Avoid the January blues with a collection of some of the best events and festive celebrations our city has to offer throughout the first month of 2025.
From discovering new artists at the London Art Fair and TS Eliot Prize Readings, to dancing all night long at Burns Night, there is plenty to do in the capital this month.
So, what are you waiting for? Show some love for London and the amazing places that make up the city, by reading our ‘What’s On’ guide below:
Returning for its 22nd year, The London Short Film Festival is back this January, featuring over 200 brilliant short films. From the 17th to the 26th January, a collection of locations across the city will be showcasing films from more than 60 programmes, highlighting the abundance of new talent in the industry. A new addition will also feature this year – a 22-seater restored bus that will travel across London screeening a number of free films.
Discover one of the city’s most established art fairs between the 22nd and 26th January, celebrating both modern and contemporary art. The London Art Fair features 120 leading galleries across London, displaying everything from gigantic installations to exciting innovative concepts from the likes of Franics Bacon and Tracy Emin, a talented artist whose work is displayed in many of our guest rooms.
The annual celebration of Burns Night, a homage to Scottish poet and lyricist, Robert Burns is taking place this month, on the 25th January. Typically celebrated with Scottish traditions of haggis, whiskey and bagpipes, be sure to explore one of the many spots in London that will be celebrating. Highlights include a night of dancing at the Ceilidh Club near Regent’s Park, or closer by, an elaborate Burns Night Dinner at Bosidales and a whiskey tasting with live music and the best traditional delicacies at The Cadogan Arms.
The Twelfth Night festival is back again this year, mixing contemporary celebrations together with ancient customs, creating one of London’s loveliest annual traditions. Commencing on the bankside near the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe, The Lion’s Part Theatre Company will be leading a procession that is brimming with popular Pagan figures, before ending up at Borough Yards, where there will be sweet treats, as well as lots of storytelling, singing and dancing with the traditional Fowlers Molly band.
Heralded as world’s most prestigious prize for poetry, the TS Eliot Prize Readings will be taking place this month, where the ten shortlisted artists will be introducing their fantastic pieces of work. Chosen by a panel of esteemed judges, head down to the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on the 12th January to see these talented wordsmiths in action, where acclaimed British poet Ian McMillan will be hosting, before the winner is announced the following day at the Award Ceremony.
Marvel Universe actress Brie Larson will be taking on the title role of Elektra in Sophocles classic Greek tragedy this January for a very limited time. Playing at the Duke of York’s Theatre in the West End, the performance follows grief-ridden Elektra, as she navigates her father’s untimely passing when her long lost brother Orestes returns, bringing to light a number of important questions. The play will be supported by US star Stockard Channing and iconic choreographer Annie-B Parson.
Begin the New Year’s Day festivities by attending the immense New Year’s Day Parade. Setting off in Piccadilly, join the crowd of over 8,000 people as they move through some of London’s most iconic landmarks, such as Pall Mall, Whitehall and Westminster. Expect to see street dancers, brass and samba bands, Pearly Kings and Queens and much, much more.
If like many others, you are starting 2025 on a high note by attempting Dry January, The Hari Bar and Terrace has you covered. To help sweeten the challenge at hand, try one of our no and low cocktails, such as Sweet Seduction, made with passionfruit, apple juice, honey, aloe vera, egg white. Alternatively, try Everleaf, a non-alcoholic drinks brand that serve up delicious apertifs.
