What’s on in January?

January can be a strange time for many. After the fun and jollity of Christmas, it seems like a very long and dull month to get through. What better time to take a day trip to lift those spirits? Here’s our pick of some of the fun January events happening throughout the country for you to take advantage of. 

Things to do in London in January 

Are you thinking of heading to the capital city this January to try and beat the post-Christmas blues? If so, here’s some inspiration on what to do while you’re there! 

Attend the London New Year's Day Parade

• 1st January

Every year in London on New Year's Day, thousands of performers take to the streets of the city to put on a spectacular show. The parade features dancers, performers, marching bands and giant floats for you to marvel at as they pass through the city. The parade can be viewed from most of London's iconic streets, including:

• Piccadilly - the parade's starting point
• Piccadilly Circus
• Regent Street
• Pall Mall
• Trafalgar Square
• Whitehall
• Parliament Square - where the parade comes to an end

Visit the London Art Fair

• 21st - 25th January

The London Art Fair is an annual event that takes place each year, typically in January. In 2026, this will take place from January 21st to January 25th. This is one of the most famous art events in the UK, and is a great way for art lovers to kick-start the new year. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in art from around the world, discover new artists and treat yourself to some new art ahead of the new year.

Celebrate Burns Night

• 25th January

Another exciting thing to do in London in January is to celebrate Burns Night. This is a celebratory day for the birthday of Scottish Poet Robert Burns, who wrote world world-famous song ‘Auld Lang Syne’. The celebration involves all of Burns' favourite things, drinking (whiskey in particular!), eating and dancing, and it has become somewhat of a famous event in London. In 2026, the celebrations in London will take place on Sunday, 25th January. Burns Night is generally celebrated on the 25th, but the event in London may sometimes be held on the closest weekend to the actual date if the 25th falls on a weekday.

Things to do in January outside of London 

Go ice skating in Sunderland

• 1st - 4th January

Make sure to catch the last few days of the Keel Square ice rink before it’s gone for another year. The square, which takes its name from Sunderland’s shipbuilding heritage, is just under a ten-minute walk from Sunderland Station - less if you get your skates on!
 

Ice skating is a fun activity for all the family, and for those who aren’t so sure on their skates, you can even hire a friendly polar bear skating aid! The rink is open from 10am to 9pm every day. Family tickets are available, and you can book tickets in advance or buy on the day.

Watch a pantomime in York

• 1st - 4th January

Going to see a pantomime is one of the most iconic Christmas traditions in the UK, and this doesn’t stop after the 25th. In York, you can catch a classic pantomime performance right up until the 4th January 2026. The Grand Opera House will be performing Cinderella, and if Sleeping Beauty is more your thing, you can head to York Theatre Royal. If you don’t fancy the theatre, discover other things to do and see in York below:

• Christmas at York Castle Museum (1st January to 4th January)
• Take a tour of York's chocolate factory - open all throughout January except on the 1st
• Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre and discover life in the 9th century
• Take a guided ghost tour of the city

January really doesn’t have to be boring! Hop on a train to York and see what adventures you can have!

Attend the International Film Festival in Manchester

• 4th January

Every month in Manchester, the international film festival takes place, and January is no different! The event will take place on the 4th January 2026 and showcases a selection of exciting global short films. The perfect event for filmmakers and film lovers alike! If you’re going to attend but want inspiration on other things to do while you’re in Manchester, take a look below:

• The Manchester Craft Beer Experience (Sunday 31st January)
• The Big Manchester Bake (dates available throughout January)
• Bottomless afternoon tea at Cherry Jam 

Plan your trip with Grand Central

Now you’ve got the lowdown on things to do in January 2026 to beat the post-Christmas blues, you’re ready to choose your destination and plan your trip! Visit our Journey Planner and book your tickets today. For the best ticket prices, book in advance with our Advance fares once you’ve decided which day you want to travel.