The 11 BEST Events in London in January

Is London in January worth a visit?

Ciao, Santa! Adieu 2023. Post-Christmas fatigue my ass: Christmas belly fatigue doesn’t happen in London in January!

Because at the beginning of the year, the big run starts in the shopping miles and the British let your wallet really smoke – because January is the month of the winter sale!

If you are interested in a cheap travel month for the metropolis, this month is just right, because especially flights to London in January can be a real bargain.

What is the weather like in London in January?

You are definitely far from summer temperatures, because with 4 to 9° the sunglasses are definitely out of place. Luckily, we don’t have to rely on good weather because there’s plenty else to experience in London in January!

London in January: The best events at the beginning of the year

Whether it’s a big New Year’s Day parade or a short film festival, partying in the Scottish tradition or following in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper: even in the depths of winter, there’s no room for boredom in England’s bustling capital. These are the activities and events in London in January that you should not miss!

  1. 01

    New Years Parade London

    Street Fair in Piccadilly Circus
    New Years Parade
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    You spent the turn of the year in London? Then don’t miss the big New Year’s Day Parade! Nowhere in the world is the New Year celebrated with a bigger parade than in January in London.

    More than 10,000 dancers, musicians, acrobats, cheerleaders and artists take part in the huge parade with floats and marching music.

    At noon it goes off from Piccadilly Circus, leads over Lower Regent Street, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Parliament Street, until it ends at Parliament Square.

  2. 02

    Londons wintersale!

    Street in Piccadilly Circus
    Oxford Street on Christmas in London
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    Immediately after Christmas, the British knock out what didn’t make it under the tree.

    From December 26, Boxing Day, the big winter sale starts. Until mid-January, you can hunt down a bargain or two in the metropolis!

  3. 03

    Vinegar Yard Fleamarket

    Market in Bankside
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    Every Saturday in January, stalls are set up in Vinegar Yard on St. Thomas Street and treasure hunters roam from dealer to dealer in search of vintage clothes, antiques, books, records and whatever else you can imagine.

    If you’re at the flea market anyway, be sure to try the burgers from Nanny Bills! Even on a rainy day in January it is definitely worth a visit.

  4. 04

    Burns Night

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    Traditional Scottish Haggis, Neeps, Tatties and Whisky shot against a dark rustic background with generous accommodation for copy space.
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    On January 25, the Scots honor the most important poet of their country: Robert Burns.Also in London, Burns Night is celebrated in many places with traditional Scottish food and music.Right: It is slipped into kilts, the bagpipes are brought out of the chamber and the national dish haggis is prepared!

  5. 05

    Chinese New Year Parade

    Street Fair in London Chinatown
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    Every year between January 21 and February 21, the Great Chinese New Year Parade takes place. The fun-filled New Year festival lasts several days and brings together thousands of participants and spectators to celebrate the start of the new Chinese calendar year. You should definitely participate in the colorful parade through the city center, an exciting event.

  6. 06

    London: Jack the Ripper - Guided Tour

    Walking Tour in Whitechapel
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    1888, London is in turmoil. A serial killer, called Jack the Ripper, is wreaking havoc in the East End.

    Five prostitutes are murdered in this year, the perpetrator never caught. Jack the Ripper has become a myth, innumerable speculations and rumors have persisted since that time. Historians and conspiracy theorists alike are still trying to solve the mystery of Jack the Ripper’s true identity.

    A tour in London in January takes you into one of London’s darkest chapters, leads you to the scenes and brings light into the darkness of the Whitechapel murders – creepiness included!

  7. 07

    The last days of the skating rink at Somerset House (until January 14, 2024)

    Cultural Center in Covent Garden
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    The gigantic courtyard of Somerset House with changing program, such as concerts or skating, is just as impressive as the direct location on the Thames.

    Use the last days in January of the skating rink to turn a pirouette or two!

    But also inside the building there is great collection of paintings old masters and impressionists to admire.

  8. 08

    Snuggle in on a Time Time Cruise in London

    Boat tour in City of London
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    What’s better than a hot tea and a scone while the banks of the Thames pass you by. A classic tearoom is chic, no question. With a Tea Time Cruise but you kill two birds with one stone and that so to speak for the price 2 for 1!

    You’ll sail along the Thames, sip your tea with relish, and finish off the étagère while passing some of the absolute top attractions in London’s January!

  9. 09

    Looking Glass Cocktail Club

    Bar & Pub in Shoreditch
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    The Looking Glass Cocktail Club is a really fantastic bar that always catches me with its cool and unique vibe. You’ll find really good cocktails here and on Monday evenings there are often small live sessions with musical newcomers. With the comfortable interior and the tasteful choice of music, the bar in Shoreditch makes it easy to come in for an evening drink.

  10. 10

    Tate Modern

    Museum in City of London
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    The Tate Modern Museum is always worth a visit in London. In fact, it is one of my favorite museums! The permanent exhibition of contemporary art is one of the largest and most complex in the world and always amazes me.

    You’ll have your last chance to queue up the sensational exhibition “Capturing The Moment” in January. Between artists like Pablo Picasso and photographer Andreas Gursky you will discover the modern connections of the media arts. You can’t afford to miss this!

  11. 11

    Peter Pan Play

    Musical in Kingston upon Thames
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    Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Peter Pan! For a short time only (from December 1 to January 7, 2024), the magical musical awaits you at the Rose Theatre Kingston.The story of the naughty boy who doesn’t want to grow up yet reaches not only the very young among us. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a family-friendly musical in London.

Our experience in London in January

Even though January in London may not be the most popular time to travel to the city, we have had some cool experiences.

In general, we would recommend:

  • If you’ve been to London several times, January is a great time to check out indoor events and activities and save money.
  • However, if you are flying to the capital for the first or second time, the months of June and September are more recommended.

FAQs about London in January

What to do in London in January?

There is a lot to do in London in January. You can participate in the New Year’s Parade, enjoy winter sales, visit vintage markets, celebrate Burns Night, or take guided tours like the Jack the Ripper walking tour. In addition, museums like the Tate Modern and theater performances like “Peter Pan” offer indoor playgrounds for those who want to escape the weather.

What to wear in London in January?

Pack your rain jacket, Scarf and Gloves to be comfortable in London in January. It is indeed cold in the Capital of England so a few jumpers, long trousers are essential in your luggage. Don’t forget a small umbrella!

What is London like in January?

Although the weather is pretty chilly, there are plenty of events and activities to make your visit worthwhile. From the impressive New Year’s Day Parade to the huge winter sales, you can enjoy London to the fullest in January without being put off by the cold.

Is London beautiful in January?

London in January exudes a special vibe. The city is still festively decorated and people are in a celebratory mood. Burns Night, celebrating Scotland, adds to the city’s appeal. Despite the cool weather, London in January has a unique and enchanting atmosphere that will delight you.

Profilbild Jette
About the author

Jette

Ich liebe die Vielfalt Europas und kann von Edinburgh, Lissabon und London nicht genug bekommen! Aber mein größtes Glück ist immer noch das schöne Schweden. Eines Tages werde ich nur noch in meiner einsamen Hütte an einem See mitten im Nirgendwo zu finden sein ...

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