Alternative Christmas lights in London

It’s winter: which, contrary to myth and legend, does not mean sparkling frosts and clear sunrises but that it’s basically dark all the time. But darkness means twinkling winter lights. Here are six of the best light shows for Christmas
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Dennis Severs' House

Dennis Severs' House in Spitalfields — a time capsule preserving the lives of a Huguenot family from the 18th to the 20th century — has installed its annual Christmas display: the centrepiece is a vast tree illuminated by candlelight.

Find it: Nov 30-Jan 5, 18 Folgate Street, E1, dennissevershouse.co.uk

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is transformed into a faux-Narnia: snowflakes mark a one-mile trail decorated with giant light sculptures, a tunnel of lights and mistletoe.

Find it: Nov 26-Jan 3, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TW9 kew.org

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court’s maze is especially dizzying by night: it’s illuminated by responsive lights projected onto the gardens and trees. The east front of the palace becomes a canvas for a light spectacle.

Find it: Dec 12-23, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8, hrp.org.uk

Sir John Soane Museum

Neoclassical architect Sir John Soane’s glorious collection of curios looks even better by candlelight.

Find it: First Tuesday of every month, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2, soane.org

Enchanted Forest at Syon House

Returning for a ninth year, the gardens of Syon House are transformed into an enchanted forest, featuring illuminated installations and interactive lights.

Find it: Nov 21-Dec 7, Syon Park and Gardens, Brentford, TW7 enchantedwoodland.com

Charles Dickens Museum

Charles Dickens often wrote by candlelight, so his former home will be illuminated solely by flickering flames for three special evening openings before Christmas.

Find it: Wed Nov 26, Wed Dec 10, Tue Dec 23, 48 Doughty Street, WC1, dickensmuseum.com

Things to do in London this Christmas

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