Ramadan is becoming one of the most magical times of the year in London. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is observed by muslims worldwide, cultivates a vibrant energy in the city, with over 1.3 million residents celebrating it every year. From community meals open to all faiths in Trafalgar Square to curated Iftar menus in restaurants and shopping festivals, the city’s social calendar is increasingly embracing Ramadan in the same way it does Christmas and Easter.
One thing that stands out in the capital during Islam’s holiest month is the annual lights display: a stunning suspended installation in the West End, featuring over 30,000 glowing LED bulbs that illuminate every night from 5pm until 5am. London was the first city in Western Europe to host a large-scale, public Ramadan light display – and this year, the exhibition by Ramadan Lights London and the Aziz Foundation is more spectacular than ever.
© The Aziz Foundation/Acacia DianaStarting on 13 February and running until 28 March, the West End is alive every night with a striking aerial display that’s free for everyone to experience and enjoy. Consider it a symbol of unity, interfaith harmony and London’s vibrant multicultural spirit. More than just visually beautiful, the lights welcome people from all backgrounds and aim to bring everyone together to celebrate Ramadan’s values of peace, togetherness and reflection.
Throughout the month, the display will read ‘Happy Ramadan’ until 18 March, before transforming overnight to ‘Happy Eid’, marking the transition from fasting to feasting. The Eid message will remain illuminated until the evening of 28 March.
© The Aziz Foundation/Acacia DianaRamadan Lights London, which was launched in 2023, doesn’t stop in the street. In a cultural first this year, the Aziz Foundation launched Shared Light, which is the city’s first interfaith art exhibition. Set in Zedwell Hotel Piccadilly Circus inside the iconic London Trocadero, Shared Light showcases 20 artists from across the UK of all faiths and none, who were invited through a national open call to explore the universal values at the heart of Ramadan – outlined by the Aziz Foundation as love, peace, generosity, empathy, gratitude, patience, humility and hope.
© The Aziz Foundation/Acacia DianaAlso part of the celebration is Ramadan Delights, London's first-ever Iftar food trail running from 6 February to 20 March. A food trail is a curated, linear route designed to explore the area’s culinary culture – and this one, created in partnership with Discover Leicester Square, spotlights halal and vegetarian-friendly menus. Following its successful debut in 2025, it will once again bring together a line-up of restaurants, rooftops, cafés and food halls offering exclusive iftar menus, special discounts and complimentary treats from sunset onwards.
© The Aziz Foundation/Acacia DianaA standout of the Iftar food trail is 1 Leicester Square Rooftop Restaurant, which is serving up a three-course set menu complete with Medjool dates, Moroccan mint tea, kunefe and sharing mezze. Furthermore, the newly opened Market Place Food Hall in Leicester Square has a curated selection of halal dishes from multiple vendors: Bread Ahead’s halal pepperoni pizza slices, Hide & Greek’s chicken or lamb gyros, Inamo Sukoshi’s chicken katsu curry (also available with tofu), to name a few.
© The Aziz Foundation/Acacia DianaAmong the other vendors are Shake Shack offering free fries with burgers or chicken bites across its Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Oxford Street venues, PizzaExpress offering 20% off your total bill, and Franco’s, Angus Steakhouse and Steak and Company all offering 10% off at their West End restaurants. Plus, Hard Rock Café Piccadilly Circus is offering 15% off vegetarian dishes, soft drinks and retail. Adding a touch of luxury to the trail, Fortnum & Mason will also be showcasing a selection of its finest products; think indulgent filled Medjool dates and Fortnum's Sparkling Tea.
Rahima Aziz BEM, Trustee at the Aziz Foundation, said: “The return of ‘Ramadan Delights’ marks another important step in making Ramadan a visible and celebrated part of London’s cultural calendar. Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and this trail connects communities, businesses and visitors through generosity, shared experiences and the simple joy of breaking fast together.”
Visit the West End to explore all there is on offer for Ramadan this year, including the Iftar food trail, or visit ramadanlightslondon.com.
