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24 things to do in London in January 2024

Pick up some bargains, enjoy winter activities and make the most of London's free attractions in January.
Four women wrapped in coats and scarves are walking with shopping bags on Carnaby Street in London.
Shopping in Carnaby. © visitlondon.com/Antoine Buchet

January is one of the best months to visit on a budget. The January sales are on, so you can shop at some of London's top shopping destinations for less. Plus, many hotels offer reductions at this time of year.

London's attractions are quieter than usual this month, so it's a great time to enjoy a stroll around a museum and avoid queues at popular attractions. And, don't forget, many of London's attractions are free!

Make sure to wrap up warm when out exploring London in winter. Then, take refuge from the cold in one of London's cosy pubs, or enjoy a hot drink with a view on a heated rooftop terrace transformed for winter. 

Unmissable January events in London

A marching band dressed in yellow and blue walk through confetti at London's New Year's Day Parade.

  1. Watch the spectacular New Year's Day Parade: Cheer on the marching brass bands, colourful performers and elaborate floats. 1 Jan
  2. Explore Hogwarts in the Snow: See the Harry Potter film studios transformed for winter. 11 Nov-14 Jan
  3. Enjoy fairground fun at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park: Ride the carousel or brave the loops of the rollercoasters. TBC
  4. Cheer on runners at the Serpentine New Year's Day Races: Head to Hyde Park for the New Year's Day 10K Race or 3K Fun Run. TBC
  5. Celebrate British music and culture at the New Years Day Proms: Kick off 2024 with fantastic performances from talented artists. TBC
  6. Go ice skating: Skate at one of London's temporary outdoor ice rinks, many of which are still open at the start of the month.
  7. Watch the latest works in film at the London Short Film Festival: Be moved by short stories captured on screen. TBC
  8. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon in 2024: Join the Chinese New Year celebrations in London, in previous years you could enjoy an annual parade, live performances and festival. 
  9. Toast to Burns Night in London: Mark the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns with haggis and tatties, bagpipes and plenty of whisky. 25 Jan

Theatre shows in London

The actress playing Elsa on the musical Frozen is wearing a red cape and seems to have arrived at a ball where couples wearing gowns and three-piece suits are dancing around her.

  1. Catch one last Christmas show or pantomime: Book your seats before theatres wrap up for the festive season.
  2. See one of the city's best musicals: From Disney classics such as Lion King and Frozen to exhilarating family favourites such as Matilda. 

Top activities in London in January

A man in a green apron serves street food from a large pan into a box for customers in borough market.  
  1. Tick off the capital's top attractions: Cross incredible sights such as the London Eye and Big Ben off your London bucket list.
  2. Do a spot of royal sightseeing: From Westminster Abbey to Windsor Castle, explore the city's royal hot spots.
  3. Discover top sights for history buffs: Hear gruesome tales at the Tower of London, or explore the impressive Hampton Court Palace.
  4. Have a guide show you around the city on a walking tour: Seek out London's hidden gems, or follow in the footsteps of famous detective Sherlock Holmes.
  5. Explore London's incredible food scene: Take a guided tour of Borough Market, indulge at an afternoon tea or enjoy a meal with a view.
  6. Learn from the experts at a fun masterclass: Painting and pottery to cocktails and kayaking, you're truly spoilt for choice when it comes to learning a new skill.
  7. Venture to some of the city's more unusual museums: Go behind the scenes at The Household Cavalry Museum, or explore never-before-seen evidence at the Jack the Ripper Museum.
  8. Take a day trip from London: Hop on a bus tour and explore iconic locations such as Stonehenge, Bath and Oxford. 

Exhibitions in London

The National Gallery art exhibition space in London.

  1. Don't miss Beguiling Beni: Safflower Red in Japanese Fashion at the Victoria and Albert Museum: Discover the use of this vibrant, versatile material in Japanese fashion. Until Mar
  2. See the Fans Hals exhibition at the National Gallery: Four hundred years since the paintings were first created, learn all about the works of this gifted artist. Until 24 Jan
  3. Discover the works of British artist Sarah Lucas at Tate Britain: A unique exhibition that explores what makes us human by using ordinary objects in unexpected ways. Until 14 Jan
  4. Explore Capturing the Moment at Tate Modern: Journey through 100 years of painting and photography from 39 different artists. Until 28 Jan
  5. Catch a planetarium show at the Royal Observatory Greenwich: Explore our planets, solar system and beyond as it unfolds right before your eyes.

For more things to do in January in London, take a look at the events calendar and guide to what's on in London, or catch the best of the London stage with this theatre guide.

WEATHER: For average seasonal temperatures and rainfall, see the London weather page.

 

 

 

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