London events calendar 2025

January

New Year's Day

Start the new year off right by spending New Year's Day in London. Check out the January sales at London's best department stores, listen to a concert at a church or cathedral, or get a cultural fix at a museum exhibition. 1 Jan

London New Year's Day Parade

Mark the first day of the calendar during the annual London New Year’s Day Parade in central London, captivating an audience of more than 500,000 people. Watch in awe as performers from around the world, including dancers, marching bands and acrobats, parade through the centre of the capital during this huge confetti-filled event. 1 Jan 

Burns Night

Celebrate the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns with literature readings, Scottish-themed dinners, traditional dancing and a toast on Burns Night in London. Born in 1759, Robert Burns became a national icon of Scotland, and many London restaurants and bars hold Burns Night events, serving up suppers of haggis, neeps and tatties with a wee dram of Scottish whisky. 25 Jan 

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February

Chinese New Year

Celebrate Chinese New Year in London, the largest event outside Asia. Hundreds of thousands of people join London’s Chinese New Year events which include a parade through London and a one-day festival in Trafalgar Square and across the West End. 2 Feb

Valentine's Day

Discover the capital’s romantic side by celebrating Valentine’s Day in London. Start making plans with your loved ones with these things to do on Valentine’s Day in London, including restaurants, tours, attractions and after-dark events. 14 Feb

February half-term

Entertain the little ones with a huge range of activities and events around London during the February half-term school break. Take the kids to one of London's many museums for hands-on interactive activities or enjoy a meal at a family-friendly restaurant. 17-21 Feb

London Fashion Week

See the latest styles on the catwalk at the February edition of London Fashion Week. Hear about the latest trends from experts and discover new pieces by British and international designers. 20-24 Feb

Find more February events in London

March

Ramadan

Explore the rich selection of events across the city that educate, observe and reflect on the Muslim tradition of Ramadan. Enjoy some of the city’s top halal and vegan food options at London restaurants during the holy month to satisfy Iftar. 1-30 Mar

Pancake Day

Feast on a mountain of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and watch runners flip their pans at a charity Pancake Day race in London. Top celebrations usually include pancake races at Greenwich Market, Borough Market and Leadenhall Market. 4 Mar

International Women's Day

Celebrate the successes of women in the capital and beyond on International Women's Day in London. Join talks and tours, and look out for special events at female-run restaurants around the city. 8 Mar

St Patrick's Day

Catch the colourful St Patrick's Day Parade through central London and then watch live performances from famous Irish musicians, as well as rising stars and special guests, in Trafalgar Square. Check out the market of craft stalls and tuck into traditional and modern Irish food. 16 Mar

Mother's Day

Shower your mum with love on Mother’s Day and find the best things to do in London on Mother's Day to treat her to a day out in the capital, including award-winning restaurants, West End theatre shows and colourfully blooming London gardens. 30 Mar

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April

London Games Festival

Get your game on at the London Games Festival, one of the biggest events of its kind in the world. Jump into the festival’s hands-on activities and check out the latest in the culture and business of the games world. 2-13 Apr

Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

Cheer on the rowers on the river Thames at the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, one of the world's oldest sporting events. The Boat Race runs between Putney and Mortlake, and spectators line the banks of the river for this popular event. 13 Apr

Aquatics GB Swimming Championships

Watch Britain's best swimmers battle it out at the six-day Aquatics GB Swimming Championships in the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Aquatics Centre, Stratford. 15-20 Apr

Easter

Spend the long Easter weekend in London enjoying egg hunts, themed attractions, Easter-specific performances or a Sunday lunch. Good Friday and Easter Monday are bank holidays in the UK. 18-21 Apr

The Passion of Jesus at Trafalgar Square

Watch a biblical story performed by 100 actors at the annual staging of The Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar Square, which takes place on Good Friday. The two 90-minute performances are free and attract thousands of visitors to witness the scene in central London. 18 Apr

Vaisakhi Festival in Trafalgar Square

Mark the start of the Sikh New Year with live music, art displays, family activities and crafts at the Vaisakhi Festival in Trafalgar Square. The festival marks the day in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa order, and the events are open to all. 19 Apr

St George’s Day in Trafalgar Square

Celebrate all things English in the lively capital during St George’s Day. Watch the iconic square come to life with its host of performers, live music and installations, or delve into the heritage and culture of the nation with family-friendly workshops and food stalls. 20 Apr

Strictly Wandsworth

Learn about the power of movement on the mind and body at Strictly Wandsworth, where you'll find a host of performances, interactive activities and workshops to get involved in. 26 Apr

London Marathon

Run, walk or cheer on participants from the sidelines during the London Marathon. Join thousands of runners and spectators on the streets of the capital at this annual event that’s a sporting institution in London. 27 Apr

London Borough of Culture

Pick from a huge list of activities taking place in Wandsworth during the full-year programme for The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture. Enjoy a fantastic lineup of flagship events, including storytelling, live music and performances around this south London neighbourhood. From 26 Apr

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May

Early May bank holiday

Take an extra day to explore all that London has to offer during the early May bank holiday weekend, which occurs on the first Monday of May. Book in to enjoy a theatre performance, a museum exhibition or family-friendly activities. 3-5 May

FA Cup Final

Find out which team will take home the silver trophy at the FA Cup Final, one of the biggest and oldest football competitions in the world. Watch the teams take the pitch at Wembley Stadium. 17 May

Women's FA Cup Final

Watch the season's football match finale between England's top teams at the Women's FA Cup Final. Grab tickets quickly, as the match sold out quickly in recent years. 18 May

Chelsea Flower Show

Admire the beautiful flowers, clever garden designs and amazing floral displays at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. Walk through the bloom-filled grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea to see the space transformed by a colourful spring burst. 20-24 May

Spring bank holiday weekend

Soak up the sun during the spring bank holiday weekend in London, which occurs on the last Monday of the month. Meet up with friends at one of London’s parks, shop for a summer wardrobe at one of the capital’s best department stores or visit a top London attraction. 24-26 May

May half-term

Find activities for the whole family during the May half-term. Enjoy a full week of spring-themed fun, including interactive events at London’s top attractions and outdoor parks and playgrounds. 26-30 May 

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June

London music festivals

Rock out at the capital's many summertime music festivals, featuring performers from a wide span of genres and huge headliners alongside up-and-coming acts. Sing your heart out at Mighty Hoopla, a festival for the pop-lovers; check out the lineup for Meltdown, curated by a different top artist every year; pack a picnic for Battersea Park in Concert; and see which big names take the stage at BST Hyde Park. Jun-Aug

London Design Biennale

Explore world-leading design, innovation and creativity at the fifth edition of the London Design Biennale, under the theme of "surface reflections", at Somerset House. 5-29 Jun

London Gallery Weekend

Discover new galleries and art across the capital during London Gallery Weekend, a three-day programme of talks, exciting activities for families and other special events which are free and open to all. 6-8 Jun

Wandsworth Arts Fringe

Learn about the culture and history of the local area during the annual Wandsworth Arts Fringe, including a packed schedule of theatre performances, comedy, cabaret and more. Wandsworth Heritage Festival is set to collaborate for a week of the fringe this year in light of London Borough of Culture. 6-22 Jun

London Open Gardens

Discover hidden green spaces, peaceful spots and gardens of celebrities that are accessible to the public for just one weekend during London Open Gardens. 7-8 Jun

Eid Festival in Trafalgar Square

Join in the celebrations at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at the Eid Festival in Trafalgar Square. Taste food from various stalls, see displays of work by Muslim artists and watch live music on the main stage. 8 Jun

Trooping the Colour

Celebrate the monarch's official birthday with pomp and pageantry during Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade. Hundreds of officers, horses and musicians in ceremonial uniforms join the King during this important event. Look out for the advance online ballot to try to secure seated tickets. 14 Jun

Father's Day

Take dad out for a day out around town for Father’s Day in London. Head to the theatre, a sporting event or one of London’s big-name attractions, or enjoy a quiet stroll through a park or Kew Gardens. 15 Jun

Taste of London

Experience the best of London’s incredible dining scene during the five-day Taste of London festival that takes place in Regent’s Park. Restaurants from around the capital set up stalls to show off their top dishes, and you can sample the mouthwatering selection. 18-22 Jun

Raindance Film Festival

Watch the latest in film across multiple genres at Raindance, the country's largest independent film festival. 18-27 Jun

West End LIVE

See the best of London’s West End musicals and theatre for free during West End LIVE in Trafalgar Square. Theatre fans head to the square for sing-alongs to favourite musicals and must-see new shows. 21-22 Jun

London Band Week

From the military bands at Buckingham Palace to community bands, discover brilliant performances across iconic central London locations during London Band Week. 24-29 Jun

Canada Day in Trafalgar Square

Celebrate the wonderful culture of Canada at the Canada Day London Festival, the largest celebration of Canadian culture worldwide. Expect everything from poutine and prizes to a lineup of Canadian live music acts. 28 Jun

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships

Root for the pros at Wimbledon, one of the four annual Grand Slam tennis tournaments that take place around the world. Soak up the lively atmosphere, best enjoyed with strawberries and cream, for two weeks of tennis matches in south-west London. 30 Jun-13 Jul

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July

Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

Enjoy the beautiful blooms of the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, one of the largest flower shows in the world, inside the stunning grounds of this historic site. See innovative show gardens and learn how to create your own piece of paradise at home. 1-6 Jul 

Pride

Join revellers to celebrate the capital’s LGBTQ+ community with a month-long series of events that culminates in a parade through central London during Pride. Check out the full programme of events which includes theatre, film screenings, parties, art installations and activities across the capital. 5 Jul

Buckingham Palace summer opening

Plan your trip to London to coincide with the annual Buckingham Palace summer opening and tour. Each summer, visitors can see how royalty lives by touring the rooms of one of the world’s most famous residences. 10 Jul-28 Sep

BBC Proms

Experience one of the top music events in London, and the biggest classical music festival on the planet, with fun and affordable concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and across the city. Each year, the BBC Proms hosts two months of concerts over the summer, aiming to bring the finest classical music to as many people as possible. 18 Jul-13 Sep

Rathayatra

Enjoy a summertime parade of colourful wooden chariots carrying Hindu deities during Rathayatra, which began in India thousands of years ago. Join the procession in the capital between Hyde Park Corner and Trafalgar Square, and enjoy free vegetarian food as part of the celebrations. 21 Jul

Summer school holidays 

Enjoy some family fun during the summer school holidays in London. Make the most of the break with exciting family events, theatre shows, summer festivals and top attractions for little ones and grownups alike. 23 Jul-1 Sep

Formula E World Championship

Feel the need for speed at the fast-paced conclusion of the Formula E World Championship. Watch as the all-electric race cars speed in and around Excel London. 26-27 Jul

Sculpture in the City

Immerse yourself in art and culture at Sculpture in the City, with its programme of free family-friendly activities, exhibits, performances and walking tours, providing an insight into the featured artists' works and the nature and history that surrounds them. Explore the 17 artworks animating London's Square Mile in this year's edition. Jul TBC

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August

The Hundred

Watch big-name cricket players take the pitch during The Hundred at Kia Oval and Lord’s Cricket Ground. Each team gets 100 balls, and the team that gets the most runs wins. The matches are family-friendly and provide a great day out for all. 5-31 Aug

August bank holiday weekend

Make the most of summer during the August bank holiday weekend. London is filled with festivals, street parades, live performances and lush parks so you can enjoy the great outdoors in the city. 23-25 Aug

Notting Hill Carnival

Groove to the beat at Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s largest street festival. Enjoy sound systems, a vibrant parade full of drum bands and sparkly costumes, street food stalls and more over the August bank holiday weekend. 23-25 Aug

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival

Catch dozens of free art installations and live performances ranging from acrobatics and dance to theatre and music at the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. East and south-east London gets a boost of invigorating energy during this festival which stages artistic and cultural shows across these neighbourhoods. Aug TBC

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September 

Totally Thames

Celebrate London's biggest river during the month-long Totally Thames. Learn about the Thames through photography exhibitions, art installations and live performances, boat trips, river races, foreshore walks, talks and more. 1-30 Sep

London Design Festival

Watch London turn into a giant gallery during the London Design Festival, as dynamic and innovative projects pop up across the capital. Explore a range of creative installations and join events that celebrate contemporary design. 13-21 Sep

Open House London

Explore buildings not usually open to the public during Open House London. Discover hidden secrets of the capital as you peek inside some of the most iconic buildings and architecturally unique spaces around the city for free. 13-21 Sep

London Fashion Week

Check out catwalk fashion from British and international designers as well as graduate showcase exhibitions at London Fashion Week's September edition. See shows of womenswear, menswear and accessories, plus talks from leading fashion companies. 18-22 Sep

Great River Race

Gather together with spectators for the annual Great River Race, which brings together 300 boats and more than 2,500 competitors to race from Millwall in east London to Ham in Richmond under all 28 London bridges on the river Thames. 20 Sep

Women's Rugby World Cup Final

Witness history at the Women's Rugby World Cup Final in London at the HQ of English rugby, Twickenham Stadium. With 16 teams competing to be crowned world champions, the event is set to be the most accessible Women's Rugby World Cup ever. 27 Sep

London Mural Festival

See more than 100 murals across the city this September, when London's biggest street art celebration, the London Mural Festival, returns to the capital. Sep TBC

CelebrASIA

Experience the best of south-east Asian culture at the CelebrASIA festival inside Battersea Power Station, featuring an incredible lineup of delicious street food, an artisan market, arts and crafts workshops, kids activities, live music and more. Sep TBC

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October

Black History Month

Take part in the citywide celebration of Black communities with epic events across London during Black History Month. Discover cultural events and learn about Black history in the capital and beyond. 1-31 Oct

BFI London Film Festival

Watch the best new films from around the world and stars on the red carpet during the BFI London Film Festival. Enjoy movies shown on the silver screen at cinemas around the capital. 8-19 Oct

London Cocktail Week

Sip on classic and contemporary cocktails at London Cocktail Week, the world's largest cocktail festival. Enjoy a host of events, immersive popups, discounts and special menus across hundreds of the best bars in London. 9-19 Oct

Frieze art fairs

Admire beautiful works at Frieze London and Frieze Masters, major events on the capital's art calendar. View, browse and buy world-class art from the best international galleries in the beautiful surroundings of Regent’s Park. 15-19 Oct

October half-term

Find events and activities across London to keep the kids entertained during the October half-term school break. Check out London’s best family-friendly attractions, child-oriented museum exhibitions and children’s theatre performances. 27-31 Oct

Halloween

Celebrate the spooky season in London this Halloween. Check out themed eerie attractions in the city, come face to face with London’s haunted history, and take a ghost walk or bus ride around the capital. 31 Oct

NFL London Games

Cheer on your favourite US football team during a lineup of action-packed games as the NFL London Games return to the capital. Watch three games over the month, two of which are played at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the first purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the US. Oct TBC

Diwali in Trafalgar Square

Celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with lively stage performances and cultural activities at this free annual event in Trafalgar Square. The festival includes dance workshops, yoga and meditation sessions, and a children's zone. Oct TBC

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November

Bonfire Night

Remember, remember the fifth of November with impressive fireworks displays around London for Bonfire Night. Some parks put on bonfires, funfairs and fireworks that light up the cold winter night. 5 Nov

Lord Mayor's Show

Catch an elaborate parade that features dancers, horses, military marching bands and more at the Lord Mayor's Show. Follow this 800-year-old tradition and celebrate the new Lord Mayor with a mix of modern festivities and traditional pageantry, as more than 500,000 people line the route to watch the colourful parade travel across the City of London. 8 Nov 

Remembrance Day

Wear a poppy and commemorate those who lost their lives in war on Remembrance Day. Two minutes of silence are observed across the city at 11am, and a remembrance service and parade take place along Whitehall on the Sunday closest to Remembrance Day. 9 Nov

EFG London Jazz Festival

Enjoy spectacular live performances in venues across London as the city grooves to all things jazz during the EFG London Jazz Festival. Each year, the festival plays host to 10 days of performances, bringing together new talent and world-renowned jazz figures. 14-23 Nov

Christmas at Kew

Be dazzled by twinkling lights on an after-dark stroll around Kew Gardens. Thousands of lights illuminate the lovely grounds with immersive displays and holiday cheer during Christmas at Kew. 14 Nov-4 Jan

Hogwarts in the Snow

Get into the festive spirit with Hogwarts in the Snow, a self-guided walking tour around the iconic Harry Potter film sets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London that are magically transformed for the winter season. 15 Nov- 18 Jan

Winter Wonderland

Get ready for the ultimate festive experience this Christmas at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Enjoy exciting fairground rides, take a spin on the ice-skating rink and shop for gingerbread and more at the Christmas market. Nov-Jan TBC

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December

Christmas events

Feel the capital's festive spirit all month long during Christmas in London. See fantastic light displays, watch a seasonal performance and go ice skating on outdoor rinks at famous landmarks throughout December. 1-31 Dec

Christmas Eve

Finish your Christmas shopping and catch a pantomime on Christmas Eve in London. Invite friends and family along for a festive lights tour, book tickets for a musical or enjoy carols at a cathedral. 24 Dec

Christmas Day

Enjoy the quiet of the capital by exploring London on Christmas Day. Watch the Peter Pan Cup swim in Hyde Park before tucking into Christmas dinner at a festive pub. 25 Dec

New Year's Eve

Say goodbye to 2025 by celebrating New Year's Eve in London. Meet with friends for a big night out, catch a year-end theatre show or live music performance, or take a NYE cruise on the river Thames with views of the fireworks. 31 Dec

New Year's Eve fireworks

See off the year with the spectacular London New Year's Eve fireworks display, an event televised around the world. Listen to the clock strike midnight as Big Ben's famous "bongs" ring out at the Houses of Parliament, followed by the UK's biggest annual fireworks display across the river. 31 Dec

Christmas tree and carols in Trafalgar Square

Admire the famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree sparkling with hundreds of lights, and sing along to festive carols around the tree during the countdown to Christmas. Dec TBC

Chanukah Menorah in Trafalgar Square

Visit Trafalgar Square during London’s annual Chanukah Menorah celebration to add a touch of sparkle to your winter plans. The special Jewish festival of lights is commemorated with the lighting of a new lamp on the giant menorah each day. Dec TBC

Find more December events in London

Finding things to do all year in London

Some shows and events, such as the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace or the best musicals in London's West End, take place all year round. Take a look at the best things to do in London to plan your trip and book tickets in advance for top London theatre shows and other exciting events.