Winter can be hard, but there’s plenty to enjoy in London (and beyond) to brighten the final few weeks of darkness in the UK. By the end of February, the sun will set at 17:45, but until then, let light art lead the way…

Winter Lights, Canary Wharf

For its ninth edition, the trail will take you on a journey through 12 spectacular temporary installations, as well as a selection of permanent light artworks. The 2025 festival explores the transformative and otherworldly qualities of art and light, featuring portals, black holes and mirages…

Location: Throughout Canary Wharf, London
Dates:  Tues 21 Jan – Sat 1 Feb, 17:00 – 22:00

Find out more via Canarywharf.com

Winter Light, Southbank

See the Southbank Centre in a new light! Each artist uses light and colour in playful ways, at the same time exploring topics at the forefront of society, such as individual and collective identity, the environment and technology.

Artichoke’s Communications Team visited the free light art exhibition last week. Watch the highlights here.

Location: Southbank Centre, London
Dates:  Mon 20 Jan – Sun 2 Feb 2025, 17:00 – 22:00

Find out more via southbankcentre.co.uk

Lost In Light, Shoreditch

It’s the last weekend to experience this unforgettable journey into light and sound, featuring award-winning installations from the renowned collective Squidsoup – celebrated for pushing the boundaries of immersive art. Disappear into a world where sound and light collide as you explore 3 levels of immersive art installations.

Fun fact, Squidsoup exhibited at Lumiere Durham 2019! Find out more about Wave here.

Be the first to hear about Lumiere Durham 2025 by signing up to the Lumiere newsletter here.

Location: Shoreditch, London
Dates:  Fri 25 Oct 2024 – Sun 2 Feb 2025, 10:00 – 19:00

Find out more via lostinlight.uk

Spectra 2025, Aberdeen

Scotland’s Festival of Light returns to Aberdeen City Centre with a programme of innovative light installations, large-scale projections and interactive artworks to create an unforgettable winter experience in north-east Scotland.

Location: Aberdeen City Centre
Dates: Thurs 6 – Sun 9 Feb 2025, 17:30 – 22:00

Find out more via spectrafestival.com

Birmingham Light Festival, Birmingham

Aiming to create a sense of playful curiosity and spark joy, Birmingham Light Festival 2025 features 11 extraordinary artworks, all within walking distance of each other, encouraging visitors to come together and explore the city.

Location: Birmingham City Centre
Dates: Weds 19 – Sat 22 Feb 2025, 18:00 – 22:00

Find out more via birminghamlightfestival.co.uk

Light Festival, Battersea Power Station

This is your chance to explore one of London’s most iconic buildings, all the while experiencing a free interactive art trail.

Location: Battersea Power Station, London
Dates:  Thur 23 Jan – Sun 23 Feb 2025, 08:00 – 23:00

Find out more via batterseapowerstation.co.uk

Solid Light, an Anthony McCall exhibition, Tate Modern

Solid Light is a focused exhibition dedicated to the immersive works of Anthony McCall.

Beams of light projected through a thin mist create large three-dimensional forms in space, which slowly shift and change. As you move through these translucent sculptures of light, you’ll create new shapes and discover your own mesmerising perspectives.

Location: Tate Modern, London
Dates:  Thurs 27 June 2024 – Sun 27 April 2025, 10:00 – 18:00

Find out more via tate.org.uk