Ah, London in winter: a time when the city wraps itself in layers of light and colour, bringing a bit of magical glow to those early dark evenings. From the iconic streets of Soho to the tranquil gardens of Richmond, this is a season that London absolutely nails, and we’re here to guide you through the best of it!
See places in and around London transformed with colour on a Christmas lights trail. With sparkling tunnels, giant baubles, and imaginative illuminations, you’ll have a memorable experience wandering through the festive displays.
LONDON
Autumn Night Lights
26 Oct – 05 Nov 2023, Woolwich.
Celebrate light festivals from across the globe at Autumn Night Lights events in Woolwich.
Carnaby Universe
From 02 Nov 2023, Soho.
It’s that time of year we start getting ready to celebrate Christmas in Carnaby, from the world-renowned lights illuminating our streets to an array of festive events and the best Christmas shopping.
Winter Light
13 Nov 2023 – 07 Jan 2024, South Bank.
Over the dark winter nights, South Bank is illuminated by outdoor artworks that play with light and colour – explore to discover them all.
Christmas at Kew
15 Nov 2023 – 07 Jan 2024, Richmond.
As one of the highlights of the UK’s festive calendar, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year.
Ever After Garden
16 Nov – 19 Dec 2023, Mayfair.
The Ever After Garden is a tranquil haven where everyone everywhere can remember treasured friends and family they have lost.
Crown and Coronation
17 – 25 Nov 2023, Tower Hill.
This November, join the Tower of London for a stunning and immersive light and sound show, Crown and Coronation before it begins its UK-wide tour in 2024.
The Wimbledon Festive Light Display
23 Nov – 17 Dec 2023, Wimbledon.
Go and visit the Wimbledon Festive Light Trail.
Sparkle in the Park
30 Nov – 03 Dec 2023, Greenwich.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich’s annual FREE festive light trail, Sparkle in the Park, is back for a fourth year this Christmas. And it’s set to return to a much-loved location!
Christmas at Kenwood
01 Dec 2023 – 01 Jan 2024, Hampstead Heath.
Christmas at Kenwood is back with a brand-new light trail for 2023, bringing colour, lights and interactive play to Kenwood this December as you immersive yourself in a world of seasonal sparkle and festive cheer.
Christmas at Eltham Palace
01 Dec 2023 – 01 Jan 2024, Greenwich.
A brand new, interactive light trail for 2023 is set to bring colour, lights and play to South East London this December! Brought to you by our event partner Kilimanjaro Live in association with English Heritage.
Life
30 Jan 2024 – 03 Feb 2024, Trafalgar Square.
A spectacular sound and light experience at St Martin.
Winter Lights
17 – 27 Jan 2024, Canary Wharf.
Don’t miss Winter Lights, the spectacular light festival at Canary Wharf. Explore a range of impressive installations and sculptures.
Further Afield
SURREY
RHS Glow at Wisley
24 Nov 2023 – 02 Jan 2024, Woking.
Let it Glow! Enjoy an unmissable after-dark spectacle of lights at RHS Garden Wisley this festive season.
Winter Illuminations
07 – 09 Dec 2023, Tadworth.
See the mansion and gardens lit up as you have never seen them. Indulge in a hot chocolate or mulled wine, perfect for keeping your hands warm as you enjoy some festive songs from local performers. (Joining in is welcome – and encouraged!). Have a potter around stalls selling gifts and treats, and try your luck in our special winter raffle. Don’t forget to toast marshmallows and warm those tummies up, too.
HERTFORDSHIRE
LUMAGICA St Albans
Dates TBC, St Albans.
LUMAGICA St Albans is a unique and exciting light and sound experience packed with fabulous installations that will appeal to all ages.
ESSEX
Epping Ongar Lights Express
17 Nov 2023 – 07 Jan 2024, Epping – Ongar.
An interactive journey for the whole family like never before!
RHS Glow at Hyde Hall
23 Nov – 30 Dec 2023, Chelmsford.
Let it Glow! Enjoy an unmissable after-dark spectacle of lights at RHS Garden Hyde Hall this festive season.
Enlightened Hylands Estate
24 Nov 2023 – 01 Jan 2024, Chelmsford.
Marvel at the majestic woodland that sparkles whilst being immersed in the magical soundscape.
Enlightened Barleylands Farm Park
01 – 24 Dec 2023, Billericay.
Enlightened returns to Barleylands Farm Park this winter for the biggest and boldest enchanted light trail yet. Reimagined for 2023, Enlightened Barleylands is jam-packed with even more magical illuminated installations.
Enlightened Castle Park
01 – 31 Dec 2023, Colchester.
Enlightened 2023 will be the biggest, brightest, and boldest year yet, with a trail bursting with even more interactive and immersive elements than ever before, along with visitor favourites.
Enchanted Trail of Light
02 – 22 Dec 2023, Colchester.
With a host of NEW illuminations along a designated route, dancing fountains and fairies spreading their magic, our light trail event will leave you feeling enchanted.
KENT
Christmas at Bedgebury
17 Nov – 31 Dec 2023, Goudurst.
A magical trail with new lights for 2023 – an after-dark stroll through an iconic, illuminated tree collection.
Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle
24 Nov – 31 Dec 2023, Maidstone.
Returning for its second year, an all-new, reimagined, magical Christmas trail featuring enchanting illuminations and Christmas music will fill the air and light up the glamorous and historic Leeds Castle!
Illuminate Tonbridge
26 Nov – 30 Dec 2023, Tonbridge.
Witness never seen before light installations around the 35–45-minute trail of Tonbridge Castle. Illuminate will be transforming all aspects of the castle into a winter spectacle this November. Make sure you secure your tickets soon; peak sessions are expected to be out quickly!
Christmas at Walmer Castle
01 Dec 2023 – 01 Jan 2024, Deal.
Christmas at Walmer Castle is a brand new, interactive light trail for 2023 set to bring colour, lights and play to Kent this December! Brought to you by our event partner Kilimanjaro Live in association with English Heritage.
Christmas at Hever Castle
18 Dec 2023 – 01 Jan 2024, Edenbridge.
This Christmas at Hever Castle, spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy a seasonal experience to remember, now in its 17th year. The magical Christmas Lights experience starts at 16:00, when you can wrap up warm and enjoy a walk under the stars to explore the grounds. Witness the enchantment of the Castle, gardens and lake festooned with fabulous colours and twinkling lights, capturing the spirit of Christmas.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Land of Lights Lantern Festival
21 Oct 2023 – 25 Feb 2024, Milton Keynes.
Following a spectacular first season for Land of Lights Milton Keynes, we’re excited to bring the festival back for 2023. Look forward to a brand-new trail featuring 12 incredible worlds inspired by legendary fairy tales and iconic characters. See classic tales in a whole new light!
Christmas at Waddesdon
22 Nov 2023 – 01 Jan 2024, Aylesbury.
This Christmas at Waddesdon, be spirited away to a magical wonderland as classic tales come to life with new decorations in the house and dazzling new light displays outside enchant and delight.
BERKSHIRE
20 Oct – 12 Nov 2023, Newbury.
Spectacle of Light offers you the chance to view the much loved paths of Welford Park from a different perspective and discover new sights along the way.
Windsor Great Park Illuminated
16 Nov 2023 – 02 Jan 2024, Windsor.
Prepare to be captivated as woodland and water at Windsor Great Park come alive with dazzling lights, breathtaking projections, and flood-lit fountains.
BEDFORDSHIRE
Christmas at Wrest Park
01 Dec 2023 – 01 Jan 2024, Bedford.
Expect the unexpected and allow the Christmas spirit to take over as you immersive yourself in a world of seasonal sparkle and festive cheer.
OXFORDSHIRE
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
11 Nov 2023 – 01 Jan 2024, Woodstock.
An exceptional after-dark trail with new lights for 2023 and Sleeping Beauty reimagined inside the Palace.
SUSSEX
Glow Wild at Wakehurst
23 Nov 2023 – 01 Jan 2024, Haywards Heath.
Join Wakehurst on an award-winning winter lantern trail for all ages.
Leonardslee Illuminated
24 Nov – 21 Dec 2023, Horsham.
Walk through the beautiful grounds of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens as they come to life with spellbinding illuminations, projections and interactive installations.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Christmas at Wimpole
24 Nov – 31 Dec 2023, Royston.
Firmly positioned within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Wimpole, Cambridgeshire, has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. Discover huge feathers floating high into the sky, encounter a sea of light stretching out into the distance, surround yourself with sparkle in the long glowing tunnel and see contemporary Christmas trees in all the rainbow colours.
HAMPSHIRE
Light Up Hillier Gardens
30 Nov – 31 Dec 2023, Romsey.
After an unforgettable transformation last year, the magnificent Sir Harold Hillier Gardens are set to shine bigger and brighter than ever before!
Enlightened Staunton Farm
08 – 24 Dec 2023, Havant.
This night-time outdoor attraction illuminates a dedicated trail of light around the grounds of the venue. On the trail, there are numerous static and interactive light-up attractions with an enchanting soundscape. The Enlightened trails have been newly designed for 2023 with event more installations.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Christmas at Wollaton Hall
01 Dec 2023 – 01 Jan 2024, Nottingham.
With over ten brand-new installations and a whole new look, this interactive light trail invites you to expect the unexpected and allow the Christmas spirit to take over as you stroll through Wollaton’s grounds.