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 multi-cultural 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 2025
- Location: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
- When: Sunday 12th 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 these 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 on the square, and entry to this colourful, vibrant event is totally free.
Trafalgar Square will be transformed into a vibrant festival this October.
2. Hounslow Diwali Mela Outdoor & Indoor Festival 2025
- Location: Kingsley Academy, Cecil Road, Hounslow, TW3 1AX
- When: Sunday 19th October 2025
- Price: £10 per person
- Why we recommend: this is the largest festival of its kind in the whole city, promising all sorts of indoor and outdoor entertainment for the whole family - we particularly enjoy the range of music and dancing
West London's biggest Diwali Mela Outdoor & Indoor Festival, this fantastic event in Hounslow is organised by BollyGroove Events and Monica Sharma. It takes place at Kingsley Academy, promising lots of space across the grounds and building, complete with live Bollywood music, belly dancing and vibrant decor.
Alongside the lineup of DJs and dancers, you can get involved in face painting, mehndi, photo booths and kids' entertainment. There are countless food stalls on offer too, and the whole thing is beautifully decorated for lots of photo opportunities. And the best part? Under 10s and over 60s enter for free.
There's non-stop entertainment on offer at this Hounslow festival.
3. Diwali Bollywood Boat Party 2025
- Location: Butler's Wharf Pier, Shad Thames, SE1 2YE
- When: Saturday 18th October 2025
- Price: £60 per person
- Why we recommend: not only is this one of the liveliest parties around, but it comes with amazing views of the Thames from its boat location. And with a four-course meal included, it's great value too
Looking for a celebration that comes with great views? Then check out the Diwali Bollywood Boat Party 2025, brought to you by BollyGroove Events. There are four outdoor decks and two large indoor areas with bars, alongside DJs playing the best of Bollywood, Punjabi, Hindi and Bhangra music.
Tickets cost £60 for adults and £45 for children, including a four-course Indian meal on arrival. As well as the dancefloor, you'll find a photobooth, a mehndi corner, games and activities, complete with Diwali decor.
Soak up the views at this Diwali boat party.
4. Diwali Special Pop-Up From Modi's Kitchen
- Location: Fowl restaurant, 3 Norris St, Piccadilly Circus, SW1Y 4RJ
- When: Monday 20th October, sittings at 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8pm
- Price: £45 per person
- Why we recommend: indulge in a purely vegetarian Indian meal at this special Diwali dinner pop-up at FOWL
Modi's Kitchen is heading to FOWL, the iconic restaurant in Piccadilly Circus, for a special Diwali pop-up on Monday the 20th of October. Tickets are only £45 per person, but include a delightful six-course menu of authentic Indian food from chef Badal Modi.
You'll start with a hot tomato and drumstick soup followed by dahi doughnuts served with spicy chutney and pani puri. The paneer steak with a rich, creamy and buttery sauce is also on the menu, not to mention a grilled soya chaap with rice and makhani sauce. To finish? Three different ice creams, with soft sponge, cashew nuts and pistachio.
5. Babur
- Location: 119 Brockley Rise, Forest Hill, SE23 1JP
- When: Diwali Party on the 20th October, tasting menu also available 20th - 26th October
- Price: £70 for the Diwali Party (inc. tasting menu, welcome drink and entertainment), otherwise £63.95 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 the 20th October, it's £70pp for their tasting menu, a welcome drink and live Bollywood dancing performances, although the tasting menu is also available after that until the 26th. What to expect on the menu? Think tandoori salmon dill tikka, duck chettinad pie, kale and paneer kofta and so much more.
Babur is a great place to celebrate Diwali at London restaurants.
6. Trishna
- Location: 15-17 Blandford St, Marylebone,
W1U 3DG
- When: 13th - 22nd October
- Price: £120 - £130 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 mallard gilaf seekhi, tandoori lamb chops and half lobster cafreal, 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.
7. Diwali Bollywood Boat Party On The Thames
- Location: Westminster Pier, Westminster, SW1A 2JH
- When: 25th October 2025
- Price: from £25 per person
- Why we recommend: this party is pure London nightlife magic: a moving venue, spectacular city views, and a playlist that keeps everyone dancing. The mix of Bollywood rhythms with RnB and house means there’s something for every partygoer, while the live drummers create an unforgettable, immersive experience
Step aboard for a night of high-energy Bollywood beats and an eclectic mix of RnB, house, and party anthems as you cruise along the Thames from Westminster Pier with the Diwali Bollywood Boat Party.
Resident and guest DJs will keep the dancefloor alive while live drummers add a festival-like energy to the celebrations. Sip drinks at pub prices, mingle with a fun-loving crowd, and soak in the illuminated sights of London from the moving boat.
Diwali Bollywood boat party on the Thames.
8. Cinnamon Collection
- Location: Battersea, the City, Richmond, Covent Garden, Westminster
- When: 1st - 31st October
- Price: £39 - £65pp (varies by location)
- Why we recommend: for a whole month, Cinnamon Kitchen will host a specially curated Diwali menu across its five 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 1st to the 31st October, Cinnamon Collection (found in Covent Garden, Westminster, Battersea, Richmond and the City) 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 showcase contemporary Indian dishes, celebratory cocktails and more.
With a range of locations to choose from, from a grand Grade II-listed library in Westminster to a vibrant restaurant reminiscent of India's colour marketplaces in Richmond, Vivek Singh and his team will be serving up dishes such as chargrilled partridge breast with mushroom pickle and spiced pear chutney, and the famous lamb rogan josh shepherd's pie (menus vary between locations).
Enjoy celebratory Diwali feasting at Cinnamon Kitchen Westminster.
9. Brigadiers
- Location: 1-5, Bloomberg Arcade, Bloomberg, EC4N 8AR
- When: 17th - 26th October
- Price: £100 per person
- Why we recommend: head to Brigadiers for a luxurious and festive Diwali menu where dishes such as achari duck and Goan scallops 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 throughout the Diwali period, where you can enjoy a scrumptious multi-course feast for £100 per person.
Start off with pappadums and chutney, before moving on to the likes of chilli paneer lettuce cups, tandoori guinea fowl tikka changezi, dum venison biryani and so much more.
Indulge in vibrant eats at Brigadiers.
10. Yaatra
- Location: Greycoat Pl, London, Westminster, SW1P 1SB
- When: TBC
- Price: £60 per person
- Why we recommend: set within a Grade II listed Old Westminster Fire Station, Yaatra offers a unique setting, fusing historic architecture with modern Indian elegance. During Diwali, you can expect flickering candles and festive decor, not to mention a special tasting menu with both meat and vegetarian options up for grabs
An exciting, high-end restaurant housed within the Grade II-listed Old Westminster Fire Station, Yaatra is treating us to a limited-edition, five-course Diwali menu in London While in stylish surroundings, you’ll enjoy a range of divine dishes - both sweet and savoury - such as a samosa chana tartlet, tandoori paneer tikka and stuffed gucchi malai.
Make sure to toast the celebration with one of this place's signature cocktails to hand.
11. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residencies
- Location: 51 Buckingham Gate, Westminster, SW1E 6AF
- When: 1st October - 31st October
- Price: varies
- Why we recommend: though their full lineup of events and activities is TBC, Taj 51 always celebrates Diwali in style, and they're overnight stay bookings for Diwali have opened - stay tuned for updates
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences will be celebrating the festival of lights with a whole load of unique events, activities and packages. Though they've yet to release the full details of their Diwali agenda, they usually host special afternoon teas, themed cocktails, fireworks displays and bottomless brunches - with special celebratory menus available too.
Enjoy some spectacular Diwali brunch at Taj 51.
12. A Diwali Feast With Sohini Banerjee At Mama Shelter London
- Location: 437 Hackney Road, E2 8PP
- When: Friday 24th October 2025
- Price: £49
- Why we recommend:
Head to Mama Shelter in Shoreditch this October, where acclaimed British Bengali chef Sohini Banerjee will be preparing a delicious Diwali Feast. This one-night-only event promises an inventive twist on Bengali cuisine, combining raditional flavours from her Kolkata roots with global influences.
Expect a family-style sharing menu, made up of a starter, shared mains and dessert. Tuck into the likes of steamed squash with mustard oil, fried chicken offal and crispy fish daal, finishing with baked payesh.
Feast on Bengali dishes with a twist.
13. Ambassadors Clubhouse
- Location: 25 Heddon Street, Mayfair, W1B 4BH
- When: throughout the period
- Price: £115
- 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.
They've got a special feasting menu to celebrate Diwali, coming in at £115 per person. Get stuck into barbecue butter chicken chops, Achari duck chaat, indulgent lobster curry and more, followed by dark chocolate and peanut kheer.
Tuck into a decadent feasting menu at this high-end restaurant.
14. Diwali - Festival Of Lights Celebration
- Location: Westminster Pier, Westminster, SW1A 2JH
- When: Saturday 18th October 2025
- Price: £20
- Why we recommend: there's nothing like a boat party to celebrate Diwali, and this high-energy event will have you up and dancing all night long
Hosted by Skyline Boat Parties, this Diwali - Festival Of Lights Celebration takes place on the Thames. Not only will you be able to see the sights as you cruise along the river, but there'll also be fantastic live entertainment on board.
DJs will be playing all the very best of Bollywood and Bhangra throughout the evening, accompanied by drummers. You'll also be able to buy drinks on the boat, and they're promising pub prices.
Party the night away on a boat this October.
15. Farzi
- Location: 8 Haymarket, SW1Y 4BP
- When: throughout the period
- Price: varies
- Why we recommend: this Central London gem offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a truly delicious menu to indulge in
A stylish Indian restaurant in Central London, Farzi is a great choice for Diwali dining. The sleek space is filled with plush booth seating, green tiled walls and touches of gold. They serve an extensive menu of dishes from across India, alongside killer cocktails and mocktails.
Start off with butter chicken bao or spicy cauliflower, before diving into mains like red kidney bean masala, lamb shank korma and chicken railway curry. They also offer set menus for £38.95 per person, both meat and vegetarian.
Sample premium Indian fare at Farzi.
16. Diwali Story
- Location: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
- When: Saturday 4th October 2025
- Price: from £29.50
- Why we recommend: if you want to experience the real meaning of Diwali through storytelling, song and dance, where better to do it than the Royal Albert Hall? Whether you're with friends or family, this is an unmissable event
Head to Royal Albert Hall for a fantastic performance: Diwali Story. This consists of spectacular dance routines, soulful live music and enchanting storytelling, showcasing the best of Indian culture.
The show will take you through the rich traditions and history of Diwali, through a combination of sound, light and visuals. This is suitable for all ages, bound to leave you mesmerised.
Celebrate history and culture at this Royal Albert Hall performance.
17. Diwali On The Peninsula
- Location: 119 Brockley Rise, Forest Hill, SE23 1JP
- When: Saturday 18th October 2025
- Price: free
- Why we recommend: from the food to the live music and dancing, you can get a real sense of culture and tradition here, and it will be filled wit bright colours
A family-friendly event that's totally free to attend, Diwali on the Peninsula will be lighting up Greenwich for the day. Expect a celebration full of colour, rhythm and community, with bright, traditional dress encouraged.
There's all sorts to get involved in, from live music and dance to food and activities. You can try your hand at lantern-making, dandiya stick decorating and dance classes. Plus, there are several stalls selling authentic South Asian street food.
This free festival is all about culture and community.
18. Diwali At Marble Hill
- Location: Marble Hill, Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 2NL
- When: Saturday 18th October, 12pm - 8pm
- Price: free
- Why we recommend: perfect for the whole family, the Diwali celebrations at Marble Hill showcases 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 lightpiece 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.
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