London events calendar

Changing the Guard

Enjoy a striking display of British pomp and pageantry, as you watch the free Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard. Recurring Event

Centenary of the women's vote in London

Join in a series of special events honouring the 100th anniversary of the women's right to vote. 2 Jan-31 Dec

Christmas in Leicester Square

Explore a magical Christmas haven in Leicester Square, and watch fabulous festive shows inside the 1920s spiegeltent. 9 Nov-6 Jan

Winter festival at Southbank Centre

Celebrate the winter season at Southbank Centre with festive shows, a Christmas market, seasonal food and drink, and family activities under the glittering lights. 9 Nov-6 Jan

Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

See iconic Harry Potter film sets transformed for the winter season in a self-guided walking tour of the Warner Bros. Studio in London. 17 Nov-27 Jan

Christmas at Kew

Go on a twinkling after-dark adventure around Kew Gardens, lit up with more than 1 million sparkling Christmas lights. 22 Nov-5 Jan

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

From thrilling fairground rides and ice skating to charming Christmas markets and family shows, join in the seasonal fun at Winter Wonderland, at Hyde Park. 22 Nov-6 Jan

Christmas by the River at London Bridge City

Shop at the traditional riverside Christmas market set against a backdrop of London icons, including magical views of Tower Bridge. 29 Nov-2 Jan

Christmas Festival at the Royal Albert Hall

The iconic Royal Albert Hall resounds with seasonal cheer, as music, carols, dance and songs fill the grand hall in the countdown to Christmas. 1-31 Dec

Christmas in London

From Trafalgar Square's giant Christmas tree and Christmas lights across the city, to pantomimes, ice skating rinks and Christmas markets, experience the magic of Christmas in London. 1-31 Dec

Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square

See the famous Norwegian Christmas tree sparkle with hundreds of lights in Trafalgar Square, and sing along to carols around the tree during the countdown to Christmas. 6 Dec-1 Jan

Christmas carols in Trafalgar Square

From Deck the Halls to Ding Dong Merrily on High, come and watch carol singers perform festive favourites around the famous Norwegian Christmas tree. 10-21 Dec

The Peter Pan Cup

Watch brave outdoor swimmers compete in the icy waters of the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park at the annual Christmas Day race. 25 Dec

Christmas Day in London

Experience a different side of the capital as London falls quiet on Christmas Day, and find out about public transport, attractions, tours and church services. 25 Dec

London New Year's Eve fireworks

See in 2019 with London's spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display at the Coca-Cola London Eye, an event famous around the world. 31 Dec

New Year's Eve in London

Welcome in the new year in London with New Year's Eve fireworks, late-night parties, lavish dinners and other celebrations. 31 Dec

Changing the Guard

Enjoy a striking display of British pomp and pageantry, as you watch the free Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard. Recurring Event

Christmas in Leicester Square

Explore a magical Christmas haven in Leicester Square, and watch fabulous festive shows inside the 1920s spiegeltent. 9 Nov-6 Jan

Winter festival at Southbank Centre

Celebrate the winter season at Southbank Centre with festive shows, a Christmas market, seasonal food and drink, and family activities under the glittering lights. 9 Nov-6 Jan

Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

See iconic Harry Potter film sets transformed for the winter season in a self-guided walking tour of the Warner Bros. Studio in London. 17 Nov-27 Jan

Christmas at Kew

Go on a twinkling after-dark adventure around Kew Gardens, lit up with more than 1 million sparkling Christmas lights. 22 Nov-5 Jan

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

From thrilling fairground rides and ice skating to charming Christmas markets and family shows, join in the seasonal fun at Winter Wonderland, at Hyde Park. 22 Nov-6 Jan

Christmas by the River at London Bridge City

Shop at the traditional riverside Christmas market set against a backdrop of London icons, including magical views of Tower Bridge. 29 Nov-2 Jan

Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square

See the famous Norwegian Christmas tree sparkle with hundreds of lights in Trafalgar Square, and sing along to carols around the tree during the countdown to Christmas. 6 Dec-1 Jan

New Year's Day Parade

Celebrate 2019 with this annual parade through central London, featuring thousands of performers and colourful floats from across the world. Watch for free along the parade route, or book grandstand tickets. 1 Jan

New Year's Day in London

From the New Year’s Day parade, special tours and festive activities, to January sales, iconic attractions and walks in the park, there are plenty of reasons to get out in London this New Year’s Day. 1 Jan

Waltham Forest: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2019

The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture celebrates Waltham Forest’s cultural heritage, diversity, talent and places, during a 12-month programme of events. 1 Jan-30 Dec

London Short Film Festival

Watch short film screenings from emerging filmmakers and attend industry events in independent cinemas and venues across London. 11-20 Jan

The London Art Fair at Business Design Centre

Wander through more than 100 galleries presenting the great names of 20th-century modern British art and exceptional contemporary work. 16-20 Jan

NBA London Game 2019 at The O2

Don’t miss the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards in action, as the NBA returns to London. 17 Jan

Burns Night in London

Celebrate Scottish poet Robert Burns' birthday with poetry readings, slap-up dinners, traditional dancing and a toast with the best Scottish whisky in London. 25 Jan

Changing the Guard

Enjoy a striking display of British pomp and pageantry, as you watch the free Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard. Recurring Event

Waltham Forest: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2019

The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture celebrates Waltham Forest’s cultural heritage, diversity, talent and places, during a 12-month programme of events. 1 Jan-30 Dec

Cancer Research UK London Winter Run

Get active with London's only winter-themed run along a route passing London icons. 3 Feb

Valentine's Day in London

Find things to do on the most loved-up day of the year, from stunning panoramic views to Valentine's restaurants, romantic daytime activities to charming after-dark events. 14 Feb

The London Classic Car Show at ExCeL London

Examine some of the best classic cars that have ever been created, see racing greats and meet car manufacturers at this celebration of motoring. 14-17 Feb

London Fashion Week: Insiders at The Store Studios, 180 The Strand

Get an insight into the fabulous world of fashion, with designer catwalks, expert talks and pop-up shops at this industry event open to the public. 16-17 Feb

February half-term in London

Take the kids to the capital's top family-friendly attractions this half-term, and spark their curiosity with special interactive activities during the school holiday. 16-23 Feb

Changing the Guard

Enjoy a striking display of British pomp and pageantry, as you watch the free Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard. Recurring Event

Waltham Forest: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2019

The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture celebrates Waltham Forest’s cultural heritage, diversity, talent and places, during a 12-month programme of events. 1 Jan-30 Dec

Pancake Day in London

Feast on a mountain of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and watch runners flip their pans in one of London's charity pancake races. 5 Mar

Head of the River Race

Cheer on rowers from around the globe as they race along the Thames in one of London's longest-running sporting traditions. 16-30 Mar

St Patrick's Day

See the spectacular parade, catch free performances in Trafalgar Square, and enjoy Irish food and Guinness, as you celebrate St Paddy's Day in London. 17 Mar

Mother's Day

Say thank you to mum with a wonderful day out in London on Mother’s Day, from restaurants with a view to West End shows, and beautiful gardens to helicopter rides. 31 Mar

Changing the Guard

Enjoy a striking display of British pomp and pageantry, as you watch the free Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard. Recurring Event

Waltham Forest: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2019

The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture celebrates Waltham Forest’s cultural heritage, diversity, talent and places, during a 12-month programme of events. 1 Jan-30 Dec

London Games Festival

Get gaming this spring with hands-on activities, talks, showcases and a parade, at one of the world's biggest games festivals. 2-14 Apr

The Cancer Research UK Boat Races

Pick a side and cheer on the rowers at the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Races, one of the world's oldest sporting events, and one of London's most popular. 7 Apr

Easter Weekend

From London Easter egg hunts and interactive family attractions, to a spectacular Good Friday performance and traditional Easter Sunday lunch, find Easter activities and opening times in London. 19-22 Apr

Virgin Money London Marathon

Be part of the Virgin Money London Marathon: whether you run, walk or cheer from the sidelines, this is a London sporting institution. 28 Apr

Changing the Guard

Enjoy a striking display of British pomp and pageantry, as you watch the free Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard. Recurring Event

Waltham Forest: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2019

The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture celebrates Waltham Forest’s cultural heritage, diversity, talent and places, during a 12-month programme of events. 1 Jan-30 Dec

Women's FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium

See two of the biggest names in women's football battle it out to be crowned FA Cup winners. May TBC

Museums at Night - May

Take part in special events, tours, talks and activities at night, as museums, galleries and historic spaces open the doors after hours. 15-18 May

Photo London at Somerset House

Find world-class photography at this large-scale fair attracting leading galleries and artists. 16-19 May

FA Cup Final

Watch the climax of English football's biggest competition at London's Wembley Stadium, or live on TV from a London pub or bar. May TBC

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Be dazzled by colourful flowers, innovative garden designs and amazing horticultural exhibits at this prestigious flower show. And find out how else to soak up the atmosphere around Chelsea. 21-25 May

May half-term in London

Treat the family to a half-term filled with exciting activities, interactive attractions, outdoor playgrounds and children's shows over the May school holiday in London. 25 May-2 Jun

State Opening of Parliament

See the Queen travel in the traditional carriage procession through Westminster to open the new parliamentary session. May TBC

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

Watch the world’s best teams battle it out for the biggest prize in cricket. 30 May-14 Jul

Changing the Guard

Enjoy a striking display of British pomp and pageantry, as you watch the free Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard. Recurring Event

Waltham Forest: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2019

The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture celebrates Waltham Forest’s cultural heritage, diversity, talent and places, during a 12-month programme of events. 1 Jan-30 Dec

May half-term in London

Treat the family to a half-term filled with exciting activities, interactive attractions, outdoor playgrounds and children's shows over the May school holiday in London. 25 May-2 Jun

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

Watch the world’s best teams battle it out for the biggest prize in cricket. 30 May-14 Jul

Open Garden Squares Weekend

Explore rooftop gardens, city centre plantations, and the gardens of the rich and famous, as green spaces across London are unlocked for one weekend only. 8-9 Jun

London Tech Week

Get involved in a host of events during this annual celebration of all things tech in London. 10-16 Jun

Taste of London in Regent's Park

Join London's top restaurants and celebrity chefs for the ultimate alfresco feast in Regent's Park. Jun TBC

Trooping the Colour

Watch troops from the Household Division honour the Queen's official birthday with a fantastic military parade that has taken place in London for two centuries. Jun TBC

West End LIVE at Trafalgar Square

Be dazzled by free performances from top West End musicals and shows in Trafalgar Square. Jun TBC

Father's Day in London

Spoil your dad this June with our top Father’s Day ideas and activities in London, from culture and sports, to food and theatre. 16 Jun

Royal Ascot

Surround yourself with fast horses and fancy hats at the world-famous Royal Ascot race meeting. 18-22 Jun

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

Experience one of London’s largest free outdoor arts festivals, with open-air theatre, dance, art installations and music for all ages in Royal Greenwich and east London. 21 Jun-7 Jul

Pride in London

Celebrate the diversity of the LGBT+ community with the colourful Pride in London Parade through central London, free festivities in Trafalgar Square and city-wide events. 23 Jun-6 Jul

Masterpiece London at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Experience one of the world's leading international arts fairs, encompassing everything from fine art to design. 27 Jun-3 Jul

Changing the Guard

Enjoy a striking display of British pomp and pageantry, as you watch the free Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard. Recurring Event

Waltham Forest: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2019

The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture celebrates Waltham Forest’s cultural heritage, diversity, talent and places, during a 12-month programme of events. 1 Jan-30 Dec

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

Watch the world’s best teams battle it out for the biggest prize in cricket. 30 May-14 Jul

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

Experience one of London’s largest free outdoor arts festivals, with open-air theatre, dance, art installations and music for all ages in Royal Greenwich and east London. 21 Jun-7 Jul

Pride in London

Celebrate the diversity of the LGBT+ community with the colourful Pride in London Parade through central London, free festivities in Trafalgar Square and city-wide events. 23 Jun-6 Jul

Masterpiece London at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Experience one of the world's leading international arts fairs, encompassing everything from fine art to design. 27 Jun-3 Jul

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships

Soak up the buzzing atmosphere at one of the biggest sporting events of the year in Wimbledon, one of 4 annual Grand Slam tennis tournaments held around the world. 1-14 Jul

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

Enjoy horticultural displays and green-fingered fun in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace at the world’s biggest flower show. 2-7 Jul

Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park

Join big-name artists and rising stars for 10 summer days of music and entertainment in Hyde Park. Jul TBC

BBC Proms

Experience the biggest classical music festival on earth, with fun and affordable concerts open to all audiences at the Royal Albert Hall and across London. 19 Jul-14 Sep

Muller Anniversary Games at London Stadium

Enjoy two days of world-class athletics in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. 20-21 Jul

Buckingham Palace tour: summer opening

Explore the lavish interiors of the Queen's official London residence, and one of the world's few remaining working royal palaces, at Buckingham Palace this summer. Jul-Sep TBC

School summer holidays in London

London is bursting with activities and attractions to keep children busy during the school summer holidays. Jul-Sep TBC

Changing the Guard

Enjoy a striking display of British pomp and pageantry, as you watch the free Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard. Recurring Event

Waltham Forest: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2019

The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture celebrates Waltham Forest’s cultural heritage, diversity, talent and places, during a 12-month programme of events. 1 Jan-30 Dec

BBC Proms

Experience the biggest classical music festival on earth, with fun and affordable concerts open to all audiences at the Royal Albert Hall and across London. 19 Jul-14 Sep

Buckingham Palace tour: summer opening

Explore the lavish interiors of the Queen's official London residence, and one of the world's few remaining working royal palaces, at Buckingham Palace this summer. Jul-Sep TBC

School summer holidays in London

London is bursting with activities and attractions to keep children busy during the school summer holidays. Jul-Sep TBC

Prudential RideLondon

Cheer on the world’s top professional cyclists and enjoy a ride around the traffic-free streets of central London during the annual festival of cycling. 1-4 Aug

Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House

Bring a picnic and settle down for a movie on London’s largest outdoor screen set against the spectacular Somerset House for two weeks in the summer. Aug TBC

ZEE London Mela at Southall Park

Experience south Asian music, art and food at this annual festival in south-west London. Aug TBC

Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium

Watch two of Rugby League’s top teams go head to head in this historic competition. 24 Aug

Notting Hill Carnival

The streets of west London come alive every August bank holiday weekend with a huge Caribbean party at Europe's biggest street festival. 24-26 Aug

Changing the Guard

Enjoy a striking display of British pomp and pageantry, as you watch the free Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard. Recurring Event

Waltham Forest: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2019

The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture celebrates Waltham Forest’s cultural heritage, diversity, talent and places, during a 12-month programme of events. 1 Jan-30 Dec

BBC Proms

Experience the biggest classical music festival on earth, with fun and affordable concerts open to all audiences at the Royal Albert Hall and across London. 19 Jul-14 Sep

Buckingham Palace tour: summer opening

Explore the lavish interiors of the Queen's official London residence, and one of the world's few remaining working royal palaces, at Buckingham Palace this summer. Jul-Sep TBC

School summer holidays in London

London is bursting with activities and attractions to keep children busy during the school summer holidays. Jul-Sep TBC

Totally Thames

Celebrate the Thames and its culture with a vibrant programme of river-inspired art, live performances, archaeology walks, boat races and more along London's famous river. 1-30 Sep

BBC Proms in the Park

Celebrate the grand finale of the two-month-long BBC Proms classical music festival, with live music, fireworks and cheery sing-alongs in Hyde Park. Sep TBC

London Design Festival

Dynamic and innovative design projects from some of the best creative talents pop up in venues across the capital for the annual festival. 14-22 Sep

Open House London

Peer inside some of the most iconic buildings and architecturally unique spaces in London for free. Sep TBC

Changing the Guard

Enjoy a striking display of British pomp and pageantry, as you watch the free Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard. Recurring Event

Waltham Forest: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2019

The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture celebrates Waltham Forest’s cultural heritage, diversity, talent and places, during a 12-month programme of events. 1 Jan-30 Dec

London Restaurant Festival

Sample exclusive menus and enjoy unique restaurant experiences in award-winning eateries during this annual London foodie festival. Oct TBC

Frieze art fairs in Regent's Park

Explore two of the most influential events on the art scene in one place with the world-renowned Frieze London and Frieze Masters art fairs. 2-6 Oct

October half-term in London

Take the kids to London's top family-friendly attractions this half-term, and enjoy special interactive activities during the October school break. 19-27 Oct

Six Day London at Lee Valley VeloPark

Enjoy six days of world-class cycling, music and entertainment in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 22-27 Oct

Museums at Night - October

Explore museums, galleries and heritage sites after hours and enjoy spooky events, themed talks and immersive workshops late into the evening. Oct TBC

Halloween in London

Step inside terrifying dungeons, discover London's gory history, go ghost-hunting and take part in chilling activities with Halloween events and scary attractions in London. 25-31 Oct

Changing the Guard

Enjoy a striking display of British pomp and pageantry, as you watch the free Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard. Recurring Event

London Design Biennale

See inspiring work from some of the world's most talented designers during a three-week celebration of creativity and craftmanship. Sep TBC