The famous Spanish Steps at Wembley Park have undergone a magical festive transformation, becoming a giant, interactive 'Wishing Tree' for the Christmas season. This new community art installation invites Londoners and visitors to participate in creating a glowing display of collective hopes and dreams.
An Interactive Festive Canvas
Created by the London-based studio IWANT Design, the installation spans all 58 steps of the landmark staircase that connects Wembley Stadium to the OVO Arena Wembley. The artwork features a towering 30ft Christmas tree mural, a height equivalent to two double-decker buses, creating one of London's most striking seasonal sights.
However, this display is designed for more than just admiration. Visitors can actively contribute by adding their own Christmas wishes using special metallic-coloured stickers. These stickers are available free of charge from the Guest Services desk at the London Designer Outlet, with opening hours from 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 7pm on Sundays.
How to Light Up the Tree
Each sticker corresponds to one of the over 300 'fairy lights' printed on the mural. As more people place their stickers, the collective reflection makes the tree appear to gradually 'light up', especially when catching the glow from the other festive displays along Wembley Park Boulevard.
The Wishing Tree will remain in place until early January 2026, forming a key part of Wembley Park's free Outdoor Art Trail. Organisers conceived the piece as a shared cultural experience and a collective expression of community spirit during the holidays.
Claudio Giambrone, Head of Cultural Programming at Wembley Park, stated: "Community is always at the heart of Wembley Park. This latest installation is designed to bring people together by participating in a free, shared cultural experience."
Part of a Larger Festive Celebration
The Spanish Steps have served as a prominent outdoor canvas since 2018, gaining international attention earlier in 2025 for viral installations celebrating Coldplay and Taylor Swift. John Gilsenan of IWANT Design commented: "We are delighted to have created The Wishing Tree for everyone to enjoy and engage with this Christmas. Wembley Park is known for delivering culture in unexpected places."
This installation is a highlight of London's Big Festive Day Out at Wembley Park, running from November 27 to January 3. The wider event programme includes sparkling light trails, a 20ft Gingerbread Arch, festive markets, street performances, a free Santa's Grotto, and various winter dining options, all located just 12 minutes from central London.
