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Best light festivals in London

Be dazzled by twinkling winter light sculptures, cool artworks and immersive illumination experiences across the capital.
A woman holds hands with two little boys as they walk under a canopy of twinkling lights at Christmas at Kew
Treat the whole family to an unforgettable trip to Christmas at Kew this winter. Credit: RBG Kew. Image courtesy of RBG Kew.

The Christmas season is a magical time in London! 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.  

Winter Light at Southbank Centre

A giant red glowing light projected onto windows at the Southbank Centre at night, with the entrance to the building below

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. 8 Nov-2 Feb

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

Poppy Fields at the Tower

The Tower of London illuminated at night with red light show featuring poppies and shadows of soldiers to commemorate Remembrance in London.

See the Tower of London transformed with artwork reflecting on the First and Second World Wars to commemorate the remembrance period. The poignant and moving sound and light show illuminates 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 at Kew

Pink, orange and yellow lights are projected onto the greenhouse at Kew Gardens with reflections on the water with a statue in the middle

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

Ever After Garden in Grosvenor Square

A hand taking a photo of hundreds of glowing white lights on a phone at night

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. 14 Nov-18 Dec 

Shard Lights

The Shard Snowman lights up the Shard for Christmas

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 building's top 20 storeys in sequences inspired by famous Christmas carols. 14 Nov-31 Dec

Penguin Parade Sculpture Trail in Fleet Street Quarter

Perfect for families, discover the magical free Penguin Parade Sculpture Trail in Fleet Street Quarter, in support of WWF. Each of the 12 adorable penguins on display is decked out in festive finery designed by talented artists, and perched in iconic spots including Chancery Lane, New Street Square, Ludgate Circus and Blackfriars. 14 Nov-5 Jan

Lantern Parade in Greenwich

A four piece band walk down the street in front of Greenwich wearing Christmas hats surrounded by people holding lanterns and lights, with a view of Cutty Sark in the background decorated with lights in the shape of a Christmas tree

Head over to Greenwich for the beloved annual Lantern Parade, which sees local children parade handmade lanterns around the grounds of iconic spots, including the Old Royal Naval College, the Cutty Sark gardens and Greenwich Market. 20 Nov

London Illuminated Light Trail at Fulham Palace

Wrap up warm for the London Illuminated Light Trail at Fulham Palace featuring a Christmas-themed light trail. Pick up some marshmallows from the stalls selling food and drinks, and roast them at the cosy firepits dotted around the grounds. Don't miss the exciting lineup of entertainment including circus displays, live music and magic! 28 Nov-22 Dec

Sparkle in the Park in Charlton

A young child dressed in a red coat and beanie hat touches a giant light up globe with an actress dressed up in a winter-themed outfit looking back at them

Be blown away as Charlton Park and Charlton House and Gardens are transformed into an enchanted winter wonderland during Sparkle in the Park, a free festival featuring impressive light installations, a Christmas market, a fun fair and performances from local schools and community choirs. 28 Nov-1 Dec

Winter Light Trail at Vauxhall City Farm

Make your way to Vauxhall City Farm in south London for the Winter Light Trail, which is set to transform the garden into a wonderland of mesmerising light installations. Say hello to the friendly resident animals during your visit, as the farm and cafe remain open for the festive season. 1-22 Dec 

Christmas in Chelsea

an exterior photo of an old red brick building, with three people stood amongst light installations and snow

Follow the light trail around Royal Hospital Chelsea as it is transformed into a winter wonderland for Christmas in Chelsea. Listen to local choirs sing Christmas carols, get involved in festive workshops and browse the stalls at the Christmas market during your visit. 4-29 Dec

Chanukah on the 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. 25 Dec-2 Jan 

Canary Wharf Winter Lights

The Clew, a light installation on Cubitt Bridge in Canary Wharf, is made from 100 circles of red light. It was created by Ottotto, a portuguese architectural firm.

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. 21 Jan-1 Feb

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

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.

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