely feel like it's a winter wonderland each time I see them.
In 2025, you can expect to see 5,000 100% recyclable dangling stars made up of over 300,000 LED light bulbs.
This year, Oxford Street has partnered with Great Ormond Street Hospital, which will be raising money through big events like the Day of Joy on the 7th of October.
That day will feature street performers and festive activities as well as seeing some stores hosting festive events.
I am looking forward to checking it out!
Even though I have seen the Oxford Street stars before, I will still be heading down there to see them again this year, and I think you should, too!
One of the reasons I like going is that it isn't just the Oxford Street lights on display.
Department stores like Selfridges and John Lewis go all out with incredible window displays which change every year. So there's always something new for me to see!
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