If you're visiting soon, check out the best things to do in London today and unmissable things to do in London this weekend or discover more exciting activities each month.
In London over the festive break? Discover 101 Christmas things to do, and plan your trip with the ultimate Christmas itinerary and best Christmas Day ideas.
New Year's Eve fireworks video
London events: December 2019
Changing the Guard
Watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a striking display of British pageantry, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard – don't miss one of the most iconic free events in London. 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. 2 Jan-31 Dec
Christmas in Leicester Square
Experience a magical Christmas market in Leicester Square, plus unique Christmas shows inside the 1920s spiegeltent. 8 Nov-5 Jan
Winter at Southbank Centre
Celebrate winter along the Thames with festive shows, a Christmas market, seasonal food and drink and family activities under twinkling lights. 8 Nov-5 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. 16 Nov-26 Jan
Christmas at Kew
Go on a twinkling after-dark adventure around Kew Gardens, lit up with more than one million sparkling Christmas lights. 20 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 in London. 21 Nov-5 Jan
Christmas by the River at London Bridge City
Shop at the traditional riverside London Christmas market set against a backdrop of iconic sights, including magical views of Tower Bridge. 26 Nov-5 Jan
Christmas at ZSL London Zoo
Discover ZSL London Zoo like you've never seen it before with a stroll along a light trail full of seasonal sparkle. 30 Nov-24 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 Trafalgar Square Christmas tree sparkle with hundreds of lights, and sing along to carols around the tree during the countdown to Christmas. 5 Dec-5 Jan
Christmas carols in Trafalgar Square
Watch carol singers perform festive favourites around the famous Norwegian Christmas tree. 9-24 Dec
Christmas Eve in London
Fill the last day before Christmas with festive shows, sightseeing tours, ice skating and more top things to do in London on Christmas Eve. 24 Dec
The Peter Pan Cup
Watch one of the more unusual London events in December, as 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 2020 with the spectacular London 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
London events: January 2020
Changing the Guard
Watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a striking display of British pageantry, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard – don't miss one of the most iconic free events in London. Recurring Event
Christmas in Leicester Square
Experience a magical Christmas market in Leicester Square, plus unique Christmas shows inside the 1920s spiegeltent. 8 Nov-5 Jan
Winter at Southbank Centre
Celebrate winter along the Thames with festive shows, a Christmas market, seasonal food and drink and family activities under twinkling lights. 8 Nov-5 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. 16 Nov-26 Jan
Christmas at Kew
Go on a twinkling after-dark adventure around Kew Gardens, lit up with more than one million sparkling Christmas lights. 20 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 in London. 21 Nov-5 Jan
Christmas by the River at London Bridge City
Shop at the traditional riverside London Christmas market set against a backdrop of iconic sights, including magical views of Tower Bridge. 26 Nov-5 Jan
Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square
See the famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree sparkle with hundreds of lights, and sing along to carols around the tree during the countdown to Christmas. 5 Dec-5 Jan
New Year's Day Parade
Celebrate 2020 with this annual parade through central London, featuring thousands of performers and colourful floats from across the world. 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
Brent: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2020
Brent’s year as the second ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture puts this north-west London area at the centre of culture in the capital during 2020. 1 Jan-30 Dec
The London Art Fair at Business Design Centre
See works more than 100 galleries presenting the great names of 20th-century modern British art and exceptional contemporary work. 22-26 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
Chinese New Year in London
Join London's Chinese New Year celebrations, the largest outside Asia, with colourful parades, performances and displays in and around Chinatown and London’s West End. 26 Jan
London events: February 2020
Changing the Guard
Watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a striking display of British pageantry, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard – don't miss one of the most iconic free events in London. Recurring Event
Brent: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2020
Brent’s year as the second ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture puts this north-west London area at the centre of culture in the capital during 2020. 1 Jan-30 Dec
Imagine Children's Festival
Enjoy 12 days of culture at London’s largest children’s festival this February half-term in London. 12-23 Feb
Valentine's Day in London
Find Valentine's Day ideas for the most loved-up day of the year, from stunning panoramic views, to Valentine's Day restaurants, romantic activities and after-dark events. 14 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. Feb TBC
Pancake Day in London
Feast on a mountain of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and watch runners flip their pans at a charity Pancake Day race in London. 25 Feb
London events: March 2020
Changing the Guard
Watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a striking display of British pageantry, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard – don't miss one of the most iconic free events in London. Recurring Event
Brent: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2020
Brent’s year as the second ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture puts this north-west London area at the centre of culture in the capital during 2020. 1 Jan-30 Dec
St Patrick's Day
See the spectacular St Patrick's Day parade, catch free performances in Trafalgar Square and enjoy Irish food and Guinness, as you celebrate St Paddy's Day in London. 15 Mar
Mother's Day
Say thank you to mum by enjoying Mother’s Day in London, with top restaurants, West End shows, beautiful gardens and once-in-a-lifetime activities. 22 Mar
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. 26 Mar-6 Apr
The Boat Race
Pick a side and cheer on the rowers at the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, one of the world's oldest sporting events, and one of London's most popular. 29 Mar
London events: April 2020
Changing the Guard
Watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a striking display of British pageantry, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard – don't miss one of the most iconic free events in London. Recurring Event
Brent: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2020
Brent’s year as the second ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture puts this north-west London area at the centre of culture in the capital during 2020. 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. 26 Mar-6 Apr
Underbelly Festival in South Bank
Be treated to circus, cabaret, family fun and quirky South Bank events and shows, as part of this annual extravaganza. Apr TBC
The Passion of Jesus at Trafalgar Square
Watch a free, full-scale re-enactment of Jesus's final days, from his arrest to his resurrection, featuring 100 performers in central London. 10 Apr
Easter Weekend
From London Easter weekend egg hunts and family attractions, to spectacular Good Friday performances or a traditional Easter Sunday lunch, find Easter activities in London. 10-13 Apr
Hockey: FIH Pro League in London
Cheer on the world’s top hockey teams in the first edition of an exciting international league. Apr-Jun TBC
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. 26 Apr
London events: May 2020
Changing the Guard
Watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a striking display of British pageantry, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard – don't miss one of the most iconic free events in London. Recurring Event
Brent: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2020
Brent’s year as the second ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture puts this north-west London area at the centre of culture in the capital during 2020. 1 Jan-30 Dec
Hockey: FIH Pro League in London
Cheer on the world’s top hockey teams in the first edition of an exciting international league. Apr-Jun TBC
Photo London at Somerset House
Find world-class photography at this large-scale fair attracting leading galleries and artists. 14-17 May
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Be dazzled by colourful flowers, innovative garden designs and amazing exhibits at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. Discover ways to soak up the atmosphere around Chelsea. 19-23 May
Eid Festival in London
Celebrate the many cultures of London and experience the Muslim festival of Eid. May TBC
FA Cup Final
Experience one of the best London events in May for sports fans, as English football's biggest competition reaches a climax at Wembley Stadium. Or watch live on TV from a pub or bar. 23 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. 23-31 May
London events: June 2020
Changing the Guard
Watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a striking display of British pageantry, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard – don't miss one of the most iconic free events in London. Recurring Event
Brent: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2020
Brent’s year as the second ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture puts this north-west London area at the centre of culture in the capital during 2020. 1 Jan-30 Dec
Hockey: FIH Pro League in London
Cheer on the world’s top hockey teams in the first edition of an exciting international league. Apr-Jun TBC
Open Garden Squares Weekend
Explore rooftop paradises, city centre oases, and the gardens of the rich and famous, as green spaces across London are unlocked for one weekend only. 6-7 Jun
London Tech Week
Get involved in a host of events during this annual celebration of all things tech in London. Jun TBC
BP Big Screens in London
Watch free live screenings of the Royal Opera House’s world-class ballet and opera in outdoor locations across London. Jun-Jul 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. 13 Jun
Major League Baseball: London Series 20 at the London Stadium
Cheer on the St Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs in Europe’s second ever Major League Baseball match. 13-14 Jun
Royal Ascot
Surround yourself with fast horses and fancy hats at the world-famous Royal Ascot race meeting. Jun TBC
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
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. 19 Jun-4 Jul
Art Night
Discover contemporary art and performances for free in iconic and unusual public spaces for one night only. 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. 21 Jun
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 citywide events. 27 Jun
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships
Soak up the buzzing atmosphere in Wimbledon at this major sporting event, one of four annual Grand Slam tennis tournaments held around the world. 29 Jun-12 Jul
London events: July 2020
Changing the Guard
Watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a striking display of British pageantry, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard – don't miss one of the most iconic free events in London. Recurring Event
Brent: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2020
Brent’s year as the second ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture puts this north-west London area at the centre of culture in the capital during 2020. 1 Jan-30 Dec
BP Big Screens in London
Watch free live screenings of the Royal Opera House’s world-class ballet and opera in outdoor locations across London. Jun-Jul TBC
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. 19 Jun-4 Jul
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships
Soak up the buzzing atmosphere in Wimbledon at this major sporting event, one of four annual Grand Slam tennis tournaments held around the world. 29 Jun-12 Jul
American Express presents British Summer Time Hyde Park
Join big-name artists and rising stars for 10 summer days of music and entertainment in Hyde Park at one of coolest London festivals of the summer. 3-12 Jul
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
Enjoy horticultural displays and green-fingered fun in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace at the world’s biggest flower show. 7-12 Jul
School summer holidays in London
Find plenty of activities and attractions to keep children busy during the school summer holidays in London. 13 Jul-4 Sep
BBC Proms
Experience one of the top music events in London, and the biggest classical music festival on Earth, with fun and affordable concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and across the city. 17 Jul-12 Sep
Coral Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium
Watch two of Rugby League’s top teams go head to head in this historic competition. 18 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, with a Buckingham Palace summer tour. Jul-Sep TBC
London events: August 2020
Changing the Guard
Watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a striking display of British pageantry, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard – don't miss one of the most iconic free events in London. Recurring Event
Brent: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2020
Brent’s year as the second ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture puts this north-west London area at the centre of culture in the capital during 2020. 1 Jan-30 Dec
School summer holidays in London
Find plenty of activities and attractions to keep children busy during the school summer holidays in London. 13 Jul-4 Sep
BBC Proms
Experience one of the top music events in London, and the biggest classical music festival on Earth, with fun and affordable concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and across the city. 17 Jul-12 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, with a Buckingham Palace summer tour. Jul-Sep TBC
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
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. 13-16 Aug
August bank holiday weekend in London
August bank holiday weekend in London means only one thing: a whole three days to let your hair down with seasonal fun, festivals and family activities. 28-31 Aug
The London Mela powered by Let's Go Southall
Celebrate the Asian community with a weekend filled with south Asian music from local talent, cultural art and traditional food at the annual The London Mela festival at Southall Park. Aug TBC
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. 30-31 Aug
London events: September 2020
Changing the Guard
Watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a striking display of British pageantry, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard – don't miss one of the most iconic free events in London. Recurring Event
Brent: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2020
Brent’s year as the second ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture puts this north-west London area at the centre of culture in the capital during 2020. 1 Jan-30 Dec
School summer holidays in London
Find plenty of activities and attractions to keep children busy during the school summer holidays in London. 13 Jul-4 Sep
BBC Proms
Experience one of the top music events in London, and the biggest classical music festival on Earth, with fun and affordable concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and across the city. 17 Jul-12 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, with a Buckingham Palace summer tour. Jul-Sep TBC
Totally Thames 2020
Celebrate the river Thames and its culture with a programme of river-inspired art, pop-up live performances and boat trips. Sep TBC
BBC Proms in the Park
Celebrate the grand finale of the two-month-long BBC Proms – one of UK's most exciting classical music events – with live music, fireworks and cheery sing-alongs in Hyde Park. Sep TBC
London Design Festival
See London turn into an enormous gallery as dynamic and innovative design projects from some of the best creative talents in the world pop up in venues across the capital. 12-20 Sep
Open House London
Discover hidden secrets of London as you peek inside some of the most iconic buildings and architecturally unique spaces around the city for free. 19-20 Sep
Reimagine: Car Free Day in London
Rediscover central London with fun activities and free events on car-free streets. Sep TBC
Emerge Festival
Soak up some culture for two nights only as part of London’s museum lates festival. Sep TBC
Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival
Experience London’s historic tradition first-hand as you celebrate the harvest with the Pearly Kings and Queens of London, decked out in their traditional finery. Sep TBC
London events: October 2020
Changing the Guard
Watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a striking display of British pageantry, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard – don't miss one of the most iconic free events in London. Recurring Event
Brent: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2020
Brent’s year as the second ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture puts this north-west London area at the centre of culture in the capital during 2020. 1 Jan-30 Dec
London Restaurant Festival
Sample exclusive menus and enjoy unique restaurant experiences in award-winning eateries during this annual food festival in London. 1-31 Oct
London Cocktail Week
Indulge in exclusive deals on cocktails and join in on cocktail-themed activities in hundreds of spots across the city during this annual cocktail festival London. 5-11 Oct
Frieze art fairs in Regent's Park
Explore two of the most influential events on the capital's art scene in one place with the world-renowned Frieze London and Frieze Masters art fairs. 8-11 Oct
October half-term in London
Treat the kids to top family-friendly attractions, interactive activities and fun October events in London during the October half-term school break. 24 Oct-1 Nov
Halloween in London
Find the freakiest Halloween events London has to offer on and around 31 October. Join a ghost tour, dress up for a Halloween party or dare to step inside spooky attractions. 25-31 Oct
Regent Street Motor Show
See vehicles new and old in the iconic central London shopping street, plus enjoy car-themed activities focused on electric vehicles. 31 Oct
London events: November 2020
Changing the Guard
Watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a striking display of British pageantry, when the New Guard takes over from the Old Guard – don't miss one of the most iconic free events in London. Recurring Event
Brent: The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2020
Brent’s year as the second ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture puts this north-west London area at the centre of culture in the capital during 2020. 1 Jan-30 Dec
October half-term in London
Treat the kids to top family-friendly attractions, interactive activities and fun October events in London during the October half-term school break. 24 Oct-1 Nov
Bonfire Night in London: London's top fireworks displays
Remember, remember the fifth of November... Celebrate Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) at a spectacular London fireworks display. 2-8 Nov
Remembrance in London
Each year, London remembers those who lost their lives in war with commemorative events on and around Remembrance Day. 8-11 Nov
EFG London Jazz Festival
Enjoy spectacular live performances and music-themed London events in November across the capital celebrating all things jazz. Nov TBC