One of the most enchanting festive experiences, London Christmas light trails are exciting for all ages. From Instagrammable light tunnels to breathtaking installations in parks and gardens, there's so much to see across the city this year.
We've rounded up our favourite light trails to explore, both in London and its surrounding areas. Whether you're going with friends, family or on a solo date, check out all our top picks below.
Find out more about how we curated this guide in our Editorial Policy.
Best Festive Light Trails In London And Nearby
1. Kew Gardens
- Why we recommend: possibly the most iconic light display in the city, Kew Gardens invites you to explore the stunning grounds while admiring the twinkling lights around you - making for some stunning photo opportunities
- Location: Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3EG
- When: 13th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
- Price: from £25.50 per person
Kew Gardens is pretty much synonymous with Christmas, and they put on some of the most amazing light displays in the whole country. Explore the gorgeous botanical spaces around their grounds, which will be filled with huge installations, sparkling light tunnels and vibrant colours, as well as immersive soundscapes.
Complete your trip with festive street food, mulled wine, hot chocolate and sweet treats - and there's even a traditional fairground too. This year, they've also introduced adult-only evenings on the 3rd and 9th of December.
See the iconic Kew Gardens Christmas light trail this winter.
2. Eltham Palace
- Why we recommend: these beautiful castle grounds make a gorgeous setting for Christmas lights, filled with dazzling colours and light tunnels to walk through
- Location: Court Road, Eltham, SE9 5NP
- When: TBC
- Price: TBC
Explore South London's Eltham Palace after dark, where you'll find a magical light trail around the gardens. Pass through tunnels and pathways, with bold, colourful displays and sounds to enjoy throughout.
You can also expect food and drink stalls in between admiring the scenery, and The English Heritage shop provides goods to take home.
This gorgeous palace light trail fully immerses you in the festive season.
3. Chelsea Winter Village Illuminations
- Why we recommend: this large-scale light trail features work from talented British artists, with interactive installations too, and there's so much more to enjoy at their winter pop-up before or afterwards
- Location: Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, SW3 4SR
- When: 25th November to 28th December 2026
- Price: from £18 per person, children from £12
Run by the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Chelsea Winter Village is a fantastic festive event, complete with some impressive illuminations. This is an extended light trail full of large-scale art, created by some of the UK's leading light artists, alongside interactive installations and inventive soundscapes.
Afterwards, head to free-to-enter Chelsea Winter Village for some more seasonal fun. We're talking street food, an apres bar, and marshmallow firepits, as well as market stalls selling handmade goods. There's even a nostalgic fairground and eight curling lanes.
There are huge installations to be seen in Chelsea this winter.
4. Windsor Great Park Illuminated
- Why we recommend: a magical woodland setting and festive food pit-stops combine to make this the ultimate seasonal experience, only a short drive or train away from London
- Location: Englefield Green, Egham, TW20 0UU
- When: 13th November to 3rd January 2026
- Price: from £19.80 per person, children from £12.10
Located just outside London in Edgham, Windsor Great Park Illuminated is a great choice if you fancy escaping the city. They'll be lighting up the woodland with a reimagined trail, featuring brand new installations and immersive soundscapes.
There's also a cosy rest stop along the trail, where you can enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows and tasty food. You can also enjoy fairground rides at the Festive Village.
Wander through the woodlands on this upgraded trail.
5. RHS Glow At Wisley
- Why we recommend: an hour away from London, this Surrey garden is promising brand new features this year with interactive light displays that will enchant the whole family
- Location: Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB
- When: 20th November to 3rd January 2026
- Price: from £7.50 per person, children from £6
RHS Wisley Gardens are bringing you RHS Glow this winter, found on the outskirts of London in Surrey. It will take you on a journey through nature and light, with illuminated sculptures, tunnels and interactive elements.
They've got brand new surprises this year, from a fantastical fairy village to the enchanted garden. To keep you fuelled, there's food to take away or eat in the Terrace Restaurant, or you can even toast your own marshmallows over a firepit.
Discover colourful surprises at this Surrey Christmas light trail.
