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 2026/27 – 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
Visit the free art installations dotted in and around Southbank Centre as part of its annual Winter Light display. Wander through the art complex and along the river Thames for an illuminating experience during the darker months.
When: 1 Nov-18 Jan
Sculpture Trail in Fleet Street Quarter
Perfect for families, you can discover the magical free Snoopy Sculpture Trail in Fleet Street Quarter, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Peanuts™. Find each of the 12 artist-designed installations of Snoopy on his doghouse dotted around the historic district, where the cartoon was once printed.
When: 19 Nov-16 Jan
Canary Wharf Winter Lights
Marvel at spectacular displays during the Winter Lights festival in Canary Wharf, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new theme: DREAMSCAPE. As the area glows in the wintry dark, you can expect to discover artworks and immersive installations from artists from across the world.
When: 20-31 Jan
Dana-Fiona Armour: Serpentine Currents at Somerset House
Take a moment to interact with Serpentine Currents, an art installation on display at the Somerset House courtyard. Artist Dana-Fiona Armour raises awareness about climate change with her sculpture of an endangered sea snake species. The installation features LED lights which use responsive light technology to match the wave patterns from the British coastline.
When: 19 Feb-26 Apr
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. 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. The light festival will not be taking place in 2026 but check back in 2027.
When: Jan TBC
Planetarium Go! at Battersea Power Station
Watch out for new immersive pop-up light experience Planetarium Go! at Battersea Power Station. Explore the wonders of the universe inside a large spherical dome, where astronomy and science film projections take visitors on an unforgettable immersive journey through space.
When: 30 Jan-1 Mar
London 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.
When: Nov-Jan
Reflections I in East Village, Stratford
Head to East Village in Stratford to spot Reflections I, a large-scale interactive installation by London-based artist Russ Jones. You can add your own notes, doodles and thoughts directly onto the surface of the 2.4-metre mirrored cube throughout January.
When: 1-31 Jan
Ever After Garden
Pay your respects at the Ever After Garden, where you can expect to see more than 30,000 white roses light up Duke of York Square in Chelsea to remember lost loved ones across the winter season. Last year, the installation was open daily and entry was free, but donations to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity are encouraged for those who dedicate a rose.
When: 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 the spectacular finale that normally happens in front of the Palm House.
When: Nov-Jan TBC
Windsor Great Park Illuminated
Wander through the royal woodland as it lights up with spectacular installations for Windsor Great Park Illuminated. Follow the trail spotting lights, projections, lasers, flood-lit fountains and more, with a firepit area serving up food, mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows!
When: Nov-Jan
Outernet Butterfly Trail
Last year, Outernet's Now Building welcomed back its Butterfly Trail for the festive season. The free public art installation featured a whimsical scene combining imagery of the natural world with magical, multicoloured artwork. Look out for more details ahead of next year when it might make a comeback.
When: Nov-Jan TBC
Lantern Parade in Greenwich
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.
When: Nov TBC
Neverland at Kenwood
Embark on a magical, imagination and adventure-filled journey to Neverland at Kenwood, a dazzling outdoor trail that was inspired by the timeless Peter Pan last year. Make your way through the grounds of Hampstead's historic Kenwood House, past illuminated artworks and themed installations which are yet to be confirmed for 2026.
When: Nov-Jan TBC
Twelfth Night of Christmas at Chiswick House
Bag tickets to the Twelfth Night of Christmas at Chiswick House where you expect to tour the grounds of the historic building transformed for the festive season. Last year, decorations were inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas carol with a Georgian theme, to match both the era the poem was written and the house was built.
When: Nov-Jan TBC
Christmas at Frameless
Entertain the children with a visit to Christmas at Frameless, which usually features immersive wintry scenes and decorations. Last year, weekend sessions invited families to hear a festive story told by elves beneath a Christmas tree before taking party in a hands-on art activity.
When: Nov-Dec TBC
Snow Globe Climb at Up at The O2
Buckle up for the unforgettable Snow Globe Climb at Up at The O2, a 52-metre-high (170 ft) summit culminating in an immersive winter treat. Take in the sweeping views of London's skyline at night before stepping inside the life-sized snow globe with falling snow – the perfect spot for a festive photo!
When: Nov-Jan TBC
RHS Wisley Glow
Make your way to Surrey on the outskirts of London for RHS Wisley Glow, the annual light trail set inside the RHS' flagship garden. The seven-acre-long trail usually features illuminated trees, ponds and light installations. Last year, you could also walk across a floating pontoon to the Glasshouse, where you could see tropical plants and flowers glow with different vibrant colours.
When: Nov-Jan TBC
The Angels are Coming!
Step into a world of wonder as Southwark Cathedral is set to be transformed by The Angels are Coming! Discover awe-inspiring light displays and mesmerising sound projections along your spectacular journey through the cathedral, which in 2025 ended with the story of the first Christmas.
When: Nov TBC
Shard Lights
Look high in the sky to see the most elevated seasonal light display in western Europe at The Shard. You can normally see the Shard Lights illuminations light up the building's top 20 storeys in sequences, which were created by a member of The Shard's in-house team in 2025!
When: Nov TBC
Chelsea Winter Illuminations
Follow the light trail around Royal Hospital Chelsea as it is transformed into a winter wonderland for Chelsea Winter Illuminations. You can expect to see large glowing installations, listen to local choirs sing Christmas carols, get involved in festive workshops and browse the stalls at the Christmas market during your visit.
When: Nov-Dec TBC
Christmas at Wembley Park
Visit Wembley Park over the Christmas period and you'll see several giant light installations as part of its free festive light trail. Last year there was a six-metre-tall (20 ft) gingerbread house, 15-metre-tall (50 ft) Christmas tree, red light up phone boxes and more. Don't forget to pass through the From Saint to Santa exhibition to learn about the iconic festive figure's origins.
When: Nov-Jan 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.
When: Nov-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.
When: Dec 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.
When: 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.
