London always does Diwali in style.
This vibrant 'festival of lights' is celebrated by people from several different countries and religions, including Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Specific traditions differ, but Diwali is generally seen as the triumph of good over evil, and often involves lanterns and oil lamps — making it a visually arresting occasion.
Diwali this year unfolds in early November, with the main event on Sunday 8 November 2026. Most of London's public events happen a little before then:
Diwali Story - A Musical
Following a sold-out debut at the Royal Albert Hall, Diwali Story ("the greatest story in Indian culture") comes to Wembley Arena, telling the tale of Lord Ram — who sits at the heart of Diwali celebrations — through music, songs, dance and theatre. It's performed in English, and designed for a new generation of audiences.
Diwali Story - A Musical, 27 September 2026.
Diwali Dinner and Dance at Blackheath Halls
Start the Diwali celebrations early with an evening of dance and culture at Blackheath Halls in mid-October. Bharathanatyam, an Indian classical dance, takes centre stage, with performances from Natyasri Dance Company — and you can have a go yourself, in sessions led by community arts organisation Cohesion Plus. It's all fuelled with food by popular local Nepalese restaurant, Everest Inn.
Diwali Dinner and Dance, 18 October 2026.
Diwali 2026 at Marble Hill
English Heritage property Marble Hill celebrates the Festival of Lights with an afternoon of Diwali activities. Take part in a lantern-making workshop, and watch performances by dancers, dhol drummers, and giant puppets — while immersing yourself in illuminations.
Diwali at Marble Hill, 24 October 2026.
Diwali on Trafalgar Square 2026
This free festival in central London is the city's biggest Diwali celebration. Organised by the Mayor of London, it's open to all, and takes place a couple of weeks ahead of Diwali itself, on 25 October 2026.
Around 35,000 people usually attend, enjoying live music and dance performances on the stage and throughout the Square.
South Asian food is the order of the day, with street food stalls selling vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as sweets. There's also information on the background of the festival for Londoners and tourists who are less familiar with Diwali.
Diwali on Trafalgar Square, 25 October 2026. FREE.
Diwali at Bloomsbury Festival 2026
Bloomsbury Festival runs throughout October, coming to a close on the final day of the month with a double dose of Diwali Celebrations. Bramber Green on Judd Street holds an outdoor Diwali celebration with Bollywood music and food. The nearby Holy Cross Church offers a showcase of 'Kuchipudi' Indian dance , along with creative workshops for all ages, and other celebrations.
Diwali at Bloomsbury Festival, 31 October 2026. Both events FREE.
Celebrating Diwali at the Royal Albert Hall
Indian singer Kavita Krishnamurti headlines a charity Diwali concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and a team of musicians from India, she performs arrangements composed exclusively for the occasion by Rahul Ranade.
Celebrating Diwali at the Royal Albert Hall, 1 November 2026.
Dishoom's Diwali house party
The new Dishoom Borough (opening on 12 October) is the venue for the chain's Diwali house party this year. Feasting, music and dancing take over both floors of the restaurant for one night only. Additionally, neon installations by contemporary artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman MBE adorn the outside of the restaurant from late October until late December.
Diwali at Dishoom Borough, 5 November 2026.
Diwali 2026 at the National Maritime Museum
As always, Greenwich's National Maritime Museum goes big for Diwali with a huge free day of family-friendly celebrations. Drop in for a showcase of South Asian artists, performers, storytellers, makers and community organisations from across the UK, with plenty of activities to get stuck into: watch dance performances, have a go at Rangoli art or lantern-making, try on a selection of traditional South Asian clothing. It all culminates in a lantern parade through Greenwich Park accompanied by the rhythms of Eternal Taal's dhol drummers.
New for 2026 is the Diwali Bazaar, bringing South Asian designers, artists, makers and independent businesses into the museum selling jewellery, clothing, prints, accessories, gifts and handmade products from South Asian creatives and local Greenwich-based businesses.
Diwali 2026 at the National Maritime Museum, 7 November 2026.
Diwali at Kricket
Both the Shoreditch and Canary Wharf branches of Indian restaurant Kricket mark Diwali this year.
In Shoreditch, take part in a Diwali candle-making session led by Hackney candle studio Ohros. Pick from more than 30 different scents for your bespoke soy wax candle, and design a label for it. Get 50% off your meal at Kricket if you stay for lunch aftewards.
Over in Canary Wharf, Kricket holds a vibrant Mela, or community carnival, with art, games, music and food for all ages, all celebrating Diwali. Be greeted by Dhol drummers and take part in screen printing, with bottomless biryani, chai and fresh lime soda included in your ticket.
Diwali at Kricket, both events 7 November 2026.
Diwali Fireworks in Harrow
London's absolutely lit with firework displays around late October and early November, the majority of them centring around Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. Harrow's fireworks in Byron Park combine 5 November commemorations with Diwali celebrations. Enjoy entertainment including a funfair and Diwali dance choreography before the main firework display.
Harrow's Diwali Fireworks, 7 November 2026.
Special Diwali 2026 menus and meals at London restaurants
Many London restaurants serve special Diwali menus, host Diwali supper clubs or mark the festival in other ways:
- JUMEIRAH CARLTON TOWER: Knightsbridge restaurant The Chinoiserie Bar brings together five renowned chefs of South Asian heritage alongside Executive Chef Mario Perera, with each contributing a signature dish to the A Taste of Diwali menu. 16 October-8 November 2026
- JAMAVAR: Michelin-starred restaurant Jamavar London combines its own 10th anniversary celebrations with Diwali. A special feasting menu includes the Jamavar Jewel Box of mirchi pakora, masala kaju, mathri, papads and chutneys, followed by Nazakat ke Bhalle, a layered chaat of urad dal dumplings, yoghurt, tamarind and mint. From the tandoor enjoy Dill Malai Jhinga or Bhatti ka Murgh. Mains include Achari Gosht with Hampshire lamb, or Jamavar's Old Delhi Butter Chicken, all finished with Shahi Kala Jamun with caramelised milk, pistachio cream and saffron basundi. 28 October-8 November 2026
- TRISHNA, MARYEBONE: Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Trishna goes all out for Diwali, offering its Taste of Trishna feast, a five-course menu. Highlights include seafood paniyaram with oscietra caviar, amrut grouse with single malt and half lemon lobster tail with lemon butter. A private dining room can be booked for a more intimate meal of up to 12 guests. 2-8 November 2026
- TRESIND MAYFAIR: Indian cuisine specialist Trèsind Mayfair serves a specially curated festive tasting menu celebrating the flavours, traditions and spirit of India's Festival of Lights. The dining room is decorated with warm candlelight and florals for the occasion. 3-7 November 2026
- KOKUM, DULWICH: Down in Dulwich, KOKUM — co-founded by former Gymkhana Head Chef Sanjay Gour — celebrates Diwali with a limited-edition feasting menu, designed to be shared. Dishes include crispy spinach & kale chaat, paneer tikka angara, and KOKUM’s butter chicken, served with a selection of rice and breads, followed by mango & cardamom shrikhand for dessert. 3-8 November 2026
- BRIGADIERS, CITY: Dorset crab samosa, BBQ butter chicken wings, venison shank korma, and dum guinea fowl biryani are among the dishes on the special Diwail menu at Indian BBQ restaurant Brigadiers. 5-14 November 2026
