Central London Festive Events Calendar 2024–2025: The festive season in Central London offers a dazzling array of cultural experiences, from breath-taking art exhibitions to world-class opera, captivating theatre, and lively festivals. Whether you’re looking to explore enchanting markets, enjoy iconic musicals, or immerse yourself in classical music, this guide highlights the must-see events that will make your Christmas and New Year unforgettable!
Art Exhibitions
Winter Light at Southbank Centre
Dates: November 1, 2024 – February 2, 2025
Venue: Southbank Centre
Description: A free outdoor exhibition featuring mesmerizing light installations from renowned international artists.
Christmas at Kew
Dates: November 2024 – January 2025
Venue: Kew Gardens
Description: Wander through stunning light trails and festive botanical displays.
Regency Christmas at Kensington Palace
Dates: December 4, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Venue: Kensington Palace
Description: Experience a regal Christmas inspired by the traditions of the Georgian and Victorian eras.
Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet
Dates: November 28, 2024 – June 1, 2025
Venue: Tate Modern
Description: This exhibition celebrates early innovators of digital art, showcasing works created between the 1950s and early 1990s. Visitors can experience vintage tech art in action and explore how artists envisioned the visual language of the future.
Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael
Dates: November 9, 2024 – February 16, 2025
Venue: Royal Academy of Arts
Description: This exhibition explores the rivalry between Michelangelo and Leonardo and their influence on the young Raphael, featuring some of the finest examples of Italian Renaissance drawing.
Monet & London: Views of the Thames
Dates: October 5, 2024 – January 19, 2025
Venue: The Courtauld Gallery
Description: This exhibition presents 21 paintings by Claude Monet, capturing atmospheric landscapes of the River Thames during his visits to London between 1899 and 1901.
Opera and Classical Music
Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival
Dates: December 7, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Venue: Barbican Centre
Description: A series of festive concerts, including carols, classical masterpieces, and live film scores.
New Year’s Day Proms
Date: January 1, 2025
Venue: Barbican Centre
Description: Celebrate the New Year with a rousing classical music concert.
Cinderella by The Royal Ballet
Dates: December 3, 2024 – January 16, 2025
Venue: Royal Opera House
Description: A timeless ballet with stunning sets and costumes, perfect for the festive season.
Viennese Christmas Spectacular
Date: December 28, 2024
Venue: St James’s Church
Description: Enjoy a magical evening of waltzes, polkas, and festive classics by Johann Strauss.
Tosca
Dates: December 6, 8, 11, 13, 2024
Venue: Royal Opera House
Description: Puccini’s dramatic opera returns in a revival that has been praised for its engaging performances and elaborate staging.
The Pirates of Penzance
Dates: December 2, 2024 – February 21, 2025
Venue: London Coliseum
Description: English National Opera revives Mike Leigh’s popular production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera.
Christmas Swing: Gershwin, Bernstein and Tchaikovsky
Dates: December 18, 19, 2024
Venue: Barbican Hall
Description: The London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano, presents a festive program blending classical and jazz elements.
Handel’s Messiah
Date: December 16, 2024
Venue: Barbican Hall
Description: The Academy of Ancient Music performs Handel’s iconic oratorio, a staple of the festive season.
Theatre and Musicals
A Christmas Carol
Dates: December 1 – December 31, 2024
Venue: The Old Vic
Description: A heart-warming adaptation of Charles Dickens’s beloved story.
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Dates: December 7, 2024 – February 8, 2025
Venue: Donmar Warehouse
Description: An exciting musical adaptation of War and Peace by Dave Malloy.
The Producers
Dates: December 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025
Venue: Menier Chocolate Factory
Description: A hilarious revival of Mel Brooks’s classic musical comedy.
The Devil Wears Prada
Dates: October 24, 2024 – May 31, 2025
Venue: Dominion Theatre
Description: Elton John’s musical adaptation of the popular novel and film, featuring Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly.
Aladdin
Dates: November 18, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Venue: Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Description: A dynamic and humorous pantomime rendition of the classic tale, offering a streetwise twist and musical performances ranging from Bruno Mars to Pulp.
Hadestown
Dates: November 2024 – February 2025
Venue: Lyric Theatre
Description: Anaïs Mitchell’s folk opera inspired by the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, blending modern American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz.
Oliver!
Dates: December 14, 2024 – April 2025
Venue: Gielgud Theatre
Description: Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of the classic musical, directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, featuring Simon Lipkin as Fagin and Shanay Holmes as Nancy.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
Dates: November 23, 2024 – February 2, 2025
Venue: The Other Palace
Description: A musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s novel, following the adventures of Percy Jackson as he discovers his demigod heritage.
Festivals and Markets
Winter Wonderland
Dates: November 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Venue: Hyde Park
Description: A festive extravaganza with ice skating, rides, markets, and live shows.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Dates: November 1 – December 26, 2024
Venue: Southbank Centre
Description: Browse festive stalls and enjoy seasonal treats along the Thames.
Christmas by the River
Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 2, 2025
Location: London Bridge City
Description: A scenic Christmas market with crafts, gifts, and delicious festive food.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Dates: November 8, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Location: Leicester Square
Description: A charming market in the heart of London, perfect for holiday shopping and entertainment.
Start planning your festive outings today! Many events require advance bookings, so click the links for the latest updates and tickets. Celebrate the magic of the season in Central London!