Written by Chloe Laws I Photographs by Getty Images

The days might be getting darker, but this winter there’s a plethora of events that are lighting up London. From streets covered in decorations to twinkling parks and historic buildings that are positively glowing, this is your 411 to having a lit winter.


CHISWICK HOUSE This eighteenth-century villa is getting bathed in colourful lights throughout November and December. You can wander around the house and its gardens for £11.20, or if you fancy something even more special, you can book yourself into a super club that’ll get your tastebuds lighting up.

OXFORD STREET If you can face the tourist-filled roads, Oxford street truly does have some of the capital’s best decorations. For a two-in-one trip, pop around the corner and gawk at the lights on Carnaby street, complete with the lyrics from Bohemian Rhapsody.

COVENT GARDEN Boosting 40 mistletoe covered chandeliers, 700 glistening berries and the biggest Christmas tree you’ll probably ever see – Covent Garden is a dazzling spectacle. Plus, it’s surrounded by some of London’s best restaurants so you can enjoy a meal with your view.

KEW GARDENS This already stunning location is getting a magical makeover for the festive season. With, literally, over a million tea-lights, this is one event you won’t forget. There’s even a moonlit Laser Garden hidden in the woods this year – making this a family-friendly night out.

LONDON ZOO London Zoo has created a one-mile lit-up path, full of multi-coloured tunnels and thousands of small sparkling lights. We didn’t think lights could overshadow exotic animals, but this definitely does. This is a hotspot for Instagrammers, and an ideal location to take this year’s Christmas card photograph.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE Continuing a long-standing tradition, Norway will gift London a Christmas tree that will sit in Trafalgar Square. This gifting has happened every year since 1947, making the festive makeover historic and pretty. The fountains even get a touch of Christmas magic, with them glowing as they change.

SOUTH BANK People may go to South Bank for the wintertime market, but they stay for the lights. The display lines the waterfront, with a lit up London Eye completing the view. Warm up with mulled wine as you admire the decorations and eat international delicacies sold on the stalls.
London comes alive at Christmas, so make the most of living in this wonderful city by touring the many light shows and events to get in the festive mood.