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 fine dining in plush surrounds to dancing and music at cool museums, here's our guide to the 13 best Diwali events in London 2024.
Where To Celebrate Diwali In London 2024
Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea
24th October, £120
On Thursday the 24th of October, Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea is inviting guests to LIGHT, A Culinary Diwali Journey from MasterChef semi-finalist Nisha Parmar and renowned Indian chef Vivek Singh. Head to the modern spot nestled between the railway arches, delight in a welcome drink and canapé reception accompanied by traditional garba dancers, then enjoy a curated six-course dinner, all for £120 per person. Tuck into the likes of dhokla pumpkin sandwiches, chilli paneer dumplings and more.
Kanishka
6th to 12th November, £95
Taking place from the 6th to the 12th November, Kanishka's Diwali celebrations in London are going to be nothing short of spectacular. Not only does it flaunt striking interiors, including mellow, patterned walls and unique artworks, but it also has chef Atul Kockhhar at the kitchen's helm.
He'll provide you with a fabulous six-course feasting menu, showcasing the likes of fig-stuffed paneer tikka and coconut-marinated stone bass, not to mention the saffron rice, garlic naan and festive sweets.
Trishna
28th October to 3rd November, £120
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 stunning six-course meals, including bites like coconut and curry leaf scallops and tandoori lamb chops. Thirsty? Accompany it all with a wine pairing for an extra £90.
Bollywood Boat Party On The Thames Diwali Celebration
1st November, £30
Skyline Boat Parties is hosting a much-anticipated shindig on the 1st November, its Bollywood Boat Party On The Thames Diwali Celebration. Hop aboard the cruiser, which will take you down the river showcasing the very best Bollywood and bhangra dancers. You can also enjoy tasty drinks, cracking tunes blasted out by resident and guest DJs, as well as, of course, mesmerising views of London at night.
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residencies
12th October to 24th November, prices vary
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences will be celebrating the festival of lights with a whole load of unique events, activities and packages. Get stuck into an India Unveiled bottomless brunch on the weekends, which includes two or three courses plus unlimited drinks for as little as £50 each.
Get stuck into everything from bunny chow to tandoori paneer burritos, with a delicious cheesecake for dessert. What's more, they're also hosting a Jasmine Afternoon Tea, special themed cocktails and a Diwali dining experience with specialty Thalis from different regions - every day from 14th October to 12th November. Topping it all off? A Diwali London fireworks display on 1st November.
Brigadiers
25th October to 2nd November, £90
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 five-course feast for £90 per person.
Start off with pappadums and chutney, before moving on to the likes of masala chicken skins, wood-roasted pumpkin, tandoori lamb chops and so much more.
Yaatra
Throughout November, £60
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 this November. While in stylish surroundings, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cocktail on arrival before scoffing down a range of divine dishes - both sweet and savoury.
Babur
29th October to 3rd November, £50-£60
A Forest Hill stalwart, Babur is a gorgeous dining destination that's ideal for celebratory meals out with your nearest and dearest. So if you're looking for fun things to do for Diwali festival in London, it'll be offering a sumptuous five-course menu for just £49.95 per person, prepared by Head Chef Jiwan Lal.
Tuck into the likes of lamb bhuna, chicken tikka and malai kofta throughout the period, or check out their Bollywood Vibes dance show on the 30th October.
Diwali On Trafalgar Square 2024
27th October, free
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.
Diwali At Marble Hill
26th October, free
Beautiful English Heritage site Marble Hill House are hosting their yearly Diwali celebration, 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.
InterContinental London Park Lane
24th October, £95
InterContinental London Park Lane is an elegant hotel restaurant that's dishing out some fine dining to celebrate Diwali. Executive Chef Lalit Kumar is partnering with MasterChef: The Professionals semi-finalist Arbinder Singh Dugal to create a delicious five-course Indian menu for £95, or £125 with wine pairings.
Expect elevated festival dishes here, from masala dahi panna cotta to Kashmiri chilli rump of lamb. there's aamras and churan sorbet coated with mukhwas dust to finish, and you'll also get the chance to meet both chefs afterwards.
Fatt Pundit
30th October to 2nd November, prices vary
At both their Soho and Covent Garden locations, Fatt Pundit are pulling out all the stops with their Diwali celebrations this year. Their Firecracker menu puts an Indo-Chinese spin on things, promising five never-seen-before dishes for a limited time only.
Dishes include smoked wok cod fritters, Kashmiri chilli panner, burnt garlic rice and more, designed to be shared among family and friends. They've also got a themed Firecracker cocktail that blends passionfruit, red pepper and mustard seed.
Diwali at Devonshire Square 2024
30th October, free
Devonshire Square's Diwali festival is always popular, and their 2024 celebrations promise to be bigger and better than ever. Taking place from 5.30pm on 30th October, this vibrant event can be found in the Western Courtyard. This is part of Devonshire Square’s multicultural events program, showcasing some of the UK's best Indian, folk, classical and contemporary dancers from Akademi South Asian Dance UK.
There will also be a display of one of India's most beautiful visual art forms, Rangoli, created on-site by award-winning artist Miguel Rajaguru. And to top it all off? A brilliant selection of traditional canapes and creative cocktails.
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