What is Oxford Street?
Oxford Street is a major shopping street in London's West End, running about 1.2 miles from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road. With hundreds of shops, it is one of Europe's busiest shopping streets.
The street follows the route of an old Roman road. It became known for shopping in the 1700s and 1800s, and large department stores opened in the early 1900s.
Selfridges, opened in 1909 by American businessman Harry Gordon Selfridge, is one of the most famous stores on Oxford Street. Other big stores include John Lewis and Marks & Spencer's flagship store.
Christmas lights
Oxford Street is famous for its Christmas lights, which are switched on each November, often by a celebrity.
The street can be extremely crowded, especially on weekends and before Christmas. Plans have been announced to pedestrianize parts of the street.
Oxford Street connects with Regent Street at Oxford Circus, one of London's busiest Tube stations. Bond Street, a luxury shopping street, is nearby. The Elizabeth line has stations at Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road.