February 2025 in London: a month of culture, romance, and spectacle

As winter slowly recedes, London awakens with a vibrant array of events, illuminating the city with art, theatre, festivals, and celebrations. From the dazzling spectacle of Chinese New Year and the romance of Valentine’s Day to the Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens, groundbreaking theatre productions, and thought-provoking museum exhibitions, February offers something for every taste.

Afisha.London magazine presents a curated guide to the most captivating events of February 2025 —a perfect companion for those who want to make the most of the final days of winter in the British capital.

A city in celebration: Chinese New Year & more

The arrival of the Lunar New Year marks one of London’s most spectacular annual celebrations. Few places outside of Asia observe the occasion with such grandeur, drawing visitors from across the globe. While the new year officially began on January 29, the grand festivities will take place during the first weekend of February, transforming central London into a vibrant stage for performances, parades, and cultural showcases.

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On February 1, the iconic lion parade will weave its way through Chinatown, while on February 2, Trafalgar Square will play host to the main performance, featuring dazzling dragon and lion dances. Meanwhile, Leicester Square will become a hub for families, offering craft workshops and traditional costume displays. The festivities will culminate with a breathtaking fireworks display, painting the night sky in brilliant hues.

Photo: London Gov

The London Museum Docklands will also host a family-friendly festival on February 1-2, featuring interactive storytelling, traditional Chinese dance performances, and immersive workshops. Although tickets have already been snapped up, additional spaces may become available closer to the event.

For those who prefer a more intimate setting, Greenwich will be offering a unique cultural experience on February 1, complete with workshops, theatrical performances, dazzling acrobatics, and a curated selection of Asian delicacies.

Photo: London Gov

Rugby fans, take note!

February is a key month for rugby enthusiasts as the prestigious Six Nations Championship kicks off on February 1. This legendary tournament sees England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales battle for dominance in one of the world’s most anticipated rugby events.

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Valentine’s day: romance in the capital

London is no stranger to romance, and Valentine’s Day offers the perfect excuse to indulge in the city’s most enchanting experiences. Whether seeking an intimate escape or a grand gesture, the capital’s offerings promise to make the occasion unforgettable.

For those who dream of a timelessly romantic evening, consider:

• A moonlit Thames cruise, where the city lights shimmer upon the water
• Dinner at The Savoy, where culinary artistry transforms each dish into a masterpiece
• A luxurious spa retreat at Champneys Spa Resort, offering a sanctuary of relaxation and indulgence
• A candlelit classical concert, filling the air with melody and magic
• A hands-on cooking masterclass, where couples can create and savour something exquisite together

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For those seeking a unique sensory experience, a romantic fragrance tour offers an olfactory journey through love and passion. Participants will explore: the perfumes gifted to Lady Hamilton by Admiral Nelson, the signature scents of Catherine de’ Medici, Victorian-era floral fragrances, once deemed too provocative for polite society. In addition to uncovering the secrets of perfumery, attendees will have the opportunity to discover their ideal signature scent—the perfect touch for a memorable evening. The tour is in Russian, tickets here.

For more inspiration, explore our curated selection of gifts and experiences here on the Gift site.

Meanwhile, on February 5, legendary Russian musician Andrey Makarevich will perform in London alongside Celtic harp virtuoso Philippe Barsky. The concert will feature both classic hits and new compositions. Tickets are available online.

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Exhibitions and cultural highlights

February also marks the return of Kew Gardens’ celebrated Orchid Festival, running from February 1 and themed around Peru. The festival will feature over 6,000 orchids, arranged in breathtaking floral installations that pay homage to the country’s diverse ecosystems and rich botanical heritage. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Photo: Margarita Bagrova / Afisha.London

Meanwhile, The Courtauld Gallery presents “Goya to Impressionism”, opening on February 14. The exhibition showcases masterpieces from Goya, Renoir, Monet, Manet, Cézanne, Picasso, and Van Gogh, tracing the evolution of European art through a collection of rare works. Book here.

For those fascinated by Ancient Egypt, Young V&A unveils “Making Egypt”, an immersive journey through one of the world’s most mysterious civilizations. The exhibition, opening on February 15, will feature ancient artifacts, statues, and manuscripts that bring the past to life.

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On February 27, Tate Modern launches “Leigh Bowery!”, a retrospective dedicated to the iconic performance artist and designer who blurred the lines between fashion, art, and theatre. A muse to Lucian Freud and an inspiration to Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and Lady Gaga, Bowery’s avant-garde legacy continues to shape contemporary aesthetics. Book here.

Photo: Afisha.London

Theatre premieres and musical spectacles

London’s theatrical scene thrives in February, offering a variety of groundbreaking productions and high-profile musicals.

One of February’s most anticipated plays – “The Years”, based on the bold and fearless masterpiece by Nobel Prize-winning author Annie Ernaux. The production, running for 12 weeks at the Harold Pinter Theatre, offers a striking portrait of a woman shaped by the rapid social changes of the 20th and 21st centuries. Five actors bring to life decades of history, personal reflection, and transformation in a deeply moving performance. Tickets are in high demand – book now!

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• “The Devil Wears Prada” – A fresh take on the beloved novel and film, starring Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly, with music by Sir Elton John.
• Cirque du Soleil – A mesmerizing spectacle at Royal Albert Hall, featuring gravity-defying acrobatics, stunning visuals, and an ethereal soundscape.
• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” – A theatrical reimagining of the classic tale, exploring love, destiny, and the passage of time.
• “Titanic – The Musical” – A sweeping retelling of the doomed voyage, brought to life through an evocative score and masterful storytelling.

For those in search of thought-provoking drama, The Cockpit Theatre presents “Mariupol”, premiering on February 5. This deeply moving production spans three decades—1992, 2002, and 2022—following a woman’s journey from youthful love to wartime resilience. Based on real events, the play is the work of Katia Haddad, a writer and playwright, for whom Mariupol is a deeply personal response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The production is directed by John Retallack, an Olivier Award-winning theatre director and playwright whose career spans over four decades. Book here.

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Family-friendly activities for half term

Families can enjoy a range of engaging cultural experiences in February, guided by the MuseumCat.London art project, which brings history and art to life through interactive storytelling and expert-led tours.

– February 16 – “The History of Medicine” at the Science Museum, an exploration of medical discoveries including anesthesia, antiseptics, and antibiotics. In Russian. Book here.
– February 23 – “Myths & Artifacts of Mesopotamia” at the British Museum, introducing young visitors to the legendary Tower of Babel, the first human library, and Assyrian winged bulls. In Russian. Book here.

Photo: Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Additionally, the Imagine Children’s Festival returns to Southbank Centre from February 18-23, offering over 100 performances spanning theatre, music, storytelling, and dance.

For Harry Potter fans, Warner Bros. Studio Tours offer an immersive dive into the wizarding world, featuring original sets, props, and costumes from the beloved films.

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From grand cultural spectacles and immersive exhibitions to romantic escapes and theatrical masterpieces, February is a month to embrace all that London has to offer. Whether exploring the vibrancy of Chinese New Year, the intrigue of a new play, or the timeless elegance of a classical concert, the city invites you to step into a season filled with inspiration, beauty, and unforgettable experiences.

Cover photo: Suse Wilson / Flickr

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Read more:

Orchid festival: a Peruvian oasis at Kew Gardens

Brazilian Modernism at the Royal Academy of Arts: The Vibrant Revolution That Changed Art

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