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Things to do in London in January 2021

Pick up some bargains, enjoy winter activities and make the most of London's free attractions in January.
Welcome to Carnaby Street sign.
Enjoy shopping in central London. Image courtesy of Carnaby Street. Credit Shaftesbury PLC.

  • January is usually the quietest time of year to visit London (and possibly, the cheapest).

  • The famous January sales are on across the capital.

  • The Virtual New Year’s Day Parade is one of the top events in January.

  • You can still enjoy some Christmas activities, including ice skating rinks, Hogwarts in the Snow and Christmas at Kew.

January is one of the best months to visit on a budget. The January sales are on, so you can shop at some of London's top shopping destinations for less. Plus, many hotels offer reductions at this time of year.

London's attractions are quieter than usual this month, so it's a great time to enjoy a stroll around a museum and avoid queues at popular attractions. And, don't forget, many of London's attractions are free!

Make sure to wrap up warm when out exploring London in winter. Then, take refuge from the cold in one of London's cosy pubs, or enjoy a hot drink with a view on a heated rooftop terrace transformed for winter.

Some January events have been cancelled in light of the coronavirus pandemic, but there are still lots of events to enjoy and make this month one to remember.

January events in London

Festive London activities

  • Join the thousands of onlookers and cheer on the marching brass bands, colourful performers and elaborate floats in the entirely virtual New Year's Day Parade.
  • Continue the festive fun with plenty more socially distanced New Year's Day activities in London.
  • Go ice skating on one of London's temporary outdoor ice rinks, many of which are still open at the start of the month.
  • Explore the Harry Potter film studios transformed for winter at Hogwarts in the Snow.
  • Catch one last Christmas show or pantomime before theatres wrap up for the festive season.

January festivals and fairs

  • See Canary Wharf sparkle with interactive artworks and light installations during the Connected by Light festival.
  • Browse and buy contemporary British art at the digital London Art Fair, with work on display from more than 100 galleries.
  • Enjoy Burns Night in London with haggis and tatties, bagpipes and plenty of whisky, to mark the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns.
  • Take moving stories and see the latest works in film at the London Short Film Festival.

For more things to do in January in London, take a look at our events calendar and guide to what's on in London. Find plenty of virtual activities to get on with from home, or catch the best of the London stage with this theatre guide.

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

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