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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.

Brighten up those dark London winter nights, fill your Instagram feed with colourful snaps and make the most of Christmas in the capital with some of the most popular London light festivals. 

Discover the best light festivals in London for winter 2023/24 – the locations below usually host some of London's best light festivals, which illuminate the capital from November to March. 

Christmas at Kew

Two children look up in a tunnel of fairy lights during Christmas at Kew at Kew Gardens in London.
Tunnel of light at Christmas at Kew. Image courtesy of Royal Botanical Gardens 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. 15 Nov-7 Jan

Christmas at Eltham Palace

Lights illuminate Eltham Palace during its Christmas light show
Christmas at Eltham Palace. Image courtesy of Eltham Palace.

Be transported to a world of light, colour and sound at Christmas at Eltham Palace. Discover the historic mansion in a new light and explore tunnels and paths filled with twinkling lights and interactive displays. 1 Dec-1 Jan

Christmas at Kenwood

Lights illuminate Kenwood House for its Christmas light show
Christmas at Kenwood House. Image courtesy of Kenwood House.

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. 1 Dec-1 Jan

Christmas lights

A Christmas tree with dazzling warm white lights and red ornaments in the foreground. Red buses beneath shining 'spirits' of Christmas and stars.
The Spirit of Christmas at Regent Street and St James's. Image courtesy of The Crown Estate.

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 TBC

Winter Light at the Southbank Centre

Brightly lit art installation titled Dichroic Sphere by Jakob Kvist at night near Southbank Centre in London
See Winter Light art installations around Southbank Centre, including Dichroic Sphere by Jakob Kvist © Christoffer Askman

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 dark months. 2023 TBC

Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park

Syon House and its gardens are illuminated by neon lights of various colours at night in London.
See winter illuminations at Syon Park Enchanted Forest. Image courtesy of Simon Hadleigh-Sparks/Syon House.

Discover the magnificent 600-year-old gardens of Syon Park. Follow a trail of sparkling lights through the Enchanted Woodland to be dazzled by laser shows, light displays and music, ending up at the historic Great Conservatory. 2023 TBC

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. 2023 TBC

Illuminature at the London Wetland Centre

A woman and a man smile while looking at an art installation of two light-covered swans at London Wetland Centre
See wildlife in lights at Illuminature. Image courtesy of London Wetland Centre

Explore the London Wetland Centre after dark during Illuminature. You can be wowed by large-scale illuminations of wetland creatures, hop across interactive lily pads beneath sparkling fireflies and discover the habitats of owls, geese and otters this winter. 2023 TBC

Shard Lights

The Shard is illuminated at night with the top of the building lit in a bright blue colour.
The Shard illuminated at night. Image courtesy of Robert Keane/Unsplash.

Look high in the sky to see the most elevated seasonal light display in Western Europe at The Shard, which illuminates its top 20 storeys in a bright display visible across the city lighting up the night. 2023 TBC

Palace of Light at Hampton Court Palace

The exterior of Hampton Court Palace bathed in colourful lighting for the Palace of Light festival
Palace of Light at Hampton Court Palace. Image courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces.

Experience an after-dark adventure in the historic grounds of Hampton Court Palace with Palace of Light. Spot lanterns and light installations inspired by Henry VIII's Royal Beasts statues, from twinkling unicorns and polka-dot panthers to glowing lions. 2023 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. 2023 TBC

Canary Wharf Winter Lights

Man in front of tunnel of light
Be immersed in illuminations at Canary Wharf Winter Light. Image courtesy of Marcus Lyall/Canary Wharf Winter Light.

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. 2023 TBC

The Light Festival at Battersea Power Station

Colourful lights reflect on the river with Battersea Power Station in the backdrop
Eternal Sundown by Mads Vegas. Light Festival at Battersea Power Station. Credit: John Sturrock. Image courtesy of The Cast.
Discover one of London's coolest neighbourhoods in a new light this winter with The Light Festival at Battersea Power Station. The festival brings an array of vibrant, playful and thought-provoking light displays across the riverside area and inside the iconic landmark. If you're feeling peckish, stop off for a bite to eat at the treat-filled food huts and trucks. 2023 TBC

Illuminated River

People looking at the illuminated bridge on the river Thames in the evening
An illuminated bridge on the river Thames. ©James Newton.

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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