The most magical thing about visiting London in November are the spectacular light trails. Whether you are visiting with family, or looking for a romantic getaway that evokes the perfect moment for something special, London light trails are one of the city’s must-experience moments as the weather starts to turn—but which ones should you make the time to see?
What London Light Trails are Worth Visiting This November?
Of all the London light trails, there are a handful that are truly worth the effort of getting there and booking tickets—sometimes well in advance. Among these are the Christmas at Kew lights, the Neverland Light Festival, Winter Light Trail and Vauxhall Farm, and Chelsea Winter Illuminations.
Depending on what mood you want to set and who you are visiting with, one or more of these trails could be the ideal location for you to check out this November if you are in London. Whether you attend after work, or visit the city to experience these lights, it’s well worth it.
Where are the Top Light Trails Located, and How Do I Get There?
The top London light trails are located all across the city, including London Borough, Hampstead, Chelsea, Lambeth, and Richmond. All the best London light shows are easily accessible through public transport near our hotels, including train and bus stations.
Top November light displays London and their nearest Crown Group hotel:
- Southwark Cathedral – Great St. Helen Hotel
- Kenwood House – Mabledon Court Hotel
- Chelsea Winter Village – Arran House Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace, and Hotel Cavendish
- Vauxhall City Farm – Great St. Helen Hotel and Hatton Garden Hotel
- Christmas at Kew – Bloomsbury Palace Hotel
Winter Light Trail at Vauxhall City Farm
Attend the free switch-on event on November 29th to pick things off, then visit this beautiful family light trail from November 30th to December 21st at £5 per adult (under-10s free). Here, you can wander through stunning twinkling lights, meet the collection of alpacas, goats, and sheep, and even enjoy delectable hot chocolates at the nearby café for a fun and peaceful evening.
Chelsea Winter Illuminations
Running from November 26th to December 28th, the Chelsea Winter Illuminations are one of the winter light festivals London can always boast of. Charming and beautiful, visitors can wander along the 1.5 km trail of glowing installations, interactive orbs and festive soundscapes, then enjoy delicious street food and mulled wine in the nearby Winter Village.
Luxmuralis: The Angels Are Coming! (Southwark Cathedral)
Running for only two days between November 24th–26th, make the time to experience the wonder of Luxmuralis: The Angels Are Coming! at Southwark Cathedral. This immersive light and sound spectacle that transforms the cathedral’s gothic vaults into a dazzling festive story of the first Christmas, making it the perfect event for families or anyone looking for the calm Christmas events London has to offer.
Neverland Light Festival at Kenwood House
Running from November 21st to January 3rd, everyone should get to witness this immersive outdoor light trail in the heart of London. Enjoy hot chocolate and mulled wine while you explore the grounds of the beautiful Kenwood House and the magic of the Neverland-inspired trails (including an illuminated pirate ship!).
Christmas at Kew Light Trail
Open from November 14th to January 4th, everyone should experience the magic of Christmas at Kew this November. During this time, Kew Gardens transforms into a glowing wonderland of lights, music and festive cheer.
Here, you can wander through illuminated trails, sip mulled wine and feel the season come alive, and let romance settle in the air—because this London Christmas light scene is the ultimate spot for special things to happen.
When Do the London Light Trails Open, and What are the Dates to Know?
The various London light trails are open to the public at different times, and some of them are already open (Connection and Identity at Painted Hall, Time at Greenwich Royal Navy College, Winter Lights at Southbank Centre). Most light trails and experiences will open around the middle of November, giving you plenty to look forward to all around London.
For exact dates, please refer to the above sections about specific light trails.
There’s Something New On the Block: Alice and the Queen’s Beasts
A brand-new event on the block and running from November 13th–16th, you and the whole family can experience Alice’s rabbit-hole journey through a spectacular lantern show. With lantern light sculptures and plenty of fun to be had, don’t miss out on something new and exciting this year when you visit London in November.
Which Trails are Family-Friendly or Perfect for a Romantic Evening?
If you want to experience London light trails that could act as the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening with that special someone, the Ever After Garden and Christmas at Kew are the obvious choices, and even the Winter Lights Trail at Vauxhall City Farm (which only debuted last year) is another strong contender. There is nothing more romantic than 30,000 glowing white roses, or the long, cinematic trail at Kew that could be an unbeatable spot to propose.
For families, the brand-new Alice and the Queen’s Beast could be a wonderful and exciting light event to enjoy on a cool November evening. This lantern show takes place in the house and gardens, and is sure to be a new experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Other experiences that are perfect for the whole family include the two light installations in Greenwich, the Neverland Light Festival at Kenwood House, and the Chelsea Winter Illuminations, where there are interactive orbs and neon trees galore.
Light Trail Tips: Tickets, Timing, and Clothing
Anyone planning to enjoy one of the London light trails has to dress the part and book tickets in advance where needed. November brings a chill that you don’t want to get caught in, so be sure to wrap up warmly, put some sturdy shoes on, and look your best—because you never know what could happen!
We encourage you to book tickets as early as possible. For some events, like Christmas at Kew, bookings are done months in advance it’s just that popular), so you need to act fast! If you haven’t secured your tickets for this year, be sure to keep an eye out for next year’s event.
Plans for After the Trail — Where to go for Food, Drinks, or Entertainment
After taking in the beauty of the London light trails, why not treat yourself to a warm beverage, delicious food, and some entertainment for the evening? There will be live music, food, and drink stalls at the Winter Village near the Chelsea Winter Illuminations, and the Southbank Centre is home to all kinds of music festivals, art exhibitions and so much more during this period.
Several light trail locations are perfectly situated near cocktail bars like the Drawing Room, pubs like the Waterloo Tap, or coffee shops like Grind at the National Theatre. Alternatively, you could head back to Farringdon and the Bloomsbury areas for a different experience, whether at Usagi Anime Maid Café, Swiss Butter, or the Court—there is something to suit everyone’s tastes, including a variety of museums, theatres, and so much more.
Free experiences to look out for this November:
- Decades at St Mary-le-Strand (November 19th–January 18th)
- Epping Ongar Light Express (November 15th–January 4th)
- The Ever After Garden (November 13th–December 16th)
- Winter Lights at Southbank Centre (November 3rd–January 18th)
- Connection and Identity at Painted Hall (October 31st–January 25th)
- Time at Greenwich Royal Navy College (November 12th–16th)
Stay With Crown Group of Hotels to Make the Most of Your London Visit
Ready to turn your London visit into something truly luminous? Secure your stay at a Crown Group of Hotels property near the top London light trails and enjoy exclusive access to early bird offers. Book now and light up your November getaway and explore London light trails without compromise.
Stay with Crown Group of Hotels at Mabledon Court Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Arran House Hotel, Hotel Cavendish, or Great St. Helen Hotel, and please read through our booking and privacy policies and terms and conditions.
