Diwali in London 2026: When Is It and What Events Are Happening?
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday 8 November, and London will be celebrating well before the actual day. Here are the events, festivals and places to know about this year.
If you're planning to experience Diwali in London this year, you don't necessarily have to wait until 8 November.
In fact, you shouldn't.
London's Diwali celebrations begin weeks before the main festival, with cultural events, performances, workshops, concerts and community celebrations taking place across the capital.
The biggest public celebration takes place at Trafalgar Square on Sunday 25 October, while other events are happening in Greenwich, Richmond, Neasden and some of London's major cultural venues in the days leading up to Diwali itself.
And because it's now the end of September, this is actually a good time to start making plans.
Some events are completely free.
Others require tickets.
And some of the biggest celebrations can attract thousands of people, so knowing the dates beforehand can make your visit much easier.
Here's what's happening for Diwali in London in 2026.
When Is Diwali in 2026?
The main day of Diwali 2026 is Sunday 8 November.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by communities including Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, although traditions and the meaning attached to the festival can differ between communities.
In London, celebrations don't all happen on one day.
Public events are spread across several weeks, with some taking place in October and others immediately before or around Diwali itself.
That means you can experience London's Diwali atmosphere without necessarily visiting on 8 November.
1. Diwali on the Square – Trafalgar Square
If you're looking for the big public Diwali celebration in central London, start here.
Diwali on the Square returns to Trafalgar Square on Sunday 25 October 2026.
The event runs from 1pm to 7pm, and the best part for anyone watching their budget is that it is completely free and does not require a ticket.
The programme includes a large opening dance sequence involving around 200 dancers, followed by music, dance and performances representing London's Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities.
There will also be:
dance performances
music
workshops
yoga and meditation
sari and turban tying
puppet shows
family activities
market stalls
vegetarian and vegan food
It is designed as an open community celebration, so you don't need to be part of any particular community to attend.
When:
Sunday 25 October 2026
Time:
1pm–7pm
Where:
Trafalgar Square
Cost:
Free
Do you need a ticket?
No.
The organisers do warn that the event can get busy, and there will be bag searches at the entrance.
If you're visiting London specifically for Diwali, this is one date I'd put in the calendar now.
2. Diwali at Marble Hill
You don't have to stay in central London to experience Diwali.
On Saturday 24 October 2026, Marble Hill in Twickenham will host its own Diwali celebration.
The event runs from 2pm to 7pm and includes illuminations, dancers, dhol drummers, giant puppets and hands-on activities.
There is also a free lantern-making workshop, although visitors need to select a workshop timeslot when booking.
The event itself is listed as free to attend by English Heritage.
When:
Saturday 24 October 2026
Time:
2pm–7pm
Where:
Marble Hill, Twickenham
Cost:
Free
Booking:
Advance booking is available through English Heritage.
This could be a good option if you want something a little different from the huge central-London crowd.
3. Celebrating Diwali at the Royal Albert Hall
If you'd rather experience Diwali through music, there's a major concert taking place at one of London's most famous venues.
Celebrating Diwali takes place at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 1 November 2026 at 7:30pm.
The concert features Kavita Krishnamurti with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, alongside musicians from India.
The organisers describe it as a charity concert celebrating India's sacred musical heritage.
Tickets are currently listed from £40.50 including fees.
When:
Sunday 1 November 2026
Time:
7:30pm
Where:
Royal Albert Hall
Tickets:
From £40.50
If you're looking for a more formal Diwali evening rather than a daytime street festival, this is one to consider.
4. Diwali at the National Maritime Museum
Greenwich is also getting into the Diwali celebrations.
The National Maritime Museum will host its 2026 Diwali celebration on Saturday 7 November, the day before Diwali.
The event runs from 10:30am to 5pm and is free.
The programme includes:
lantern parades
dance performances
rangoli workshops
live performances
storytelling
talks
family activities
a new Diwali Bazaar
Royal Museums Greenwich says the 2026 festival is curated by Mehala Ford, founder of CommonGround&, and will bring together South Asian artists, performers, storytellers, makers and community organisations.
When:
Saturday 7 November 2026
Time:
10:30am–5pm
Where:
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
Cost:
Free
This is particularly useful if you're looking for a family-friendly Diwali event.
You could also combine it with a day around Greenwich, visiting the Queen's House, walking through Greenwich Park or exploring the area around the Cutty Sark.
5. Diwali at Neasden Temple
For many people, Diwali in London isn't just about public festivals.
It's also about visiting a temple, taking part in traditions and experiencing the religious side of the festival.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, commonly known as Neasden Temple, has one of London's major Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations.
For 2026, the temple's official Diwali programme lists Sunday 8 November for Diwali.
The Mandir Annakut Darshan will run from 10am to 7pm.
There will also be Sharda Pujan from 5:45pm to 7:15pm, followed by a fireworks display at 8pm at Gibbons Recreation Ground opposite the temple.
The temple is also providing a special bus service between Neasden Station and the Mandir on Diwali evening.
When:
Sunday 8 November 2026
Mandir Annakut Darshan:
10am–7pm
Sharda Pujan:
5:45pm–7:15pm
Fireworks:
8pm
Where:
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden
The temple's official guidance also says that capacity restrictions may apply, bags will be searched, and large bags should not be brought. Photography and videography are prohibited inside the Mandir complex.
So if you're planning to visit, read the latest visitor information before you go rather than treating it like a normal tourist attraction.
6. The Hindu New Year and Annakut
Diwali isn't necessarily the end of the celebrations.
At Neasden Temple, the celebrations continue with Annakut on Tuesday 10 November 2026.
The temple will offer Mandir and Haveli Annakut Darshan from 10am to 9pm.
The word Annakut refers to a ceremonial offering of food.
The temple describes it as a mountain-like offering of food made as an expression of thanksgiving.
So if you're interested in learning more about the religious and cultural traditions surrounding Diwali, this can provide a very different experience from simply attending a Diwali festival.
When:
Tuesday 10 November 2026
Time:
10am–9pm
Where:
Neasden Temple
The temple specifically says there will be no Annakut Darshan or Diwali celebrations on Monday 9 November, so don't assume that every day around Diwali has the same programme.
7. Diwali Story – A Musical
If you're looking for something theatrical, there's also Diwali Story – A Musical.
Londonist's current 2026 Diwali guide lists the production at Wembley Arena on 27 September 2026.
The production tells the story of Lord Ram through music, dance and theatre and is performed in English.
However, because this date is today's date range rather than the main November Diwali period, this is more useful as an example of how London's Diwali season can begin well before Diwali itself.
If you're reading this after 27 September, check whether any future performances or related events have been added before planning around it.
8. Look Out for Diwali Events Across London
One of the interesting things about Diwali in London is that the celebrations aren't concentrated in one place.
You'll find Diwali-related activity in different parts of the capital, particularly in areas with large South Asian communities.
That can include:
community celebrations
restaurant specials
cultural programmes
markets
music
dance
family activities
temple events
Visit London's current November guide also highlights Diwali celebrations across various locations around London, rather than presenting it as a single central event.
So if you're staying in west or north-west London, for example, it can be worth checking what's happening closer to where you're staying rather than automatically travelling into central London.
9. Try a Diwali-Themed Meal
You don't have to attend a large festival to experience Diwali in London.
Another option is simply going out for an Indian meal around Diwali weekend.
Restaurants across London often introduce special menus, sweets or festive dishes around the period.
This is particularly worth considering if you're visiting with friends or family and want something more relaxed after attending one of the public events.
But if you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, book ahead.
Diwali weekend is a popular time for Indian restaurants, and you don't want to arrive at 8pm expecting to walk straight into a table.
For a LondonYaar guide, I'd also recommend checking the restaurant's own current Diwali menu rather than publishing a fixed list of “Diwali restaurants” too early, because menus and opening hours can change.
10. Go Looking for Diyas, Rangoli and Festive Decorations
Diwali isn't only about organised events.
One of the nicest ways to experience the season is simply to notice the details around London.
Look for:
Diyas
Rangoli designs
Indian sweets
Flowers
Lights
Festive shop displays
and Diwali decorations.
Areas with large South Asian communities can be particularly interesting during the festival period.
You don't need a ticket for this.
Sometimes walking around, stopping for sweets and visiting a local restaurant can make a more relaxed Diwali day than trying to fit several large events into one schedule.
11. When Should You Actually Visit London for Diwali?
This depends on what you want.
Want the biggest public celebration?
Go for 25 October and attend Diwali on the Square.
Want a family-friendly cultural event?
Look at Marble Hill on 24 October or the National Maritime Museum on 7 November.
Want a concert?
Look at the Royal Albert Hall on 1 November.
Want to experience Diwali itself?
Sunday 8 November is the main date.
Want a temple and religious experience?
Look at Neasden Temple on 8 November.
Want to see Annakut?
Visit Neasden Temple on 10 November.
A Simple Diwali Weekend in London
If you are visiting London specifically for Diwali, you don't need to attend everything.
Here's one possible plan.
Saturday 7 November
Morning:
Head to Greenwich.
Late morning/afternoon:
Visit the National Maritime Museum's free Diwali celebration.
Later:
Explore Greenwich Park and the surrounding area.
Evening:
Have an Indian dinner somewhere in London.
Sunday 8 November – Diwali
Morning:
Start slowly and explore a London neighbourhood with South Asian shops and restaurants.
Afternoon:
Visit Neasden Temple for the Diwali celebrations and Annakut Darshan.
Evening:
Stay for the Sharda Pujan and fireworks if appropriate for your visit.
Or simply choose a restaurant and spend the evening with friends or family.
The point isn't to race around London.
It's to actually enjoy the day.
Do You Need Tickets for Diwali Events?
Not always.
This is one of the useful things to know before planning.
Free:
Diwali on the Square – free, no ticket required.
Diwali at Marble Hill – free, with advance booking available for the event/workshop.
Diwali at the National Maritime Museum – free.
Ticketed:
Celebrating Diwali at the Royal Albert Hall – tickets currently from £40.50.
Temple celebrations:
Neasden Temple's Diwali programme has its own visitor arrangements, including capacity limits and transport guidance, so check the temple's official information before travelling.
What Should You Book Now?
Because it is currently the end of September, this is a good time to deal with the ticketed events first.
If you're interested in the Royal Albert Hall concert, check ticket availability now.
For Marble Hill, book if you want a specific lantern-making workshop time.
For free events, you don't necessarily need to spend money on tickets, but you should still save the date.
And for Neasden Temple, read the visitor information before the day because it can get extremely busy.
Is Diwali in London Only for Indian Visitors?
No.
London's Diwali celebrations are public cultural events and many are specifically designed to bring different communities together.
The Mayor of London's Trafalgar Square event, for example, is open to everyone and showcases Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities through performances, food, workshops and activities.
You don't need to be celebrating Diwali yourself to attend a public festival respectfully.
If you're visiting, the best approach is simply to treat the event as a cultural and community celebration rather than just a photo opportunity.
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
Expect crowds
The biggest events can get busy.
Don't arrive at the last minute if you want a good view of performances.
Use public transport
Trafalgar Square and Neasden can become particularly busy during major events.
The organisers of Diwali on the Square recommend public transport, and the event has specific accessibility arrangements.
Check the official event page
Times and programmes can change.
This is especially important for community and religious celebrations.
Dress respectfully at religious venues
If you're visiting a temple, follow the venue's dress and visitor guidance.
Don't assume photography is allowed everywhere
At Neasden Temple, photography, videography and audio recording within the Mandir complex are specifically prohibited.
So, When Is Diwali in London in 2026?
Diwali itself is on Sunday 8 November 2026.
But London's celebrations begin much earlier.
You can start with Diwali at Marble Hill on 24 October, head to Diwali on the Square at Trafalgar Square on 25 October, enjoy the Royal Albert Hall's Celebrating Diwali concert on 1 November, visit the National Maritime Museum on 7 November, and then experience Diwali itself on 8 November.
There are also temple celebrations, community events, restaurants and other cultural activities taking place around the capital.
And that's what makes Diwali in London interesting.
It isn't just one event.
It's a season of celebrations happening across the city.
So if you're planning to experience Diwali in London this year, don't wait until November to start looking.
Save the dates now.
Check the ticketed events.
Book the ones you really want.
And leave some time simply to wander, eat something good and see how different parts of London celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Planning your next London day out? Discover more neighbourhood guides, hidden gems, food spots and things to do on LondonYaar.com.
Follow @rohan.londonyaar for more London places, stories and things worth knowing before you visit.