What is there to do on Oxford Street at Christmas?

Oxford Street at Christmas (late Nov–Dec 2026) is a premier London destination featuring iconic, dazzling light displays, elaborate window shopping at department stores like Selfridges, and extended holiday shopping hours. Key activities include visiting nearby themed streets like Carnaby Street and taking open-top bus tours to see the festive lights.

What to do in Oxford during Christmas?

Our Favourite Days Out During The Festive Season

• explore the festive events at blenheim palace.
• find out more about christmas celebrations at christ church.
• explore the festive events at oxford castle & prison.
• find out more about the pantomime at oxford playhouse.
• book your festive oxford getaway.

Is Oxford Street open on Christmas?

No, major stores on Oxford Street are closed on Christmas Day (December 25th) due to UK law for large retailers and tradition, with most shops remaining shut, though you might find a few small convenience stores open, but expect very limited options for shopping and no public transport. 

What is the most Christmassy street in London?

While central London's Regent Street and Carnaby Street offer iconic, grand displays, the true "most Christmassy street" is often cited as Lower Morden Lane in South London, where residents go all-out decorating their homes for charity, creating a dazzling, local winter wonderland that draws huge crowds and raises significant funds for St Raphael's Hospice.
 

What time are the Christmas lights on in Oxford Street?

Planning your visit around the lights? Here's what you need to know about timing. The Oxford Street Christmas lights will run from Monday 3 November 2025 through Sunday 5 January 2026, giving you more than eight weeks to visit. The lights illuminate daily from around 3pm until 11pm throughout the season.

Is London’s Oxford Street the CRAZIEST place to be at Christmas? The best decorations!

Which street has the best Christmas lights in London?

For the best Christmas lights in London, focus on the central shopping districts like Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Bond Street for dazzling displays, while Carnaby Street offers creative themes and Covent Garden provides a festive hub with markets and giant trees, plus unique spots like Belgravia for elegant residential sparkle and Leadenhall Market for historic charm. A walking route covering these areas is ideal for experiencing the variety, from Regent Street's angels to Carnaby's installations.
 

Where is the best walking route for Christmas lights in London?

A Fantastically Festive Walk Through London's Christmas Lights And Decorations

• Trafalgar Square Christmas tree. ...
• St James's Christmas tree. ...
• Regent Street Christmas lights. ...
• Fortnum & Mason at Christmas. ...
• Bond Street Christmas lights and windows. ...
• Annabel's in Berkeley Square. ...
• Oxford Street Christmas lights.

What is the most beautiful street in London during Christmas?

While beauty is subjective, Regent Street is often hailed as the most iconic and beautiful street for Christmas in London, famous for its dazzling "Spirit of Christmas" angel lights creating a magical canopy, though nearby Bond Street (with its regal displays), Carnaby Street (themed lights), and the elegant Mayfair (especially Annabel's) offer stunning, distinct experiences, with Covent Garden and Leadenhall Market adding festive market charm.
 

What famous pub in London has Christmas lights?

Each Christmas, the Churchill Arms becomes a London ritual in light. Thousands of glowing bulbs spill across its historic façade, and with a single switch, Kensington is transformed—street by street, smile by smile.

What can a tourist do on Christmas Day in London?

Most attractions close, but the Christmas lights around Regent Street, Covent Garden, and the South Bank are all still great to walk through. Some hotels and river cruise companies also run special Christmas Day lunches or short sightseeing cruises, which can be a fun way to spend the afternoon.

What is the crisis at Christmas in Oxford?

Crisis works at Christmas and all year round to support people in Oxford to build lives beyond homelessness. Every year thanks to our Christmas appeal we offer much needed warmth, advice, food and company to people experiencing homelessness.

Is it worth going to London during Christmas?

Yes, Christmas in London is widely considered magical and worth it for the dazzling lights, festive markets, ice skating, and unique atmosphere, but be prepared for large crowds, high costs, and potentially cold/wet weather; it's best if you embrace the festive spirit while also seeking quieter moments to avoid the overwhelming commercialism and tourist traps, according to a local's guide, Visit London, and Reddit users.
 

Where is the most Christmassy place in London?

For the ultimate Christmassy feel in London, head to Covent Garden for its giant tree and lights, Regent Street for its iconic angel lights, and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for a massive festive market and carnival; while Chelsea's Sloane Square offers charming local lights and markets, creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
 

What to do in London at Christmas for free?

Free Festive Things To Do In London This Christmas

• See the London Christmas lights. ...
• Wander around London's Christmas markets. ...
• Southbank Centre's Winter Lights. ...
• Seek out Snoopy in Fleet Street. ...
• Admire the Ever After Garden in Duke of York Square. ...
• Visit the Outernet Ice Palace.

How to spend one day in Oxford?

For a day in Oxford, focus on its iconic university sights like the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and colleges (e.g., Christ Church) {1, 2, 8}, visit the Ashmolean Museum (Britain's oldest public museum) {1, 12}, explore the historic Covered Market {4, 15}, and enjoy the river by punting or a river cruise {1, 15}. Don't miss climbing a tower for city views or relaxing in the Botanic Garden for a perfect mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty.

What is the most Christmassy thing to do in London?

What to do in London over Christmas

• Christmas Shopping on Oxford Street. ...
• Explore Christmas Markets at Southbank Centre. ...
• Discover the Magic of Kew Gardens. ...
• Sip Christmas Cocktails at Themed Bars. ...
• Admire the Christmas Lights. ...
• Enjoy a Traditional Christmas Dinner at a Pub. ...
• Watch the New Year Fireworks.

How do I get to Oxford Street Christmas lights?

If you are set on a bus route, then 139, 98, 88 and 453 will get you down Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. We just walked on Sunday evening, the decorations were amazing.

What is the coolest street in London?

Taking a crown that in previous years has been worn by the South Bank, Deptford High Street and Soho's Gerrard Street is Blackstock Road. The Finsbury Park-Highbury link placed 23rd in the global ranking, sandwiched between avenues in Buenos Aires and Cape Town.

What is the most Christmassy town in the UK?

The most Christmassy towns and cities in the UK:

• Bowness-on-Windermere.
• Bakewell.
• York.
• Keswick.
• Buxton.
• London.
• Arundel.
• Haworth.

Where does Harry Potter go for Christmas?

Although many Hogwarts students go home for Christmas, Harry consistently, and with three rare exceptions, remains at school during the break.

Is Oxford Christmas Market good?

Broad Street Oxford Christmas Market

It is widely regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Oxford, and with good reason. Wooden chalets line the length of the street, each one illuminated in warm, honey coloured light that enhances the historic backdrop.

What are some hidden gems in London to walk to?

Even if you live in London yourself, there's a chance that you haven't heard of some of these, so come and have a read.

• The Hill Garden And Pergola. ...
• leadenhall market. ...
• holland park. ...
• barbican conservatory. ...
• chelsea physic garden. ...
• God's Own Junkyard. ...
• wwt wetland centre. ...
• Garden at 120.

What is the most beautiful Christmas street in London?

What is the most Christmassy street in London? As London transforms over the festive period, you'll find Christmas cheer wherever you go. Head to Oxford Street to see some of the city's most dazzling Christmas lights, and don't forget to wander down nearby Carnaby Street for its cool displays.

Is it free to drive into London on Christmas Day?

Yes, driving into central London on Christmas Day is generally free from the Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charge, as both are suspended for the day (and often between Christmas and New Year's Day). However, the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) for heavier vehicles still operates, and some tunnel charges (like Blackwall/Silvertown) might apply, so always check your vehicle's status and TfL's official site for specific details.