The illuminations combine colour and creativity.
It’s time to feel merry and bright. The Southbank Centre is once again welcoming the Winter Light trail. Running from 13 November 2025 to 18 January 2026, it illuminates the evenings with exciting exhibitions and installations. Bringing together a range of international artists, the festival offers a vibrant and imaginative way to enjoy the festive season — and best of all, it’s free to attend.
The Southbank Centre’s Winter Light festival has transformed the area into a dazzling wonderland of colour and creativity. Light and imagination combine in playful and thought-provoking ways, exploring themes of individuality, community, the environment and technology.
This year’s Winter Light features works by Samia Halaby, David Batchelor, Rafaël Rozendaal, France-Lise McGurn, Jakob Kvist, and Nathaniel Rackowe. France-Lise McGurn’s neon installation pays homage to 1990s fashion advertising. Lee Broom’s chandelier-inspired sculpture outside the Royal Festival Hall comes to life every hour, perfectly timed with Big Ben’s chimes. Nathaniel Rackowe’s work returns for a second year, displayed across the river, and Jakob Kvist has created a striking new dome-shaped piece.
While you’re there, you can get into the Christmas spirit with the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market, running until 4 January. Wooden chalets line the Thames, offering handmade gifts, festive treats, and warming winter fare. Enjoy steaming cups of mulled wine, sizzling street food and traditional Yorkshire puddings as you take in postcard-perfect views of the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the River Thames.
Check in with FACT for the best things to do in London this season.
GO: Visit https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk for more information.