February in London might be chilly, but it’s also filled with exciting events and captivating attractions. From cultural festivals to world-class theatre, here are my top 10 things I would recommend to do in London this February. These are local recommendations and are not necessarily classic tourist recommendations (remember I am trying to keep this blog with local ideas!).
- Chinese New Year Celebrations (Feb 10th): Welcome the Year of the Snake with vibrant parades, dragon dances, and delicious food in Chinatown and across the city. Check out The London Chinatown Chinese Association for an update on what is taking place.
- Vaults Festival (Jan 28th – Mar 23rd): Immerse yourself in the UK’s largest independent arts festival, featuring comedy, theatre, circus, and cabaret performances in the unique setting of Waterloo’s underground tunnels.
- Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens (Feb 8th – Mar 8th): Escape the winter blues and step into a tropical paradise at Kew Gardens’ annual Orchid Festival. This year’s display celebrates the biodiversity of Cameroon.
- Valentine’s Day (Feb 14th): Treat your loved one to a romantic dinner with a view, a couples spa day, or a cozy evening at a traditional pub. Check out my dedicated blog post on ideas!
- London Fashion Week (Feb 14th – 18th): Witness the latest trends and designs from renowned and emerging fashion designers at London Fashion Week.
- Immerse yourself in art at Frameless: Step into a world of immersive digital art at Frameless. This groundbreaking gallery uses cutting-edge technology to bring masterpieces to life, allowing you to interact with Van Gogh’s sunflowers or Monet’s water lilies like never before.
- Be dazzled by The Light Festival at Battersea Power Station: Witness the iconic Battersea Power Station transformed into a luminous wonderland. This free festival features spectacular light installations from international artists, creating a magical atmosphere along the Thames.
- Discover future filmmakers at the BFI Future Film Festival (Feb 13th-16th): Calling all film enthusiasts! This festival showcases the work of talented young filmmakers aged 16-25. Catch screenings, workshops, and masterclasses from industry professionals.
- Embrace the literary world with the London Bookshop Crawl 2025 (Feb 14th -16th): Bookworms rejoice! This unique event invites you to explore London’s diverse bookshops, meet authors, and attend literary events. A perfect opportunity to discover hidden gems and support local businesses.
- See Cate Blanchett on stage in The Seagull (Feb 26th – Apr 5th): Don’t miss this major new production of Anton Chekhov’s classic play at the Barbican Theatre. Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett stars alongside a stellar cast in this thrilling drama.
London Like a Local 