January sales
One of the best times of the year to buy things is during the sales season. January sales are one of the year’s most significant, going from boxing day to the middle of January.
Most retailers have products on sale. You should check what’s on offer in the usual shopping areas in London, be it the department stores, shopping streets or exclusive shopping areas. Until mid-January
Experience Hogwarts in the Snow
Hogwarts in the Snow is an annual event held at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter. The event transforms the studio tour into a festive winter wonderland, with Christmas decorations, festive treats, and a chance to see the Harry Potter film sets adorned with snow and special effects. During the event, visitors can see the Great Hall set decorated for a Yule Ball, with snow-covered trees and icicles hanging from the ceiling. Other event highlights include seeing snow on the Hogwarts castle model and Christmas decorations in the Gryffindor common room. This Christmas, the event ends on January 15th. Until January 15th
Try Ice Skating
Ice skating is available in London from the beginning of November until the middle of January in a few locations around the city. There is still time to do some skating this season:
- Somerset House until 15/1
- Hampton Court Palace until 8/1
- The Queen’s House until 8/1
- Canary Wharf until 25/2
- Glide at Battersea Power Station 8/1
If you’re serious about skating, the Alexandra Palace ice rink is open year-round for public skating. Their festive skate sessions end on 8/1.
Experience Jurassic World: The Exhibition
The Jurassic World exhibition at ExCel Centre in London has been extended to January 15th. The exhibition brings the experience from the movies to life, allowing the guests to walk through the park and see the dinosaurs up close. We promise that it will also be definitely safer than in the film. Until January 15th
London Short Film Festival
London Short Film Festival is an event that showcases many filmmakers and creatives by presenting up to 500 British and international films. This year marks the 20th year the festival has been held. The festival will take place in several movie theatres, including Curzon Soho and BFI Southbank, from 20/1 to 29/1. At the end of the festival, awards will be presented in several categories. 20-29 January
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a major cultural event in London and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Chinatown. It is typically held in late January or early February (this year, on January 22nd). It is a time for people to come together and celebrate the start of the new lunar year.
During Chinese New Year, Chinatown is transformed into a vibrant and colourful spectacle, with traditional Chinese decorations, lanterns, and red and gold envelopes given as gifts. The event also includes parades, such as lion and dragon dances bringing good luck and prosperity. There are also other types of performances and cultural events. Chinatown can be busy any time of the year and exceptionally busy during the Chinese New Year celebrations. On 22nd January
Celebrate Burns Night
Burns Night is an annual celebration held on January 25th in honour of Robert Burns, a Scottish poet considered one of the country’s national bards. The celebration typically includes a Burns Supper, a traditional Scottish meal with haggis, neeps (turnips), and tatties (potatoes). The meal is often accompanied by whisky, and Burns’ poetry is often recited or sung during the evening. Burns Night is a popular celebration in Scotland, and it is also celebrated by Scots and those with Scottish heritage around the world; London is one of these locations. Many places offer a Burns Night supper with traditional Scottish food and Scottish whisky. On 25th January
Check out Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival
The Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival is an annual event held in the Canary Wharf district of London. The festival is a celebration of light and art, and it features a variety of light installations and interactive artworks by local and international artists. The festival takes place from the 18th to the 28th of January this year and is free to attend. Past editions of the festival have included a range of installations, including illuminated sculptures, projections, and interactive light displays. In addition, the festival includes various events and activities, such as music performances, workshops, and food and drink stalls. The Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival is a popular event for locals and visitors to London, attracting thousands of people each year. 18-28 January
Visit London Art Fair
The London Art Fair is an annual modern and contemporary art event. The fair features a wide range of artwork from galleries and dealers around the world, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other media. It is from the 18th to the 22nd of January this year and takes place at the Business Design Centre in Islington. The fair is a popular destination for art collectors and enthusiasts, attracting thousands of visitors each year. In addition to the main fair, the London Art Fair also typically includes a range of special events and programming, such as talks, workshops, and exhibitions. The London Art Fair is a key event in the London art scene and an opportunity to discover and purchase the best in modern and contemporary art. 18-22 January
Enjoy Sci-fi and fantasy music in Southwark Cathedral
Experience the magic of live music in an entirely new way at a candlelight concert in a uniquely stunning location in London. Tickets are now available for a multi-sensory musical event featuring the music of sci-fi and fantasy soundtracks at Southwark Cathedral, illuminated by candlelight. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear live music in an unforgettable setting. The programme includes epic musical pieces such as the main themes from Star Wars, Jaws and Game of Thrones. 7-8 January
Summary
As always, there are plenty of activities in London in January, and these are just some suggestions that you may find interesting.
