Written by Felix Wilson
London gets fully lit up over the dark winter months, from central London to the suburbs. Winter lights pour colour and sparkle over the city, so wrap up warm and take a wander round one of our top picks for London’s winter illuminations.
If you’re looking for more festive fun be sure to check out our top winter festivals and markets too, or get your rom-com on with these outdoor ice rinks or a walking tour of London’s Christmas lights.
Christmas at Kew
Londoners’ Instagram feeds have been filled with pictures from Christmas at Kew for the past few years, but hurry, tickets go fast! Over a million lights illuminate the woods, gardens and lakes of Kew in the winter months with tunnels of light, a mesmerising flickering fire garden and a range of hot food, drinks and sweet treats to keep you going. Five new works set the Southbank Centre aglow for the free art trail Winter Light 2024. Nathaniel Rackowe’s site specific installation Desire Lines illuminates the Thames tree canopy with geometric shapes, whilst projections by Aoife Dunne and Mat Collishaw beam high against the exterior wall of the Royal Festival Hall. This year, specially curated guided tours provide visitors a unique insight into the artworks and artists (5th and 12th Dec), and there is an opportunity for families to make their very own Winter Light artwork (19th Dec). Take a ride on an illuminated train line through the Essex countryside for a winter journey with a festive soundtrack, interactive LED wristbands and dazzling trackside illuminations, featuring illuminated reindeer and brightly lit stations. The train is planned to be hauled by a steam locomotive for part of the journey (although they reserve the right to substitute a diesel if needs be). Tickets are going fast, so get booking quickly if you want to bag a spot on the light-filled Essex express. Inspired by the light and happiness that define this time of year, award-winning British artist Liz West reinterprets these themes through a contemporary structure that will act as a festive focal point for visitors until March 2025. Over half a million people are expected to bring some much needed brightness to the post-New Year lull with this festival of light. The illuminations are among the city’s finest, with installations from multiple groundbreaking artists which explore the ability of art and light to transform reality, featuring portals, black holes and mirages. Wander past exhibits including a tornado of lights in Westferry Circus and a portal in Wood Wharf to a shining vision on Montgomery Square and delicate and luminous sari fabric panels on Wren Landing. Best of all for Cheapos, particularly as it’s January when there always seems to be so much month left at the end of the money, it’s free. You can just turn up between 5pm and 10pm to see installations, artworks and light technology. Be first to discover the most exciting new theatrical talent in London's local venues Get your summer started early with our favourite things to do in May. International, creative and foodie events to be enjoyed every weekend!
Dates: 13th November 2024-5th January 2025Winter Light at the Southbank Centre
Epping Ongar Railway Light Fantastic
Dates: 16th November 2024-12th January 2025Fluorescence at Coal Drops Yard
Fluorescence, the latest work in the King’s cross annual winter installation series, is a colourful and uplifting centrepiece to Granary Square.Canary Wharf Winter Lights
Dates: 21st January 2024-1st February 2025
While we do our best to ensure it is correct, information is subject to change. This article was originally published in November 2018. Last updated on 27th November 2024.
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