London's skyline is set for a spectacular festive finale this year, as one of its most iconic landmarks prepares for a record-breaking Christmas Eve transformation.
A Record-Breaking Festive Beacon
On December 24, The Shard will become the United Kingdom's tallest ever festive stocking. From sunset until midnight, the top 20 storeys of the landmark building will be bathed in a brilliant red glow, meticulously designed to resemble a giant Christmas stocking.
This dazzling display will be powered by 575 energy-efficient LED lights, creating a beacon of celebration that organisers say will be visible for over 40 miles. The installation promises to deliver a shared moment of magic for Londoners and visitors across every corner of the city.
A Culmination of Festive Spirit
Daniel Fulbrook, head of marketing at REM, the asset manager for The Shard, explained the thinking behind this year's grand finale. "As a beacon on the London skyline, we are always exploring new ways to inspire and unite the city through unique and memorable experiences," he said.
"The Christmas stocking truly captures that spirit and is a fantastic culmination to this year’s display featuring the extraordinary talent within our own Shard team. Adding this record-breaking feature transforms this Christmas Eve into an unforgettable moment of shared festive magic across the capital."
A Beloved London Tradition
The Shard Lights have become a cherished part of London's seasonal calendar. The annual display typically illuminates the building's pinnacle from mid-November until New Year's Eve, featuring themed sequences that change every hour.
This year's stocking spectacle on Christmas Eve is being positioned as the crowning glory of the season's celebrations. It continues the tradition of using creative light artistry to spread holiday joy, offering a unique and breathtaking visual treat to mark the final countdown to Christmas Day in the capital.