All the best events and festivals in London in January 2019.

The Winter Lights Festival lights up Canary Wharf

Happy new year! 2019 is here and we’ve got a whole 12 months to have fun in the capital. With many of us feeling a little light in our purses this month after the excesses of Christmas and New Year.

This January sees a host of arts and entertainment festivals, light shows and more, with many events free. Here’s Metro Girl’s round-up of the best events in the capital this January 2019.

• 1 January : New Year’s Day Parade

Hundreds of thousands of spectators will line the streets of London to watch 10,000 performers from around the world. Starts from Piccadilly’s Berkeley Street at 12pm, ending at Parliament Square at 3.30pm. Free. Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus, Westminster or Charing Cross. For more information, visit the Parade website.

• Now until 5 January : Alice In Winterland

A new lantern festival sees the characters of Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland brought to life with over 160 giant lanterns and immersive experiences, such as sliding down the rabbit hole and tea cup rides. There’s also a Santa’s Grotto on-site. Tickets: Adults £15, Children 4-16yrs £9. Southwark Park (Paradise Gate entrance), Jamaica Road, SE16 4RS. Nearest stations: Canada Water or Rotherhithe. For more information, visit the Alice In Winterland website.

• Now until 5 January : Christmas at Kew

A one mile glittering trail which weaves its way through Kew Gardens with stunning sights lit up upon the way. There will also be Santa at the North Pole Village, a Tunnel of Light, vintage rides, festive food and drinks. 5-10pm. Tickets (advance): Adults £19.50, Children £12, Under 4 free. Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens), Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website.

• Now until 5 January : Christmas In Leicester Square

The West End’s famous square will feature a Christmas market and Santa’s Grotto. A Spiegeltent will play host shows including Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel, Briefs: Close Encounters and Club Briefs. Free entry to Leicester Square, but tickets required for Santa’s Grotto and the Spiegeltent. Leicester Square, WC2H. Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the Christmas In Leicester Square website.

• Now until 5 January : Moonshine Saloon

A new immersive cocktail experience from the same team behind Alcotraz. Bring your own liquor to the Wild West and learn about the dark world of moonshining. Dress in cowboy gear and Stetsons and let experienced mixologists whip up some cocktails using your spirit of choice. Open Wed-Fri 6.15pm-10.15pm, Sat 12.15pm-11pm. Booking fee: £33.99 (includes 4 cocktails from brought drink of choice and 1hr 45m inside the saloon). 535 Kings Road, Fulham, SW10 0SZ. Nearest station: Fulham Broadway. Bookings can be made on the Moonshine Saloon website or DesignMyNight. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the pop-up.

• 6 January : Twelfth Night Celebration

Theatre company the Lions Part host their annual celebration of the new year, ‘mixing ancient seasonal customs with contemporary festivity’ in the Bankside area of London. From 2pm. Free. Outside Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 9DT. Nearest stations: Blackfriars, London Bridge or Southwark. For more information, visit the Lions Part website.

• Now until 6 January : Winter Wonderland

The south east corner of Hyde Park is transformed into a Christmas fair with rides, food and drink stalls, ice rink, Zippos Christmas Circus, Cirque Berserk, The Sooty Christmas Show, The Magical Ice Kingdom, Backyard Cinema‘s Snowman Experience. and more. Open 10am-10pm daily. Free to enter. Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner, Victoria, Knightsbridge or Marble Arch. For more information, visit the Winter Wonderland website. Check out Metro Girl’s review of the Snowman Experience

• Now until 6 January : Disney On Ice – Dream Big

Some of your favourite Disney characters take to the ice for a show for all the family. Show times vary. Tickets: £32.25-£91.50. The O2, Peninsula Square, Greenwich, SE10 0DX. Nearest station: North Greenwich. For more information, visit the Disney UK website.

• Now until 6 January : Backyard Cinema Presents: The Snowman™ Experience

A cinematic walk-through experience to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Snowman. The classic book and short film is brought to life in an immersive experience. Times vary. Tickets (vary between standard, off-peak, and peak): Adults/teen £9.95-£14.95, Children £6.96-£12.95. Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2. Nearest stations: Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch. For booking, visit the Winter Wonderland website. Read Metro Girl’s review on the Snowman Experience.

• 9 January – 3 February : London International Mime Festival

Festival at various events across London including performances of physical theatre, dance, circus, puppetry and live art. Workshops also available. Tickets range from £12.50-£30. Venues include the Barbican, Jacksons Lane, Platform Theatre, Sadler’s Wells, Shoreditch Town Hall and Southbank Centre. For more information, visit the Mime London website. 

• 11 – 20 January : London Short Film Festival

Ten day festival celebrating the best in short film-making at venues across the capital, including the Curzon Soho, Grow Hackney, the ICA, Regent Street Cinema and Richmix. For more information, visit the London Short Film Festival website.

• 12 January – 26 February : Totem by Cirque du Soleil

The Cirque’s touring production Totem tells the story of humankind’s journey through history. Tickets range from £39-£99. Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP. Nearest stations: South Kensington, Knightsbridge or High Street Kensington. For more information and booking, visit the Cirque Du Soleil website.

• Now until 12 January : Divine Proportions

A heavenly new immersive dining experience for Gods and Goddesses in the Vaults below Waterloo station. Shotgun Carousel’s new production reimagines the story of the God of Wine, hedonism and ritual ecstasy. Except a five-course meal accompanied by entertainment. Shows Tues-Sun, doors open 6.30pm. Tickets: £35-£55 (includes dinner and entertainment). The Vaults, Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN. Nearest station: Waterloo or Lambeth North. For tickets, visit The Vaults website.

• Now until 13 January : Montague Ski Lodge

Step into a magical ski lodge; with pine trees, snow, reindeer, snowmen, and fairy lights and lanterns. The bar serves hot chocolate cocktails, mulled wine, hot mulled cider, Schnapps and flavoured vodkas. The Montague Hotel, 15 Montague Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 5BJ. Nearest station: Russell Square or Holborn. For more information, visit The Montague hotel website.

• 15 – 26 January : Winter Lights

Over 30 light installations and interactive art have been dotted around Canary Wharf for just two weeks. 5pm-10pm. Free entry. Canary Wharf and Canada Square, Docklands, E14. Nearest station: Canary Wharf. For more information, visit the Canary Wharf website. For photos of the 2019 Winter Lights festival, click here.

• 16 – 20 January : London Art Fair

Contemporary and modern British art fair in Islington, featuring talks, tour, performances and showcases. Opening hours vary. Tickets: £17.75 (not inc booking fees). Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest station: Angel. For tickets and more information, visit the London Art Fair website.

• 19 – 20 January : Adventure Travel Show

For those who like to travel off the beaten track, featuring exclusive expeditions, volunteering opportunities, walking and trekking, safaris, wildlife encounters and more. Open Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9.30am-5pm. Tickets: £9. London, Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For tickets, visit the Adventure Travel Show website.

• 23 – 26 January : London A Cappella Festival

Festival featuring the best of jazz, contemporary and choral a cappella singing. Tickets prices vary. Kings Place, 90 York Way, King’s Cross, N1 9AG. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the London A Cappella Festival.

The Vault Festival returns to the tunnels underneath Waterloo station
© Vault Festival

• 23 January – 17 March : Vault Festival

Seven week arts festival in the tunnels beneath Waterloo across three venues. Entertainment includes live music, theatre, film, dance, comedy, immersive experiences and late-night parties. Open Wed-Sun. Ticket prices vary. The Vaults, 10 Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN. Nearest station: Waterloo and Lambeth North. For booking, visit the Vault Festival website. Check out Metro Girl’s shows to watch at this year’s festival

• 25 January : Friday Late – All To Play For @ The V&A

Late-night opening of the V&A centring on video games. Featuring puzzles, escape rooms, riddles, video games, dancers and more. 6.30pm-10pm. Free entry. Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 2RL. Nearest station: South Kensington. For more information, visit the V&A website.

• 25 January : Lates @ Natural History Museum

Late-night opening of the Natural History Museum, featuring Nature Live talks, pop-up science stations, behind-the-scenes, food, drink and more. 6pm-10pm. Free entry. Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 5BD. Nearest station: South Kensington. For more information, visit the Natural History Museum website.

• 25 – 27 January : The France Show

The best of French food, drink, property, entertainment and travel. Open Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Tickets: £12. Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information and tickets, visit The France Show website.

• 26 January : Winter Pride – Magical Circus

Brighten up the dark winter nights with a seasonal edition of the Pride festival, featuring circus acts, DJs, clowns, pole dancers,  and live music. 9pm-4am. Tickets from £15. The Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, N1 9NL. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the Winter Pride Facebook page.

• 26 – 27 January : World Championship of Ping Pong

Watch the world’s best ping pong players in action. Tickets start from £19.25. The West Hall, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY. Nearest station: Alexandra Palace. For more information and tickets, visit the Ally Pally website.

• 26 January -22 April : John Ruskin – The Power Of Seeing @ Two Temple Place

Exhibition of the paintings, drawings, daguerreotypes, metal work, and plaster casts of John Ruskin. Free entry. Two Temple Place, 2 Temple Place, Temple, WC2R 3BD. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Two Temple Place website

• Now until 27 January : Hogwarts In The Snow

A must for all Harry Potter fans. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter has been given a festive makeover. Featuring Christmas-themed gifts and costumes from the film franchise. Tickets: Adults £43, Children £35. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7LR. Nearest station: Watford (then a shuttle bus to studios). For more information, visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour website.

• 28 January : Mr Fogg’s Explorer Series presents Jessica Last & Charlie Wild

Enjoy the Travel Project’s new cocktail Global Pursuit while listening to Jessica Last and Charlie Wild recall their amazing trip around the world in 72 days. From 8pm. Mr Fogg’’s Society of Exploration, 1A Bedford Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9HH. Nearest station: Covent Garden or Charing Cross. For more information, visit the Mr Fogg’s website.

• 29 January – 9 March : Qu Leilei – Echoes

A solo exhibition from Qu Leilei at the newest branch of the international 3812 Gallery. The show features pieces in water and ink, the ancient medium for painting and calligraphy in Chinese culture. Mon–Sat 10am-6.30pm. 3812 Gallery, 21 Ryder Street, St James’s, SW1Y 6PX. Nearest station: Green Park. For more information, visit the 3812 gallery website.

• 30 January : China Lates @ Science Museum

Late-night opening of the Science Museum to celebrate the forthcoming Chinese New Year. Featuring AR viewings, a talk about the Chinese space programme, story-telling, red envelopes, Chinese food and drink, live music and silent disco. Over 18s only. 6.45pm-10pm. Free entry. Science Museum. Exhibition Road, Kensington, SW7 2DD. Nearest station: South Kensington. For more information, visit the Science Museum website.

• 31 January – 3 February : Destinations – the Holiday & Travel Show

Travel show, featuring tourist boards, travel agencies, cultural entertainment, world food and drink, travel celebrities, talks, presentations, workshops, panel sessions and more. Open 10am-5.30pm. Tickets: £11 in advance. Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information and tickets, visit the Destinations – Holiday & Travel Show website.

• Now until 1 February : French Winter Village @ The Langham

The Langham Hotel are teaming up with Grey Goose to create a winter paradise in their courtyard garden. Expect hot and cold Grey Goose vodka cocktails, Christmas tree, festive food from the woodfire, heaters, cosy blankets and more. Open Wed-Sat 4pm–10pm. Minimum spend of £60pp (for bookings between 6-60 people). The Langham Hotel, 1c Portland Place, Regent Street, W1B 1JA. Nearest station: Oxford Circus. For more information, visit The Langham website.

• Now until 3 February : Take A View exhibition

Exhibition of the winning and shortlisted images from this year’s Landscape Photographer Of The Year are on display on the balcony at Waterloo station. Open during station hours. Free. Mezzanine level, Waterloo Station, SE1 8SW. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information, visit the Take A View website.

• Now until 23 February : Winterland

Discover an alpine paradise by the River Thames. Expect heated winter lodges, fire pits, igloos, karaoke booth, Beer pong, Boogie Nights lodge, curling, DJs, hot cocktails, comfort food and more. Open Tues-Fri 6pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-8pm. Entry: £5pp. Neverland, Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham, SW6 2TY. Nearest station: Wandsworth Town. For more information, visit the Winterland website.

• Now until 28 February : The Chalet @ Madison

St Paul’s rooftop bar Madison’s terrace has been given a cosy winter makeover. Featuring wooden chalet, twinkling lights, cosy blankets, warming heaters and warming cocktail menu. Madison, rooftop terrace, 1 New Change, City of London, EC4M 9AF. Nearest station: St Paul’s. For more information, visit the Madison London website. Check out Metro Girl’s review of Madison’s winter terrace.

• Now until 31 March : Marvel’s Avengers

Multi-room experience for fans of Marvel’s Avengers, where they will find out their favourite characters’ back story and mind and interact with props and the characters themselves. Opening times: Mon-Thu: 10am–6.30pm, Fri: 10am–8.30pm, Sat: 9.30am-8.30pm and Sun: 9.30am-6.30pm. Tickets: Adults £25, Children £14. ExCel, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Prince Regent or Custom House. For tickets, visit the Avengers Station website.

• Now until May : Last Nights Of Havana
  

  Bridging Home by Do Ho Suh for Sculpture In The City

Nightlife pop-up in Tobacco Dock brings a slice of Cuba to London. Featuring live music, DJs, dance, drinking and street food. Open 5pm-12am. Tickets: £25 (inc complimentary arrival cocktail). Masterclass: £60pp (include rum flight, special cocktail and discount towards evening event). Last Nights Of Havana, Quayside Bar, Tobacco Dock, Wapping Lane (Gate Entrance), Wapping, E1W 2SF. Nearest station: Shadwell or Wapping. For more information and tickets, visit lastnightsofhavana.com. See Metro Girl’s blog for more information.

• Now until early June : Sculpture In The City 2018/2019

Free public art exhibition, bringing contemporary pieces to the streets and spaces of the City of London. At various sites around the Square Mile. Nearest stations: Fenchurch Street, Monument or Liverpool Street. For more information and a map of the artworks, visit the City Of London’s official website. Check out Metro Girl’s gallery of the 2017/2018 exhibition.

• Now until summer (TBC) : Room To Breathe @ Migration Museum

Interactive exhibition of a migrant’s experiences when they arrive in the UK and what it means to live as migrant. Open Thu 12pm-8pm, Fri-Sun 12pm-6pm. Free admission. At the Migration Museum @ The Workshop, 26 Lambeth High Street, Lambeth, SE1 7AG. Nearest station: Vauxhall, Westminster or Lambeth North. For more information, visit the Migration Museum website. For Metro Girl’s review on the exhibition, click here.

London Pantomimes and Ballets

• Now until 3 January : Rubbed – Aladdin’s Lamp Just Got Camp (Vauxhall)

A saucy panto for adults-only. Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5HY. Nearest station: Vauxhall. For more information, visit the Vauxhall Tavern’s website.

• Now until 6 January : Dick Whittington (Hammersmith)

Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, Hammersmith, W6 0QL. Nearest station: Hammersmith. For tickets, visit the Lyric website.

• Now until 6 January : The Snowman

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s ballet production of The Snowman returns to the Peacock Theatre. Tickets: £15-£38. Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT. Nearest station: Temple or Holborn. For booking, visit the Sadlers Wells website.

• Now until 6 January : Peter Pan (Richmond)

Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1QJ. Nearest station: Richmond. For tickets, visit the ATG website.

• Now until 6 January : Aladdin (Wimbledon)

New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG. Nearest station: Wimbledon. For tickets, visit the ATG website.

• Now until 6 January : Cinderella (Hackney)

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 1EJ. Nearest station: Hackney Central. For tickets, visit the Hackney Empire website.

• Now until 12 January : Sleeping Beauty (Stratford)

Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford, E15 1BN. Nearest station: Stratford. For tickets, visit the Stratford East website.

• Now until 13 January : Robinson Crusoe (Greenwich)

Greenwich Theatre, Croom’s Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8ES. Nearest station: Greenwich or Cutty Sark (DLR) . For tickets, visit the Greenwich Theatre website.

• Now until 13 January : Snow White (West End)

Palladium, 8 Argyll Street, Soho, W1F 7TE. Nearest station: Oxford Circus. For tickets, visit the LW Theatres website

• Now until 15 January : The Nutcracker

Peter Wright’s production of the classic ballet returns to the ROH. Tickets vary. Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD. Nearest station: Embankment. For tickets, visit the Royal Opera House website.

• Now until 27 January : Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

Matthew Bourne’s reimaging of the classic ballet, featuring men instead of women as the swan ensemble. Tickets: £12-£72. Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell, EC1R 4TN. Nearest station: Angel. For booking, visit the Sadler’s Wells website.

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