30 days has September, April, June, and November. Except for special fate, February has 28. All the rest have 31, except January, which feels like it has 1,359!
I saw this posted on social media this week, and it made me smile. This familiar rhyme has helped many of us remember the days of the month, and we often learn it as children. But there’s more to February than just being short—it’s a month packed with promise and energy.
After the post-holiday slump of January, February is here to brighten things up with longer days and a lively calendar of events. If you’re looking to shake off the winter blues and immerse yourself in the heart of London’s culture, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a romantic, a nature lover, or simply in need of adventure, February in London offers something for everyone.
Here are some of the most exciting events to check out this February in London:
1.St Paul’s Cathedral Luminous by Luxmuralis
Let’s start with a dazzling light show that transforms one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Luminous by Luxmuralis is a spectacular sound and light display that will illuminate the interiors of St Paul’s Cathedral, creating a truly magical experience.
As you walk through the immersive projections, you can learn about the building’s fascinating history, it’s an event for all ages, perfect for date night, architecture lovers or family groups. Trust me—this is not one to miss!
When: 22-28 February, 6.30-10 pm
Tip: Practise your English by listening to the commentary.
2.Battersea Power Station Light Festival
Battersea Power Station, once a coal-fired power plant and iconic London landmark known for its Art Deco design and towering chimneys, supplied electricity to the city from 1933 until its closure in 1983. After years of dereliction, it’s been revitalised into a modern hub featuring luxury apartments, shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces while preserving its historic architecture.
My grandad used to work at the original power station, and seeing its famous chimneys was a daily part of my childhood. As a Londoner, it fills me with joy to see this place alive again and enjoyed by so many people.
The location is home to many events, festivals and exhibitions throughout the year, and the light festival is returning for its fifth year.
Brighten up your winter evenings with this free, immersive light festival at the newly revamped venue. With dazzling light sculptures and interactive installations, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture memorable moments.
The eight installations can be found inside and outside of the stunning Grade II listed building, and the 150 shops and entertainment spaces make it a perfect location for colder winter nights.
When: 23 January – 23 February
Tip: Try creating captions in English for your social media posts when sharing photos of the festival. What words can you use to describe the colours, design and atmosphere of these creations?
3.Valentine’s Day in London
Love is in the air! Whether you’re celebrating romance or friendship, London has no shortage of special things to do on Valentine’s Day. How about a Thames River cruise with breathtaking views of the city at night? Or a cosy afternoon tea in one of London’s charming cafes? You can even visit Covent Garden for street performances and floral displays. Don’t forget to practise phrases for expressing affection or gratitude—perfect for writing a heartfelt Valentine’s card.
When: February 14th
Language Tip: Learn romantic idioms like "head over heels" or "love at first sight" and try using them in conversations.
4.Lunar New Year Celebrations in London’s Chinatown
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia.
Chinese New Year falls between late January and mid-February. In 2025, Chinese New Year falls on 29 January. The 2025 Chinese New Year festival in central London, organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association, takes place on 1 and 2 February.
Expect colourful parades, lion dances, and plenty of traditional Chinese cuisine to sample. Chinatown will be buzzing with activity, making it the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere while practising your listening and speaking skills.
Trafalgar Square hosts the main stage and family-friendly entertainment is on offer in Leicester Square.
When: Sunday 2 February
Cultural Learning: Take note of Chinese proverbs or greetings and compare them with English expressions.
Find out more about all the events and timings at Visit London.
5.Kew Gardens Orchid Festival
Escape the winter blues with a trip to the tropics—without leaving London! Kew Gardens’ Orchid Festival is a stunning celebration of vibrant orchids from around the world.
At Ford Learning we get excited about this event, and this year I’m treating my mum to a day out here as an early Mother’s Day gift.
This year we are transported to Peru, home to 3,000 species of orchids, many of them found growing wild nowhere else on Earth. The Kew Glasshouse will be transformed into a micro version of this diverse country teeming with life and colour.
As you wander through the tropical glasshouse, let the colours and fragrances inspire your creativity.
You could even write a short poem or paragraph about the experience to practise descriptive writing. It’s impossible not to be inspired!
When: 1 February to 2 March
Did You Know? On Friday and Saturday evenings during February, you can experience the orchids after dark with a series of evening openings. Sip on a cocktail and try some Peruvian food while listening to the music of the country. For more information, times and tickets, visit:
6.Imagine Children’s Festival at the Southbank Centre
If you’re wondering what to do with the kids in half-term, we’ve got you covered.
This festival is packed with workshops, storytelling sessions, and performances designed to spark children’s imaginations. Even if you’re an adult, there’s plenty to enjoy, from spoken word performances to creative writing workshops.
When: February 7th – 18th
Language Fun: Help your kids with their story writing, it’s a great way to encourage their creativity and sharpen your language skills at the same time!
7.Canary Wharf Ice Rink
Winter isn’t over yet, and what better way to embrace it than with a glide around London’s iconic Canary Wharf Ice Rink? With sparkling lights and a festive atmosphere, this is the perfect place to enjoy an evening out with friends or family and make the most of the last of the seasonal activities.
When: Until February 23
Final Thoughts
February in London is full of excitement and opportunities to practise your English in real-life settings. Whether you’re admiring light installations, celebrating traditions, or skating under the stars, each experience can be a language lesson in disguise. So, get out there, explore, and let the city be your classroom!
Please share
If you've enjoyed what you read, please help us grow the Ford Learning community by sharing with your friends on social media, WhatsApp, email, or whatever method you prefer. Thank you.
Copy this link to whichever platform you prefer: https://www.ford-learning.co.uk/post/february-magic-in-london
Subscribe
We would love you to subscribe to our blog and newsletter.
Your Author: Zoe Ford
Zoe is a CELTA-qualified EFL teacher and Ex-Director of Studies at a prestigious private language school in London. She has been teaching English to adults for over 10 years and has helped hundreds of students to reach their learning goals.
When Zoe isn't teaching you can find her experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen and watching the new series of Masterchef the Professionals. She also loves sport, travelling, and sharing her passion for learning with others.
