How to Celebrate Diwali in London: Your 2025 Festival of Lights Guide
Diwali in London is a bit like holding a sparkler in one hand and a cup of chai in the other light meets vibrancy meets a patchwork of traditions imported, adapted, and reimagined. The city’s South Asian communities, cultural institutions, and curious newcomers all come together to make October sparkle.
If this is your first Diwali in London (or your fiftieth), here’s how to do it right: where to go, what to try, how to respect traditions and how to make memories.
A Spark of Context: Why Diwali Matters in London
Before you dive into the events, it helps to understand why this matters. Diwali the Festival of Lights symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance.
In London, Diwali has become a way for communities to express identity, interweave multiple diasporas, and open the festival to the city as a whole. That’s why large-scale, free public events like Diwali on the Square in Trafalgar Square exist. On 12 October 2025, from 2:00pm to 8:00pm, Trafalgar Square will host dance performances, a culture zone, sari & turban tying, food stalls, and more and entry is free.
There’s something powerful in knowing that a festival born in South Asia has found its place in London’s public squares and riverbanks. That fusion is at the heart of how to celebrate Diwali here.
Where to Be: The Best London Diwali Events (2025 Editions)
Diwali on the Square (Trafalgar Square)
This is your “must-see” shout free, public, central. Expect main stage performances (Bollywood, classical, community groups), dance workshops, children’s zones, culture zones, puppet shows, sari / turban zones, and food stalls offering vegetarian/vegan treats.
Because it’s free, loads of Londoners flock there, so go early, wear comfortable shoes, and move fluidly there will be volunteers and signage to guide you.
Diwali on the Peninsula (Greenwich Peninsula)
If you want something slightly off the beaten track, this festival is gold. On 18 October 2025, from 14:00 to 19:00, Peninsula Square lights up with lantern-making, dandiya stick decorating, Garba / Dandiya dance lessons, a procession, street food, and mass dancing. Everyone’s invited; come in bright colours or traditional dress.
The procession through the Design District into Barton Yard under a lit canopy is particularly atmospheric you’ll feel London glowing.
Dishoom’s Diwali Party
For an evening experience that’s festive, curated, and intimate, Diwali at Dishoom is a standout. On 16 October 2025, Dishoom (at Big Penny Social, Walthamstow) hosts a night of mehendi, dance, performance, and food. Tickets are around £40.
What makes it special: the ambient detail, the sense of a shared feast, and the blend of tradition + modern entertainment.
Cultural Shows & Immersive Storytelling
Check out “Diwali Story” at the Royal Albert Hall (on Saturday 4 October 2025). It’s a more theatrical, immersive way to experience Diwali through music, performance, and narrative.
Hotels also lean in: St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel offers Diwali specials festive meals, special cocktails and thalis, Diwali brunches throughout October.
What to Do (Besides Show Up & Watch)
Celebrating Diwali fully means participating. Here are things to try:
Lantern-making and rangoli workshops — many events host drop-in sessions. Peninsula Square does this.
Learn dance — Garba and Dandiya lessons are staples at big festivals.
Try traditional Indian snacks / mithai — sweets, chaat, samosas, and more; many food stalls are vegetarian or vegan to respect observant practices.
Wear bright colours or traditional dress — it’s more fun, and you’ll feel part of the spectacle.
Lights & diyas — bring small tealights / LED diyas to display (check permissions at venues).
Story zones / puppet shows / goddesses’ zones — events like Diwali on the Square run zones exploring myth, goddess stories, and children-friendly activities.
Tips & Etiquette for a Respectful Celebration
Most public celebrations are vegetarian / vegan friendly avoid meat or seafood unless you know the event includes it.
Book tickets early for events like Dishoom, shows at Royal Albert Hall, special hotel packages.
Arrive early for free events; crowds will pick up in evening.
Dress modestly if you're entering temples / sacred zones.
Be careful with diyas, candles, and lanterns especially indoors or near flammable materials (there have been tragic accidents involving fireworks and domestic celebrations).
Always check what the event offers (some have food stalls, workshops, or require registration).
Why This London Diwali Will Be Memorable
Because of scale multiple free public events + curated parties.
Because of hybrid community + city participation (not just private ceremonies).
Because you get to choose your Diwali: contemplative, festive, night-out, family, public or private.
Because London’s festivals increasingly mix tradition with innovation expect light shows, dance-fusion, cross-cultural influences.
Final Thoughts & Your Diwali in London Charge
Celebrating Diwali in London is more than watching fireworks or lighting lamps. It’s joining in lights, dance, story, food, community. It’s being both guest and participant. And it’s one of the most joyful times for London’s South Asian, Hindu, Sikh, Jain communities and allies to make their heritage visible in the heart of the city.
If you love discovering London through its festivals not just the usual tourist routes but the lived experiences come with me. Follow @london.yaar on Instagram, where I share festival guides, hidden London tips, and stories that let you see the city differently. Let’s light up London together this Diwali.