Your 2025 Guide to the Wembley Park Trail
If you are wondering which are the best Christmas lights in London to visit this winter, the answer might surprise you. It isn't Oxford Street or Regent Street. In 2025, the smartest festive day out is heading North West to Wembley Park. From November 27th to January 4th, the neighbourhood transforms into a dazzling, free-to-visit, car-free winter playground. Avoiding the chaos of the West End while offering spectacular installations, here is your step-by-step guide to London's ultimate festive light trail. And only 12 minutes from Central London on the Met line (aka two stops from Baker Street).
Your 2025 Guide to the Wembley Park Trail
1. Start the Light Trail: Bobby Moore Bridge
The Winter Illumination
Your hunt for the best Christmas lights in London starts the moment you leave the station. As you walk through the Bobby Moore Bridge underpass, look at the walls to spot the heritage ceramic tiles from 1993, depicting England footballers at the old Twin Towers stadium. As you move deeper, the vibe shifts from history to sci-fi; the ceiling and walls glow with thousands of magnetic red LED bulbs. It is a show-stopping, cinematic backdrop perfect for a "futuristic Christmas" photo.
2. The Exhibition: From Saint to Santa
The Festive Photo Series
Emerging onto Olympic Way, you will spot the first boards of the "From Saint to Santa" art trail. Though not a light installation, this open-air photography exhibition sets the perfect festive tone. Spanning across Wembley Park—from the station down to the Boulevard—it traces the fascinating history and evolution of Father Christmas. It is a lovely dose of culture and storytelling to enjoy before you hit the main light displays.
3. The Viewpoint: Angel Wings at Fulton Road
The Signature Photo Spot
If you reach the junction of Olympic Way and Fulton Road next to BOXPARK, stop and look up. You are standing beneath "A Guiding Light," a set of 34 large-scale banners by artists Louisa Smurthwaite and Douglas Green. They are framed by beautiful overhead catenary lights which, if you stand in the centre, look exactly like giant glowing angel wings. With the iconic Wembley Stadium Arch soaring in the background, this is one of the best photo spots on the trail.
4. The Atmosphere: Digital Totems & Festive Tunes
The Digital Pathway
As you stroll along the pedestrianised Olympic Way, you will notice you aren't walking in silence. A curated festive playlist plays gently through speakers across the park, featuring holiday classics to accompany your route. Keep an eye on the giant digital totems lining the path, which frame the stadium view and feature mesmerizing digital art, including moving stars that twinkle and shift as you walk past, adding a touch of celestial magic.
5. The Illuminated Icon: Olympic Steps
The Viewpoint
Continue to the very end of Olympic Way to climb the majestic Olympic Steps. While not a temporary festive installation, these steps are open all winter and are an absolute must-see. Illuminated from beneath, they look spectacular at night and offer the ultimate vantage point. From the top, you get an up-close, commanding view of the Wembley Stadium Arch—an iconic London shot that frames the stadium perfectly.
6. Family Fun: The Giant Gingerbread House
The Sweet Scene
From the Olympic Steps, turn right to discover Samovar Space. Dominating the area is a massive 20ft Gingerbread House, a walk-through 3D installation designed specifically for selfies. This area is laid with soft AstroTurf, making it a safe space for children to run wild while parents relax. Look out for the family of illuminated reindeer grazing on the grass and the magical fairy-light archway that frames the entrance to this cozy corner.
7. London’s Timeless Christmas Tree: Market Square
The Festive Centrepiece
Head straight into Market Square to find London’s Timeless Christmas Tree, adorned with over 500 sparkling baubles. The main tree is stunning, but the surrounding ornate cherry trees, wrapped in delicate fairy lights, create an equally dazzling spectacle. If you visit on a weekend, this square hosts the Wembley Park Festive Market from 10:00 am, offering artisan gifts, mulled wine, and free live performances from brass bands and choirs.
8. Neon Art: The Phone Boxes
The Illuminated Trio
Cross Engineers Way to find Arena Square, sitting next to the historic OVO Arena. Here, three original K2 red telephone boxes have been restored and filled with light. From afar, they look like miniature infinity rooms, offering a clever mix of London heritage and modern neon art. While you are there, look down at the "Square of Fame" to find the bronze handprints of music legends like Madonna, Kylie, and George Michael.
9. Community Art: The Wishing Tree Steps
Make Your Wish
Just after Arena Square, you will find the Spanish Steps connecting the upper and lower levels. For 2025, these steps have been transformed into a giant interactive mural called "The Wishing Tree." This is the heart of the community display; you can pick up a free sticker from the London Designer Outlet Guest Services, write your wish for the year ahead, and stick it to the mural to leave your mark on the trail.
10. The Finale: The Boulevard of Lights
The Golden Walkway
Carry on down Wembley Park Boulevard, which acts as a tunnel of starlight with trees wrapped in gold. As you reach the London Designer Outlet, three giant illuminated stars greet you, positioned perfectly for a group photo. Inside the outlet, head to Retail Square to see "The Warrior Tree," a mesmerizing light installation pulsing with bright LEDs that offers a modern, high-energy contrast to the traditional decorations outside.
11. Interactive Lights: The Shadow Wall
The Wall of Light
Don't stop at the shops! If you walk just past the LDO onto the Royal Route underpass, you will find a hidden gem most visitors miss: the "Shadow Wall" by Jason Bruges. Using infrared sensors, this interactive wall captures your movement and projects it back to you as a "digital shadow" made of light. It is the perfect finish to your walk—kids love dancing in front of it to see their light-figures move in real-time.
Need to Know: Wembley Park Christmas 2025
- Location: Wembley Park (Jubilee & Metropolitan Lines).
- Dates: 27th Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026.
- Cost: The Light Trail and Art Trail are entirely Free.
- Best for Food: Market Square (Weekends) or BOXPARK (Daily).
- Time: Allow 90 minutes to enjoy the full walking route.
Winter in Wembley Park
Step into our winter wonderland with one of our handy guides below.