How to Celebrate Annual Special Events in London

London is a city that thrives on its events. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a sports fan, or a partygoer, there’s always something to experience. With such a wide variety of events happening all year round, here’s a month-by-month guide on how to celebrate London’s biggest events. And for an extra touch of luxury and convenience, consider using Chauffeurz.London for a premium chauffeur service to travel in comfort to and from these incredible events.

January

1. New Year’s Day Parade

• Location: Westminster
• First run: 1987
  Kickstart your year by joining the festivities at the New Year’s Day Parade. The parade features lively floats, marching bands, and performers from all over the world. It’s a family-friendly event with plenty of excitement and pageantry.
• How to Celebrate: Find a good spot along the parade route and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere. It’s a fantastic way to shake off the New Year’s hangover and see London come alive.

February

2. Chinese New Year

• Location: Soho
• First run: 1985
  London’s Chinatown transforms into a vibrant celebration for Chinese New Year. Expect dragon dances, lion dancers, firecrackers, and a host of street food stalls offering the best of Chinese cuisine.
• How to Celebrate: Head to Soho for the grand parade, or explore the cultural performances and food markets around Chinatown. Don’t forget to try some traditional Chinese snacks!

March

3. Head of the River Race

• Location: River Thames
• First run: 1926
  One of the oldest rowing races in the world, the Head of the River Race is a thrilling event where crews race along the Thames. The race draws huge crowds along the riverbank.
• How to Celebrate: Watch the race from various vantage points along the river or grab a drink at one of the pubs near the start or finish lines. It’s an iconic event for both rowers and spectators.

4. St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• Location: Westminster
• First run: 2002
  London goes green for St. Patrick’s Day, with a lively parade filled with Irish music, dancing, and plenty of Irish pride.
• How to Celebrate: Don your best green attire and join the parade in Westminster. You can also head to one of the city’s many Irish pubs for a pint of Guinness and some live music.

April

5. London Marathon

• Location: Greenwich, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, City of London, Westminster
• First run: 1981
  One of the world’s most famous marathons, this event draws participants from around the globe. Expect inspiring displays of endurance, as well as cheering crowds along the route.
• How to Celebrate: While the runners take to the streets, cheer them on from one of the viewing points. If you’re not running, perhaps volunteer or just enjoy the lively atmosphere around the route.

6. Ideal Home Show

• Location: Olympia London
• First run: 1908
  A shopping mecca for all things home and garden, the Ideal Home Show offers innovative products and stylish ideas for your home.
• How to Celebrate: Spend the day wandering through the stands, discovering new gadgets, home décor, and even attending expert talks or DIY workshops.

7. The Boat Race

• Location: River Thames (Putney to Mortlake)
• First run: 1829
  The Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge is a thrilling, centuries-old tradition. Watch as elite rowers battle it out on the Thames.
• How to Celebrate: Line the riverbanks for an unbeatable view, or enjoy the race from one of the many riverside pubs. Don’t forget your team colours to show your support!

May

8. Chelsea Flower Show

• Location: Royal Hospital Chelsea
• First run: 1862
  A world-renowned floral event, the Chelsea Flower Show is a dream for garden enthusiasts. You’ll see breathtaking floral displays and garden designs.
• How to Celebrate: Purchase tickets in advance to explore the gorgeous gardens and floral exhibits. It’s a great way to get inspiration for your own garden or simply admire the beauty of nature.

9. FA Cup Final

• Location: Various venues
• First run: 1872
  This annual football match is one of the highlights of the English football calendar, featuring top teams battling it out for the coveted FA Cup trophy.
• How to Celebrate: If you’re lucky enough to get tickets, head to Wembley for the match. If not, many pubs and sports bars around London broadcast the final, creating a buzzing atmosphere.

June

10. Trooping the Colour

• Location: Horse Guards Parade, Westminster
• First run: c.1660-1685
  Celebrate the official birthday of the British monarch with a stunning military parade. The event features thousands of soldiers, horseguards, and royal family members.
• How to Celebrate: Head to Horse Guards Parade for the ceremony or catch it on TV. If you’re in London, try to get a spot on The Mall for the best view.

11. Pride in London

• Location: Westminster
• First run: 1972
  Pride in London is a lively celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, with a huge parade through the heart of the city, along with parties, performances, and activism.
• How to Celebrate: Join the parade, attend the street parties, or simply enjoy the rainbow-filled celebrations around Soho. Everyone is welcome to join in the inclusive festivities.

July

12. Hampton Court Flower Show

• Location: Hampton Court Park
• First run: 1990
  Another top-tier event for garden lovers, this show focuses on the best of horticulture and gardening design.
• How to Celebrate: Spend the day exploring the stunning flower displays, discovering new trends in landscaping, and picking up gardening tips from the experts.

13. The Championships, Wimbledon

• Location: All England Lawn Tennis Club
• First run: 1877
  Wimbledon is the pinnacle of tennis, with the world’s top players competing for the prestigious trophy.
• How to Celebrate: If you can’t get tickets to the main event, join in the excitement at one of the many screenings around London, or simply enjoy the atmosphere at the numerous Wimbledon-themed events.

August

14. Notting Hill Carnival

• Location: Notting Hill
• First run: 1964
  The Notting Hill Carnival is Europe’s largest street festival, filled with vibrant costumes, Caribbean music, and dancing. It’s one of London’s most iconic events.
• How to Celebrate: Join the parade in Notting Hill or take in the sounds and sights from the streets. Be ready to dance along with the carnival-goers.

15. Formula E (London ePrix)

• Location: Battersea, later ExCeL London
• First run: 2015
  The Formula E race is an electric twist on motorsport, with thrilling races held in the heart of London.
• How to Celebrate: Head to the race venue and experience the speed and excitement, or watch from a nearby spot if you’re not attending the event directly.

September

16. London Open House

• Location: Greater London
• First run: 1992
  London Open House is a chance to explore the city’s most iconic buildings, many of which are usually off-limits to the public.
• How to Celebrate: Plan your visit and take guided tours of architectural gems across London. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the city’s history through its buildings.

October

17. London Film Festival

• Location: BFI Southbank
• First run: 1957
  Film buffs will appreciate the London Film Festival, showcasing international films, documentaries, and short films.
• How to Celebrate: Attend screenings of the latest films, or join film discussions and workshops hosted throughout the city.

November

18. Lord Mayor’s Show

• Location: City of London
• First run: 1215
  This historic procession marks the inauguration of the Lord Mayor of London, with a parade through the city’s streets and plenty of entertainment along the way.
• How to Celebrate: Watch the parade along the route or visit the various events taking place around the city, including fireworks and street performances.

19. Winter Wonderland

• Location: Hyde Park
• First run: 2008
  Winter Wonderland brings a touch of festive magic to London with an ice skating rink, a circus, Christmas markets, and more.
• How to Celebrate: Spend the day enjoying ice skating, browsing the markets, or enjoying the festive atmosphere with family or friends.

December

20. New Year’s Eve Celebrations

• Location: River Thames, various boroughs
• First run: 2000s
  Ring in the new year with a dazzling fireworks display over the Thames. It’s one of the best places in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
• How to Celebrate: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the river or book a New Year’s Eve cruise for a unique experience. Be ready to toast the year ahead!

For a seamless experience at these events, make sure to book Chauffeurz.London for a premium chauffeur service. With professional drivers and luxurious vehicles, you can enjoy each event without the stress of public transportation or parking.