Carotenoids and anthocyanins are antioxidant metabolites that are involved in photoprotection, and contribute to the color of leaves, flowers and fruits. Meanwhile, fruits are rich in carotenoids and anthocyanins metabolites, which is beneficial to human health. This review summarized the studies of the effects of light signaling on carotenoid and anthocyanin accumulation and its biosynthetic genes, the major transcription factors and complexes that participate in these pathway. Besides, understanding the crucial role of the transcriptional regulation of carotenoid and anthocyanin by the light may help us to explore effective pathways and targets for fruit quality improvement, and promote carotenoid and anthocyanin accumulation via genetic engineering and environmental treatment.