Our cultural countdown to Christmas… Today, Lightwaves Festival opens, bringing a Cathedral of Mirrors and more to The Quays.

Lightwaves Festival is one of our most favouritist things in December. It’s kind of amazing how, every year, the team at Quays Culture deliver a stunning festival of digital light across the public spaces at The Quays, for free. This year, the centrepiece of the festival is comprised of three major installations by international artists: there will be a Cathedral of Mirrors that responds to movement, a family of giant, luminous bunnies and a psychedelic maze filled with wonders to be discovered both privately and in public. Throw in pop-up performances, talks and workshops, and you’ve got this year’s programme – a visual-audio feast, and a very good reason to visit. Lightwaves, The Quays, 12-27 December (closed Christmas Day), 4.30pm-10.30pm, free

Giant luminous bunnies and a Cathedral of Mirrors at The Quays

If you are planning on going, take a look at our guide to The Quays first. We’ve rounded up the best things to see, do, eat and drink in the area, along with a little history, geography and advice on how to get there.