13 Coolest Winter Festivals in London for 2024

Winter festivals in London help to make it the coolest place to be when thoughts turn to mulled wine and chestnuts, so let’s take a look at what’s coming up from October to December in the Big Smoke…

The wellies and Ray-Bans of the summer festival season are well gone. Dark nights, warm coats and fur-lined boots are here to stay. It’s winter, yay!

I’m always happy when the time for winter festivals in London come around because it brings a whole different mood to the city. A cosy, warm feeling and a fresh air, so long as the slushy snow and rain stays away.

I love seeing the shops put the Christmas decorations up too early and hearing everyone moan about it. I love seeing the shoddy Christmas lights on Oxford Street and the new fashions in the windows begging me to buy them.

I just totally fall for the ‘magical’ time of year, and all the fun things to do there because of it. One of the best things about the season though, are all the cool winter festivals in London to enjoy.

Winter Festivals in London

London winter festivals are some of the best. Here’s a look at what you’ve got ahead of you to enjoy! I’ll start at the end of October, as the weather is on the change.

October London festivals

Click here for all the best festivals in October around the world.

1. Frieze Art Fair

You’ll find this London winter festival in Regent’s Park every October, so more of an autumn offering than a Christmas London festival. Some exhibits at the Frieze Art Fair will charge and you’ll need to book ahead, while others will just let you potter about for free. Great little festival that I went to a few years ago and enjoyed, but as we all know, I’m just not that into art.

2. London Snowboard and Skiing Festival

As one of the best skiing festivals in Europe, the London Snowboard and Skiing Festival is a great option for ski lovers. This is one of the best festivals in London for winter sports lovers.

3. The Bloomsbury Festival

The Bloomsbury Festival is a free creative explosion of performance, art, music and storytelling right in the centre of London.

“For ten days each October, the streets, parks, museums, galleries, laboratories and public and private buildings of this vibrant cultural quarter play host to up to 130 events developed with partners alongside Bloomsbury Festival Productions and Commissions.”

– THE BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL

4. Diwali on the Square

Diwali on the Square in Trafalgar Square is celebrated by people of all nationalities, races and religions. It’s a free tribute to the festival of lights in India and attempts to creates a magical world of joy and festivity.

5. Halloween

There are loads of events in London to celebrate the Halloween festival. From witching hour at the London Eye to the Torture Garden fetish weekend at the Coronet Theatre. Madame Tussauds always has a good event on if you have the money or inclination, too!

– If ever you’re in London by coach, and you need luggage storage at Victoria station, then click here for the best deals. 

November London festivals

6. Canopy Christmas Market

One of the best winter festivals in London is the Canopy Christmas Market. There are loads of special events going on including the Vegan Festival, festive workshops and canopy gifting too.

“The market will be packed with festive produce and treats, handmade crafts as well as a host of street food and drinks options, including a craft beer bar, natural wines and gin bar. Plus don’t miss the special weekend events – details below. Open 12 am-6 pm daily, and 12-8 pm on Fridays. This is just one of seven Christmas markets at King’s Cross this season.”

– CANOPY CHRISTMAS MARKET

7. London Oktoberfest

Who needs to go all that way to Oktoberfest in Munich when you can just pop to the Bavarian Beerhouse in Old Street or Tower Hill? Tickets are reasonably priced and you’ll get a free stein, or they have let you go free on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the past.

You can also enjoy German food such as sausages and pork shanks, and the barmaids bring the drinks directly to you. This is a great day out for all over 18s who like a drink and a singsong!

8. Lord Mayor’s Show and Fireworks

The spectacular three-mile-long procession for the Lord Mayor’s Show and Fireworks winds its way from Mansion House through the historic streets of the Square Mile to the Royal Courts of Justice. This parade, a tradition dating back to 1215, welcomes into office the new Lord Mayor of the City of London – this year, it’s the turn of the 696th incumbent. Around half a million spectators will watch the procession, which will begin at 11am.

“The Lord Mayor’s Show is the oldest, longest, best loved and least-rehearsed civic procession in the world. It dates back to the early 13th century when King John, desperate for support, granted that the City of London could appoint its own Mayor. He required that each newly-elected Mayor should come upriver to distant Westminster and swear loyalty to the Crown, and the Mayors have been making that journey for over 800 years. Around them grew up a noisy, colourful, joyous procession that over the centuries became known as the Lord Mayor’s Show.”

– Lord Mayor’s Show, London

9. London Jazz Festival

The London Jazz Festival is one of the big dates in the jazz calendar in England, and one of the biggest winter festivals in London.

“The EFG London Jazz Festival is the capital’s biggest pan-city music festival, taking place annually in November, which has long been acclaimed for showcasing a heady mix of talent from around the world. Widely acknowledged for delivering world-class artists and emerging stars, the Festival continues to take jazz to a massive audience, in one of UK’s landmark music events.”

– LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL

10. Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park is transformed into a magical world of rides, stalls and an ice rink at the annual Winter Wonderland Festival.

It’s free to get in but can end up costing quite a bit, especially if you’ve got any rugrats in tow. Take your own alcohol in if you want to get round this, although make sure you have a bit of change for a mulled wine – it’s tradition.

This is one of the most popular January festivals around.

11. Southbank Centre Winter Festival

There’s all sorts happening at the Southbank Centre Winter Festival. Taking place along the Thames in the famous Southbank area, you can enjoy the twinkling lights, tasty drinks, street food and seasonal goodies too. With both indoor and outdoor events, there’s entertainment for all ages here.

“Cheer is here as the warm glow of our Winter Festival returns. A smash-hit circus, twinkling markets, high-kicking musicals, jolly jives, free family fun, festive concerts and radiant art – there’s a gift to light up everyone’s festive season.”

– SOUTHBANK CENTRE WINTER FESTIVAL

• How about visiting Bath at Christmas for some festive feels?

December London Winter Festivals

12. Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

The Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre is a celebration of festive foods with tasty artisan food and drink, festive entertainment and great gifts to choose from too. Set in the impressive palace courtyards and grounds there’s everything from pop up bars, to seasonal shopping to family fun and live music too.

Winter festivals in London

As you can see there are a LOT of winter festivals in London to choose from. All magical, all special, and all totally worth it. Let me know which London festivals you make it to this year, and if you have any to add!