Oxford Street are known for wasting very little time in shuffling people along from Halloween mode to Christmas frenzy, and this year is no different. Central London’s earlybird Christmas lights are always the first of the main displays to switch on, and this year the grand switch-on will take place on Monday, November 3 (that’s tonight!), ushering in the beginning of the festive season in the shopping haven.
They’ll lead the charge for the flurry of Christmas lights switching on in London, with the likes of Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, Soho, and many more, with the classic set of stars shining down on the streets once again very soon.
Oxford Street Christmas lights
This year, Oxford Street’s beautiful Christmas lights display will again come in collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), which has run since 1852 to change the lives of seriously ill children. Their charity helps provide vital medical equipment to the hospital, as well as helping to fund ground-breaking research and provide facilities to the children who need treatment.
And the beginning of November isn’t the only day you’ll need to note down in your diaries, with December 7 marking The Big Day Of Joy to support GOSH and their work throughout the festive period. The area will be transformed into a festive paradise with plenty of interactive activities and festive experiences, as well as opportunities to donate to the charity.
Once again, the long-running display will be using a set of 300,000 LED lightbulbs to power the display, which saves around 75% more energy than standard bulbs. You’ll be able to see them shining each day throughout the whole festive period once the sun sets each day (sadly, earlier and earlier as we approach the end of December).
Oxford Street Christmas lights will be switched on from Monday, November 3. You can read more about GOSH and donate directly here.