London in January 2027: Best Things to Do, Events and Travel Tips

Is January a Good Time to Visit London?

January is a quieter month in London than the festive weeks before it. Many of the big seasonal lights and markets have closed, and the city moves into a calmer routine of indoor events, theatre, galleries and museums. Shops often run January sales, which can suit visitors who want to shop without the December rush.

The trade-offs are cold weather, short daylight hours, and some seasonal attractions that have finished. Some venues also keep reduced hours in the first weeks of the year. A January trip works well when you plan indoor days around the events below, and when you choose your outdoor sightseeing for the brightest part of the day.

January 2027 Events at a Glance

The table below shows the main January events, with the status of each date as we checked it. Dates marked as still to be confirmed should be checked with the organiser before you plan around them.

London New Year’s Day Parade

The London New Year’s Day Parade takes place on Friday 1 January 2027. It is a procession through central London with marching bands, performers and kites, and it begins around midday.

The start point, finish point and route are described differently across the sources we reviewed, so this guide does not list them. Check the official parade website for the route map and start time before you plan your position. Arrive early if you want a clear view, and expect crowds along the main sections of the route.

Public transport can run to a different timetable on public holidays, so check Transport for London’s journey information for the day before you travel, and plan a route home that does not depend on a single connection.

London Short Film Festival

The London Short Film Festival is a January event for film fans. Its 24th edition runs from22 to 31 January 2027, according to the festival’s official information. The festival screens films across the city, in its iconic cinemas and in community and creative spaces.

Check the festival website for the full programme, venues and booking details, which are not covered in this guide. Short films suit visitors with limited time, and a screening can be a good indoor option on a cold evening.

Burns Night in London

Burns Night falls on 25 January 2027, a Monday. It marks the birthday of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, and it is celebrated across Scotland and by Scottish communities elsewhere. Traditional suppers include haggis, neeps and tatties, whisky and readings of Burns’ poetry, often with music and dancing.

In London, many restaurants, pubs and hotels host their own Burns suppers. These events differ widely in format and price, and set menus and seating are usually booked in advance. Check each venue’s listing for the 2027 date, menu and booking terms rather than assuming a supper is available on the day.

West End Shows and Indoor Attractions

London’s West End runs theatre and musical productions throughout the year, so January is a practical month for a show. Productions change their run dates regularly, so check each show’s current listing before you plan an evening, and book seats in advance.

Indoor options are a good fallback on wet or very cold days. Galleries, museums, markets and covered attractions all suit a January itinerary. Check the opening hours for each attraction, as hours can be reduced after the New Year period.

Museums and Historic Landmarks

Many of London’s national museums offer free general admission to their permanent collections, although special exhibitions usually need a ticket. Secondary travel guides we reviewed described this policy for 2026, so confirm the current terms on each museum’s own website before you visit.

Historic landmarks and palaces may have reduced hours or temporary closures in January, and some sites close on certain days of the week. Check each site’s opening times for the date you plan to visit, and book timed entry where it is offered.

Canary Wharf Winter Lights

Canary Wharf Winter Lights is a light festival in east London that has run in late January in recent years. The 2027 edition has not yet been confirmed, so this guide does not give dates. Do not plan a trip around this event until the organiser announces the 2027 dates and details.

If the festival runs in 2027, check its official listing for the dates, the opening hours and whether entry is free or ticketed. Canary Wharf is reached on the Docklands Light Railway and the Elizabeth line, so plan the evening journey before you leave.

London Weather in January

January in London is cold, damp and grey for much of the month. Secondary climate summaries we reviewed put typical daytime highs around 8°C and night-time lows around 3°C, with frequent rain and short days. These figures are approximate. Check the Met Office’s climate averages for London before you finalise your clothing.

Daylight is short, so schedule outdoor sightseeing for the late morning and early afternoon, and keep the evenings for indoor events or well-lit walks.

What to Pack for London

• A waterproof outer layer and a warm jacket that you can layer under
• Comfortable, water-resistant shoes with good grip for wet pavements
• A warm hat, gloves and a scarf
• A compact umbrella for sudden showers
• A smart outfit if you plan to attend a supper or a theatre evening
• A plug adaptor for UK three-pin sockets, if your devices need one

Getting Around London in Winter

The Underground, buses, Overground and Elizabeth line reach nearly every venue in this guide. On the Underground and buses you can tap in with a contactless card or phone, which removes the need for a paper ticket on most trips. Fare rules are set by Transport for London, so read its current guidance before you set out.

Engineering works are common in January, and service changes can affect a journey you planned weeks earlier. Check the journey planner on the morning of each trip. Allow extra time when you travel late in the evening, and plan a route home that does not depend on a single connection.

UK Entry Requirements for International Travellers

Your ETA position is set by your nationality and personal circumstances, and attending a January event makes no difference to it. Eligible travellers who visit for a short holiday can use an ETA, while others may need a visa instead. Our UK ETA requirements guide explains who needs an ETA, and the tourism guidance covers holiday visits.

If you are eligible and need an ETA, you can start your application here: Start your UK ETA application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a New Year’s Day Parade in London in 2027?

Yes. The organiser and VisitBritain list the parade for Friday 1 January 2027. Check the official site for the route and start time.

Are the Canary Wharf Winter Lights confirmed for 2027?

No. The 2027 dates had not been announced when we checked, so check the organiser before planning around them.

When is the London Short Film Festival in 2027?

The 24th edition runs from 22 to 31 January 2027. Check the festival website for the programme and booking details.

Can I have a Burns Night supper in London?

Yes, many restaurants, pubs and hotels host Burns suppers. Book early, and check each venue’s menu and listing for 25 January 2027.

Do I need an ETA to visit London in January?

That depends on your nationality and circumstances, not on the event you attend. Check the requirements guide before you book travel.

Planning Checklist

• Check the New Year’s Day Parade route, start time and any ticket requirement on the official site.
• Plan a screening at the London Short Film Festival (22 to 31 January 2027), and book when tickets open.
• Book a Burns Night supper early, and check the 2027 menu and booking terms.
• Check the Canary Wharf Winter Lights dates before you plan an evening there.
• Check the opening hours of museums and landmarks for each day you plan to visit.
• Pack a waterproof layer, warm clothing and comfortable, water-resistant shoes.
• Confirm your UK entry requirements, including any ETA, before you book flights.