Festivals, fairs, and celebrations—there’s always something happening in London. Discover the top events of 2025.
With iconic attractions like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the London Eye, along with world-famous museums such as the British Museum and Tate Modern, London is a city worth visiting year-round. What makes it even more special is its packed calendar of events, with workshops, festivals, and activities for every taste. Whether you love art, theater, sports, or music, the English capital always has something in store. To help you navigate the main highlights, explore our 2025 calendar and discover what to do in London month by month.
January events
- New Year’s Day Parade – January 1. The New Year’s Day Parade is a tradition that will once again kick off the new year in style. Musical bands, performers, and artists liven up the streets of central London, from Piccadilly to the banks of the Thames, drawing crowds eager to celebrate.
- London Art Fair – January 22-26. Art lovers shouldn’t miss this fair at the Business Design Centre in Islington, featuring works from both emerging and established artists. Exhibitions, talks, and workshops are all part of a full program of cultural experiences focusing on modern and contemporary art.
- London Short Film Festival – January 17-26. This festival celebrates independent cinema and emerging talent with a selection of 400 short films from various genres and countries. Screenings, meetings with directors, and panels highlight creativity and innovation in contemporary filmmaking.
- Burns Night – January 25. Celebrate the beloved Scottish poet Robert Burns with a traditional evening of haggis, whisky, and poetry. Many pubs and restaurants across London host special events to honor this icon of Scottish literature in a warm and festive atmosphere.
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February events
- Chinese New Year – February 1-2. The weekend following Lunar New Year sees Chinatown come alive with a grand parade, decorations, traditional food, and music. Trafalgar Square also joins the celebrations, hosting dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and ceremonies.
- LGBTQ+ History Month – February 1-28. A month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ history and culture, this event features exhibitions, screenings, and lectures. The 2025 theme is ‘Activism and Social Change’, and many cultural venues, museums, and institutions will host dedicated events.
- London Theatre Week – Mid-February to early March (Dates to be confirmed). An exciting initiative to discover the best West End shows at discounted prices. From classic musicals to recent hits, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the best of London’s theater scene.
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March events
- London Comic Con Spring – March 1-2. A springtime event for fans of comics, films, and TV series, it’s a chance to meet famous figures, attend exclusive panels, and explore the Cosplay Zone. A must-visit for fans of all ages, where you can have fun and fuel your comic passions.
- Inter-Livery Pancake Race – March 4. A quirky and unique event held at Guildhall Yard, where members of London’s ancient guilds compete in a race with frying pans and pancakes. A fun competition rooted in historical tradition, perfect for spectators.
- Affordable Art Fair – March 12-16. Held in Battersea Park, this fair offers contemporary art at accessible prices. Featuring works from various galleries, it aims to make art more inclusive for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
- St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival – March 16. Trafalgar Square gets flooded with crowds come St Patrick’s Day. A festive parade, Irish music, traditional dances and food are all part of this lively celebration dedicated to Irish culture and its community in London.
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April events
- London Games Festival – April 2-13. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this gaming festival features interactive events, showcases, and presentations, celebrating gaming in all its forms. It attracts industry professionals and enthusiasts who can discover and test new market offerings at the Trafalgar Square Games Festival.
- Vaisakhi Festival – April 14. The Sikh festival of Vaisakhi is celebrated at Trafalgar Square with live music, traditional dances, and food stalls. Vaisakhi represents one of the most important festivals in the Punjabi calendar. This celebration attracts people from various cultures and communities, offering an excellent opportunity to experience the city’s diversity.
- The Boat Race – April 14. The famous rowing race between Oxford and Cambridge on the Thames attracts crowds along the riverbanks every year. Combining sport, competition, and tradition, it’s a unique event with food stalls and family-friendly areas for spectators.
- London Marathon – April 27. One of the world’s largest marathons, it draws thousands of runners from across Europe. The route showcases iconic city landmarks, starting in Greenwich and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace, with enthusiastic spectators lining the streets.
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May events
- Grand Designs Live – May 2-5. This event at London’s ExCeL the Exhibition Centre of London, is a haven for design enthusiasts. Explore new architectural technologies, innovative furnishings, and sustainable home solutions. With exhibitions and seminars, it’s a great source of inspiration for all kinds of projects.
- Urban Village Fete – Mid-May (dates to be confirmed). A neighborhood festival at Greenwich Peninsula that combines live music with street food and creative workshops. This free event celebrates community spirit and features entertainment for all ages. It’s a great way to discover a less touristy side of London.
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show – May 20-24. One of the world’s most prestigious botanical events, this flower show turns the Chelsea gardens into a breathtaking display. Innovative designs and rare plants draw gardening enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, ready to discover the beauty of nature.
- Foodies Festival at Syon Park – May 24-26. A gastronomic festival celebrating top chefs and local producers. With cooking shows, tastings, and live music, this event is perfect for food lovers and families seeking authentic and unforgettable flavors.
- Cross the Tracks – May 25. Love jazz? Don’t miss this musical event at Brockwell Park, dedicated to jazz, soul, and funk. With nine stages, quality street food, and markets, Cross the Tracks promises a day full of great music, good vibes, and new discoveries.
- City Splash Festival – May 26. Also held at Brockwell Park, this event is all about reggae, Afrobeat, and dancehall music. The lineup features international artists, offering a great opportunity to explore the culture behind these genres.
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June events
- London Design Biennale – June 5-29. Somerset House hosts this international event celebrating innovative and sustainable design. Exhibitions by designers from around the world explore major contemporary themes. This year’s theme, ‘Surface Reflections’, examines the role of design in daily life and its influences.
- London Gallery Weekend – June 6-8. Art galleries across London open their doors to the general public, offering free events and exhibitions. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant art scene, as well as discover new works and emerging talent.
- London Open Gardens – June 7-8. This annual event offers access to over 100 private gardens and green spaces usually closed to the public. From urban oases to historic gardens, Open Gardens provides a unique chance to discover the greener, hidden side of London.
- The Great Exhibition Road Festival – June 7-8. Held annually in South Kensington, this festival is dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Featuring workshops, interactive exhibitions, and live performances, it aims to engage people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds with educational and entertaining activities that celebrate innovation and science.
- West End LIVE – Dates to be confirmed. The stars of London’s West End take the stage for free at Trafalgar Square, showcasing over 60 different shows. This unmissable event includes performances from the best musicals and theatrical productions, offering a glimpse into the energy and talent of London’s theater scene.
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July events
- BST Hyde Park – late June to early July. If you want to listen to live music from internationally renowned artists, head to BST Hyde Park, one of London’s biggest summer festivals. The atmosphere is magical, and for the 2025 edition, headliners Olivia Rodrigo and Hugh Jackman have already been confirmed.
- RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival – July 1-6. Enjoy this grand floral exhibition against the backdrop of Hampton Court Palace. Expect stunning floral displays, gardening inspiration, and activities for the whole family. It takes around 50 minutes to get there from central London by public transport.
- Pride in London – July 5. Celebrate equal rights, diversity, and love at one of Europe’s largest Pride parades, featuring floats, music, and endless energy. The parade passes several iconic London landmarks, with the entire city decked out and ready to party.
- Somerset House Summer Series – July 10-20. Indulge in open-air concerts at one of London’s most iconic venues, featuring a lineup of world-renowned artists. The courtyard of Somerset House transforms into a temple of music, the ideal setting for an unforgettable summer evening.
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August events
- Notting Hill Carnival – August 23-25. The Notting Hill Carnival is one of the city’s liveliest events, attracting over a million visitors annually. The carnival celebrates Caribbean culture over three days, with parades, colorful costumes, live music, and street food in one of London’s coolest neighborhoods.
- Battersea Park in Concert – Dates to be confirmed. This summer event brings live music to one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. The concerts feature a wide range of performances, from classical music to contemporary hits, and is a great way to enjoy the city during the warmer months.
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September events
- Totally Thames Festival – September 1-30. For the entire month of September, the Thames comes alive with art, culture, and special events. The festival includes riverside walks, installations, boat races, and exhibitions that highlight the river’s history and importance for the city.
- London Design Festival – September 13-21. At the 23rd edition of the London Design Festival, you can admire pioneering designs and innovative works by international designers. The festival spans the city, featuring installations, exhibitions, and conferences.
- The Great River Race – September 20. The ‘London River Marathon’ is a spectacular event for rowing enthusiasts. Participants from all over the world race for 35km along the Thames, from London Docklands to Ham. It’s a fun-filled event for both rowers and spectators.
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October events
- Royal Parks Half Marathon – October 12. Run through four of London’s eight royal parks with the Royal Parks Half Marathon. The race takes participants through Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens, and combines fitness with these iconic urban oases.
- Southbank Centre’s London Literature Festival – Dates to be confirmed. The London Literature Festival celebrates the power of the written word with prominent authors, poets, and thinkers coming together for lectures, readings, and engaging discussions.
- London Cocktail Week – Dates to be confirmed. Sip and savor during London Cocktail Week, a festival dedicated to mixology and artisanal cocktails. With pop-up bars, masterclasses, and signature drinks in bars across the city, it’s a great opportunity to discover some of London’s best cocktails.
- Halloween in London – Until October 31. Explore the city’s darker side with spooky walks in historic neighborhoods, themed parties, and pumpkin trails suitable for families. It’s also the ideal time to visit the London Dungeon and the Jack the Ripper Museum.
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November events
- Bonfire Night – Around November 5. ‘Remember, remember the fifth of November’. Bonfire Night in London lights up the skies with fireworks and bonfires. From Alexandra Palace to Battersea Park, there are many places to enjoy the spectacle.
- The Lord Mayor’s Show – November 8. Dating back over 800 years, the Lord Mayor’s Show is a grand historic procession marking the annual inauguration of the Lord Mayor of London. Expect carriages and brass bands at this iconic event through the city’s streets.
- Christmas at Kew – Mid-November to early January. Step into a magical wonderland during Christmas at Kew, where the famous botanical gardens transform into a sparkling spectacle. Stroll along illuminated pathways, experience artistic installations, and savor seasonal delights.
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December events
- Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park – Late November to early January. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is the quintessential Christmas attraction, featuring an ice rink, rides, shows, and a Christmas market. Whether skating, sipping mulled wine, or shopping for holiday decorations, there’s something for everyone.
- Hogwarts in the Snow – Late November to mid-January. Experience the magical holiday atmosphere at Warner Bros. Studio during ‘Hogwarts in the Snow’. The iconic Harry Potter studio tour transforms for the holidays, with decorations, a snowy Hogwarts, and special props from the films.
- Christmas Markets and Festive Atmosphere – All month long. London’s Christmas lights and markets bring festive cheer to every corner of the city. The decorated shop windows, including those on Oxford Street and Covent Garden, delight visitors of all ages. For a truly magical experience, visit Christmas markets at Southbank Centre, Leicester Square, and Hyde Park, where you’ll find unique gifts and delicious hot chocolate.
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Planning a trip to London?
Explore the main attractions and must-see tours:
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Looking for more London inspiration?
Check out our 2-day itinerary in London and discover the 15 best museums in the city.