The highly anticipated Winter Lights Festival at Canary Wharf is set to impress this January, celebrating its landmark tenth edition. Scheduled from January 20 to January 31, 2026, the festival will run daily from 5 PM to 10 PM. This year’s theme, DREAMSCAPE, invites visitors into a world of surreal and ethereal art installations.
Festival Highlights
Winter Lights will showcase an ambitious lineup of 16 installations, six of which are newly commissioned works. The event features both temporary displays and nine permanent light artworks, providing a diverse range of visual experiences for attendees.
Featured Artists and Installations
- Out of Body Experience by Alaa Minawi – A mesmerizing tribute to dance evoking dreamlike sensations.
- At the Hand by Patrice LaCroix – A monumental hand sculpture made from floating light cubes, inviting reflection on human-technology interaction.
- For Ever and Ever and Ever by Anna Lomax – A triptych exploring themes of repetition and color displayed throughout retail malls.
- Amplitudes by Limbic Cinema – A large water-screen projection that harmonizes visual art with nature.
Additional Offerings
The festival offers numerous attractions, including food stands serving global cuisine at Montgomery Square, Jubilee Park, and Union Square. Visitors can enjoy wood-fired pizzas, jerk chicken, Moroccan dishes, and sweet treats like crêpes and crumble.
For those looking to maximize their experience, Off Peak Offers are available from Monday to Wednesday, including discounts on food and free entry promotions.
Accessibility and Visitor Information
The Winter Lights Festival aims to be accessible to all, with maps available online and from event stewards. Visitors are encouraged to attend during the week, as weekends typically attract larger crowds.
Conclusion
Canary Wharf’s Winter Lights Festival not only celebrates a decade of artistic expression but also continues to transform the urban landscape into a vibrant playground for creativity. This year’s dreamlike installations promise to deliver an unparalleled immersive experience for all who attend.
