UCL's Wilkins building illuminated in rainbow colours at night, with a brightly lit Christmas tree in front and a crowd of people gathered around it taking photographs.

UCL Winter Lights Switch On

Presented by UCL Campus Experience

Celebrate the start of the festive season at the UCL Winter Lights Switch-on!

Come along to the Main Quad for an evening of spectacular light installations, festive food and drink, and photo opportunities leading up to the moment we switch on the winter lights.

What’s happening on the day

Take in the lights: Snap a photo with friends among winter-themed illuminated installations, with snow effects adding an extra touch of winter magic.

Enjoy live performances: Soak up the festive atmosphere with live performances from student societies.

Grab a festive treat: Warm up with hot chocolate and seasonal food and drink from Food at UCL.

See the portico light up: Gather in the Quad for the countdown as we switch on the winter lights.

Have your say and win a prize: Share your feedback with us after the event and for a chance to win a prize.

Event timings

On this booking page you can choose between three arrival times. Tickets for this event are limited, so please book early to get your preferred entry time slot.

Early arrival: 4:30pm to 4:45pm
Main arrival 4:45pm to 5pm
Final arrival: 5pm to 5:15pm (last entry before the switch-on)
Event end: 7pm

You must arrive during your timed slot, latecomers may not be admitted.

Please note that this event is only open to UCL Staff and Students.

Details

Venue

Main Quad
Wilkins Building, Gower St, London WC1E 6AE

Tickets
£4
Offers

Early-Bird tickets available for £3. 
Limited number, with saving applied automatically until all discounted tickets are claimed

Contents warnings
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Please note that this event will include

  • Flashing lights
  • Amplified music
  • Artificial snow produced by snow machines.

We therefore advise that the event may not be suitable for anyone with photosensitive epilepsy, sensitivity to light or loud noise, or respiratory conditions that could be affected by artificial snow. 

The event also takes place outdoors, so we recommend dressing appropriately for cold weather. 

If you have any concerns, please contact the event organiser on [email protected].

Other information

British Sign Language (BSL) will be provided for speeches, and clear directional signage will also be in place on the Main Quad. 

Fire marshals will be present throughout the event and will assist guests in the event of a fire or emergency, following UCL’s established fire safety procedures 

If you have any access requirements, please let us know when making your booking.

Filming and photography 
Please be aware that photography and filming will take place at this event and may be used in UCL communications and promotional materials. 

If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, you can let us know when making your booking or by speaking to a member of the event team on the day.

Personal belongings
For the safety and comfort of all guests, a bag check will be in operation. 


Please do not bring bags larger than a standard tote bag (approx. A4 size). Large bags, suitcases, and backpacks cannot be admitted.