February in London is surprisingly lively. Winter light, quieter museums and lower hotel rates make the city a brilliant place to explore culture, theatre, nightlife and bold seasonal festivals. Below is a curated, local-friendly guide to the major events and reliable smaller highlights across the month — practical details, what to expect and suggested images you can use for editorial or social posts.

1. London Fashion Week — 19–23 February 2026

One of the city’s headline draws, London Fashion Week (LFW) returns with runway shows, presentations and industry parties across central venues. Expect a packed schedule of catwalks from established British houses and a strong showing from emerging designers. The event mixes ticketed shows with industry-only presentations and a range of pop-up activations across Mayfair, Shoreditch and the official BFC venues — a great time to spot cutting-edge street style, see presentations and visit designer showrooms. If you’re attending as a visitor, plan your key shows in advance and check the official schedule for public events and exhibitions.

2. Chinese New Year — 17 February (main parade 22 Feb)

London stages one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia. While the official New Year day is Tuesday 17 February, the capital concentrates the street festival, lion dances, cultural shows and dragon parades on the closest weekend — in 2026 that’s the weekend of 21–22 February, with the big Chinatown parade on Sunday 22 February. Trafalgar Square and Chinatown teem with performances, traditional music, martial arts demos and a vast range of food stalls. It’s family-friendly but expect crowds — arrive early, pick a viewing spot along the parade route and bring cash for street-food vendors.

3. Valentine’s Day experiences (14 February) — concerts, theatre & special dinners

London’s Valentine’s scene is broad: candlelit concerts, West End romantic shows, themed tasting menus and intimate jazz nights. Major venues and orchestras stage gala events — for example, opera and orchestral Valentine-themed concerts at Cadogan Hall and the Royal Philharmonic — while restaurants and hotels run prix-fixe menus and rooftop bars sell out. For an indulgent night, book a West End musical, a two-person tasting menu at a Michelin restaurant, or one of the city’s candlelit classical concerts. Tickets sell quickly, so lock in plans early.

4. Pancake Day / Shrove Tuesday (17 February 2026) — races, traditions and family fun

Shrove Tuesday — Pancake Day — falls on 17 February in 2026. London’s quirky pancake races and community celebrations are a playful, very British spectacle: expect charity races, pancake stalls, and family-friendly fairs in neighbourhoods across the city. The historic Inter-Livery Pancake Race in Guildhall Yard is one of the capital’s best-loved traditions, where competitors from old livery companies sprint while flipping pancakes. For a local experience, find a community pancake race or family brunch offering pancake specials.

5. London Short Film Festival — continues into early February (until 1 February)

The London Short Film Festival (LSFF) usually straddles late January into the first days of February and in 2026 runs across the end of January into 1 February. It’s a must for film fans keen on innovative shorts, experimental cinema and filmmaker Q&As. Screenings take place across central cinemas and cultural venues; the festival highlights independent voices and emerging talent, often including special programmes on genre cinema, climate shorts and community showcases. If you love indie film, add a few screenings to your itinerary — LSFF is accessible and frequently hosts panels and networking sessions.

6. Weekly & seasonal highlights — markets, museum late nights and theatre previews

Beyond the big-ticket festivals, February is great for smaller, local events that give the city character. Borough Market, Maltby Street and Broadway Market are less crowded than in summer and perfect for warming street food. Museums and galleries often run late openings and special winter exhibitions — Tate Modern, V&A and the British Museum typically have rotating shows worth checking. The West End also often offers preview nights and limited-time runs in February; keep an eye for special matinees and reduced-price day seats. (For theatre listings see West End theatre sites and VisitLondon event pages.)

7. Family-friendly & outdoor winter offers — zoos, ice rinks & parks

If you’re travelling with children, February offers winter-themed activities: temporary ice rinks at locations such as Somerset House (check seasonal schedule) and family workshops at the Science Museum and Natural History Museum. London’s parks — Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath — are beautifully crisp in winter for brisk walks, while attractions such as the London Eye or Thames boat trips operate year-round and are often quieter in winter months. (Always check attraction websites for seasonal opening times and any weather-related changes.)

8. The Holiday & Travel Show – 29 January–01 February 2026 (Olympia London)

The Holiday & Travel Show returns to Olympia London in early February 2026, offering one of the UK’s largest travel-inspiration events for holidaymakers, adventure enthusiasts and travel industry professionals. Spread across four days, the show brings together hundreds of global tourism boards, airlines, tour operators, cruise companies and travel experts under one roof.

Visitors can explore destination zones covering Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Americas and luxury long-haul escapes. Exhibitors present exclusive travel deals, early-booking discounts and tailor-made holiday packages. Alongside the exhibition stands, the show features an inspiring programme of live talks, photography workshops and cultural demonstrations. Well-known travel writers, documentary presenters and adventurers typically host sessions covering everything from sustainable travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Whether you're planning a family break, a solo backpacking journey or a luxury honeymoon, the Holiday & Travel Show is ideal for gathering ideas, comparing offers and speaking directly with travel specialists. It’s a popular event, so weekend sessions can be busy — attending on Thursday or Friday generally offers a quieter browsing experience.

9. Cancer Research UK London Winter Run – 15 February 2026

The Cancer Research UK London Winter Run is one of the city’s most uplifting annual sporting events, taking place on Sunday 15 February 2026. This 10km run attracts tens of thousands of participants each year, raising significant funds for life-saving cancer research while celebrating community spirit and fitness.

The route winds through central London’s most iconic landmarks — including Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Strand — creating an energising backdrop for both experienced runners and first-time participants. What makes the Winter Run special is its festive, motivational atmosphere: expect lively cheer zones, snow-themed entertainment, music stations and volunteers offering encouragement along the way.

The event is open to runners of all abilities. Many participants run in memory of loved ones or as part of fundraising teams, giving the race an emotional and inspiring character. Finishing times are officially recorded, and every runner receives a commemorative medal at the finish line.

Spectators are welcome along the route, and it’s advisable to arrive early due to road closures and large crowds. If you’re visiting London in early February, the Winter Run is a brilliant opportunity to witness — or join — one of the city’s most heart-warming charity events.

Practical tips for visiting London in February

Weather: expect chilly, often wet weather. Layer up and pack a waterproof.

Transport: Oyster cards and contactless payment work across Tube, buses and most rail services; check National Rail or Luxury Chauffer Services for any planned engineering works at weekends.

Booking: for big events (Fashion Week shows, Chinatown parade vantage spots, popular Valentine’s concerts) book at least a few weeks ahead. For restaurants and theatre, reserve in advance to avoid disappointment.

Crowds: Chinese New Year weekend is busy around Chinatown/Trafalgar Square; arrive early and allow extra time for travel. For quieter museum visits, weekdays are usually best.

Final notes — what to prioritise

If you have just one weekend in February: combine a cultural matinée (LSFF or museum), a Chinatown parade visit (if that weekend), and an evening concert or West End show. Fashion Week offers the best people-watching and design showcases but requires planning if you want to see specific shows. Pancake Day and Valentine’s night are excellent for themed local experiences and a taste of authentic London tradition.

The best way to reach London’s February 2026 events

The best way to reach London’s February 2026 events is to plan transport that avoids crowds, winter weather, and busy central routes, making a pre-booked chauffeur service one of the most convenient and reliable options throughout the month.
While the Tube is useful for major hubs such as Leicester Square for Chinese New Year, Kensington Olympia for the Holiday & Travel Show, and Covent Garden or South Kensington for Valentine’s concerts and dining, stations can become heavily congested during peak event times. Road closures around the Cancer Research Winter Run and Chinatown parades also make last-minute travel unpredictable.
A professional chauffeur company such as JAF Executive Travels offers smooth door-to-door transfers, secure pick-ups and drop-offs as close to the event zones as legally possible, real-time traffic monitoring, and a far more comfortable alternative to crowded public transport or expensive on-the-day taxis. Whether attending London Fashion Week shows, exploring exhibitions, joining family-friendly winter activities, or enjoying late-night theatre, a chauffeur ensures punctual, stress-free travel across the city.