How about an evening with bright lights in the big city? Brightening up your winter evenings this January is the Winter Lights Festival at Canary Wharf—a place where the fast-paced cityscape meets the transformative world of art and light.

Whether you’re a Londoner or a first-time visitor, here’s everything you need to know about this sparkling event, including my top five Instagrammable spots you won’t want to miss!

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What You Need to Know Before You Go

• Timing: The festival runs every evening from 5 PM to 10 PM and finishes on 31 January.
• Wrap Up Warm: Canary Wharf can get chilly this time of year, so don’t forget your coat, gloves, and hat!
• Grab a Map: Pick up a free map from the station to help navigate the 12 stops around the festival.
• Pace Yourself: It takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to explore all the installations, so take it slow and soak up the magic.

Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday if you can—weekends can get super busy!

✨ Winter Lights Festival Canary Wharf 2026 – What’s New This Year

The Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival is back for 2026, and this year it’s bigger, bolder and more colourful than ever. Celebrating its 10th edition, the festival returns with a brand new theme: Dreamscape – think ethereal colours, surreal light art and immersive installations that feel almost other-worldly.

Taking place throughout January, Winter Lights is one of the best free things to do in London in winter, and a perfect way to brighten up those dark evenings after Christmas. The festival switches on daily from 5pm, transforming Canary Wharf into a glowing, open-air gallery of contemporary light art.

As always, the event is:

• Completely free to visit

• Fully accessible

• Easy to reach via the Jubilee Line and Elizabeth Line

• Family-friendly (and also dogs friendly!)

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🎨 The Dreamscape Theme (Why 2026 Feels Different)

This year’s Dreamscape theme leans heavily into colour, movement and imagination. Many of the installations feel interactive, playful and slightly surreal – perfect if, like me, you’re always hunting for the most Instagrammable spots in London.

Expect glowing orbs, mirrored reflections, rainbow lighting, immersive rooms and installations that change as you move around them. It’s less about subtle lighting and more about wow-factor moments – especially against Canary Wharf’s dramatic city skyline.

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📍 My Favourite Instagrammable Winter Lights for 2026

If you don’t have time to see everything, these are the stand-out installations I recommend prioritising this year:

• Interactive Colour Spheres
  These glowing orbs respond to movement and touch, shifting colour as you interact with them. Fun, playful and brilliant for photos and videos.

• Trispheric Garden
  A returning favourite location, reimagined for 2026 with illuminated obelisks and orbs reflected in the water. One of the most atmospheric stops on the trail.

• Crossrail Roof Garden – Solar System Installation
  A magical display featuring the sun, moon and planets suspended above the garden. Unexpected, dreamy and one of the most memorable installations this year.

• Sanctuary
  An immersive light experience that feels like stepping into the night sky. Mirrors, reflections and shifting light make this one of the most beautiful (and popular) stops.

• Amplitude (by the water)
  A long-time favourite for a reason. The glowing waves of light combined with reflections in the water and the trains passing behind, make this a classic Canary Wharf photo moment.

I’ve shared all of these in my 2026 Winter Lights walking video, focusing on the most colourful and photogenic installations rather than trying to cover everything.

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🧣 Practical Tips for Visiting Winter Lights Canary Wharf

• Dress warmly: It can be very cold and windy, especially by the water. Layers, gloves and a warm coat are essential.

• Wear comfortable shoes: The installations are spread out, so expect to walk.

• Pick up a free map: Available on-site and genuinely helpful for navigation.

• Go after dark: The lights start at 5pm, but they’re most impressive once it’s fully dark.

• Weekdays are quieter: If you want photos without crowds, midweek evenings are ideal.

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❄️ Why Winter Lights Is Perfect for January in London

January in London can feel long and grey — and that’s exactly why Winter Lights is such a win. It’s free, outdoors, creative and genuinely uplifting. Whether you’re visiting London in winter or you’re a local looking for something different to do after Christmas, this festival is always worth the trip.

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Food, Drinks, and Warming Up

Exploring the Winter Lights Festival can work up quite an appetite! Luckily, Canary Wharf is packed with food stalls and incredible restaurants to keep you fueled.

After soaking up the lights, we headed to The Ivy to warm up in style, but there are plenty of other cozy spots to choose from. Whether you fancy street food or something fancier, there’s something for everyone.

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Final Thoughts

The Winter Lights Festival at Canary Wharf is a must-see if you’re in London this winter. It’s free, fun, and totally Instagram-worthy! Just remember to dress warm, wear comfortable shoes, plan your route, and soak in the breathtaking art along the way.

Let me know in the comments which installation is your favourite or if you’ve discovered a hidden gem I missed! 🌟