Diwali on the Square is on Sunday 25 October 2026, 1pm to 7pm, in Trafalgar Square. Free, no booking. Here is what’s on.
Diwali on the Square 2026: free celebration in Trafalgar Square this Sunday
Diwali on the Square is back in Trafalgar Square tomorrow, Sunday 25 October 2026, from 1pm to 7pm. It is free, there is nothing to book, and it is one of the biggest Diwali celebrations in London.
The Mayor of London runs it with London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities, a couple of weeks ahead of Diwali itself, which falls on Sunday 8 November this year.
What’s on at Diwali on the Square
- An opening dance with around 200 dancers
- Music, dance and performances on the main stage all afternoon
- Children’s activities, puppet shows and dance workshops
- Areas for bhajans, yoga and meditation, and culture workshops
- Displays of Hindu goddesses
- A food market with vegetarian and vegan stalls
Times and how to get there
The festival runs from 1pm to 7pm. Charing Cross is the closest station, and Leicester Square and Embankment are a few minutes’ walk away. There are bag searches at the entrances, so a small bag gets you in quicker.
One thing to remember: the clocks go back tonight, so it gets dark before 5pm. The square looks its best once the lights come on. More on that in our clocks go back guide.
Planning the rest of your weekend
Half term starts tomorrow for most London schools, and Halloween is on Saturday. If you have kids with you, our Halloween in London for families guide has free trails and events across the city. For more free ideas, try our list of free things to do in London.
Frequently asked questions
When is Diwali on the Square 2026?
Sunday 25 October 2026, from 1pm to 7pm, in Trafalgar Square.
Do I need a ticket for Diwali on the Square?
No. It is free and you just turn up.
When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026. Diwali on the Square is held a couple of weeks earlier.
Sources
- Mayor of London: Diwali on the Square 2026
- Mayor of London: announcement
- Hindu Tone: Diwali 2026 in London
- Globetotting: October half term in London 2026
Last checked: 24 October 2026. Details can change, so check the official page before you go. Image: S Pakhrin, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
