On the 2nd of November, the Oxford street Christmas lights lit up the iconic London street for another year, though this year with a eco conscious and cost of living crisis appropriate twist. 

 

The iconic lights will hang over the street until the 8th of January 2023, having been lit for the first time on the 2ndNovember 2022. There are approximately 5000 shining stars that hang between the buildings over the busy shoppers, creating a bright picture prefect outlook that is well needed, during the dark winter. 

 

This year, for the first time since 1959 when the lights were first introduced, the lights will have reduced operating hours down from 24/7 to 3pm to 11pm. This should help the lights reduce their energy consumption and help with costs due to the rising cost of electricity. The shortened time period also has the added benefit of ensuring the lights are more eco conscious as less power will be required to light them. 

 

Sustainability was a big feature when designing the lights for this year and then lights are are made with energy saving LED bulbs to reduce energy consumption and costs. As well as from recycled plastic and cost friendly materials that help support sustainability and minimise the lights' effect on the environment and help bring down costs. 

 

The use of limited hours for Christmas lights seems to be a key feature of this year's Christmas – with Covent Garden and Regent Street Lights also having reduced hours – a common feature of this Christmas due to rising costs and increased public pressure for sustainability.

 

Although the lights will have limited hours they are still beautiful and will hopefully help inspire joy for many over this dark winter.