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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 2025/26 – watch the capital light up at the locations below that usually 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 its annual Winter Light. Wander through the art complex and along the river Thames for an illuminating experience during the darker months. Nov TBC

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 each year. 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. Nov TBC

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. Nov TBC

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, usually 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 TBC

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 which last year lit up the building's top 20 storeys in sequences inspired by famous Christmas carols. Nov TBC

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. Last year, each of the 12 adorable penguins on display were decked out in festive finery designed by talented artists, and perched in iconic spots including Chancery Lane, New Street Square, Ludgate Circus and Blackfriars. Nov TBC

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 normally 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. Nov TBC 

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 which included circus displays, live music and magic in 2024! Nov TBC

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 which usually features impressive light installations, a Christmas market, a fun fair and performances from local schools and community choirs. Nov TBC

Winter Light Trail at Vauxhall City Farm

Make your way to Vauxhall City Farm in south London for the annual Winter Light Trail, which last year transformed 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. Dec TBC

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. You can expect to listen to local choirs sing Christmas carols, get involved in festive workshops and browse the stalls at the Christmas market during your visit. Dec TBC 

Chanukah on the Square

Mark the nights of Chanukah with the special yearly 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 TBC

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 expect to discover artworks and immersive installations from artists from across the world. Jan TBC

Light Festival at Battersea Power Station

A giant pink neon light sculpture in the shape of a ball of yarn at night time with Battersea Power Station in the background with its light up chimneys

Light up your winter evenings with a visit to one of London's coolest neighbourhoods for Light Festival at Battersea Power Station. From a take on the northern lights to a tornado of light, last year's festival brought an array of vibrant, interactive and thought-provoking light displays across the riverside area and inside the iconic landmark. Jan TBC

Here We Glow at Westfield London

A collection of large transparent bubble sculptures glowing shades of blue, pink and purple at night with outlines of people and lamposts in the foreground

Don't miss the debut light-up gallery, Here We Glow, on display at Westfield London in Shepherd's Bush. Wander around the area as night falls to see unique installations from different artists, which last year included an 26ft-tall (8 metres) bubble sculpture and a 3D cascading spectrum of light glowing in the wintry night. Jan 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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