Good to know
Good to Know
- Many signature cultural events in London are completely free, including the New Year's Parade, Diwali on the Square, Chinese New Year celebrations, and Trafalgar Square Christmas festivities.
- Ticketed events like Frieze art fair (£50-60) and BFI London Film Festival typically require advance booking, especially for opening galas.
- Most major events are concentrated in central London (Trafalgar Square, West End, Regent's Park) making them easily accessible by Tube.
- Sporting signature events like the Boat Race and Wimbledon attract large crowds; arrive early for good viewing spots.
- Events often feature free activities and entertainment within paid venues—check individual event websites for free zones or performances.
- December is particularly busy with overlapping Christmas tree lighting, Chanukah celebrations, and carol singing at Trafalgar Square.
Events
New Year's Day Parade
- Month
- January
- Location
- Central London (starts near Piccadilly, passes through Trafalgar Square and Whitehall)
- Admission
- free
- Description
- One of Europe's largest street celebrations featuring marching bands, dancers, acrobats and vibrant floats through central London.
London Short Film Festival
- Month
- January
- Location
- Multiple venues across London
- Admission
- ticketed
- Description
- 23rd edition presenting over 200 films across 60 curated programmes with screenings at venues including BFI Southbank, Curzon Soho, SET Peckham and Rio Cinema.
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
- Month
- April
- Location
- River Thames, Putney to Mortlake
- Admission
- free
- Description
- One of the world's oldest sporting events with rowers competing on the River Thames between Putney and Mortlake.
The Passion of Jesus
- Month
- April
- Location
- Trafalgar Square
- Admission
- free
- Description
- Biblical story performed by 100 actors in two 90-minute performances on Good Friday.
London Games Festival
- Month
- April
- Location
- Central London
- Admission
- ticketed
- Description
- One of the biggest events of its kind in the world with hands-on activities and gaming culture showcases.
Diwali on the Square
- Month
- November
- Location
- Trafalgar Square
- Admission
- free
- Description
- Festival of lights celebration by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs with traditional dance, music, food, workshops and yoga sessions.
BFI London Film Festival
- Month
- October
- Location
- BFI Southbank and multiple venues
- Admission
- ticketed
- Description
- 70th edition of the UK's biggest film festival showcasing over 200 films across 12 days at BFI Southbank and cinemas across London with world premieres and special appearances.
Frieze London & Frieze Masters
- Month
- October
- Location
- Regent's Park
- Admission
- ticketed
- Admission Cost
- £55
- Description
- World-class contemporary and classical art fair held in temporary pavilions in Regent's Park with leading international galleries.
Totally Thames Festival
- Month
- September
- Location
- Along the 42-mile stretch of the Thames
- Admission
- mixed
- Description
- Month-long festival celebrating the River Thames with over 100 events throughout September including river races, art installations and open days at riverside historic buildings.
London Pride
- Month
- June-July
- Location
- Central London
- Admission
- free
- Description
- Month-long series of LGBTQ+ community celebrations culminating in a major parade through central London.
Wimbledon Championships
- Month
- June-July
- Location
- South-west London (Wimbledon)
- Admission
- ticketed
- Description
- One of the four annual Grand Slam tennis tournaments featuring world-class professional tennis for two weeks.
Chinese New Year Celebrations
- Month
- February
- Location
- Central London (Trafalgar Square and West End)
- Admission
- free
- Description
- Largest Chinese New Year celebration outside Asia with a parade through London and one-day festival in Trafalgar Square and West End.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree & Carol Singing
- Month
- December
- Location
- Trafalgar Square
- Admission
- free
- Description
- Annual gift from Oslo featuring a decorated Christmas tree with carol groups raising money for charity. Display runs from early December through January 5.
Chanukah in Trafalgar Square (ChanukahLIVE!)
- Month
- December
- Location
- Trafalgar Square
- Admission
- free
- Description
- Jewish festival of lights celebration with Europe's tallest menorah lit in Trafalgar Square. Main celebration features live music, dancing and doughnuts.
London New Year's Eve Fireworks
- Month
- December-January
- Location
- Central London (River Thames and Houses of Parliament)
- Admission
- mixed
- Description
- Spectacular fireworks display across the river at Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, televised worldwide.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.