©BBC
Seasonal highlights
London New Year’s Day Parade (London Parade)
Kick off the year with one of London’s biggest street celebrations, featuring performers, marching bands, and colourful floats. The parade winds through central London, creating a lively atmosphere just a short walk from St Giles London.
- Dates: 1st January 2026
- Location from St Giles London: Route via Piccadilly, Regent St, Trafalgar Sq, Whitehall: 15–30 mins walk
Website: LondonParade
Canary Wharf Winter Lights
This free outdoor light festival transforms Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf with striking illuminated artworks. It’s perfect for an evening stroll and a different side of London after dark.
- Dates: 20th–31st January 2026
- Location from St Giles London: Canary Wharf, 30 mins by tube
- Website: Time Out Worldwide
Winter Light at Southbank Centre
Enjoy a riverside walk among creative light installations around the Southbank Centre. The artworks add warmth and colour to winter evenings along the Thames.
- Dates: 17th December 2025 – 18th January 2026
- Location to St Giles London: Southbank Centre, 25 mins by Tube
- Website: Southbank Centre
Sports & Running Events
The Masters Snooker
One of snooker’s most prestigious tournaments returns to Alexandra Palace, drawing top international players. The historic venue adds drama to this high-profile sporting event.
- Dates: 11th – 18th January 2026
- Location to St Giles London: Alexandra Palace, 45 mins by tube
- Website: The Masters Snooker
Victoria Park Half Marathon
This popular race offers a fast, flat course ideal for runners chasing personal bests. Multiple distances make it suitable for both beginners and experienced runners.
- Dates: 4th January 2026
- Location to St Giles London: St Marks Gate, 38 mins by Tube & bus
- Price: Entry fees vary
- Website: victoria-park
Lee Valley VeloPark
Run on a unique Olympic legacy circuit under floodlights at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. With several race distances available, it’s a memorable and energetic January event.
- Dates: 24th January 2026
- Location to St Giles London: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 24 mins by Tube
- Price: Entry fees vary
Website: leevalleyvelopark
©Barbican
Festivals & Culture
Barbican: BBC Symphony Orchestra
Enjoy an evening of world-class classical music at the Barbican, featuring the BBC Symphony Orchestra. January’s programme includes major works and exciting premieres.
- Dates: 16th January 2026
- Location to St Giles London: Barbican: 30 mins by Tube
- Website: barbican
London Short Film Festival (LSFF)
This major festival celebrates emerging and established filmmakers with screenings across London cinemas. It’s a must for film lovers looking to discover bold, original work.
- Dates: 23rd January – 1st February 2026
- Location to St Giles London: Curzon Soho, 10 mins by walk
- Website: shortfilms
MimeLondon (Season 2026)
MimeLondon brings contemporary physical theatre and visual storytelling to venues across the city. Expect inventive performances that push creative boundaries.
- Dates: 21st–31st January 2026
- Location to St Giles London: Sadlers Well East, 30 mins by tube
- Website: mimelondon
©London Art Fair
Fairs, exhibitions and trade shows
London Art Fair
One of the first major art fairs of the year, showcasing modern and contemporary works from leading galleries. It’s a great opportunity to discover new artists and trends.
- Dates: 21st–25th January 2026
- Location to St Giles London: Islington, Business Design Centre, 30 mins by Tube
- Website: Londonartfair
The Toy Fair (Olympia London)
The UK’s leading toy and game trade show brings together brands, designers, and industry professionals. It’s a key event in the global toy calendar.
- Dates: 20th–22nd January 2026
- Location to St Giles London: Olympia London, 35 mins by Tube
- Website: Toyfair
The British & International Franchise Exhibition (Olympia London)
This large-scale exhibition connects potential franchisees with established brands through talks and workshops. It’s ideal for anyone exploring business opportunities.
- Dates: 30th –31st January 2026
- Location to St Giles London: Olympia London, 35 mins by Tube
- Website: Franchiseinfo
Fresh: Art Fair (Alexandra Palace)
A popular art fair featuring multiple galleries under one roof in a stunning setting. Expect a wide range of styles, from affordable prints to statement pieces.
- Dates: 29th January – 1st February 2026
- Location to St Giles London: Alexandra Palace, 45 mins by tube
- Website: freshartfair
©Facing Heaven
Veganuary: Vegan Dining Highlights
January is the perfect time to explore London’s vibrant vegan food scene.
Facing Heaven
A modern vegan restaurant known for bold flavours and artistic presentation. It’s ideal for diners looking for something inventive and different.
- Location to St Giles London: 1a Bayford Street, Hackney, 35 mins by tube and bus
- Website: facing-heaven.com
Plates
Chef Kirk Haworth delivers refined, seasonal vegan dishes in a stylish setting. This spot is perfect for a special night out.
- Location to St Giles London: 320 Old St, 30 mins by Tube or Bus
- Website: plates-london.com
Jam Delish Islington
A family-run Caribbean vegan restaurant serving colourful, flavour-packed comfort food. Expect generous portions and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Location to St Giles London: 1 Tolpuddle St, 29 mins by Tube or Bus
- Website: jamdelish.co.uk
Make January a little more special with a city break in London.
Book with our New Year, New Stays offer and receive 30% off using promo code NEWYEAR. With St Giles London at the centre of it all, exploring the city has never been easier. For more information, visit our offers page.
