What's on in January

A New Year is upon us, with Chinese New Year and London's New Year's Day Parade amongst the entertainment on offer. Check out our favourites below to help cure those January blues from cultural events to getting out about as part of a new year resolution.

Have you overindulged over the festive period as well? Then why not try Veganuary and get inspiration from the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in London or perhaps Dry January instead with our guide to the best non-drinking activities in London.

London New Year's Day Parade

1 January

London's West End hosts one of the most colourful celebrations the capital has to offer in its New Year's Day Parade, one of the best things to celebrate New Year's in London. Over 8,000 performers from London boroughs and countries across the globe will take to the streets and fill them with amazing sights and sounds.

You'll see Britain's top female stunt rider, classic car parades, gigantic balloons, marching bands, dragon and lion dances, and much more.

Exeter Festival of Beer

19-21 January

Exeter & East Devon CAMRA host the Exeter Festival of Beer at the Exeter Corn Exchange. Sample a wide selection of no less than 64 cask ales, plus premium bottled beers, cider and wine, along with tutored beer tasting with internationally acclaimed experts. Entry is just £7 for non-members, including festival glass and beer programme.

When you’ve finished, check out the UK’s best independent breweries and the South West’s best vineyards.

Exhibitions in London

Until 22 January

If you made one of your New Year’s resolutions to go to more museums, then check out these top exhibitions in London before they end in January. At the Science Museum until 1 January 2023, check out “Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope” to see how technology and treatments have developed to help find a cure. Finally at the V&A Museum until 8 January, children will love seeing “Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature” as they see some of their favourite drawings up close, as well as understanding the inspiration behind the characters. Hew Locke’s “The Procession” at the Tate Britain is one of the best free exhibitions on until 22 January.

Farnborough Winter Half Marathon

22 January

Farnborough Winter Half Marathon is the first major half marathon of the year. Starting and finishing under the famous Portable Airship Hangar, this traffic-free route is one of the flattest (and fastest) in the south. There’s also an easier 5km fun run or for the kids an 800m run. If you've missed out registering, then check out the best half marathons in the South West.

VAULT Festival

24 January – 19 March

VAULT Festival is back with comedy, cabaret, immersive theatre and more at the 10th edition of the UK’s biggest performing arts festivals. With more than 500 shows by established and upcoming performers, the festival underneath Waterloo train station in Leak Street Arches The Vaults is a rival to Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival. And so that it is easily affordable, tickets cost from just £5 per performance! While in the area, see spectacular street art at the renowned Leake Street tunnel and pop into one of the great bars and restaurants such as Draughts - London's first board game café.

Chinese New Year

25 January

Guo Nian Hao! Chinese New Year is an exciting event that takes place yearly around January and February time. Unlike the UK’s two-day New Year’s celebrations, the Chinese New Year holiday lasts for over two thrilling weeks. 2023 will welcome the Year of the Rabbit and promises to be as exciting as ever. During this time, you can expect lots of music, dancing, fireworks, entertainment and excitement – so why not join in the action celebrating Chinese New Year in London?

Ice skating

Until 25 February

Get your skates on (literally) before festive indoor and outdoor ice rinks disappear for another year. With most open until early January (apart from Canary Wharf ice rink which runs until 25 February!) read our comprehensive guide of the best ice skating rinks in the South West to enjoy.