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.
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 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
- 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
