The Shard's Christmas lights display this year comes with a community twist — it's designed by a member of the skyscraper's housekeeping team.
Colombian-born amateur artist Gustavo Zuluaga Villegas, who has worked at the Shard for eight years, is a keen abstract expressionist painter — and from Tuesday 25 November 2025, illuminated versions of his works will enjoy their largest canvas yet: the tallest building in London.
The light show will feature a "range of sequences from striking rainbow flashes, interpreting the bright, colourful brushwork of Gustavo's original artwork." These will be joined by other festive motifs, suggested by other members of the Shard's team, including a reindeer darting across the skyline.
Gustavo hails from a family of painters, and began working in pastels at the age of 18, but later fell out of practise. Watching his daughter paint in oils during the pandemic reignited his passion, and since then, he's dedicated much of his free time to creating oil paintings that capture personal experiences, nature and memories from his childhood — particularly his love of horses.
Says the artist: "I came to London from Colombia in 1996 to start a new chapter in my life. The Shard has been part of that journey, and it means a lot to see my artwork reflected on a building I know so well. During the pandemic, my daughter's creativity inspired me to return to painting, something that’s always been close to my heart.
"To now see those paintings transformed into light for everyone to enjoy feels incredibly special."
The Shard's Christmas lights will be switched on every night from 25 November till the New Year.
