As we gently ease into January, grab your diary, wrap up warm and manifest some January dates booked for you and the family. Here are our top 20 things to do this month in and around London.
1
The critically acclaimed OVO by Cirque du Soleil returns to the Royal Albert Hall in January 2026. An exhilarating experience for the whole family, the classic is back and better than ever!
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
When: 9 January to 1 March 2026
More information: cirquedusoleil.com
2
With the help of their rangers, you can get up close and interact with a selection of life-like dinosaurs from giant to tiny at Tunbridge Wells West on the train, as the dinosaurs mix with the steam and heritage diesel on board our 1960s carriages.
Where: Eridge Station, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9LE
When: 17 & 18 January
More information: spavalleyrailway.co.uk
3
A crowd favourite, the Winter Lights festival showcases exceptional light artwork from acclaimed artists and studios around the world.
Where: Throughout Canary Wharf
When: 20 to 31 January
More information: canarywharf.com
4
Follow the Snoopy in the City map around Fleet Street to discover twelve unique sculptures, each artist-designed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Charles M. Schulz’s beloved comic strip, Peanuts™.
Where: Fleet Street Quarter, London
When: Until 16 January
More information: fleetstreetquarter.co.uk
5
Check out the UK’s first ever Pokémon pop-up shop at the Natural History Museum, with exclusive products and free entry tickets.
When: 26 January to 19 April
Where: Natural History Museum
More information: nhm.ac.uk
6
Take a free family trip through the British Library’s collection and discover the stories behind objects which take you to wondrous places with Story Explorers.
When: Until 18 January
Where: British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB
Find out more and book here
7
Take in Southbank’s Riverside Terrace, illuminated by outdoor artworks that play with light and colour – explore Winter Light to discover them all.
When: Until 18 January
Where: Riverside Terrace, Southbank Centre
Find out more and book here
8
A much-loved early years favourite, Creative Creatures Play invites young children to explore movement, imagination and creativity through animal-themed soft play.
When: Until 14 January (multiple daily sessions)
Where: Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill
Find out more here
9
Join Lila, the Firework-Maker’s Daughter, on the quest of a lifetime as she faces friend and foe on her illuminating journey of self-discovery in this new Polka Theatre production.
When: Until 18 January. Captioned performance on January 10 at 11am. BSL Interpreted performance on January 11 at 2.30pm
Where: Polka Theatre
Find out more and book here
10
Based on the Christmas story by Benji Davies, The Snowflake tells the tale of a snowflake, a little girl and her Pappie, who are all longing for their own special place in the world.
Where: Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB
When: Until 23 January. Relaxed performance on January 10 at 3pm.
More information: polkatheatre.com
11
Explore past visions of future life at The Cartoon Museum’s exhibition The Future Was Then, featuring original comic art from iconic futuristic worlds.
When: Until 21 March
Where: The Cartoon Museum, 63 Wells St, London W1A 3AE
Find out more and book here
12
Performing brand new music written especially for WordPlay, songwriter and musician Emma-Lee Moss shares songs to sing together, songs to sing to your child and songs that stay with you throughout the week.
When: 30 January
Where: The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank
More information: southbankcentre.co.uk
13
Snow White & The Messy Dwarves is new panto from Barking Dog featuring beloved characters, silly songs and cherished traditions for children aged 6 and under and their families.
Where: Lauderdale House.
When: 10 January
More information and to book: lauderdalehouse.org.uk
14
Gamers of all ages will love the Science Museum’s interactive gaming event Power UP, which features the best video games and consoles from the past five decades.
Where: Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
When: Daily
More information: sciencemuseum.org.uk
15
Escape the January chill and gloom with a day out at Babylon Park, London’s first-ever underground theme park is packed with exciting rides, awesome arcade games, and the city’s only indoor rollercoaster. It’s fun for all ages!
Where: Babylon Park, 8 Castlehaven Rd, London NW1 8QU
When: Daily
More information: feverup.com
16
Find out if life could exist beyond Earth at the Space exhibition at the Natural History Museum.
Where: Natural History Museum (Waterhouse Gallery)
When: Daily
More information: nhm.ac.uk
17
Tom Hanks narrates The Moonwalkers and offers a unique new perspective on humankind’s past and future voyages to the moon.
When: 12 January to 8 March
Where: Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, London, N1C 4DY
Find out more and book here
18
Families are invited to a free, hands-on children’s craft session to mark NASA Day of Remembrance, a day that honours the astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of space exploration and discovery. Taking place at Leytonstone Library, this creative workshop encourages young space fans to learn, reflect and get crafty together.
When: Wednesday 28 January, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Leytonstone Library 6 Church Ln, Bushwood, London E11 1HG
Find out more here
19
Experience Picasso’s works in a new way with an exhibition staged by contemporary artists at Theatre Picasso.
When: September 17 to April 12, 2026
Where: Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Find out more and book here
20
How will we feed the world in the future? Future of Food is a free, ticketed exhibition at the Science Museum that explores how science and innovation are creating more sustainable ways of growing, making, cooking and eating food.
When: Until 1 September
Where: Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
Find out more here
