The new calendar year is a fabulous time in London, thanks to a fresh start, plentiful sales, and the chance to grab some serious bargains. The New Year optimism is in full swing, and there are some fantastic shows on offer, such as the London Boat Show, as well as cultural celebrations too, including Burns Night.
January - Febuary, 2018
After Christmas and New Year’s, the bargain-shopping season in London begins. Expect to find deep discounts at stores across the city throughout the month of January. Major shopping areas in London include Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden. Serious shoppers looking to score big bargains may also want to consider taking a day trip out to the outlet mall at Bicester Village.
January 1, 2018
Of course, the first day of the year is a big deal, and whether you’re nursing a sore head from the previous night’s excesses, or you’re fresh as a daisy, heading out onto the streets to enjoy this free celebration is a must-do. Enjoy music, parades, street entertainment, and typical British pomp and ceremony. There are expected to be over 10,000 performers on the day, and the parade will be broadcasted across the globe. The parade takes place at various locations across the city.
Website: http://www.lnydp.com/
January 2, 2018
Master of surrealism Dali and conceptualism pioneer Du Champ have both enjoyed long-standing popularity in their respective fields, but rarely before has the relationship between these two very different artists been explored. The exhibition runs until the 2nd of January.
Website: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/dali-duchamp
January 2 - February 9, 2018
At the Tower of London from 11am - 12:30 and from 1:30pm - 3.30pm every day you can step back in time 700 years to the reign of King Edward I, and imagine life amongst the knights and ladies of the court.
Website: https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/explore/medieval-life/#gs.OtHCdgQ
January 7, 2018
This exhibition at the National Maritime Museum explores the lost expedition of explorer Sir John Franklin, and the fate of those on board the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.and is worth a visit before its final day on January 7th.
Website: http://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/franklin-death-in-the-ice
January 10 – 14, 2018
The capital’s biggest boat show gives you a truly nautical day out, with workshops, performances, celebrities, and some seriously impressive boats to check out. Try out a spot of zorbing or kayaking for yourself, or check out the fashions on the Marine Fashion Catwalk.
Website: http://www.londonboatshow.com/
January 12 - 21, 2018
The annual London Short Film Festival returns for it's 15th edition, this year with the theme "Picture Snatched Out the Frame". Show-casing work from both UK and international film-makers the festival endeavors to capture the diverse challenges of 2017 will be explored in a multitude of styles.
Website: http://shortfilms.org.uk/lsff2018/
January 10 - 11, 2018
A perfect and perhaps slightly unusual post-Christmas dinner, consisting of four courses that feature different variets of spruce and fir, capturing that fresh and distinctly Christmasy aroma. Places sell out quickly so be sure to book your ticket soon!
January 14, 2018
The ancient nomadic tribes of Scythian warriors are explored in one of the British Museum's major exhibitions, re-imagining the lives of these warlike horse masters from artifacts discovered beneath the centuries-old permafrost of Siberia.
Website: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/scythians.aspx
January 16 - 20, 2018
Roland Petit's masculine-led ballet of Le Jeune Homme et la Mort will be performed by the English National Ballet this month at the London Coliseum.
Wesbsite: https://www.ballet.org.uk/production/jeune-homme-et-la-mort-la-sylphide/
January 17, 2018
Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto is performed tonight at the Southbank Centre by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and pianist Andrey Gugnin. The event starts at 7:30pm and tickets are priced from £10 - £65.
Website: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/96435-london-philharmonic-orchestra-russian-epics-2018
January 17 - 21, 2018
The 30th anniversary of the London Art Fair brings together a collection of work by leading artists from Britain and across the globe. Talks will take place from the 19th to the 21st and focus both on the work themselves and on discussion about the modern art market.
Website: https://www.londonartfair.co.uk
January 18 - 21, 2018
The dazzling light festival returns to London to brighten up the new year, with fantastic lighting installations illumatinating the entire city of London with ethereal effects. Be sure to read our blog on what you need to know for this year's festival!
Website: https://www.kingscross.co.uk/event/lumiere-london-2018
19 January, 2018
To mark the 300th anniversary of the first Grand Masonic Lodge in London, the extensive works of master architect Sir John Soane are explored beneath the hanging ceilings of the Great Hall he designed for the freemasons.
Website: https://www.soane.org/whats-on/exhibitions/soane%E2%80%99s-ark-building-symbols
January 19 - 20, 2018
The London Model Engineering Exhibition will be held over 3 days in the Great Hall at Alexandra Palace, with exhibitors showing almost 2,000 models ranging from traditional engines and steam locomotives, to helecopters and aeroplaces. Leading suppliers will also be at the exhibition, so after being inspired by the displays you'll be able to pick up everything you need for your next project! Be sure to book tickets in advance.
Website: http://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/london-model-engineering-exhibition-2018/
January 20 - 21, 2018
For anyone looking to veer off the beaten track on their next journey the London Adventure Travel Show is an unmissable event. Alongside some of the world's most unique and specialized travel companies will be seminars on improving your photography and planning your own journey, inspirations talks and a mini film festival.
Website: http://www.adventureshow.com/
January 20 - 21, 2018
This guided walk will wind its way through the West End to explore the colorful history of the 18th century's Gin Craze, before ending with a complimentary boutique gin in a 16th century pub.
Website: https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/event-detail?id=64809
January 21, 2018
The works of London-born and internationally acclaimed contemporary artist and sculptor Rachel Whiteread are on display at the Tate Britain until the 21st. Her sculpture and installations throughout this exhibition evoke dreamlike perspectives of buildings and space.
Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/rachel-whiteread
January 21, 2018
This exhibition brings together some of Soutine's earliest work from his time in Paris living in poverty, and it was these striking portraits of fellow workers that brought him his first serious recognition in the art world. The exhibition runs until the 21st at the Courtauld Gallery.
Website: https://courtauld.ac.uk/gallery/what-on/exhibitions-displays/soutine
January 25, 2018
Whilst Burns Night might be celebrated much more wildly north of the border, that doesn’t mean that London doesn’t get in on the action! The large Scottish contingency living in the capital show visitors how to party, as they celebrate the nation’s poet, Robert Burns, and all his work. You’ll find traditional music, food, drink, and a really lively atmosphere to enjoy. Check out various bars and locations across the city to find the best party.
Website: http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/11235521-burns-night-in-london#v5ubHqPJu7obzkrA.97
January 26, 2018
This special late night session at the Natural History Museum is based on the Blue Planet II series, and will feature talks given by museum scientists and researchers from the BBC's Natural History department. This event runs from 6pm until 10pm and entry is free, although there's a fee for some of the experiences.
January 26 - 28, 2018
If you're planning a trip with Paris Perfect soon, then don't miss the France Show this month in London. Bringing the best of French wine, cuisine, entertainment and travel inspiration this 3 day event will take place at London's Olympia event center.
Website: http://www.thefranceshow.com/
January 27, 2018
Celebrate the legendary Robbie Burns this Burns Night with a live ceilidh band on board the Cutty Sark. The cafe will be serving Scottish favorites until 11pm, including haggis, stovies and neeps.
Website: http://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/burns-night-ceilidh-board-cutty-sark
January 27 - April 15, 2018
For the first time since his beheading in 1649 the Royal Arts Academy together with the Royal Collection will bring together the key masterpieces of King Charles I. The exhibition will display over 100 works from one of the finest art collections ever assembled, including sculptures, tapestries and paintings by greats from Titian and Dürer to Van Dyck and Rubens.
Website: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/charles-i-king-and-collector
January 27 - 28, 2018
The fast-paced action of 2018's World Ping Pong Championship can be enjoyed at the Great Hall in Alexandra Palace over the weekend. Tickets are from £11 and can be booked on the website.
Website: http://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/world-championship-of-ping-pong-2018/
January 28, 2018
31 January - 22 April, 2018
The mix of art and historical exploration in Eloise Hawser's By the deep, by the mark exhibition at the Somerset House explores the parallels between the industry of the city and the natural systems they mirror. This is a free exhibition that's part of the new The Charles Russell Speechlys Terrace Room Series.
Website: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/eloise-hawser-deep-mark
The Tate Modern charts the journey of Russia's celebrated artist couple, the Kabakovs, through their extensive careers as pioneering installation artists. The exhibition will feature three of their most famous "total installations", a genre created by the couple; The Man Who Flew into Space from His Apartment, Labyrinth and Not Everyone Will Be Taken Into the Future.
Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/ilya-and-emilia-kabakov