January in London

The New Year's Day Parade starts the year with a bang – quite literally. See marching brass bands and colourful floats wind their way through the city’s most famous streets before a spectacular firework display lights up the river Thames. Or set sail to the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show. It showcases hundreds of vessels of all shapes and sizes, from small motor boats to magnificent catamarans, at ExCeL London. Take a step into the surreal at The London International Mime Festival, a celebration of visual theatre that welcomes the world’s best mime artists and companies to venues across London. Also this month, the London Art Fair welcomes more than 100 galleries to The Business Design Centre to present contemporary British talent. If it's poetry that inspires you, enjoy a traditional Burns supper, ceilidh dancing and reading events during Burns Night, the UK-wide celebration of Scotland’s finest poet Robert Burns.

Some of London’s best assets are its world-famous museums and art galleries with free entry. Admire priceless art, ancient artefacts and exquisite treasures without paying a penny. Rib-tickling, side-splitting comedy is easy to find thanks to capital's wealth of live comedy clubs. The UK's January sales have become an institution and London’s fantastic shopping options mean you’ll bag the best bargains. With everyone heading to the shops, the city's biggest attractions are quieter than usual with fewer queues and special January discounts.

Hotels across the city also offer great reductions at this time of year, with budget chains offering excellent value and 5-star rooms on sale at 3-star prices.

WEATHER: For average seasonal temperatures and rainfall, see our London Weather page.