Plan Your Visit

Where it happened, where it’s happening. Find out what’s on in the City.

Featured events

IlluminoCity Light Festival 2024
Outside Citypoint and Principal Place, the light installations “Glow” and “Trumpet Flowers” invite visitors to interact with an enchanting display of lights and sounds. Designed by Sydney’s Amigo & Amigo studio, these installations create a playful atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll.
Christmas in the City
01.11.2024 05.01.2025

Christmas in the City

From enchanting Christmas markets, glorious carolling, and festive feasts, the City of London has something for everyone this season.
The Fleet Street Quarter Penguin Parade Sculpture Trail
From Thursday 14th November, families and visitors are invited to embark on a fabulous festive adventure to discover 12 adorable penguin sculptures throughout the Quarter.
Christmas in the Crescent
Join the festive spirit for Christmas in the Crescent. A magical atmosphere, with unique gifts, and lots of festive food and drinks to enjoy.
Craft a candle for Roman Festival of Saturnalia
Craft a candle for Roman Festival of Saturnalia at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE and explore Roman London. Drop in for free family crafting from 19 December to 5 January.
The Observatory
06.01.2025 31.01.2025

The Observatory

Broadworks
A free immersive art experience blending technology, creativity, and wellness.
Guildhall String Ensemble
Join the Guildhall String Ensemble for this free rush-hour concert, featuring a mesmerising programme celebrating the richness of British music.
What's On - Sculpture in the City tour, people looking at a white tree sculpture

Current & Upcoming Events

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Theatres
Christopher Wren: The Quest for Knowledge

Christopher Wren: The Quest for Knowledge

St Paul's Cathedral

Investigate the genius of Christopher Wren and his ever-enquiring mind in this new exhibition at St Paul's Cathedral - said to be Wren's masterpiece.

More info
01.01.2024 31.12.2024
Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London Exhibition

Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London Exhibition

Guildhall Art Gallery

Celebrate the work of artist and specialist wood engraver Anne Desmet, at this new exhibition at Guildhall Art Gallery from 12 April 2024 to 12 January 2025.

More info
12.04.2024 12.01.2025
Exhibition: Desks, Drudgery and the Dictionary

Exhibition: Desks, Drudgery and the Dictionary

Dr Johnson's House

After a 250-year absence, the ‘Dictionary Desk’ of celebrated 18th century writer Samuel Johnson makes a historic return to his former abode, Dr Johnson’s House in the City of London.

More info
03.07.2024 03.07.2025
Rough Trade pop-up store arrives at the Barbican Shop

Rough Trade pop-up store arrives at the Barbican Shop

Barbican Shop

The Barbican Shop will host a pop-up store for legendary independent music retailer Rough Trade from July 2024 until the end of the year.

More info
17.07.2024 31.12.2024
Exhibition / Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum

Exhibition / Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum

Barbican Centre

In her first solo exhibition at a major UK institution, Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum creates dynamic works newly commissioned for The Curve.

More info
19.09.2024 05.01.2025
Heritage Gallery Exhibition: City of London, a city of science

Heritage Gallery Exhibition: City of London, a city of science

City of London Heritage Gallery

A new display that celebrates the City’s rich history of scientific innovation and invention.

More info
21.09.2024 27.03.2025
IlluminoCity Light Festival 2024

IlluminoCity Light Festival 2024

Multiple locations

Outside Citypoint and Principal Place, the light installations “Glow” and “Trumpet Flowers” invite visitors to interact with an enchanting display of lights and sounds. Designed by Sydney’s Amigo & Amigo studio, these installations create a playful atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll.

More info
14.10.2024 06.01.2025
Christmas Markets, Shopping and Festive Gifting

Christmas Markets, Shopping and Festive Gifting

From handcrafted gifts to luxury finds, here are some of the best Christmas markets, shopping experiences, and gifting spots in the City.

More info
01.11.2024 02.01.2025
New Italian restaurant – now open!

New Italian restaurant – now open!

Penny Square

Discover Penny Squares, East London's newest Italian gem! Think handcrafted pizzas, fresh pasta, and authentic Italian flavours in a cosy, welcoming setting. Buon Appetito!

More info
01.11.2024 31.03.2025
Festive Dining, Cocktails and Afternoon Teas

Festive Dining, Cocktails and Afternoon Teas

From panoramic afternoon teas and indulgent festive dinners to winter igloos on the roof terrace, there's a perfect festive dining experience for everyone in the City.

More info
01.11.2024 05.01.2025
Christmas in the City

Christmas in the City

From enchanting Christmas markets, glorious carolling, and festive feasts, the City of London has something for everyone this season.

More info
01.11.2024 05.01.2025
Festive Stay Offers

Festive Stay Offers

Enjoy the festivities stress-free at the City's finest hotels this Christmas.

More info
01.11.2024 05.01.2025
Explore Christmas Trees, Lights, and Festive Installations

Explore Christmas Trees, Lights, and Festive Installations

Wander through the City of London to find beautifully decorated Christmas trees, twinkling lights and festive installations at iconic locations.

More info
01.11.2024 05.01.2025
The Fleet Street Quarter Penguin Parade Sculpture Trail

The Fleet Street Quarter Penguin Parade Sculpture Trail

Starting point: St Pauls Cathedral

From Thursday 14th November, families and visitors are invited to embark on a fabulous festive adventure to discover 12 adorable penguin sculptures throughout the Quarter.

More info
14.11.2024 05.01.2025
Christmas and NYE Parties

Christmas and NYE Parties

Browse our selection of party ideas for the ultimate celebration with your friends or colleagues in the City of London.

More info
14.11.2024 01.01.2025
10 festive activities to do with friends

10 festive activities to do with friends

Immerse yourself in a world of holiday cheer with this selection of festive experiences across the City of London.

More info
18.11.2024 05.01.2025
Christmas Markets Paternoster Square and by St Paul’s

Christmas Markets Paternoster Square and by St Paul’s

Multiple locations

Wander through charming market areas full of food, drinks, unique gifts and treasures in Paternoster Square and by St Paul's Cathedral.

More info
18.11.2024 24.12.2024
6 family-friendly festive activities

6 family-friendly festive activities

Find a treasure trove of family-friendly activities in the City this Christmas, including Victorian-inspired workshops, a vibrant lantern parade and Christmas classics singalongs.

More info
18.11.2024 05.01.2025
Christmas in the Crescent

Christmas in the Crescent

The Crescent, in front of Tower Suites - a Blue Orchid hotel

Join the festive spirit for Christmas in the Crescent. A magical atmosphere, with unique gifts, and lots of festive food and drinks to enjoy.

More info
19.11.2024 06.01.2025
Wickedly Wonderful Stays

Wickedly Wonderful Stays

Andaz London Liverpool Street

Celebrate the magic of the new movie release with Wonderfully Wicked Stays at Hyatt hotels in Europe. Enjoy themed suites, enchanted cocktails, breakfast, exclusive keepsakes, and more at Andaz London.

More info
19.11.2024 03.01.2025
Find over 40 Christmas Carols & Concerts to attend

Find over 40 Christmas Carols & Concerts to attend

Get in the Christmas Spirit with Christmas Movie soundtracks, Carol services, festive family concerts and more.

More info
30.11.2024 05.01.2025
Christmas Carols in City Churches

Christmas Carols in City Churches

Everyone is welcome to join carol services at the City churches. There's lunchtime and evening weekday carol services, most of which are free and don't require booking. Selected churches have Sunday advent services too.

More info
01.12.2024 05.01.2025
Craft a candle for Roman Festival of Saturnalia

Craft a candle for Roman Festival of Saturnalia

London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE

Craft a candle for Roman Festival of Saturnalia at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE and explore Roman London. Drop in for free family crafting from 19 December to 5 January.

More info
19.12.2024 05.01.2025
Smithfield Market Christmas Meat Auction 2024

Smithfield Market Christmas Meat Auction 2024

Smithfield Market

Every Christmas, a tradition that spans back a century is held at Smithfield Market in the City of London, as the traders host their annual Christmas meat auction.

More info
24.12.2024
New Year’s Eve Party at Hithe + Seek

New Year’s Eve Party at Hithe + Seek

Hithe + Seek

Join the party at Hithe + Seek, their iconic riverside bar with a night of live music, an eight-course dinner of small plates and unparalleled views of the River Thames.

More info
31.12.2024
An Unforgettable New Year’s Eve at Florattica Rooftop

An Unforgettable New Year’s Eve at Florattica Rooftop

Florattica Rooftop Bar

Ring in 2025 at Florattica with live entertainment, a three-course tasting menu, and a Champagne toast at midnight. Dance, dine, and celebrate in style— tickets are on sale.

More info
31.12.2024
Barbican Cinema programme: January 25

Barbican Cinema programme: January 25

Barbican Cinemas

Start the new year with an exciting and diverse programme of films and special events at the Barbican Cinema! From engaging ScreenTalks and classic silent films to relaxed family screenings and restored cinematic gems, there’s something for everyone this January.

More info
01.01.2025 31.01.2025
The Observatory

The Observatory

Broadworks

A free immersive art experience blending technology, creativity, and wellness.

More info
06.01.2025 31.01.2025
Give & Take Day in the City of London

Give & Take Day in the City of London

St Giles Cripplegate Church

These events are an opportunity for City residents and the public having a clear-out, to make sure unwanted items are reused, recycled or disposed of responsibly.

More info
11.01.2025
Leisure in Roman London Tour

Leisure in Roman London Tour

Multiple locations

Discover two of the best-preserved Roman sites in London with archaeologist Dr Andrew Lane; the Roman Amphitheatre & Billingsgate Bath House

More info
11.01.2025
Second Saturday – Family activities at Guildhall Art Gallery

Second Saturday – Family activities at Guildhall Art Gallery

Guildhall Art Gallery

A revolving programme of family activities may have you heading into the Roman Amphitheatre and hearing tales of Roman conquests, or creating crafts from the Victorian paintings surrounding you.

More info
11.01.2025
Guildhall String Ensemble

Guildhall String Ensemble

Milton Court

Join the Guildhall String Ensemble for this free rush-hour concert, featuring a mesmerising programme celebrating the richness of British music.

More info
17.01.2025
Robert Levin in Residence: Mozart Double Piano Concerto & Requiem

Robert Levin in Residence: Mozart Double Piano Concerto & Requiem

Milton Court

Ambitious and versatile London choir Eclectic Voices, directed by Guildhall professor Scott Stroman, presents the transcendent Mozart Requiem, completed by Robert Levin.

More info
20.01.2025
Guitar Alumni Concert

Guitar Alumni Concert

Milton Court

Be transported by the extraordinary sounds of the guitar in this free evening concert featuring unique arrangements of timeless classical works, performed by celebrated alumni from Guildhall School.

More info
22.01.2025
Citra Sasmita: Into Eternal Land

Citra Sasmita: Into Eternal Land

Barbican Art Gallery & The Curve

The Indonesian artist transforms The Curve in her first solo UK exhibition. Via painting, installation, embroidery and scent, take a sensory journey exploring ancestral memory, ritual and migration. 

More info
30.01.2025 20.04.2025
Lord Mayor’s Show

Lord Mayor’s Show

Visit the City for the Lord Mayor’s Show - a three mile long outdoor procession with colourful floats, music and fun.

More info
08.11.2025

Christmas Carols and Concerts

Get in the Christmas Spirit with Christmas Movie soundtracks, family concerts and Christmas Carols at stunning locations.

Check our round-up of the best (and mostly free) Christmas carols and concerts this season.

Take a look
Concerts at the Barbican - What's On - Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali in the Barbican Hall live performance
Ideas to your inbox: sign up for new openings and unique experiences.

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14 splendid things to do this December in the City of London
The festivities continue into December in the City of London. From carol concerts, lantern parades, fascinating lectures and exhibitions, there is so much to explore this month.
Walking Tours and Trails in the City
Make the most of your time in the City of London - take a guided tour with official City of London Guides, or follow self-guided walks and trails.
City Visitor Trail
The City Visitor Trail is a 90 minute self-guided tour perfect for those on a sight-seeing mission. Take on world famous attractions, uncover hidden gems and feast on the culture, history and heritage of the City of London.
Parks and green spaces in the City of London
Whether you’re looking for a tranquil picnic spot or somewhere for quiet contemplation, here are some of the City’s greenest spaces to seek out.
10 hidden gems in the City of London for you to explore!
Whether you love art, history or simply a good old snoop around, there’s a treasure trail of hidden gems to find in just one square mile – the Square Mile.
Where to ‘meet’ history’s great characters in the City
You can get to know the City’s famous historical residents on a stroll through the streets – look for the rectangular City of London blue plaques.
A Day in the City: Art-lovers Edition
19 of the best restaurants to eat in the City of London
Why you should stay in the City on your next trip to London
You’re spoilt for choice for accommodation in the City – from chic serviced apartments to grand heritage hotels
Family Fun Activities to Enjoy on the Weekend in the City of London
What's On - Guy F at Royal Exchange - walking guide talking to an audience