Events You Should Bookmark: What’s On in London from Oct–Jan 2025/26
Autumn in London is a shape-shifter: one week the city is full of gold leaves and quiet parks, the next it’s a string of sparkling markets, bonfires, and festive shows. If you’re planning the next few months in the capital whether you live here or are visiting for the season here’s a friendly, curated run-down of the headline events worth bookmarking. I’ve added how to get there and small local tips so you don’t have to guess once you arrive.
October Diwali, early lights & spooky season
Diwali on Trafalgar Square (Mayor of London) - The big free civic Diwali day in central London returned this year in October, with stage performances, family activity and cultural showcases in Trafalgar Square. It’s an easy, no-ticket way to experience Diwali atmosphere in the city centre. Get there via Charing Cross or Leicester Square stations.
Local tip: Arrive after the afternoon performances if you want the quieter devotional or kirtan moments, and combine the visit with Covent Garden’s lights or a walk to nearby Devlonshire Square for smaller curated events.
Illuminated River walking tours - As the evenings shorten, the Illuminated River project really comes into focus. Official guided walks (starting at Blackfriars Station) run fortnightly through to December; they’re 90-minute tours led by trained City guides and are a gentle, atmospheric way to see the bespoke lighting sequences on the Thames bridges. Perfect for photographers or people who prefer a quieter evening plan. Start point: Blackfriars (Northside).
Spooky / fireworks note: Alexandra Palace’s Halloween Fireworks & Drone Festival (Ally Pally) runs around the end of October / early November big, family friendly, and a good alternative to traditional Bonfire Night crowds. It’s at Alexandra Palace Park get the Overground to Wood Green or the Piccadilly line and a short bus/taxi.
Early November Bonfire Night & the Lady Mayor’s Show
Bonfire Night (5 November) & local displays — London’s bonfire and fireworks scene spills over several nights. Bigger shows (some ticketed) run around the end of October into early November; look out for community and park-based displays if you want something family-friendly and nearer to home. For central dramatic events, check Alexandra Palace or borough-run displays. Local councils publish details in October.
Lord Mayor’s Show Saturday 8 November 2025 — 2025 is a historic edition: the Lord Mayor’s pageant becomes the Lady Mayor’s Show with Dame Susan Langley taking office. The City’s procession and spectacular civic pageantry run from Mansion House through St Paul’s and Fleet Street, returning along the Embankment a proper slice of London history and a brilliant free spectacle. Best stations: Bank, St Paul’s or Blackfriars depending where you want to watch.
Local tip: For family viewing, Cheapside and St Paul’s forecourt give close access to ceremonial stops; arrive early (60–90 minutes) to get a good pavement spot.
November–January Lights, markets & big festive season staples
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park — This is London’s headline Christmas spectacle (rides, shows, ice rink and markets). Winter Wonderland typically runs mid-November to early January and requires prebooked entry times. Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch. Book early for weekend slots.
Christmas at Kew — The long, immersive lights trail through Kew Gardens is a seasonal must: it runs selected nights from mid-November into early January and sells out fast. Best reached via Kew Gardens station (Overground/District) or a short bus ride from Richmond. Book timed slots in advance.
Southbank Centre Winter Market — The Southbank’s riverside market runs from early November to 4 January and is perfect for a mix of food, glühwein, unique gifts and that classic Thamesside festive stroll. Waterloo station is the nearest hub.
Local tip: If you want markets with fewer tourists, explore Bermondsey’s independent Christmas markets or Greenwich Market’s Christmas weekends for more artisan finds and East London charm.
Late December NYE plans & tickets
Mayor of London New Year’s Eve Fireworks (31 Dec 2025) — The official Thames fireworks are ticketed; tickets for 2026 were released via Ticketmaster (first batch went on sale 17 October 2025), and the Mayor’s site is the authoritative source on tickets and zone details. If you want the central Thames experience, buy only from Ticketmaster and check the Mayor’s NYE page for confirmations and updates. Nearest stations depend on zone (Westminster/Embankment/Waterloo are commonly used).
Alternative NYE options: rooftop parties and Thames cruises offer a less stressful (but pricier) way to watch the show, while borough fireworks (e.g., local Harrow events) are great family options. Always book hospitality packages early they sell out.
Events that keep the city moving (regular seasonal highlights)
Christmas lights switch-ons — Regent Street and Oxford Street have traditional illuminations (switch-ons in November). These areas are best reached via Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus Tube stations. If you prefer smaller light displays, head to Marylebone’s or Covent Garden’s more local switch-on events. (Switch-on dates vary; check VisitLondon and retailer pages in October.)
Cultural festivals & theatre — Autumn/Winter is huge for West End openings, seasonal concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, and pop-up seasonal theatre. If you’re planning theatre trips, use the official box offices and book early for Christmas week performances.
Illuminated River walking tours — A lovely, slower-paced way to soak in the city light art and learn the stories behind the bridges (runs fortnightly on Thursdays from Blackfriars until December). This mixes nicely with evening market visits.
Transport & practical tips (the stuff locals actually use)
Book early & check times many major events require prebooked tickets or time-slot entry (Winter Wonderland, Christmas at Kew, Mayor’s NYE).
Use public transport TfL publishes event travel advice for major nights (NYE, Lord Mayor’s Show, Winter Wonderland). Roads are often closed and local buses diverted. Plan travel routes before you leave.
Arrive early for viewing spots for free outdoor events like Lord Mayor’s Show or Diwali on the Square, arrive at least 60 minutes early for good pavement space.
Dress in layers and bring a small torch or extra phone battery for long, cold evenings.
Use official ticket sources for headline events (NYE fireworks, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland), buy only from official partners (Ticketmaster / VisitLondon event pages) to avoid scams.
Final thought plan a simple itinerary, not a stress marathon
The easiest way to enjoy London’s autumn→winter season is to pick a few headline events you really want (Diwali on the Square, Winter Wonderland, Christmas at Kew, and one NYE option) and lace them with a few quieter things a riverside walk, a market, and a theatre night. Book the big tickets early, leave room for wander, and remember: London is most charming when you slow down to notice it.
For real, local tips and last-minute event alerts follow @london.yaar I post maps, travel hacks and small updates that make visiting London feel easy and human.