A fabulous festival of colour and lights, commemorated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world, Diwali is one of the most important events around. And thanks to the capital's multicultural nature, there are more parties, parades and special set menus than you can shake a stick at.
But if you're not sure where to go? From fancy Indian fine dining in plush surrounds to dancing and music at Diwali on the Square, here's our guide to the best Diwali events in London 2026.
Where To Celebrate Diwali In London 2026
1. Diwali On The Square 2026
- Location: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
- When: Sunday 25th October, 1pm - 7pm
- Price: free
- Why we recommend: one of the biggest Diwali celebrations in London, Diwali on The Square is not to be missed. Not only is it free, but its packed with joyful celebrations, with entertainment ranging from music, dance and comedy to yoga and puppet shows. And don't forget all the fantastic food stalls selling delicious vegetarian and vegan food
Looking for free Diwali events in London? This one has got to be up there with the best. Their annual festival of lights celebration always proves to be popular, thanks to a mix of live music, dance, arts and crafts and workshops for all ages.
You can also get your hands on delicious food and drink during Diwali in Trafalgar Square 2026, and entry to this colourful, vibrant event is totally free.
Trafalgar Square will be transformed into a vibrant festival this October.
2. Babur
- Location: 119 Brockley Rise, Forest Hill, SE23 1JP
- When: Diwali Party on the 8th November, tasting menu also available 6th - 8th November
- Price: £74.95 for the Diwali Party (inc. tasting menu, welcome drink and entertainment), otherwise £64.95 for the tasting menu
- Why we recommend: bringing gourmet Indian cuisine to Forest Hill, Babur is a warm, local restaurant that just celebrated its 40th birthday this year. Whether you're heading over with friends or family, you're going to have a memorable Diwali here - complete with delicious food you won't forget in a hurry
A Forest Hill stalwart, Babur is a gorgeous dining destination that's ideal for celebratory meals out with your nearest and dearest, thanks to warm, glowing candlelight and incredible food. If you're looking for a Diwali set menu in London, Executive Chef Jiwan Lal has developed a special five-course tasting menu - every dish will showcase flavours of the Indian subcontinent with a nod to Diwali's symbolism of new beginnings, abundance and light overcoming darkness.
If you want to join them for their Diwali Party on Sunday 8th November, it's £74.95 for their tasting menu, a welcome drink and live Bollywood dancing performances, although the tasting menu is also available fro the 6th-8th. What to expect on the menu? Think Malvani fish tikka, chicken anarkali, palak paneer kofta and so much more.
Babur is a great place to celebrate Diwali at London restaurants.
3. Trishna
- Location: 15-17 Blandford St, Marylebone,
W1U 3DG
- When: 2nd - 8th November
- Price: £110 - £120 for the Diwali tasting menu (£90 for additional wine pairings)
- Why we recommend: for those of you who fancy something extra special this Diwali, Trishna's Michelin star cuisine is sure to do the trick. And if the stunning Indian fine dining menu doesn't do it, then the upmarket interiors and warm ambience will
Nestled in Marylebone Village, Trishna is an eye-catching Michelin-starred restaurant that sports marble countertops and a laid-back atmosphere. It’ll be commemorating the festival with a week of fabulous feasting, slinging out a "Taste of Trishna" menu from the 13th to the 22nd October.
Their stunning tasting menu will showcase the likes of partridge pepper fry, tandoori lamb chops and Dorset brown crab, with a dedicated vegetarian tasting menu available also - you can also add on a wine pairing for £90pp.
Get together with your nearest and dearest over at Trishna for a London Diwali celebration.
4. Cinnamon Collection
- Location: Battersea, the City, Covent Garden, Westminster
- When: 19th October - 14th November
- Price: starting from £39pp (varies by location)
- Why we recommend: for a whole month, Cinnamon Kitchen will host a specially curated Diwali menu across its four London restaurants. The perfect place to celebrate with loved ones, the restaurant will be serving up vibrant flavours and festive indulgence in the form of dishes that are perfect for sharing
From the 19th October to the 14th November, Cinnamon Collection (found in Battersea, the City, Westminster and Covent Garden) are inviting guests to dine on a special Diwali menu from renowned Indian chef Vivek Singh. Celebrating the Festival of Lights, their series of limited-edition feasting menus showcases contemporary Indian dishes, celebratory cocktails and more.
With a couple of locations to choose from, including a grand Grade II-listed library in Westminster, Vivek Singh and his team will be serving up a range of vibrant flavours to capture the spirit of Diwali. Think shrimp malai curry in Covent Garden, spiced tandoori paneer in Battersea, mithai cheesecake in the City, and so much more.
Enjoy celebratory Diwali feasting at Cinnamon Kitchen Westminster.
5. Brigadiers
- Location: 1-5, Bloomberg Arcade, Bloomberg, EC4N 8AR
- When: 5th - 14th November
- Price: £105 per person
- Why we recommend: head to Brigadiers for a luxurious and festive Diwali menu where dishes such as venison shank korma and dum Guinea fowl biryani reign supreme. The interiors are inspired by Indian military mess halls, offering an elegant yet lively atmosphere and group-friendly dining that's ideal for your Diwali dinner
Brigadiers is brought to you by the team behind Michelin-starred Gymkhana and Trishna, specialising in Indian barbecue fare. They're offering a special set menu for your Diwali dinner in London, where you can enjoy a scrumptious multi-course feast for £105 per person.
Start off with pappadums and chutney, before moving on to the likes of Konkani scallop with crispy chorizo and cauliflower keema, BBQ butter chicken wings, cod kalimirch tikka with malai korma and so much more.
Indulge in vibrant eats at Brigadiers.
6. Ambassadors Clubhouse
- Location: 25 Heddon Street, Mayfair, W1B 4BH
- When: throughout the period
- Price: £110 for the Diwali Feast menu, £160 for The Ambassador's Feast menu
- Why we recommend: for a premium meal, there's nowhere better than Ambassadors Clubhouse - their indulgent Indian menu will take you on a culinary journey, while the decor makes for the most beautiful backdrop
Found in Mayfair, Indian restaurant Ambassadors Clubhouse is an elegant venue inspired by the party mansions of undivided Punjab. The maximalist interiors feature all kinds of opulent decor, from the gold lighting to the tiled walls and plush booth seating. It comes from JKS Restaurants, the group behind Gymkhana - the famous Michelin star indian restaurant.
They've got a special feasting menu to celebrate Diwali, coming in at £110 per person. Get stuck into barbecue butter chicken chops, Guinea fowl changezi, indulgent lobster curry (an extra £66 to share) and more, followed by banana, dark chocolate and peanut kheer.
Tuck into a decadent feasting menu at this high-end restaurant.
7. Diwali At Harrods
- Location: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL
- When: 6th-8th November 2026
- Price: free, class prices vary
- Why we recommend: seeing Harrods lit up really is a spectacle, and you can treat yourself to luxury workshops for the occasion too
The iconic department store Harrods will be lit up in a spectacular display of colour for Diwali, from 4pm onwards across three dates. Expect a vibrant image with movement and glowing lights.
Inside, they're hosting both a candle-painting workshop and a masterclass on beauty and skincare products. You'll find all sorts of special items and gifts for the festival too.
Marvel at this iconic store lit up for Diwali.
8. Kricket
- Location: Shoreditch and Canary Wharf
- When: Saturday 7th November 2026
- Price: from £30
- Why we recommend: promising a wide variety of events and activities to get involved in this November, Kricket's Diwali celebrations are designed with everyone in mind
Popular Indian restaurant Kricket is holding two Diwali events this year, across two of their London locations. At their Shoreditch site, you'll find a Diwali candle-making class, in partnership with Hackney candle studio Ohros and non-alcoholic botanical brand Botivo. This is a hands-on workshop where you'll choose between more than 30 scents and create your own soy wax candle, while sipping on a Botivo-based drink.
For something a little more vibrant, head to their Canary Wharf venue, where they're hosting Mela. This is a carnival-style community fair that celebrates Diwali, and they're promising a family-friendly day of art, music, games and food. There's also a screen printing station, alongside dhol drummers, henna and face painting.
9. London Ki Diwali Dhamaka 2026
- Location: 1078-1082 High Road, Romford, RM6 4BD
- When: Saturday 7th November, 7pm - 12.30am
- Price: £54 per adult and £27.50 per child
- Why we recommend: this huge celebration has got something for everyone, from fireworks to live performers and a delicious meal
One of the biggest parties around, London Ki Diwali Dhamaka 2026 is an unmissable evening of culture, music, food and entertainment. There'll be fireworks, Bollywood dance shows, live dhol players, fire dancers and much more.
Tickets also include a succulent four-course dinner, before you hit the dancefloor. There's family fun too, with a kids entertainment zone and a photobooth.
Go big with these Diwali celebrations.
10. The Gipsy Moth
- Location: 60 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich, SE10 9BL
- When: Sunday 8th November, 12 - 6pm
- Price: varies
- Why we recommend: perfect for a pit-stop before heading to the National Maritime Museum's show, this pub is welcoming and full of great food and drink
If you're heading to the National Maritime Museum for their illumination show and lantern parade to celebrate Diwali, then why not make a day of it and stop off at The Gipsy Moth beforehand? Located right by the Cutty Sark, it's a welcoming pub with a hearty menu on offer.
Tuck into hand-breaded halloumi fries, miso chicken skewers, risotto verde and so much more, washed down with a wide array of drinks.
Grab a bite to eat at this cosy pub.
11. Jamavar
- Location: 8 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1K 3NF
- When: 28th October - 8th November 2026
- Price: £138 per person
- Why we recommend: a truly luxurious dining experience, Jamavar's feasting menu promises indulgent plates across multiple delicious courses
Looking for a luxury way to celebrate? Michelin star restaurant Jamavar is serving up a feasting menu for the occasion, as part of its tenth anniversary celebrations. This has been created by Culinary Director and Executive Chef Surender Mohan, inspired by the grand celebrations of India's princely courts and promising four delicious courses.
Tuck into the likes of achari gosht with Hampshire lamb, Old Delhi butter chicken and much more, with a vegetarian menu available too. Plus, you can add on a wine flight for an extra £98.
Indulge at this Michelin star restaurant.
12. KOKUM
- Location: 58-60 East Dulwich Road, SE22 9AX
- When: 3rd - 8th November
- Price: £45 per person
- Why we recommend: this South London restaurant is cooking up so much delicious Indian food for Diwali, perfect for sharing between family or friends and trying a bit of everything
After an affordable set menu for Diwali? Dulwich restaurant KOKUM are offering just that, with a sharing feast for £45 per head. Tuck into the lies of crispy spinach and kale chaat, paneer tikka angara, butter chicken and much more.
They've also got a special cocktail for the occasion: Nani's Nightcap. This features vanilla ice cream, Baileys, vodka, vanilla, and a secret homemade masala blend of Indian spices.
Feast on a sharing menu at KOKUM.
13. Diwali At Marble Hill
- Location: Marble Hill, Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 2NL
- When: Saturday 24th October, 12pm - 7pm
- Price: free
- Why we recommend: perfect for the whole family, the Diwali celebrations at Marble Hill showcase a full day of celebratory fun, including Dhol Drummers, giant puppets, creative workshops and illuminations
Beautiful English Heritage site Marble Hill House are hosting their yearly Diwali celebration in London, where you can craft your own light piece at the lantern-making table, before learning the moves of Bhangra at their dance workshop. There'll also be a light parade down the banks of the Thames as the sun sets, and the best part is that it's free to attend.
Learn more about the festival at Marble Hill House.
FAQs
When is Diwali 2026 in London?
Diwali itself falls on Sunday 8th November 2026, but London's celebrations kick off well before that. The city's biggest event, Diwali on the Square at Trafalgar Square, takes place on Sunday 25th October 2026 from 1pm to 7pm.
Is Diwali on the Square in London free?
Yes. Diwali on the Square at Trafalgar Square is completely free to attend, with no ticket required.
Are there Diwali events in London that are good for a special dinner?
Yes, several London restaurants put on exceptional Diwali menus that make for a memorable evening.
