Best January Events in London 2026 🎉

January in London is a magical time. The Christmas crowds have faded, the city is calm yet lively, and winter events make the capital an exciting place to explore. Whether you’re staying with us at Pocket Apartments 🏡 or just visiting for a few days, here’s our guide to the best things to do in London in January 2026.

🎆 Start the Year with Festive Fun

London New Year Parade (1 January 2026) - Watch colourful floats, dancers, marching bands, and street performers as the parade moves through central London from Piccadilly to Westminster. A free, lively way to kick off the year.

✨ Winter Lights Festival – Canary Wharf (20–31 January 2026)

Canary Wharf transforms into a luminous winter gallery with interactive light installations and projections.

Evening strolls are ideal for photography, dates, or a magical post-Christmas walk.

Entry is free and open from 17:00–22:00 each night.

🖼️ London Art Fair – Business Design Centre, Islington (21–25 January 2026)

Explore modern and contemporary works from over 120 galleries.

Discover emerging artists, unique pieces, and creative installations.

Perfect for art lovers and a cosy indoor outing during the winter months.

🎱 2026 Johnstone's Paint Masters – Alexandra Palace (11–18 January 2026)

Watch top snooker players compete in this prestigious “Triple Crown” event.

A relaxing indoor experience ideal for sports fans or anyone seeking a different kind of winter entertainment.

🏛️ Iconic London Sights & Winter Walks

January is quieter at landmarks like the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Greenwich, making sightseeing more relaxed.

Take wintery walks along the Thames, through historic streets, or scenic parks like Primrose Hill for stunning city views.

🎬 London Short Film Festival (Late January 2026)

Enjoy international short films, indie experiments, and new creative voices across multiple venues.

Ideal for a cosy indoor evening and discovering fresh talent.

🎭 Theatre Shows & West End Highlights

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry - Theatre Royal Haymarket, a moving new musical adaptation of the beloved novel.

Woolf Works - Royal Opera House, contemporary dance performance starting mid-January.

Othello - Theatre Royal Haymarket, a modern take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy.

Just For One Day - Shaftesbury Theatre, a musical celebrating the story of Live Aid.

Wicked - Apollo Victoria Theatre, the long-running musical favourite continues in January 2026.

Tip: January is quieter post-Christmas, so it’s easier to book theatre tickets and enjoy shows without peak-season crowds.

🛍️ Shopping, Markets & Indoor Culture

Post-Christmas sales are in full swing at Harrods, Selfridges, and Covent Garden.

Check out smaller artisan markets for crafts, winter treats, and souvenirs.

Explore indoor exhibitions, galleries, and pop-up experiences that run throughout January.

✅ Tips for Visiting London in January

Wrap up warm - layers, scarves, and good coats are essential.

Book tickets in advance - shows, exhibitions, and indoor events sell out quickly.

Take advantage of fewer crowds - museums, parks, and landmarks are less busy than in December.

Plan your transport - some Tube lines and buses may run limited schedules during winter evenings.

🏡 Stay with Pocket Apartments

Central locations - easy access to sights, theatres, markets, and light festivals.

Cosy, fully equipped apartments - perfect for winter breaks.

Short walk or Tube ride from the city’s best events and attractions.

Make the most of January in London - book your stay with us at Pocket Apartments 🏡 and enjoy winter events, theatre shows, and the magical post-Christmas atmosphere in comfort! ❄️🎭🎉