A Christmas tree decorated in the style of the Harry Potter universe has appeared on Hanover Square in London. According to the lifestyle project WAVE (RBC-Ukraine), the festive installation has become part of the large-scale Christmas decorations on the shopping street Oxford Street, which this year is entirely dedicated to the magical world of J.K. Rowling. The tree is adorned with themed elements inspired by the Hogwarts Great Hall from the upcoming HBO series Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and is topped with the Sorting Hat, recreating the atmosphere of the school of magic.
Hourly "Magical Snowfall" as the Main Feature of the Installation
According to the organizers, the main feature of the tree is the simulation of a magical snowfall: every hour, a falling snow effect is activated around the tree, turning an ordinary walk through festive London into a brief immersion in the wizarding world. It is this dynamic effect, rather than static illumination, that is designed to be the key experience for visitors and photographers coming to capture festive shots.
Four Light Installations of Hogwarts Houses
In addition to the central tree, Oxford Street features four large light structures dedicated to the Hogwarts houses — Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Each of them is 16 meters wide and decorated with compositions of 30 hanging candles; in total, more than 75,000 LEDs were used across the entire installation, making the street one of the most spectacular during the pre-holiday season.
Collaboration with HBO Max and Series Premiere for Christmas 2026
The festive project is timed to coincide with the premiere of the new HBO series Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, scheduled for Christmas 2026. The decoration of Oxford Street is part of a large-scale collaboration between the shopping street and HBO Max aimed at promoting the upcoming adaptation. Thus, the Christmas decorations serve not only an aesthetic but also a marketing function, connecting the urban festive space with the series release.
The UK's Largest Harry Potter Store and Tree Schedule
On November 4, the UK's largest official Harry Potter store opened on Oxford Street, complementing the street's festive concept. According to the organizers, the Christmas tree on Hanover Square will remain on the square until January 5, 2027, giving fans of the magical story plenty of time to see the installation and take photos against the backdrop of the "magical" snowfall.
