Credit: Canary Wharf
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Who says winter nights need to be dark and depressing? Because that’s certainly not the case at Canary Wharf! The area’s stunning Winter Lights festival is returning at the end of this month to blow away the cobwebs, light up the night, and provide just the necessary balm for our January blues.
Running from January 20 – 31, the Winter Lights festival will see the area taken over by “16 spectacular light installations by acclaimed artists from around the world.” It’s a stunning showcase of neon, LED, and all things illuminated, showing what an unbridled imagination (and state-of-the-art light technology) can do.
As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also completely FREE to visit! Just head on down between 5-10pm, and wander around the area to marvel at the lights. (Obviously, it has to take place when it’s dark and you can appreciate the lights at their best… There’s no point turning them on when the sun is out!)
Sign, by Vendel & De Wolf – Photo Credit: Matt Alexander/PA Wire. (Photo from 2024) Canary Wharf Winter Lights
In recent years, the festival has become hugely popular with Londoners and tourists alike. It’s no wonder, given how stunning the area looks as it becomes suffused with lights, colours, and interactive pieces. (Plus, it makes for a pretty damn good photo opportunity!) With this year’s festival being the 10th edition, it’s set to be just as dazzling and awe-inspiring as years gone by.
For 2026, they’re inviting Londoners to escape their surroundings, with light displays and artworks that draw from this year’s theme: DREAMSCAPE. You can expect to see glowing pieces that transport you away from the city into a world of imagination and creativity.
The pieces on display will include returning favourites from past years, permanent pieces, and all-new installations. They range from glowing planets and moons to interactive artworks, mesmerising light shows, and more.
Geist, by This is Loop – Photo Credit: Matt Alexander/PA Wire. (Photo from 2024)
You’ll have to do some exploring to see them all. That’s because they’re literally scattered all around the area. The Canary Wharf group estimates it would take between 2-3 hours to find and see everything, depending on crowds. And bear in mind, it gets extremely busy on the weekends – so try to visit on a weekday if you can!
There are still more details to be announced, so sign up here to be the first to know. (Or we’ll keep you updated as and when we find out more!)
📍 The Canary Wharf Winter Lights run from January 20-31, between 5-10pm each day.