Giles Guide: New Year, New Adventures!

Ready to kick off the new year in style? London's got you covered with an incredible array of events that'll chase away those winter blues – and there's never been a better time to visit! Book your winter escape at St Giles London Hotel by clicking here and enjoy 30% off your stay from now until March 2025. With our cosy rooms in the heart of the West End and the city's best attractions at your doorstep, you're perfectly placed to explore everything the capital has to offer this January. From dazzling light festivals to groundbreaking exhibitions, let's dive into all the amazing experiences waiting for you!

Magical Winter Lights

Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival

Transform your winter evenings into a magical experience as Canary Wharf lights up with stunning installations. This free festival turns the business district into an outdoor gallery of light and color. Be sure to visit after 4pm for the best light display experience!

When: January 21st - February 1st, 2025

Location: Throughout Canary Wharf

Price: Free

Website: Winter Lights Festival

Battersea Power Station Illuminations

Be sure to visit Battersea Power Station this January as the annual light festival returns bigger and brighter than before. Featuring seven spectacular pieces of artwork this event showcases British and international artists to help illuminate your winter evenings.

When: January 25th – February 25th, 2025

Location: Battersea Power Station

Price: Free

Website: Battersea Power Station Illumination

Must-See Exhibitions

Art & Culture Highlights

• Francis Bacon: Human Presence at National Portrait Gallery (Until January 19th)
  • Over 50 powerful paintings spanning five decades of Bacon's career
  • Price: £23.00
  • Website: National Portrait Gallery
• Into Eternal Land at Barbican (January 30th - April 21st)
  • A multi-sensory journey through Indonesian artist Citra Sasmita's works
  • Price: £4
  • Website: Barbican

Photography & Contemporary Art

• Zanele Muholi at Tate Modern (Until January 26th)
  • A powerful exhibition featuring over 260 photographs documenting South Africa's LGBTQIA+ communities
  • Price: £18
  • Website: Tate Modern

• As We Rise: Photography From The Black Atlantic at Saatchi Gallery (Until January 20th)
  • A celebration of Black photography from across the globe
  • Price: £14 for general admission but other ticket packages are available
  • Website: Saatchi Gallery

Theatre & Performance

New Openings

• Kyoto at Soho Place (January 9th - May 3rd)
  • A gripping political thriller set during the historic 1997 climate summit
  • Price: Starting at £25
  • Website: Soho Place
• The Lonely Londoners at Kiln Theatre (January 10th - February 22nd)
  • A powerful adaptation of Sam Selvon's Windrush generation story
  • Price: Starting at £15
  • Website: Kiln Theatre
• SCISSORHANDZ: A Musical Reinvented at Southwark Playhouse Elephant (January 23rd - March 29th)
  • A raucous musical parody produced by Michelle Visage and Lance Bass
  • Price: Starting at £25
  • Website: Southwark Playhouse

Last Chance to See

• Dr Strangelove at Noël Coward Theatre (Until January 25th)
  • Steve Coogan stars in this adaptation of Kubrick's classic
  • Price: Starting at £65
  • Website: Noël Coward Theatre

Cultural Celebrations

Chinese New Year

Welcome the Year of the Snake with London's spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations! As Europe's largest celebration outside of Asia, expect incredible performances, delicious food, and a fantastic parade. Make the most of the festivities by staying at St Giles London Hotel! With our special CNY package offering 20% off, plus our prime location steps from Chinatown, you'll be perfectly positioned for all the action. Click here to book your festive stay!

When: January 29th, 2025

Location: Chinatown and surrounding areas

Price: Free

Website: Chinese New Year

Bankside Twelfth Night Celebrations

Step back in time with this beautiful blend of ancient customs and contemporary celebrations. Watch as the Green Man and Holly Man bring ancient traditions to life along the Thames.

When: January 5th, 2025

Location: Bankside, near Shakespeare's Globe

Price: Free

Website: The Barmy Twelfth Night

Festivals

London Short Film Festival

Discover the next generation of filmmaking talent at this celebrated festival of short-form cinema.

When: January 17th-26th, 2025

Location: Various venues across London

Price: Ticket prices vary depending on the film

Website: London Short Film Festival

January Blues Festival

Chase away the winter blues with fresh tunes and classic numbers at this wonderful music festival.

When: January 3rd- January 31st, 2025

Location: 229 Great Portland Street

Price: Ticket prices vary depending on the show

Website: January Blues Festival

There you have it, winter wanderers! January in London is packed with excitement that'll warm even the chilliest of days. From illuminated art installations to groundbreaking theatre, and from ancient traditions to cutting-edge exhibitions, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't forget to chat with our friendly team at St Giles London Hotel for more tips and recommendations - we're always happy to help you make the most of your London adventure!

Happy exploring, everyone!