February in London is a whirlwind of romance, culture, and celebration. From city-wide events like London Fashion Week to the buzzing excitement of Valentine’s Day, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in the capital’s vibrant energy. Whether you're looking for cultural experiences, culinary delights, or thrilling events, here’s your curated guide to the best things to do in London this month.
Ring in the Year of the Snake
London’s Lunar New Year parade on Sunday, February 2 is Europe’s biggest celebration of Chinese culture. Starting at 10 AM near Trafalgar Square, expect dazzling dragon dances, vibrant floats, and cultural performances. The main stage in Chinatown will host traditional music and dance, while food stalls will serve up authentic dumplings, bao buns, and sizzling stir-fries. Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display in the evening!
Indulge in Exclusive Pop-Ups & Exhibitions
London’s cultural calendar is bursting with limited-time experiences that blend art, fashion, and sensory delights.
Louis Vuitton x Murakami Pop-Up Café (Until Feb 9): Soho turns pink for this stylish tribute to the iconic collaboration, featuring exclusive baked goods and designer cups. Expect queues, but the Instagram-worthy treats are worth it.
‘Flowers: Flora in Contemporary Art & Culture’ at Saatchi Gallery (From Feb 12): Wander through installations, including Rebecca Louise Law’s stunning display of over 100,000 dried flowers. This exhibition explores how artists use floral imagery to examine themes of beauty, nature, and mortality.
‘Luminous’ at St Paul’s Cathedral (Feb 22-28): A mesmerizing light and sound show transforms Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, creating an ethereal atmosphere that blends history and modern technology.
‘Leigh Bowery: Art, Life & Legacy’ at Tate Modern (From Feb 27): A deep dive into the legendary artist’s flamboyant and boundary-breaking work, celebrating his influence on fashion, nightlife, and queer culture.
Celebrate LGBT+ History Month
February is LGBT+ History Month, and London offers numerous events to educate, celebrate, and inspire. Throughout the city, you’ll find exhibitions, talks, and performances that spotlight the rich history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community.
Visit Queer Britain: The UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum in Granary Square showcases rich queer history through powerful exhibits. Expect a mix of photography, personal stories, and interactive displays that bring the past and present to life.
Browse Gay’s The Word: Established in 1979, this legendary bookshop in Bloomsbury remains a cornerstone of London’s LGBTQ+ rights movement. It’s the perfect place to pick up thought-provoking literature and connect with the community.
Attend ‘A Life of Activism: Peter Tatchell’: This talk at Bow Street Police Museum (where Tatchell was once detained) offers insight into decades of human rights activism. Expect personal anecdotes, political analysis, and discussions on the future of LGBTQ+ rights.
Catch the Six Nations Action
The rugby championship runs from Jan 31 – Mar 15, drawing sports fans to London’s best venues for an electric atmosphere.
Flat Iron Square – A lively crowd, craft beer, and gourmet street food make this a top pick for match days.
Big Penny Social – Giant screens, a buzzing beer hall, and a dedicated Six Nations menu.
Hope & Anchor – 24 screens and heated huts in Brixton, offering a more intimate viewing experience.
The Ship, Wandsworth – A riverside pub with outdoor screens and a festive atmosphere.
Experience Spectacular Light Shows & Art Installations
London’s winter nights come alive with dazzling displays:
Luke Jerram’s ‘Helios’ (Until Mar 25): A giant floating model of the sun at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, offering an awe-inspiring perspective on our solar system.
Winter Lights at Canary Wharf (Until Feb 1): An annual LED wonderland illuminating the docks with interactive light sculptures.
Frameless: A mind-blowing digital art experience showcasing Monet and Van Gogh in an immersive setting, bringing their masterpieces to life in a new way.
Family-Friendly Events
For those with little ones, London offers plenty of fun-filled activities:
Imagine Children’s Festival (Feb 12-18, Southbank Centre): Storytelling, workshops, and performances designed for kids aged 0-11.
Disney on Ice: ‘100 Years of Wonder’ (Feb 20-23, Wembley Arena): A magical celebration of Disney’s biggest hits featuring stunning choreography on ice.
Horrible Histories ‘Gorgeous Georgians’ (Feb Half-Term, Osterley Park): A fun, interactive journey into 18th-century Britain, bringing history to life through comedy and adventure.
London’s Best Concerts This Month
Music lovers are in for a treat with an eclectic mix of live performances:
Trivium & Bullet for My Valentine (Feb 1, The O2) – A heavy metal powerhouse double-bill.
JPEGMafia (Feb 4, The Roundhouse) – Genre-bending beats and raw energy.
Caribou (Feb 6-8, The Roundhouse) – Dreamy electronic soundscapes.
Snow Patrol (Feb 15, The O2) – A night of singalong anthems.
Craig David (Feb 20, The O2) – A mix of garage classics and new hits.
Justice (Feb 11-12, Alexandra Palace) – French electronic duo bringing their signature sound to London.
Biig Piig (Feb 27, The Roundhouse) – An intimate performance blending R&B, hip-hop, and electronic influences.
Theatre Highlights
London’s stages are buzzing with unmissable performances:
‘Clueless: The Musical’ (From Feb 15, Trafalgar Theatre) – The cult 90s film gets a West End makeover with catchy tunes and nostalgic fun.
‘Richard II’ (From Feb 10, Bridge Theatre) – Starring Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey, this adaptation brings Shakespeare’s classic to life.
‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ (Duchess Theatre) – A comedy that delivers non-stop laughs.
Wellness & Self-Care
Recharge your mind and body with these unique experiences:
Pop-Up Saunas & Plunge Pools at King’s Cross (Until March): A Nordic-inspired escape to combat winter’s chill.
Murdér Express (1920s-Inspired Murder Mystery & Dining Experience): Solve a thrilling whodunit while enjoying a gourmet meal aboard a luxury train.
Food & Drink Highlights
London’s culinary scene is brimming with special events this month:
National Pizza Day (Feb 9): Celebrate with a slice (or a whole pie) from London’s top pizzerias.
‘Liquid Dreams’ Craft Beer Festival (Feb 28, The Mall Tavern, Notting Hill): A paradise for beer lovers featuring 70+ brews from 50 independent makers.
Guinness Mini Brewery (Covent Garden): The capital’s newest hotspot for stout enthusiasts, offering exclusive tasting sessions and brewery tours.
February in London is packed with experiences, from cultural deep dives to high-energy nightlife and indulgent self-care. Whether you’re chasing an adrenaline rush, a dose of history, or just an unforgettable night out, the city delivers. Don’t let the winter blues stop you—London is alive with events to discover this month.
