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 our pick of the best light festivals in London for winter 2026/27 from November to March.
London Christmas light displays
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. Secure your tickets to the Christmas lights bus tour, or be led by an expert guide on the Christmas lights walking tour, to tick off lots of the best displays in one go.
When: Nov-Jan
Ever After Garden
Pay your respects at the Ever After Garden, where you can see more than 30,000 white roses light up Duke of York Square in Chelsea to remember lost loved ones across the winter season. The installation is open daily and entry is free, but visitors are encouraged to dedicate a rose to a loved one for a small donation to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
When: 5 Nov-21 Dec
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: 6 Nov-3 Jan
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: 13 Nov-3 Jan
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: 13 Nov-3 Jan
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: 18 Nov
Sculpture Trail in Fleet Street Quarter
Perfect for families, you can discover the magical free Dennis and Gnasher Mega Mischief Trail in Fleet Street Quarter this year, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Dennis the Menace. Find each of the 12 artist-designed installations along with themed projections paying homage to the beloved comic, as the quarter is taken over by Beanotown.
When: 18 Nov-15 Jan
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. This year, the seven-acre-long trail features a "field of fire", giant illuminated flowers, light shows, ponds and an enchanted garden inside the Glasshouse.
When: 20 Nov-3 Jan
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.
When: 23 Nov-31 Dec
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: 24 Nov-31 Jan
Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations
Follow the light trail around Royal Hospital Chelsea as it is transformed into a winter wonderland for Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations. Admire 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: 25 Nov-28 Dec
Canary Wharf Winter Lights
Marvel at spectacular displays during the Winter Lights festival in Canary Wharf, returning for its 11th edition with the theme RE(IMAGINE). As the area glows in the wintry dark, you can expect to discover artworks and immersive installations created by artists from across the world.
When: 19-30 Jan
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
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.
