Discover 4 Unmissable London Events This Winter 2026

This winter, London offers plenty of respite from its typical short, dull days, with a dazzling array of cultural experiences from a variety of music at an exciting new jazz venue to breathtaking acrobatic performances to world-class ballet and an award-winning animated film that will delight all ages. Ballet Icons Gala, London Coliseum–15 February The Ballet Icons Gala marks its 20th anniversary with a special performance at the London Coliseum featuring performances from all the major artists in the ballet world. Widely regarded as a highlight of the global ballet scene, the Gala brings together exceptional dancers and visionary choreographers from the world’s ten leading companies including: The Royal Ballet (UK); La Scala Ballet (Italy); American Ballet Theatre (USA); Paris Opera Ballet (France); Berlin State Ballet (Germany); Vienna State Ballet / Vienna Ballet Theatre (Austria); Dutch National Ballet (Netherlands); English National Ballet (UK); Northern Ballet (UK) and Bavarian State Ballet (Germany). This milestone edition will be performed with the English National Ballet Philharmonic Orchestra. The exciting programme will span classical repertoire and contemporary works, featuring world premieres and specially commissioned pieces created exclusively to honor this landmark year. Among the highlights will be performances from Royal Ballet dancers Francesca Hayward, Natalia Osipova and Marianela Núñez; Daniil Simkin (Berlin State Ballet) known for his breathtaking jumps); and Isaac Hernández (American Ballet Theatre). Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo, Royal Albert Hall–Until 1 March The legendary French Canadian circus’s annual show at London’s Royal Albert Hall is a vibrant, high-energy tribute to the world of insects. The newly refreshed version of Ovo (“egg” in Portuguese) features redesigned sets, brand-new acrobatic sequences, imaginative new characters, enhanced costumes and a revitalised musical score. At the centre of the show is a playful romance between an eccentric fly and a bold ladybird, set in motion by the appearance of a mysterious egg that triggers wonder and change. As always the atheticism and artistry on display is spectacular from bold aerial stunts and acrobatics, Chinese poles, a trampoline wall, incredible contortion, foot juggling, and cradle and slackwire. The set is colorful and fun and the infectious, Brazilian-influenced soundtrack and live performances make this the ideal event for a cold winter’s evening. Little Amelie, UK and Irish cinemas–From 13 February Little Amélie, a visually stunning animated feature, based on Amélie Nothomb’s best-selling autobiographical novel, The Character of Rain, tells the story of a curious toddler discovering the world’s hidden wonders. Set in post-war Japan, Amélie’s life is transformed by a chance encounter with Belgian white chocolate, sparking her boundless curiosity and imagination. As she forms a close bond with her family’s kind-hearted housekeeper, Nishio-san, Amélie begins to explore the beauty of nature and uncover the emotional truths beneath her family’s seemingly perfect life as foreigners in a new land. Blending engaging storytelling with breathtaking animation, Little Amélie explores themes of wonder, discovery, and the magic of everyday life, capturing audiences of all ages with its charm, warmth, and visual splendor. Following its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Little Amélie has thrilled global audiences, picking up more than 40 awards, nominations and official festival selections. Winner of Best Animation at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, among the film’s many other accolades are nominations for Best Animation at the Golden Globe Awards and Best Animated Film and Best Children’s & Family Film at BAFTA. Upstairs at Ronnie’s–Opening 6 February