If you're planning a Diwali celebration in London with family or friends, 2025 promises a spectacular season filled with vibrant festivities, engaging activities, and unforgettable dining experiences to make your celebration truly memorable.
Explore the capital’s best offerings in the lead-up to Diwali and throughout the five-day festival, including lively family-friendly events, traditional music and dance performances, dazzling fireworks displays, and exceptional restaurants serving authentic Diwali feasts.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as Divali or Deepavali, is a festival of light. It is one of the most important celebrations focusing on the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
In the days leading up to Diwali, people decorate their homes or workplaces with oil lamps and colourful artworks known as rangolis. During the festival, people wear their finest clothes, feast with their families, exchange gifts, reflect on their spirituality and light fireworks.
When is Diwali celebrated?
The festival, which typically lasts five days, occurs during the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartika, between mid-October and mid-November. In 2025, Diwali celebrations in London begin in early October with events such as “Diwali on the Square” on 12 October, with the main festival taking place from 18 to 23 October.
Where is Diwali in London 2025?
London is home to diverse and vibrant Diwali celebrations, taking place across the city in both iconic and community-focused venues. The Mayor’s flagship event, Diwali on the Square, draws large crowds to Trafalgar Square with music, dance, workshops, and family-friendly activities.
- Beyond Trafalgar Square, several key venues host unique cultural festivities:
- Wembley Park – offers lively performances, food markets, and community gatherings.
- Harrow’s Byron Park – provides a family-friendly atmosphere with traditional music, dance, and cultural workshops.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – a stunning setting for religious ceremonies, cultural performances, and community celebrations.
Across the city, restaurants, hotels, and community centres stage Diwali-themed events, dinners, and workshops, giving Londoners numerous ways to immerse themselves in the festival’s warmth, joy, and spiritual significance throughout the season.
How to get to Diwali in London 2025
You can expect large crowds during Diwali celebrations in London. To save time and money, taking a train to London rather than dealing with traffic and road closures is a smart choice.
Via the South Western Railway network, you can travel directly to London Waterloo and Vauxhall stations from a wide variety of locations. We suggest heading somewhere central like Trafalgar Square before exploring the Diwali festivities. It's a great place to start enjoying food stalls, performances, and the vibrant atmosphere.
If you're up for a walk, it takes about 18 minutes from Waterloo station to Trafalgar Square. Exit the station, turn left and cross the Golden Jubilee Bridges. Head along Northumberland Avenue and you'll soon see the square ahead.
If you'd rather save your energy, take the Tube; hop on the Northern line northbound and get off at Charing Cross. The square is just around the corner from the station exit.
Walking from Vauxhall to Trafalgar Square is a longer 37-minute route, but you'll pass some of London's iconic landmarks like the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Whitehall.
If you prefer travelling on the Tube, take the Victoria line northbound, then switch at Victoria station for eastbound District or Circle line services. Get off at Embankment, and the square is just a couple of minutes’ walk away.
Travelling by train
If you live near transport hubs such as Bournemouth, Southampton Central or Portsmouth, why not leave the car at home and travel to London directly with South Western Railway? Our services make it easy and convenient to join the Diwali celebrations in the capital.
We’ve got plenty of different ticket types designed to match your travel plans. Benefit from cheaper train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy additional savings if you’re eligible for any Railcards and discounts. Coming to join the festivities with friends or family? Then you could cut your ticket price just by travelling together, thanks to GroupSave.
Travelling within London
It’s not just the South West that enjoys direct South Western Railway access to central London. Their trains call at many outer London stations, including well-known stops like Surbiton, Wimbledon and Richmond. So grab your London Travelcard, Oyster card or contactless and travel seamlessly across the city.
Things to do for Diwali in London
Diverse and cultured, London is one of the best places in England to celebrate Diwali, with vibrant festivities taking place across the city each year.
Whether you’ve enjoyed Diwali on the Square and want to explore more, or can’t make it this year, check out free things to do in London while you’re in the capital to discover attractions and activities that are easy to reach via the rail network.
Here are some of our top picks for Diwali activities and events happening across the capital.
If you’re searching for free things to do in London this Diwali, then plan a day at Diwali on the Square. It’s one of the largest celebrations of Diwali in the capital, so you won’t want to miss this free, all-day event. Held at Trafalgar Square on 12 October, you can expect music, dance, fireworks, craft workshops, food, yoga and meditation. Visiting with the kids? Families can enjoy lots of fun children's activities throughout the day.
Price range: free
How to get there: Trafalgar Square is an 18-minute walk from London Waterloo. Alternatively, take the tube northbound on the Bakerloo or Northern line to Charing Cross.
During Diwali on 20 October 2025 visit this stunning Hindu temple in Neasden, one of London’s hidden gems. The impressive architecture and manicured gardens make this a peaceful oasis to reflect and relax, or book one of their two-hour guided tours to get the most from your visit.
Price range: free
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the westbound Jubilee line to Neasden, then walk 19 minutes to the temple.
Wembley Park comes alive for Diwali over a three-day weekend from 1–3 November 2025, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness. Enjoy live Bhangra and Dhol performances, free lantern-making workshops, and a magical lantern parade. The weekend finishes with ‘Disco Diwali! BOXPARK Wembley x Kuch Kuch Nights,’ featuring legendary DJ Ritu and high-energy Bollywood hits. This inclusive festival is a joyful celebration of South Asian culture, music, and lights for all to enjoy.
Price range: free
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line westbound from London Waterloo to Wembley Park.
Fireworks are an essential part of Diwali, and you won’t want to miss this spectacular Diwali fireworks display in London at Byron Park in Harrow on Saturday 8 November. The 20-minute musical fireworks show begins at 7:45 pm, and the evening also features kids’ entertainment, dance performances, a food arena, a fun fair, face painting, and traditional Indian henna.
Price range: Entry is free from 12-3pm. Check for pricing at other times
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Bakerloo line northbound to Harrow & Wealdstone. Byron Park is a nine-minute walk away.
Diwali at Babur, Forrest Hill
On Monday, 20th October, South London veteran of Indian dining, Babur, is hosting an immersive Diwali dinner. Bathed in the warm glow of golden candlelight, Babur’s dining room sets the scene for the celebrations. From 6pm, guests will enjoy vibrant live Bollywood dancing performances alongside a flavourful feast.
Executive Chef Jiwan Lal has created a five-course tasting menu especially for the evening, with every course championing flavours of the Indian subcontinent through the lens of Diwali’s symbolism - new beginnings, abundance, and light overcoming darkness. Guests will also receive a complimentary Diwali cocktail, Saffron Sparkle, blending homemade saffron cordial and lemon oil with Hapusa Indian Gin.
For those unable to attend the Diwali dinner on Monday 20th, the Diwali tasting menu will be available from 21st to 26th October, offering diners the opportunity to take part in the celebrations throughout the week.
Celebrate Diwali with a vibrant Festival of Lights on 2 November 2025 from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Enjoy a full day of traditional South Asian dance and music performances, henna tattooing, tea ceremonies, lantern-making workshops, and a delicious range of South Asian and international street food.
The event culminates in a magical Riverside Lantern Parade at dusk, lighting up the river with community-made lanterns.
Price range: Free entry
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line eastbound from London Waterloo to North Greenwich station; the venue is a short walk from the station.
Best restaurants for Diwali in London
What better way to celebrate Diwali than with a delicious meal at some of London’s best and most authentic Indian restaurants? Discover our picks across the capital, with options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Brick Lane has long been known for its many Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants, and Bengal Village is one of the best in the area. Serving a vast range of authentic curries, street food favourites, tandoori and biryani dishes, this laid-back restaurant is the perfect place for a Diwali family gathering.
Price range: £
How to get there: At London Waterloo, take the westbound Jubilee line to Westminster, then change for the eastbound Circle and District line to Aldgate East. Bengal Village is an eight-minute walk away.
What better pairing than delicious Indian food and a cold, refreshing beer? At Booma, they’ve combined the two so you can enjoy Indian street food dishes, curries and more, alongside an impressive selection of craft beer. But if you’d prefer a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a non-alcoholic drink, you’ll find plenty of options available.
Price range: £
How to get there: Take the Victoria line southbound from Vauxhall to Stockwell, then walk 12 minutes to Booma.
Enjoy authentic Indian street food inspired by the Bombay café culture of the early twentieth century at Dishoom Covent Garden. From tikka dishes cooked on the open-air grill to classic curries and delicious sides, the menu caters for all tastes and dietary requirements, including dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Price range: ££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Bakerloo or Northern line northbound to Charing Cross. Dishoom Covent Garden is an eight-minute walk away. If you fancy a scenic walk across the river instead, you can get to the restaurant from Waterloo in 24 minutes.
Veeraswamy is London’s oldest Indian restaurant, founded in 1926, making this a special place to celebrate Diwali. Overlooking Regent Street, this is the perfect place to stop and enjoy a meal with family or friends during the festivities. The menu is based on traditional cuisine with a modern twist, including street food favourites like Raj Kachori, tikka dishes, curries and sharing platters.
Price range: £££
How to get there: Take the Bakerloo line northbound from London Waterloo to Piccadilly Circus, then it’s a two-minute stroll to the restaurant.
This Mayfair restaurant serves contemporary Indian cuisine using British produce and spices from across the Indian subcontinent. They are known for their chaat and grilled dishes, which always incorporate unique, seasonal flavours. The small and cosy atmosphere makes this the ideal place for a family gathering during Diwali.
Price range: £££
How to get there: Take the eastbound Jubilee line to Bond Street from London Waterloo, then walk eight minutes to the restaurant.
Located in Marylebone village, Trishna is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary Indian cuisine with optional wine pairings. From biryanis to curries, tandoori dishes and plenty of vegetarian options, there’s something to suit every taste here. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere, visit this restaurant to celebrate Diwali in style.
Price range: £££
How to get there: At London Waterloo, take the Jubilee line eastbound to Bond Street, then it’s a nine-minute walk to Trishna.
Book your train tickets with SWR
Whatever your plans this Diwali, travelling by train guarantees a hassle-free experience. We recommend booking in advance to find cheap train tickets. We offer various ticket types, including Sunday Out and Semi-Flex Return tickets, so you can find the best option for your journey. Those travelling in a group can make the most of our GroupSave tickets.
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