A month ago, HBO Max and the New West End Company unveiled a landmark partnership “to bring the magic of Harry Potter to Oxford Street this Christmas.” On Thursday, they revealed more details about the festive Harry Potter Oxford Street celebration.
Among the news was a free-to-attend Christmas lights switch-on event and “multiple magical moments celebrating the world of Harry Potter.”
A switch-on countdown event will open from 2 p.m. London time om Nov. 9, with an official start time of 4:30 p.m. The event will run until 7 p.m. “Taking place on Oxford Street, spanning part of the newly pedestrianized section between Oxford Circus and Bond Street, the special fan event will be hosted by Hits Radio presenter and TV personality Sam Thompson,” the organizers said. “Hits Radio’s Marvin Humes will provide DJ sets throughout the afternoon and evening, with a carol performance by the Oxford Street Christmas Choir, plus a themed quiz, exclusive content and other surprises for fans in attendance.”
The Harry Potter-themed lights, which will appear alongside Oxford Street’s traditional star Christmas lights, are inspired by the upcoming series Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, ahead of its Christmas Day premiere on HBO Max.
“There will be four spectacular 16-meter-wide, double-sided illuminated lights all representing one of the Hogwarts houses — Ravenclaw, Slytherin, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff,” the partners unveiled on Thursday. “These can be seen at different points from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road. Taking over three months to design and featuring over 75,000 individual LED lights, each will feature a spectacular cluster of 30 floating candles, making this the biggest ever takeover of the historical Oxford Street Christmas lights.”
The organizers also promise “additional eye-catching experiences, including a spectacular Christmas tree in Hanover Square that will be decorated with Harry Potter-themed ornaments, inspired by the new series. The tree will even feature a magical surprise in the form of enchanted snowfall, making it a truly enchanting spectacle in the heart of the West End.”
The partnership is timed to celebrate the Christmas launch of the new HBO Original TV series Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, alongside the opening of Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street, the U.K.’s largest official Harry Potter flagship shop, which opened its doors on Wednesday. As reported, trans rights protesters made their voices heard on opening day.
Fans can attend the switch-on event on a first-come, first-served basis. More information can be found at www.oxfordstreet.co.uk.
