London events calendar

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. 1 Jan-30 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

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

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

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

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

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

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. Mar TBC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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