Ramadan is a worldwide month of of fasting, prayer, reflection and community involvement by the Muslim community, immediately followed by Eid Al Fitr, the 'Holiday of Breaking the Fast'. In 2025, Ramadan is expected to fall on the evening of Friday 28 February, ending with Eid Al Fitr on Sunday 30 March — though the exact time depends on the sighting of the new crescent moon. Here's our roundup of the big Ramadan and Eid events taking place in London this year.
Ramadan lights, West End
For the third year, Coventry Street in the West End will be illuminated with Ramadan lights – over 30,000 glowing LED bulbs inspired by Islamic geometric patterns and the celestial symbols of Ramadan. They're switched on between 5pm-5am from the beginning of Ramadan, through to Saturday 29 March. The "Happy Ramadan" lights then change to "Happy Eid" from Sunday 30 March, these lights remaining on till Sunday 6 April.
The lights are accompanied by various other happenings in the area, including an interactive light installation in Leicester Square, an Iftar food trail and a community lantern project. More details will be live on the Ramadan Lights website from 17 February.
Ramadan Souk Tour (25 January-23 February)
Over 100 Muslim businesses take part in the peripatetic Ramadan Souk Tour, coming to venues across London and offering the chance to shop, hear motivational talks and take part in workshops. All events are free.
London Muslim Shopping Festival (22-23 February)
Ahead of Ramadan, Excel London hosts the London Muslim Shopping Festival, which is also rolled in with the Halal Dining Show (with scran from the likes of Chicken Bandits, Gully and Komex Kitchen) and the Muslim Travel Show, where you can get ideas for your next adventure. Altogether, you can browse the goods of over 200 exhibitors, from fashion to homeware to halal cuisine.
Seeking Laylatul Qadr (24, 26 and 28 March)
Excel London hosts three special Laylatul Qadr ('Night of Power') events, courtesy of Light Upon Light. Each features lectures, Taraweeh (prayer and reflection) and the breaking of the fast with an Iftar meal.
The Big Iftar (15 March)
An interfaith celebration of Ramadan, The Big Iftar 2025 is held at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden. A tour of the mosque — one of the largest in Europe — is followed by an Iftar meal (eaten at sunset during Ramadan). This free event is a good shout for those interested in, but unfamiliar with, Ramadan rituals. Be sure to register.
1Eid West London and East London (likely from 30 or 31 March)
1Eid, a sizeable festival run by volunteers, usually holds two big Eid celebrations in London, featuring imams and other speakers, plus various funfair attractions and rides:
- 1Eid West, held in Southall Park: features fireworks, donkey rides, Quran competition and circus workshops (no confirmation on 2025's event yet, but it'll likely run Eid Day and the day after).
- 1Eid East, held in Goodmayes Park: features fireworks, boxing, Quran competition, petting zoo, circus workshop and Quran competitions (no confirmation on 2025's event yet, but it'll likely run from Eid Day).
Stay posted on the 1Eid website.
London Eid Festival (April)
Both of London's Westfields give Eid a spin, with London Eid Festival. Described as 'the biggest Eid celebration in the world', the events — which run one after the other on two consecutive weekends — promise a glut of fashion, fragrance, food and live entertainment, including comedians, traditional singers, Sufi musicians and DJs.
Stay posted on the London Eid Festival website.
Eid in the Square 2025 (8 June)
Central London's big Eid celebration returns to Trafalgar Square for its 20th year on 8 June, celebrating the festival of Eid al-Adha, otherwise known as the 'Feast of the Sacrifice', which is expected to take place 6-10 June 2025. Though details for 2025's Eid in the Square are yet to be set out, you can expect all manner of singing, dancing, craft and food stalls. A main stage, set up below Nelson's Column, forms the heart of the action.
Stay posted on the Eid in the Square website.
Are we missing a major event? Let us know by emailing [email protected]
