What if, this year, you spent Christmas in the world of Harry Potter? Just 2 hours and 20 minutes from Paris by Eurostar, London has a wonderful surprise in store for fans of the saga. For the first time ever, Oxford Street is featuring holiday lights inspired by the Hogwarts houses. But that’s not all! The UK’s largest official Harry Potter store has just opened its doors. With nearly 2,000 m² entirely dedicated to the Potter story, it promises a truly immersive experience. That’s a great reason to cross the Channel for a Christmas weekend with a twist.
For Christmas, Oxford Street is transforming into a school of witchcraft and wizardry
Every year, Oxford Street draws visitors with its Christmas decorations. This time, the famous avenue is adding a touch of magic to its lights—all thanks to a collaboration with Harry Potter and HBO Max. Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff are taking over the streets of London. Each house has its own light displays. They complement the iconic stars that hang overhead every year as you walk down Oxford Street.
The tour doesn’t end there. Just a few minutes’ walk away, Hanover Square features a giant Christmas tree entirely dedicated to Harry Potter, accompanied by an artificial snow show every hour. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover some of the saga’s iconic symbols throughout the UK’s capital.
On Oxford Street, Diagon Alley comes to life in a massive store
The lights aren’t the only new attraction worth the trip. Since November 4, 2026, a massive Harry Potter store has been welcoming visitors at 134–140 Oxford Street. With over 1,950 m² spread across two floors, it’s now the largest official Harry Potter store in the United Kingdom.
As soon as you walk in, the setting changes. Inspired by Diagon Alley, the store recreates the saga’s iconic locations. You’ll discover the dragon from Gringotts, a life-size MagicoBus, and a recreation of the Leaky Cauldron. And it’s not just there for decoration. You can step inside and stop for a Butterbeer or other treats inspired by the movies and books.
The store is filled with interactive experiences. The most original and adorable is the Hogwarts teddy bear sorting ceremony. You can choose a bear, assign it personality traits, and finally find out which house it belongs to with a Sorting Hat. It leaves with its house’s robes and its own certificate. And if you still don’t know which house you belong to, maybe it’s time to take the test before choosing your companion.
Fans can leave the store with personalized souvenirs: Hogwarts acceptance letters with their names on them, personalized notebooks, an exclusive wand inspired by Ollivander’s, or even designs by MinaLima. Between the decorations, activities, and items to discover, this new destination offers much more than just a shopping trip.
Hogwarts under the snow—the magic of Christmas continues at Warner Bros. Studios
To extend this Harry Potter-themed weekend, you can’t miss the Warner Bros. Studios, located just outside London. The place is already a must-see for fans. But it becomes even more magical as the holiday season approaches.
From November 14, 2026, to January 17, 2027, the “Hogwarts in the Snow” event transforms the film sets for the holidays. In the Great Hall, long tables are set for a Christmas banquet, surrounded by Christmas trees and hanging candles. The Gryffindor common room is decked out in festive decorations, while the Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley are covered in frost. At the end of the tour, visitors can see a model of Hogwarts Castle completely covered in snow. The studios reveal some behind-the-scenes secrets, particularly regarding the techniques used to create the snow and winter sets in the films. This is an experience that requires advance booking, especially during the Christmas holidays.
Between the new Oxford Street lights, the newly opened store, and the studio sets, London offers a Christmas lineup dedicated to Harry Potter fans. It’s a wonderful opportunity to rediscover the saga, the locations, and the characters that have left their mark on generations.
Location: London, United Kingdom