Oxford Street’s sky fills with stars as Vanessa Williams switches on Christmas lights in partnership with GOSH Charity

On Monday 3rd November, the world-famous Oxford Street Christmas lights were switched on by Vanessa Williams, in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity). Vanessa pressed the iconic big button to reveal the magic of the starry lights, officially kicking off Christmas in the capital with thousands of brilliant white stars now blanketing the sky.

Vanessa Williams, star of the West End said: “It’s such an honour to be here on Oxford Street to help kick off the festive season and support the incredible work of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. Christmas is a time for joy, hope and giving back, and seeing these beautiful lights shine tonight reminds us all of the magic that can happen when a community comes together for such an important cause.”

This year, the UK’s favourite shopping street has partnered with GOSH Charity to inspire visitors to spread a little festive joy. In the ultimate celebration of Christmas cheer, Oxford Street will play host to Big Day of JOY to raise vital funds for GOSH Charity on 7th December, transforming the iconic destination into a vibrant hub of festive activity.

Dee Corsi, CEO at New West End Company commented: “The West End is an iconic destination all year round, but it becomes truly magical during the festive season. There’s a buzz in the air as businesses are pulling out all the stops to make the West End sparkle this Christmas.

Central to that magic is, of course, our incredible lighting displays. Nothing captures the festive spirit in the West End quite like the starry decorations that will illuminate the street from tonight, marking the beginning of Christmas in the capital.

This year, we’re once again collaborating with Great Ormond Street Hospital, whose team helps give seriously ill children the best chance, and childhood, possible. We’re proud to support their incredible work throughout the festive season and, on 7 December, we invite you to join us by taking part on our Big Day of Joy. It will be a day filled with festive activities and experiences on Oxford Street, with plenty of opportunities to donate to GOSH Charity.”

Liz Tait, Director of Fundraising at GOSH Charity, said: “We are honoured to be partnering with Oxford Street once again to celebrate the start of the festive season with this incredible light switch-on event. Every donation made to GOSH Charity tonight and throughout the festive period will help make Christmas feel like Christmas for seriously ill children at Great Ormond Street Hospital – from decorating trees with the Play team to carol singing with the Chaplaincy team. Together, we can bring joy and a touch of festive magic to the wards, and give more children the hope of many more Christmases to come.”

GOSH Charity exists to help give seriously ill children at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Donations to the charity fund vital support services for children and their families such as the Play team and free family accommodation, life-saving medical equipment, ground-breaking research and the building and refurbishment of child-focused facilities.

Throughout the festive period, members of the public can make donations via the Oxford Street website. Every donation will help make a big difference to the lives of seriously ill children and provide the hope of many more Christmases to come. To help make every moment matter this Christmas for seriously ill children at GOSH, visit www.gosh.org/christmas.

The light display provides a spectacular backdrop for visitors to explore the wonders of London’s ultimate festive destination and it’s also environmentally conscious, having been made from recycled polymer and features more than 300,000 LED star lights which are 75 percent more energy efficient than standard bulbs. The stars will be illuminated for a reduced number of hours this year from 4pm to midnight.

Oxford Street’s Big Day of JOY (Sunday 7th December) in support of GOSH Charity is set to dazzle with on-street performances, unmissable in-store activities, and a plethora of festive experiences. Visitors are encouraged to gather their friends and family, wrap up warm, and head to Oxford Street for a day of festive fun, community spirit, and holiday magic – there’ll be a chance to give something back too by donating to GOSH Charity.

Oxford Street will be brimming with Christmas activities, from the ever-popular Santa’s Grotto at John Lewis, featuring a Santa Paws experience for four-legged friends to the brand-new Christmas shop at IKEA, a welcome addition for 2025. Explore the spectacular Selfridges’ Christmas Shop and discover exciting pop-ups throughout the store, created in collaboration with Disney. Shoppers can feast on special festive dishes at Market Halls, before heading to the new Games Hall for even more seasonal fun.

A true destination for dining this Christmas, visitors can also indulge in a luxury private dining experience at the 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen — keeping out the cold while enjoying panoramic views from their cosy festive igloos. The M&S Food festive range needs no introduction, offering perfect platters and elevated at-home dining options for all your hosting needs.

For gifting and party-season essentials, browse the likes of Reserved, Zara, MANGO, and more to wrap up your Christmas shopping in just one street visit. For a personal touch? Visit Pandora and Swarovski for in-store engraving, and discover the new Jewellery Hall on Selfridges’ third floor.

Stay up to date with the festivities @oxfordstreetw1. For festive inspiration, details on Big Day of JOY, or to donate to GOSH Charity, visit www.oxfordstreet.co.uk and www.gosh.org/christmas.

Photo credits: David Parry/PA Media.