The Christmas season is a magical time in London and it is fast approaching! Get ready for enchanting festive shows, gorgeous light trails and festivals, fabulous Christmas markets and more.
Brighten up those dark London winter nights, fill your Instagram feed with colourful snaps and make the most of Christmas in the capital with these popular London light festivals.
Discover the best light festivals in London for winter 2024/25 – watch the capital light up at the locations below that host some of London's best light festivals from November to March.
Poppy Fields at the Tower
See the Tower of London transformed with artwork reflecting on the First and Second World Wars to commemorate Remembrance this November. The poignant and moving sound and light show will illuminate the iconic Tower buildings over nine nights, creating a peaceful space to remember those who served and lost their lives, and look forward to brighter days to come. 8-16 Nov
Christmas lights
Get into the festive spirit and walk beneath a twinkling canopy of some of the most famous Christmas lights in London, including Regent Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby and Covent Garden. Nov-Jan
Winter Light at Southbank Centre
Visit the free art installations dotted in and around Southbank Centre as part of Winter Light. Wander through the art complex and along the river Thames for an illuminating experience during the darker months. 1 Nov-5 Jan
Ever After Garden in Grosvenor Square
Take a moment during the festive period to reflect in the Ever After Garden in Grosvenor Square, filled with glowing roses in memory of lost loved ones. The stunning illuminated garden helps to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Nov-Dec TBC
Christmas at Kew
Discover some of the most enchanting Christmas lights in London with Christmas at Kew. Meander through the gardens illuminated by twinkling lights and say hello to Santa along the way before a spectacular finale in front of the Palm House. 13 Nov-5 Jan
Wimbledon Festive Light Trail
Immerse yourself in the Wimbledon Festive Light Trail, which creates a magical wonderland from light, sound and colour. Stop for tasty food, mulled wine and hot chocolate before gathering around the cosy firepit to toast marshmallows. Nov-Dec TBC
Shard Lights
Look high in the sky to see the most elevated seasonal light display in Western Europe at The Shard. See the Shard Lights illuminations light up the night in a bright display which featured a snowman, candle and festive Scottish pattern across the building's top 20 storeys in 2023. Nov-Dec TBC
Christmas at Eltham Palace
Be transported to a world of light, colour and sound at The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace. Discover the historic mansion in a new light and explore tunnels and paths filled with twinkling lights and interactive displays. 23 Nov-22 Dec
Luminaze at Wembley Park
Wander around the Luminaze at Wembley Park, an immersive maze filled with light installations, sculptures and projections. Find the middle of the maze and to discover the Hourglass, a four-metre-tall (13ft) sculpture showcasing an animated story using 3D projections and audio clips from local residents. Dec-Jan TBC
London's Chanukah Menorah in Trafalgar Square
Mark the nights of Chanukah with a special celebration in Trafalgar Square. A new light is lit on each of the eight nights at London’s Chanukah Menorah in the heart of the city. Dec-Jan TBC
Christmas at Kenwood
Take snaps of Instagrammable installations along the festive light trail of Christmas at Kenwood. Be dazzled by twinkling lights and sounds across the grounds of historic Kenwood House before warming up with seasonal foodie treats. Dec-Jan TBC
Light Festival at Battersea Power Station
Light up your winter evenings with a visit to one of London's coolest neighbourhoods for Light Festival at Battersea Power Station. The festival brings an array of vibrant, interactive and thought-provoking light displays across the riverside area and inside the iconic landmark, plus unmissable live performances. Jan-Feb TBC
Canary Wharf Winter Lights
Marvel at spectacular displays during the Winter Lights festival in Canary Wharf. As the area glows in the wintry dark, you can discover artworks and immersive installations from artists from across the world. Jan TBC
LIFE at St-Martin-in-the-Fields
Watch as hues of every colour illuminate St Martin-in-the-Fields parish church for LIFE, a celebration of light and sound. Be taken on an immersive journey through earth, sea and sky, ending with a spectacular light show inside the church. Jan-Feb TBC
Illuminated River
Discover the capital's Illuminated River installations, which light up nine of London's bridges with colourful displays after dark. See the exhibition from the Thames during a relaxing river cruise or soak up views of the city glimmering at night on foot. Year-round
Check out more Christmas activities across the capital, including the best London Christmas lights, top places for Christmas shopping and 101 Christmas things to do in London.
