9 Breathtaking Light Festivals In London That Will Brighten Your Winter

As well as all of London’s legendary Christmas lights displays taking over the streets, there are so many beautiful light festivals, trails, and installations to see in the city! Here are the best of London’s 2021-2022 light festivals:

1. ILLUMINATURE at London Wetland Centre, open now until January 9, 2022

London Wetland Centre have set up a stunning trail of illuminative lights to shine bright during the increasingly short winter days that are upon us. Making its debut this year, ILLUMINATURE boasts a sea of beautiful structures including giant light sculptures of wetland wildlife sat among glowing installations such as light tunnels and responsive lily pads. Read all about it here.

2. Syon Park Enchanted Woodland, from November 12 – 28

Should you visit west London’s Syon Park before November 28, you will be taken on a trail through the estate’s 600-year-old gardens, which have been spectacularly transformed into an Enchanted Woodland, showing the full spectrum of stunning colours. The lights illuminate a mile-long path around the lake, ending at the magnificent Great Conservatory. See more here.

3. Christmas at Kew, from November 17 – January 9, 2022

Bringing light, colour and Christmas sparkle to south west London, Kew Gardens’ magical light trail is back and it’s bigger than ever. Along a 2km trail, you’ll find more than one million twinkly lights adorning bridges, arches, trees and tunnels. Amongst many other surprises, the iconic Temperate House will be illuminated with dynamic laser projections, and Kew’s Treetop Walkway will be hung with silver shards. Besides the lights there will, of course, be fairground rides, a chance to see Santa, and enough winter warmers to go round. More info here.

4. Glow at RHS Wisley, from November 19 – January 4, 2022

Glow at RHS Wisley is back this winter with captivating light shows and spectacular displays, turning the space into the most festive garden around. Wander through the massive, illuminated glasshouse and get lost amongst sparkling cherry trees and other dazzling displays as you journey through the Seven Acres, Rock Garden, and Wisteria Walk. Read more here.

5. Lightopia, from November 19 – January 2, 2022

This award-winning festival of lights is coming back to London for another dazzling Christmas! The Lightopia lantern festival will illuminate the historic Crystal Palace Park with immersive installations, lasers, and hand-sculpted lanterns. See the Palace reborn in light as you wander through the stunning Christmas Light Walk, and if you’re feeling peckish, you can tuck into delicious festive refreshments along the way. It’s the perfect festive day out with family and friends! More info here.

6. Wembley’s Winterfest Light’s Trail, from November 25 – January 4, 2022

Wembley Park are gearing up to host their annual Winterfest, with this year’s theme being ‘Reunited In Light’. It features an immersive winter lights trail with installations from artists across the world, which combines light, sound, and touch to create an incredible multi-sensory experience. Highlights include a light installation named ‘Reunion’ in the Market Square, a centrepiece titled ‘Reflections of the Future’, as well as London’s tallest ever LED Christmas tree. Get the full story here.

7. Christmas at Kenwood, from November 26 – January 9, 2022

A beautiful new light show will turn the grounds of Kenwood around Hampstead Heath into a glittering winter wonderland this November! As night falls, the trail will take you through a series of jaw-dropping installations, including the likes of a laser garden and light avenue. Explore a unique sculpture made by acclaimed artist Hannelora Johansson, and a dazzling display at Kenwood House to round off your bright evening with a final flourish. Read more here.

8. Enchanted Eltham, December 9-12, 16-23, and 27-30

Combining a magical mix of light, colour and sound, Enchanted Eltham is back with another breathtaking winter experience. Watch as Eltham Palace glows in the night, walk through a maze of twinkling lights, and admire the ancient moat as fountains rise and fall to a stunning soundtrack. You can also toast marshmallows, drink mulled wine, or have some fun on a few fairground rides. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year. Get the full scoop here.

9. Canary Wharf Winter Lights, from January 19 to 29, 2022

In early 2022, Winter Lights festival is returning to bathe Canary Wharf in colour. Light artists from across the globe are ready to show you what an unbridled imagination and state of the art light technology can do. Many of the installations are interactive or responsive, and they get bigger and brighter each year! Aside from the brilliant illuminations, you can also fill your boots with street food – the perfect way to extend all that Christmas feasting just that little bit longer! More info here.

Also published on Medium.