Ramadan in London 2026: Ramadan Lights, iftar food trail and events

The month of Ramadan is a time of reflection, generosity and community. In a global city like London, the holy month is marked with a growing programme of public celebrations that invite people of all faiths and none to come together.

From illuminated street displays and an iftar food trail to cultural events and exhibitions, there’s plenty happening across the city this winter to celebrate togetherness, shared values and community spirit.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims, marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, aimed at achieving God consciousness through self-reflection and acts of generosity. It ends with Eid al-Fitr, a day celebrating the completion of a month of fasting, self-restraint and spiritual growth.

In 2026, Ramadan is expected to fall on the evening of Tuesday 17 February or Wednesday 18 February, with Eid starting on either the evening of Thursday 19 March or Friday 20 March.

Ramadan Lights London returns in 2026

Returning for its fourth year, the UK’s first and largest Ramadan light display will once again illuminate Coventry Street in London’s West End. More than 30,000 energy-efficient LED lights will shine nightly from 5pm to 5am, bringing a festival of light to the heart of the city.

The display will read “Happy Ramadan” throughout the holy month, before switching overnight to “Happy Eid” in March, marking the joyful transition from fasting to celebration.

The project is fully funded by The Aziz Foundation, a UK-based charitable organisation focused on supporting British Muslim communities through education, leadership and community initiatives.

Inspired by natural cycles and universal themes, the design acts as a symbolic gateway between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Over the past four years, the lights have become a meaningful fixture in London’s cultural calendar, celebrating inclusion, visibility and interfaith harmony.

When do the London Ramadan Lights switch on?

The Ramadan Lights London switch-on event will take place mid-Feburary – check back soon for the official switch-on date and time.

The evening includes the official unveiling of the display alongside interfaith moments and community celebrations.

It’s a free, family-friendly event, but also a popular one. If you’d prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday evening after the launch – the lights will remain in place throughout Ramadan.

Ramadan Delights – London's iftar food trail

As part of the Ramadan Lights London programme, Ramadan Delights returns for 2026 – London’s first dedicated iftar food trail. Curated by The Aziz Foundation in partnership with Heart of London Business Alliance, the trail runs from 16 February to 20 March 2026.

Halal- and vegetarian-friendly dishes will be available at selected restaurants across the West End, with exclusive discounts, complimentary treats and special Ramadan menus. Participating venues can be explored via an interactive map on the Ramadan Lights London website.

Highlights this year include venues such as Hard Rock Cafe, Hotel Indigo London – 1 Leicester Square, Franco’s and PizzaExpress.

Ramadan events London 2026

Alongside the Ramadan Lights and iftar food trail, London will also host a programme of cultural events that explore the values at the heart of Ramadan through art, creativity and shared experience.

Shared Light – interfaith art exhibition London

One highlight for 2026 is central London’s first interfaith art exhibition, hosted at the Zedwell Hotel Piccadilly Circus. Free to visit, the exhibition brings together submissions from creatives of all faiths and none, reflecting on universal themes such as generosity, compassion, gratitude and community.

The exhibition sits within the wider Ramadan Lights London programme and offers a quieter, reflective counterpoint to the buzz of the West End. It’s an opportunity to pause, explore different perspectives and engage with the season in a more contemplative way.

Throughout Ramadan, elements of the programme will also extend into the public realm, with digital artworks and screen takeovers near Piccadilly Circus adding to the citywide sense of celebration and visibility.

Other Ramadan and cultural events to look out for:

• Ramadan Tent Project – Ramadan Festival 2026: A citywide programme including the annual Open Iftar series, with events at iconic venues such as Soho Theatre, National Gallery and Trafalgar Square. 20 Feb-16 Mar
• Iftar and Tarawih gathering at Saffron Gallery: A community-focused evening centred on connection, worship and reflection. 28 Feb
• World in Westminster: Iftar celebrations: Community iftar events bringing people together to break fast while engaging in shared conversation and reflection. 4 Mar
• Spiritual reflection evenings at Excel London: Special Ramadan prayer and reflection nights, including Laylat al-Qadr gatherings, offering space for worship and Quran recitation. 13 and 15 Mar
• Eid on the Square 2026: Returning to Trafalgar Square for its 21st year, this celebration marks Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice”, with live performances, food and family-friendly activities. 30 May
• Cutter and Squidge Ramadan and Eid menu: The popular London bakery, known for its decadent sweet treats, has created a bespoke menu drawing from classic Middle Eastern flavours including a Sweet Table Ramadan Selection Box, After Iftar brownies, a Midnight Feast Hamper, and much more. 

Planning your visit

Located in one of London’s best-connected areas, the main Ramadan celebrations are easy to reach by public transport, with Tube and bus routes offering the most convenient options.

Plan your visit by combining the Ramadan Lights with the iftar food trail, or pair an evening stroll through the West End with a cultural event or exhibition nearby.

The switch-on night attracts larger crowds, so for a more relaxed experience, visit later in the week or later in the month when the area is quieter.

Check out essential London traveller information ahead of your visit.