Wonderful winter activities in London

It’s that wintry time of year again when we swap our jumpers for coats, brogues for boots and dig out dusty decoration boxes. 🎄On a winter day there’s plenty of fun to be had – from big events like Brent 2020 London Borough of Culture to local gems at Canary Wharf Winter Lights. Here’s our top picks of unexpected and affordable activities in London this winter. ❄️

Brent 2020 London Borough of Culture

The second-ever London Borough of Culture is back! Brent 2020 is the place to be for street parties, exhibitions, even a new show by Zadie Smith. 🤩

Enter RISE, the opening event. a large-scale outdoor display with a local community cast of hundreds which tells the story of Brent through dance, projection and film, with an incredible soundtrack. 🕺

🔎 Saturday 18 January 2020, 7pm outside Wembley Stadium, Olympic Way.

See the lights, enjoy the sights

Dazzle your Instagram followers with your luminous selfies and shimmering snaps. 🤳

The glittering winter activities don’t stop when Father Christmas finishes his round trip – mark Canary Wharf Winter Lights in your diary for January! 📅

🔎 Thursday 16 – Saturday 25 January 2020, Canary Wharf.

Winter wonderland

With so many options to enjoy the outdoors there’s no excuse to hide inside!

Ice-skating isn’t just for the festive season – enjoy year-round ice skating at Alexandra Palace, Lee Valley Ice Centre and Streatham Ice Centre. ⛸️

Once you’ve got your adrenaline rush, take a wintry stroll in one of London’s many picturesque parks like Richmond, Hampstead Heath, Kensington Gardens and Greenwich Park. Snow angels, anyone? ⛄

Fabulous festivities

London’s Chinese New Year celebrations are the largest outside Asia! Enjoy a day of colourful parades, performances and displays in and around Chinatown and London’s West End. 🧨

Before you know it, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner in mid-February. No matter your relationship status, there’s a day for you – celebrate Galentine’s Day with your girlfriends on 13 February or Singles Awareness Day on 15 February. 🙌

Wet weather plans

When the rain comes, remember to take advantage of London’s incredible year-round and free museum collections. Be sure to check out special exhibitions like the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year or what’s on at the London Transport Museum. 🏛️

Need more inspiration?
Explore more than 500 museums, galleries, street art and more, all within a short walk or bus ride from each Underground station with our interactive Cultural Maps.

Plus, with our Hopper fare, you can take unlimited bus or tram journeys anytime, anywhere for £1.65 within one hour of touching in!

Go and discover London off-peak this Winter at Time Out.