London Christmas is a magical one – the city is home to some of the best festive lights. We figured it would be helpful to have a guide listing all the options.
This winter, Royal Hospital Chelsea becomes home to an immersive festive experience, bringing a seasonal celebration to the heart of one of London’s most iconic heritage settings. Begin with Chelsea Winter Illuminations, a journey through an extended 1.5km light trail filled with large-scale art, interactive installations and imaginative soundscapes. Then continue the festivities at Chelsea Winter Village, a free-to-enter hub featuring a Christmas market, mulled wine & festive bars, workshops, bandstand with live performances and traditional fairground rides. Discover a new, cosier alternative to London’s Christmas calendar.
Dates: 26th November to 28th December
Location: Royal Hospital Chelsea
Website: https://chelseawintervillage.com/
Christmas at Battersea Power Station
On 30th November, Santa is abseiling down The Power Station, joined by high-energy, dancing elves. From noon, enjoy Christmas music, festive mischief, and joyful family dance parties packed with Christmas classics, laughter, and nonstop holiday excitement. Support small business owners at Salad Days Christmas Market, which is returning for three weekends over the Festive period on 15th – 16th November, 6th– 7th December and 13th – 14th December.
From decorating gingerbread houses and crafting Christmas crackers to making sparkly slime, painted candles, and New Year wands, kids can get creative every day with fun, hands-on holiday activities. From the 19th December – 30th December, there are workshops for all the family to enjoy!
Location: Battersea Power Station
Link: https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/events/christmas/
Visit Covent Garden this winter to experience a festive magic takeover of our iconic Piazza, Market Building, Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials and surrounding streets! Enjoy the return of their iconic Christmas bells and baubles, 60ft Christmas Tree lighting up the West Piazza, Santa’s sleigh and chalet.
Link: https://www.coventgarden.london/experience/christmas-in-covent-garden/
Christmas at Kew 2025 invites you into a botanical world of light, music and magic. This year’s trail showcases brand-new creations from world-renowned artists, lighting up Kew’s landscapes in dazzling colour.
Expect unforgettable larger-than-life illuminations, shimmering tunnels of light and even a special visit from Father Christmas along the way.
Location: Kew Gardens (Entrances: Victoria Gate, Brentford Gate and Elizabeth Gate)
Dates:14th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
Times: 4.20pm to 10pm (last entry times vary depending on entry gate)
Price: Prices being at £23.50 for members, £27.50 for non members (children and family tickets available)
Links: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas
Bring the whole family along to enjoy Fulham Palace’s annual Christmas fair, kindly sponsored by Veeve London. From browsing small business stalls and tucking into mince pies to singing along with choirs and completing a festive trail, there’s plenty to see and do for all ages.
Location: Fulham Palace
Dates: 22nd – 23th November
Link: https://www.fulhampalace.org/whats-on/events/christmas-fair-at-twilight/
From thrilling rides and immersive icy attractions to carnival games and enchanting shows, accompanied by a cornucopia of festive food and drink to feast on, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As part of The Twelfth Night of Christmas experience, the children are invited to follow the whimsical Christmas Mouse Trail. Hidden throughout the beautifully dressed room are mischievous mice. Follow rhyming clues and spot them all as you journey through the verses of The Twelve Days of Christmas. There will also be a chance to meet Father Christmas in his charming 18th-century Grotto, where children can enjoy a festive story and receive a small gift. There will be group slots every 30 minutes (3:30pm, 4pm, 4:30pm, 5pm).
Location: Chiswick House
Dates: 21st November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Link: https://chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk/event/the-twelfth-night-of-christmas/
Winter Light at Southbank Centre
Over the dark winter nights, the Southbank Centre site is illuminated by outdoor artworks that play with light and colour – explore to discover them all.
Location: Southbank Centre
Date: 20th November 2025 – 18th January 2026
Link: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/winter-light/
Winter Light Trail at Vauxhall City Farm
On Saturday 29th November Vauxhall Farm will Light Up The Farm with our Winter Light Trail switch on hosted by a very special guest!
The Winter Light Trail will be open for all to visit from the 30th Nov – 21st Dec, from 3pm, and close at various times depending on the day. They have Santa’s Grotto, Christmas Market, Wreath Making Workshop, Tree Sale, and Children’s Craft sessions with Santa’s elf
Dates: 29th November – Switch on day, free entry to light switch on. Tickets must be reserved online. 30th November – 21st December from 3pm, and close at various times depending on the day.
Price: £5 adult entry, children under 10 are free to enter
Links: Switch on- https://vauxhallcityfarm.org/events/farm-lates-winter-light-trail/
Winter Nights at Battersea Park Zoo
Winter Nights at the Zoo is back and is set to be even brighter and festive than last year! This December there’s 5 special evenings to discover wildlife under the stars. As darkness falls, the zoo comes alive with Christmas performances, exclusive mini feeding experiences and talks all about our special animals and of course, seasonal treats. This is a budget friendly Southwest London Christmas event that you won’t want to miss!
To add to the Winter Nights’ ambiance, each night will feature live bandstand performances that range from choirs and classical quartets to contemporary soloists. There will be plenty of opportunities to sing along to carols and festive tunes.
Location: Battersea Park Zoo
Dates: Saturday 6th, Friday 12th, Saturday 13th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st December
Time: 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Link: https://www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk/whats-on/events/winter-nights-at-the-zoo/
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