London has no shortage of stunning Christmas events and attractions that bring festive cheer to the city. From the city’s legendary twinkling lights displays to festive Candlelight concerts, Christmas markets, and Winter Wonderland itself, the city is overflowing with cheer. But that’s not all; there are also plenty of beautiful Christmas light festivals, light trails, and light shows to see, too! So, without further ado, here are the best Christmas light festivals in London to check out this winter.
1. Winter Light at the Southbank Centre – until January 18, 2026
The Southbank Centre’s Winter Lights have returned once more for the ’25/’26 season, with a dazzling collection of outdoor artworks that brighten up the area. Oh, and there’s no need for a ticket for this one. You can just turn up and marvel at the displays of light and colour.
Find out more here.
📍 Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
🚇 Nearest station is Waterloo.
2. Christmas at Kew – until January 5, 2025
Bringing light, colour, and Christmas sparkle to south west London, Christmas at Kew is back to light up the UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning displays. Along a 2.7km trail, you’ll find more than a million twinkly lights adorning bridges, arches, trees, tunnels, and more. Don’t miss the famous Christmas Cathedral, a tunnel of thousands of lights that is a surefire hit for the ‘gram every year. To keep you warm along the way, there are plenty of independent food stands and vendors – with a whole smattering of delicacies dotted across the site.
Find out more here.
📍 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond.
🚇 Nearest stations are Kew Bridge, Kew Gardens, and Richmond.
3. Neverland at Kenwood – November 21, 2025 to January 3, 2026
A glorious new light trail will transform Kenwood House this winter, bringing a classic tale to life. The story of Peter Pan and Neverland will be realised with a themed outdoor light trail that invites Londoners to “follow Tinkerbell’s fairy dust path from the rooftops of London to the heart of Neverland”. Installations include the Darling family home, a glowing Big Ben, and the Lost Boys’ hideout. You’ll also spot the spooky Skull Rock and Captain Hook’s iconic pirate ship along the way.
Grab your tickets here.
📍 Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, NW3 7JR.
🚇 Nearest stations are Archway and Golders Green.
4. Glow at RHS Wisley – November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Glow at RHS Wisley is back this winter with captivating Christmas light shows and spectacular displays, turning the space into the most festive garden around. This year’s trail promises to treat visitors to “a trail that’s more magical than ever before”. Walk along and marvel at the sights, and you’ll see “plants and landscapes come to life to reveal hidden wonders, where every path leads to a new discovery and nothing is what it seems.” You can also enjoy some festive food and do a bit of Christmas shopping to boot!
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
📍 RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB.
🚇 Nearest station is West Byfleet.
5. The Chelsea Winter Illuminations at Chelsea Winter Village – November 26 to December 28, 2025
Head to Chelsea this winter, where a charming winter village transforms the historic grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. As well as a whole host of Christmassy attractions, from Christmas markets to fairground rides, the Chelsea Winter Village is also home to The Chelsea Winter Illuminations. This is the only winter lights trail in Central London, and spans an impressive 1.5km through the area. The interactive displays react to your presence and invite you to “touch, play and activate the trail”.
Find out more here.
📍 Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4SR.
🚇 The nearest stations are Sloane Square and Battersea Power Station.
6. Epping Ongar Lights Express – various dates from November to January
Image: @eorailway, via IG
Fancy a light festival that throws a delightful train ride into the mix? Then you’ll want to grab your seat on the Epping Ongar Light Express! Guests are treated to rail-side light installations, music, and illuminated displays, with on-board narration and music from “Voiceover Man” (as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor).
Find out more and get your tickets here.
📍 Station Approach, Chipping Ongar, Ongar, CM5 9BN.
🚇 Nearest station is Epping, from where you can jump on a heritage bus.
7. Canary Wharf Winter Lights – January 20-31, 2026
The largest free winter light festival in London will return early next year to light up the dark winter evenings. This will be the tenth edition of the showstopping light show and trail, which takes over the area with stunning installations. We don’t know much about it yet, but the description already has us excited:
“Next year’s festival will follow the theme of DREAMSCAPE, taking our visitors on a journey through surreal, ethereal and uniquely human experiences, transforming Canary Wharf into a landscape of discovery and possibility.”
Find out more here.
📍 Throughout the Estate, Canary Wharf, E14.
🚇 Nearest station is Canary Wharf.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best Christmas light festivals and Christmas light trails in London. If you’re looking to feel festive, these can’t possibly fail to get you in the mood!
