Full January 2026 Events & Festival in London List

January is a month of renewal and discovery in London — the holiday rush may be winding down. Still, the city pulses with fresh energy: festivals, exhibitions, live music, and exceptional experiences for every interest. If you’re planning to be in the capital, here’s a deep dive into the major happenings throughout the month, each with full detail, so you can pick what suits you best.

1. London New Year’s Day Parade – 1 January 2026

Most Londoners (and visitors) start the year on one of the city’s biggest spectacles: the New Year’s Day Parade. This free event marches through central London — starting around Piccadilly Circus, winding down Regent Street, through Trafalgar Square, and finishing near Westminster.
Expect thousands of performers —from floats, drummers, acrobats, and cheer squads —to come from across the globe. The atmosphere? Vibrant, joyous, loud, and full of colour. Best viewing spots fill up early, so arriving with a transport plan (or a chauffeur transfer) definitely helps. The route covers about 3.2 km and takes approximately 3 hours. If you’re staying over New Year’s, it’s a perfect way to ease into the city without lingering holiday crowds at Christmas markets.
Tip: Bring layers, warm shoes, and arrive before midday for the parade start.

2. London Short Film Festival – mid-January 2026 (exact dates TBC)

For film lovers, this festival is a highlight. Running across several venues in London, it presents a mix of short films from emerging and established filmmakers. Screenings often include Q&A sessions, workshops, and networking events. This 23rd edition is expected to take place at venues such as the BFI Southbank and the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in central London.
What makes this festival special is its intimate feel: the audience gets closer to the filmmakers, and you discover stories in a range of styles—experimental, documentary, animation. If you’re visiting London for culture rather than big tourist crowds, this is a classy, quiet gem.
Tip: Book early for sold-out sessions; some workshops are limited to smaller groups.

3. Winter Lights Festival at Canary Wharf – mid-January 2026 onwards

As winter evenings stretch long and dark, the Winter Lights Festival at Canary Wharf lights things up. The business district transforms into an open-air art gallery: illuminated installations, interactive light sculptures, digital art, and neon pathways.Ideal for families, couples, and photographers alike, this event has a dreamy, luminous quality. It’s less about crowds and more about wandering and discovering.
Tip: Bring a tripod if you’re into night photography; dress warmly and allow time to explore after the sun sets.

4. Masters Snooker Tournament – 11-18 January 2026 at Alexandra Palace

Snooker fans will mark this one: the 2026 Masters returns to Alexandra Palace, hosting the world’s top 16-ranked players. It’s one of the sport’s “Triple Crown” events, known for its prestige and intense competition. For a spectator, the experience is immersive: the historic venue, the hush in the crowd during shots, the tension in the final frames. It’s not just sport; it’s theatre.
Tip: Consider premium seating for a better view and quieter surroundings; book transfers in advance, as access and parking get tricky during major sports events.

5. Burns Night Celebrations – 25 January 2026

A cultural celebration marking the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns. In London, you’ll find dinners, ceilidhs (traditional dancing), bagpipes, and Haggis-themed menus across the city. While smaller in scale compared to parades or festivals, Burns Night offers a unique, local atmosphere and an authentic cultural connection.
Tip: Reserve dinner events early; many venues serve a 3-course Scottish menu with entertainment.

6. Theatre & West End Highlights – Throughout January 2026

London’s theatre scene never slows, and January 2026 is packed with major West End shows. Titles include big musicals, revivals, and new productions.
From “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” (opening 29 January) to longstanding favourites, theatre lovers have plenty of choice.
Tip: Last-minute seats can drop in price Monday-Wednesday; use a chauffeur for relaxed arrival and post-show transfers.

7. Retail & Seasonal Experiences – Early January 2026

After the holiday celebrations, January is one of London’s quieter months for tourism, meaning better deals and fewer crowds. The city’s top shopping areas – Oxford Street and Regent Street – are having sales. At the same time, attractions like the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and others offer exhibitions and experiences with less pressure.
Tip: Use this time for city-centre exploring, museum visits, and relaxed chauffeur-driven transfers.

8. Museum Exhibitions & Culture – January 2026

London’s exhibition calendar is rich in January, with major retrospectives and immersive experiences. For example, at Tate Modern, one of the major exhibitions opens in the winter months. The Victoria & Albert Museum also presents forward-looking shows that combine technology, design, and fashion.
Tip: Book timed-entry tickets ahead; pair the visit with your chauffeur drop-off/pick-up to maximise convenience.

9. Public & Free Family Events – January 2026

For families and casual visitors, quiet corners of London shine in January. From walking tours in parks to winter-light displays and lesser-visited museums, it’s a month where you can enjoy the city at a gentle pace.
Tip: Consider a chauffeured “museum hop” day: drop-off at one venue, pick-up at the next, avoid Tube changes in the cold.

10. Local Cultural Celebrations & Creative Workshops

January also hosts smaller workshops, cultural evenings, craft sessions (for example, a Chinese New Year craft workshop in late January), and events beyond the big listings. These provide a more intimate experience – perfect if you want something off the beaten track.
Tip: Scout local guides and community listings to find these gems; arrive via chauffeur to feel relaxed.

How to Make the Most of January 2026 in London

London in January offers the best of both worlds: city vibrancy, fewer crowds, and great value. Here’s how to navigate it like a pro:

• Transportation: The Tube is efficient, but during major parades or sports events, traffic can build up. Using a chauffeur-driven service means you’ll arrive exactly when needed and depart on your schedule.
• Weather: Winter in London is cool and damp. Expect temperatures from around 2–7 °C. Dress in layers, bring a waterproof layer, and warm boots.
• Bookings: For major events (parade, sports, theatre), book in advance. For museums and exhibitions, timed tickets help skip queues.
• Evening Plans: Many events thrive after dark—light festivals, screenings, concerts. Make sure transport is pre-booked so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
• Stay Central: If you’re attending London-wide events, staying in Zone 1 or 2 helps reduce travel times.
• Chauffeur Advantage: For groups or high-end visitors, hiring a luxury car service means you’re not worrying about parking, on-time arrivals, or waiting in the cold.

Read Full Guide of Unmissable January 2026 Events in London: Start the New Year in Style