While pessimists (me) have been moaning about the hour of sunlight lost to daylight savings last week, optimists might point you towards an extra 60 minutes to gaze at London’s riverside as it casts a serious glow by the Southbank Centre.
Winter Light sees the glimmering installations hit the city, and the evening is the perfect time for an illuminated walk along the Thames to see six new installations as well as check out the returning artworks. You can view them all now, with Winter Light running up until January 18, 2026.
Winter Light festival
New installations at this year’s ‘Winter Light’ include the likes of Beacon by Lee Broomwhich sits just outside the Royal Festival Hall, resembling a chandelier, with a light show taking place every hour when Big Ben strikes. Also among the newcomers are France-Lise McGurn‘s pair of neon works that pay homage to fashion adverts from the 1990s; plus images from Polish artist Otecki adorning the windows of Royal Festival Hall.
You’ll also be able to check out multiple returning installations that have proved popular across the years at Winter Light and raised the spirits in the darker months. Desire Lines by Nathaniel Rackowe debuted last year and is back for 2025, displayed across the trees along the river and shining across the riverside; while Jakob Kvist’s stunning geodesic dome, Dichroic Sphereis certain to draw in visitors once again for this winter.
Once you’ve taken in the lights, there’s also the prospect of a visit to the South Bank’s Christmas Market stalls, making a festive evening out in the city all the more plentiful.
You can see the ‘Winter Light 2025’ trail at the Southbank Centre with glowing installations by the river running until Sunday, January 18, 2026. Find out more details here.
