The best light festivals in London

As the nights get darker and Christmas approaches, cities across the UK are lit up with strings of fairy lights, artistic installations, and festive characters. Light festivals are a popular attraction for families, couples and friends – the perfect way to spend a winter evening and one of the most nostalgic things to do in London this Christmas.

Winter Light at the Southbank Centre

17 December – 7 January

Winter Light is a free open-air exhibition that launches the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival. It features contemporary artists showcasing their talents – and a kaleidoscope of colours – in London’s cultural hub.

Prepare to be dazzled by the geometric pattern lights of Zarah Hussain, stunned by the luminous sculptures of David Ogle and struck by Fred Tschida’s neon shapes.

45-minute tours will accompany the exhibition. Winter Light Tours 2023 take place on the 17, 23 and 30 of December, and 7 of January. Tours start in the Royal Festival Hall. Meet by the neon light sculpture (it’s like a dream!) at 17:15.

Best of all? Entrance and tours are free! So stop off for a fun family day out on Southbank.

Cost: Free

How to get there: The Southbank Centre is a seven-minute walk from London Waterloo.

Palace of Light at Hampton Court Palace

Dates: TBC

The Palace of Light promises a rare glimpse of Henry VIII’s magnificent former residence after dark. Its interactive lights let you play with silhouettes, and the show features many breathtaking displays, including projections on the palace’s façade!

Maze through the Light Trail and marvel at the illuminated sculptures and statues dotted throughout the gardens and grounds – including its grand courtyards.

How to get there: Catch the train to Kingston station, then take the 111 bus towards Heathrow Airport. Get off at Chestnut Avenue Hampton (stop B), then walk for one minute.

Crown and Coronation at the Tower of London

17 – 25 November

What better venue to tell our historic monarchy’s story than His Majesty’s Royal Palace, which has stood for nearly a millennium? The Tower of London hosts nine November nights of dazzling displays to illuminate the Crown and Coronation like never before.

The spectacular light show showcases century-spanning footage of monarchs and coronations from past to present. Entry also includes access to the world-famous Crown Jewels, comprising over 23,000 gemstones!

Cost: Adult tickets cost £19.60. Children’s entry is £12.50.

How to get there: Take the tube via the eastbound Jubilee line from London Waterloo to London Bridge. The Tower of London is an 18-minute walk from there.

Christmas at Kew

15 November – 7 January (selected dates)

Christmas at Kew is an unmissable spectacle. Every year, the world-famous botanic garden opens its grounds to the public for a stunning light festival.

Glittering tunnels lead you to the festival's heart, the iconic glass Palm House. Next, marvel at the Hive, Kew’s unique honeybee tribute, lit by 1000 LED lights for the first time. Left to venture its 300-acre grounds, past 3-metre-high neon flowers, you’re guided to the brand-new Fire Garden by a glowing path of over 300 candles. Flame bulbs within Temperate House, the world’s oldest glass house, create the illusion that it is glowing.

Christmas at Kew gets bigger every year. Arrive hungry; plenty of great street food vendors serve your festive favourites.

Cost: Prices range from £19.50 to £29. For more details, check Kew’s website. Don’t forget: you can enjoy discounted family tickets to Kew with SWR Rewards.

How to get there: Kew Gardens is an 11-minute walk from Kew Bridge.

Life by Luxmuralis at St Martin-in-the-Fields

30 January – 3 February 2024

Life by Luxmuralis is any nature buff’s dream. The church itself – inside and out – serves as the screen on which the story of the natural world unfolds. Breathtaking projections illuminate every surface, from the altarpiece to its domed ornamental ceiling.

Immerse yourself in natural history through light and sound in this unique, sacred setting. From the mountains' heights to the sea's depths, you’ll witness our world’s beauty like never before. The 40-minute experience rivals any Attenborough documentary.

Cost: Tickets range from £8 to £12 depending on times. Book online via St Martin-in-the-Field’s ticketing site.

Illuminature at WWT London, Barnes

Dates: TBC

Experience this magical nature reserve like never before. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust hosts enchanting evenings under the stars every winter.

Kids will love letting their imagination run wild, hopscotching dazzling lily pads and exploring immersive tunnels and trails. Many of the lights are interactive and animal-themed, and illuminated wildlife factsheets make this experience educational and entertaining. This wonderland in the woods is one of the top Christmas attractions for kids.

How to get there: Barnes station is the closest to London Wetland Centre. It’s a 15-minute walk away, or you can catch the 419 bus to Barnes Red Lion.

Ever After Garden, Mayfair

16 November – 19 December

The Ever After Garden at Grosvenor Square returns this year. Over 25,000 glowing white roses blanket the gardens, a touching tribute to those we have lost. It is a unique space in the heart of London to pause and reflect.

The event is free, but you can purchase a rose in memory of a loved one. All funds raised go to a fantastic cause: The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. In 2022 alone, it raised over £200,000.

How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the eastbound Jubilee line to Green Park. Then, walk for 10 minutes via Berkeley Square to Grosvenor Square.

Whether you’re a London local or travelling from further afield, South Western Railway can help you get there. Discover cheap train tickets to London light festivals by going off-peak. Those with a Railcard could save even more, while passengers travelling in a group could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.