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London events calendar 2023

London has so much happening all year round, and the capital's events calendar is always busy. Take your pick from these must-see events in London each month of 2023.

Look out for exciting things to do in London by month, find the best things to do in London all year round and discover the best events to attend in London this weekend.

Whenever you visit, don't miss the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, which takes place throughout the year.

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 caught up on culture at a museum exhibition. 1 Jan

London New Year's Day Parade

A marching band walks on the streets of London during the annual New Year's Day Parade.

Ring in the new year at the annual London New Year’s Day Parade in central London. Thousands of 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 

Chinese New Year

A dragon figure is paraded through the streets for Chinese New Year in London.

Celebrate Chinese New Year in London, the largest CNY events 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. 22 Jan

Burns Night

Mark 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

Find more January events in London

February

February half-term

A family works on an activity together at Discover Children’s Story Centre in London.

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. 11-19 Feb

Valentine's Day

A man gives flowers to a woman outside of the Houses of Parliament in London on Valentine's Day.

Find the capital’s romantic side by celebrating Valentine’s Day in London. Start making plans with your sweetie with these things to do on Valentine’s Day in London, including restaurants, tours, attractions and after-dark events. 14 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. 17-21 Feb

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. 21 Feb

Find more February events in London

March

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 rising stars and special guests, in Trafalgar Square. Check out the market of craft stalls, as well as traditional and modern Irish food. 12 Mar 

Mother's Day

Two parents in a park in London with their child, who is blowing bubbles.

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. 19 Mar

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. 22 Mar-20 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. 26 Mar

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. 29 Mar-8 Apr

Find more March events in London

April

London Borough of Culture

Pick from a huge list of activities taking place in Croydon during the full-year programme for The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2023. Enjoy a fantastic lineup of flagship events, including storytelling, live music and performances around this south London neighbourhood. 1 Apr-31 Mar

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. 7-10 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. 7 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 that Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa order, and the events are open to all. 22 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. 23 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. 23 Apr

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. 29 Apr 

Find more April events in London

May

Early May bank holiday

A woman walking up the spiral staircase at the Queen's House in Greenwich, London.

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. 29 Apr-1 May

League of Legends, Mid-Season Invitational 2023

Join some of the best players from all over the world as they take centre stage in London for the League of Legends, Mid-Season Invitational 2023 and see who makes it through to the playoffs. 2-21 May

King Charles III's coronation

Soak up the jubilant atmosphere during the coronation of King Charles III in London. Join one of the many live screenings of the coronation across the capital, visit top royal attractions and discover all the exciting coronation events and activities taking place in celebration of the historic occasion; including special exhibitions, fun tours and foodies experiences. 6-8 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 in a colourful spring burst. 23-27 May

May half-term

A mother takes a photo of her family at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London.

Find activities for the whole family during the May half-term. Enjoy a full week of spring fun and interactive events at London’s top attractions and outdoor parks and playgrounds. 26 May-4 Jun

Spring bank holiday weekend

Two children stand in a room of infinity mirrors at the Science Museum in London.

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. 26-29 May

Find more May events in London

June

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. 2-4 Jun

Open Garden Squares Weekend

Discover hidden green spaces, peaceful spots and gardens of celebrities that are accessible to the public for just one weekend during Open Garden Squares Weekend10-11 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. 14-18 Jun

Trooping the Colour

Guards, dressed in red tunics with black bearskin hats, play instruments as they march along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. 

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 and the King attend this important event. Look out for the advance online ballot to try to secure seated tickets. 17 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. 17-18 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. 18 Jun

MLB World Tour: London Series

Immerse yourself in American culture as Major League Baseball returns to London at the London Stadium. Experience the rivalry between the St Louis. Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, as well as live music, in-game entertainment and delicious ballpark food. 24-25 Jun

Canada Day in Trafalgar Square

Celebrate the wonderful culture of Canada at Canada Day London Festival, back for the first time since it broke records as the biggest celebration outside of its home country back in 2013. Expect everything from music and poutine to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 29 Jun

Find more June events in London

July

Pride

Rainbow-coloured balloons float above a parade of people during Pride in London.

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. Jul 

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. 3-16 Jul

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. 4-9 Jul 

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 at affordable prices and in an informal atmosphere. 14 Jul-9 Sep

Buckingham Palace summer opening

Buckingham Palace behind a lake on a cloudy day in London.

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. 14 Jul-24 Sep

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. 20 Jul-3 Sep

Croydon Carnival

Watch a colourful parade dance through the streets of south London during Croydon Carnival. Across the day, you can expect an exciting lineup of performances including dance groups, musical acts and a headline set from Artful Dodger. 30 Jul

Find more July events in London

August

August bank holiday weekend

Fountains in Trafalgar Square in London on a sunny day.

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. 25-28 Aug

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. 1-27 Aug

Pokémon Go Fest

Forge new friendships as you join thousands of people in a hunt across the city during Pokémon Go Fest weekend. The event spans two locations, with half the day spent in Brockwell Park in south London and the other half taking place across the Greater London area. Enjoy exclusive gameplay, special bonuses and more. 4-6 Aug

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival

Man looking at an art installation with a dark background and glowing dots at Greenwich+Docklands International Festival in London.

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. 25 Aug-10 Sep

Notting Hill Carnival

A woman with feathered wings and a sequined costume at a parade during Notting Hill Carnival in London.

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. 27-28 Aug

Bartholomew Fair

Learn about the City of London's heritage with three weeks of events including vertical dancers suspended from St Paul's cathedral, projection installations and artist-led walking tours at Bartholomew Fair, dating back 700 years. 31 Aug-16 Sep

Find more August events in London

September 

Liberty Festival

Venture to Fairfield Halls and The Queen’s Gardens for Liberty Festival, a showcase of performances celebrating the work of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists, from inclusive workouts and comedy, to dance performances and exhibits. 1-3 Sep

Open House London

The interior of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office with people gathering in the main atrium, below arches and columns.

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. 6-17 Sep

Totally Thames

Celebrate London's biggest river during the month-long Totally Thames at weekend festival hubs positioned along the length of the river. Learn about the Thames through photography exhibitions, art installations and live performances, boat trips, river races, foreshore walks, talks and more. 1 Sep-1 Oct 

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. 15-19 Sep

The Great River Race

Gather together with spectators for the annual Great River Race, that brings together 200 boats and more than 1,500 competitors to race from Millwall in east London to Ham in Richmond, under all 28 London bridges on the river Thames. 16 Sep

London Sculpture Week

Immerse yourself in art and culture at London Sculpture Week, 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. 16-24 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. 16-24 Sep

Find more September events in London

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 London and beyond. 1-31 Oct

NFL London Games

Cheer on your favourite American 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. 1, 8 and 15 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. 11-15 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, kid-specific museum exhibitions and children’s theatre performances. 21-29 Oct 

Diwali in Trafalgar Square

A man dressed in traditional clothing with flower garlands around his neck, at the Diwali festival, while other performers dance in the background.

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. 29 Oct

Halloween

Floating orange pumpkins hanging from the ceiling of the Great Hall, lit up in green and purple light

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

Find more October events in London

November

Bonfire Night

Red and white fireworks explode above a large crowd of people at night, with Battersea Power Station in the background.

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

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. 11-12 Nov

Festival of Remembrance

Commemorate all those who served in Britain and the Commonwealth at the annual Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance, marked with extraordinary performances at the Royal Albert Hall. 11 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 with traditional pageantry, as more than 500,000 people line the route to watch the colourful parade travel across the City of London. 11 Nov

Hogwarts in the Snow

A flaming Christmas pudding on a long table laid with plates of food in front of a Christmas tree covered in gold stars

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. 11 Nov-14 Jan 

Christmas at Kew

Blue laser-style lights spread out from the Palm House at Kew Gardens at night.

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. 15 Nov-7 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

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. 10-19 Nov

Southall Festival of Lights

Watch as lit-up floats, joyful dancers and live performances take over the streets of Southall in west London for the Southall Festival of Lights. This Diwali-inspired night carnival travels in a parade of paper lanterns, fire performers and illuminated umbrellas. Nov TBC

Find more November events in London

December

Christmas events

Tall, sparkling Christmas tree outside Covent Garden in the evening

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 at outdoor rinks at famous landmarks throughout December. 1-31 Dec

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

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

Tower Bridge and the surrounding walkway in the snow on a sunny Christmas day 

Savor 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 2023 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

Fireworks for New Year's Eve in London light up the sky behind the blue glowing London Eye.

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

Find more December events in London