Northern Lights’ Borealis lights up the skies of London this festive season

The ‘Borealis’ lights display will recreate one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World in the capital’s skies from the City of London Corporation’s Guildhall Yard this December, with free tickets available online from today.[1] The spectacular installation, by renowned artist Dan Acher, will allow thousands of visitors to experience the magic of the Northern Lights right in the city centre between 11-22 of December and is one of a number of fantastic experiences on offer in London this winter.

The light works will be created along the River Thames, with London’s landmark bridges, buildings and trees illuminated as part of the Southbank Winter Lights outdoor exhibition.

Other eye-catching attractions will include an enchanting animal-themed winter light display at the Tower of London and a free Canary Wharf Winter Lights Spectacular, which will feature 20 new light commissions by some of the most innovative artists across the globe, an ice rink and outdoor food market.

Thousands of illuminated white roses will be placed in Grosvenor Square as part of an Ever After Garden display by fashion designer Anya Hindmarch.

Illuminated River, a free public artwork, Thousands of illuminated white roses will be placed in Grosvenor Square as part of an Ever After Garden display by fashion designer Anya Hindmarch. Illuminated River, a free public artwork, brings moving light and colour to nine of London’s bridges and is set to be the longest public art project in the world, and a Circa commission by Hetain Patel will use the Piccadilly Lights to explore themes of immigration and identity.

The Winter Lights programme will also celebrate the return of the West End’s pantomime season, family favourites like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and seasonal attractions, including winter markets and ice rinks at iconic locations like the Natural History Museum and Somerset House.

London’s iconic red buses offer a brilliant way to see the capital’s Christmas lights, with routes 12, 94, 98, 139 and 390 all travelling through Oxford Circus and offering great value for money to see all the best festive sights thanks to the Mayor’s Hopper fare.[2]

Winter Lights is the latest season of the Mayor’s Let’s Do London campaign - the biggest domestic tourism campaign London has ever seen – which is championing the capital’s businesses, cultural institutions and attractions.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “London is the best place in the world to celebrate the festive season and my Winter Lights programme is bringing our world-renowned arts, culture and heritage together to ensure our city sparkles and enthrals this year.

“The Borealis spectacular will bring the magic of the Northern Lights to our city, London’s landmark bridges, buildings and trees will be illuminated along the Southbank and our world-famous Christmas lights, ice rinks and markets will ensure our city is gloriously decked out for Londoners and visitors to enjoy.

“All this and more is taking place in the heart of our great city as part of my ‘Let’s Do London’ campaign. From our world-class shops and attractions, to our incredible restaurants and bars there is so much to see and enjoy this festive season and that’s why I’m urging Londoners and visitors to experience the best our capital has to offer and support our hospitality industry as much as possible.”

Thinking about how you are going to get about: 

For more information about the best TfL routes to see Christmas lights visit https://londonblog.tfl.gov.uk/festive-bus-routes/

Main Event Listings:

Borealis - 11 to 22 December.

Borealis by artist Dan Acher is a mesmerising installation which will bring to life the experience of the Northern Lights at City Corporation’s Guildhall Yard in the City of London. Over 20,000 free tickets will be available from 11th to 22nd December. This outdoor event will run from 5:30pm to 10:00pm each evening, with tickets available in half an hour slots.

Winter Light at the Southbank - 4 November to 9 January.

An awe-inspiring free outdoor programme of installations and video art projections themed around light and colour, illuminating Southbank Centre's 11-acre site throughout the dark months.

Christmas at the Tower of London - 1 December to 3 January.

Celebrate Christmas with all the family at London’s iconic castle. Discover the iconic history of the Tower of London through the animals that once lived within these walls, brought to life through spectacular displays of magical, festive decorations.

Hetain Patel on Piccadilly Lights - 1 to 30 November.

Manifesting in heroic scale a figure often overlooked by media and advertising, Hetain Patel broadcasts ‘Baa’s House 11’ a poignant new commission for CIRCA showcasing a first-generation immigrant matriarch towering over the streets of London, Milan, New York, Seoul and Tokyo throughout November every day at 20:21.

Ever After Garden - 1 to 23 December.

London’s Grosvenor Square will be illuminated with thousands of white roses. Visitors will be able to dedicate their own illuminated rose to a loved one, in return for a donation to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The Ever After Garden will be a reflective tranquil haven in the heart of Mayfair during the festive season, where everyone everywhere can honour and remember treasured friends and family they have lost.

Winter Lights at Canary Wharf - 19 to 29 January.

Winter Lights returns to Canary Wharf for a seventh year to illuminate the dark January evenings. The area will be transformed by over 20 spectacular light installations, showcasing artwork by some of the most innovative artists across the globe working in light art today. This free to attend light festival will feature some pieces never before seen in the UK alongside exclusive commissions.

Winter Wonderland - 19 November to 3 January.

Located in the heart of London in Hyde Park, immerse yourself in all things festive for 6 weeks from 19 November to 3 January. After missing out last year, we are even more excited to be back and celebrating the festive season. Offering a wide variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks and so much more, we guarantee there’s something for everyone!

Illuminated River – 6 November to 21 January.

A free public artwork created to bring gently moving light and colour to nine of London’s bridges - from London to Lambeth - illuminating the city’s beauty and character at night for the benefit of residents and visitors alike. At 3.2 miles, Illuminated River is the longest public art project in the world.

London’s Chanukah Menorah - 28 November to 6 December.

Celebrate Chanukah, with London’s Menorah in the heart of the city. A new light will be lit each day at nightfall.