Jewish festivals can be a lovely way to feel connected to your community, especially when you’re celebrating with people who are at a similar stage of life.
In London, you’ll find many ways to take part. You can join a communal meal, see a film, visit an exhibition, try a creative activity or simply spend time with other Jewish young adults. You don’t need to be highly observant, know all the traditions or arrive with a group of friends.
You can choose what feels right for you.
At Your Yedidim, we bring Jewish young adults aged 21–35 together through shared experiences, social events and Jewish community life. Our seasonal programme includes activities around the Jewish calendar, from Tu BiShvat and Pesach to Sukkot, Chanukah and more.
Here are 15 ways to enjoy Jewish festivals and Jewish events in London throughout the year.
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year. It can be a meaningful time to pause, reflect and spend time with others.
1. Join a Rosh Hashanah meal
A shared meal is one of the simplest ways to mark the beginning of the year. Look for communal dinners, young adult meals or informal gatherings hosted by synagogues and community organisations.
You don’t necessarily need to know anyone beforehand. Many meals are designed to bring people together around a table, making it easier to start a conversation naturally.
If you’re not sure what kind of service or event suits you, it’s fine to ask. Different communities welcome different levels of observance, and you can find the option that feels comfortable.
2. Make space for a fresh start
Rosh Hashanah is also a chance to think about the year ahead. You could attend a talk, discussion or creative event exploring themes of Jewish identity, belonging and community.
You don’t have to approach it in a formal way. A relaxed conversation over coffee can be just as valuable as a structured programme.
Yom Kippur and Sukkot
The days around Yom Kippur and Sukkot offer different ways to connect, from quiet reflection to outdoor gatherings.
3. Find a welcoming Yom Kippur community
Yom Kippur is a more reflective festival, but you don’t have to experience it alone. Many London communities offer services, learning sessions and opportunities to connect before or after the fast.
If you’re new to a community, check practical details in advance, including timings, accessibility and whether the service is suitable for you.
4. Share a meal in a sukkah
Sukkot is often associated with hospitality, food and spending time outdoors. Look for communal meals, sukkah visits, workshops and social gatherings.
You could also choose a gentle outdoor activity with a Jewish connection. A walk, picnic or shared meal can be an easy way to meet people without the pressure of a formal networking event.
Hanukkah and Chanukah
Whether you spell it Hanukkah or Chanukah, the Festival of Lights brings plenty of social opportunities to London.
5. Attend a public menorah lighting
Public menorah lightings can be lively, welcoming events with music, food and people from across the community. London has hosted large public celebrations in locations including Trafalgar Square and Islington Green.
These events can be a good choice if you want to be part of something communal without committing to an entire evening. You can arrive, enjoy the atmosphere and leave when you’re ready.
Check the organiser’s website for current dates, times and accessibility information.
6. Try a Chanukah craft or food activity
Chanukah celebrations can include doughnut tasting, candle-making, cooking, arts and crafts or interactive storytelling.
These activities give you something to do together, which can make meeting people feel more natural. You don’t need to be especially outgoing. You can join in at your own pace.
7. Plan a relaxed Chanukah social
You could also celebrate with a small group through a restaurant meet-up, coffee morning, cinema trip or games night.
At Your Yedidim, our events are built around simple shared experiences. That might mean sitting down for a drink, trying an activity or joining a seasonal Jewish Life event. The focus is on meeting people in a friendly setting, rather than getting everything right.
Tu BiShvat and Purim
These festivals are a chance to enjoy something creative, social and a little different.
8. Mark Tu BiShvat with an outdoor activity
Tu BiShvat, often known as the New Year for Trees, is a natural opportunity to spend time outdoors. Look for walks, planting activities, talks about sustainability or community gardening projects.
You could join with a friend, but you can also come alone. Activities with a clear focus often make first conversations easier.
9. Join a Purim costume event
Purim celebrations may include costume parties, music, food and social events. Some communities also host Megillah readings and themed activities for young adults.
You don’t have to wear an elaborate costume or stay all night. A simple outfit is fine, and it’s completely reasonable to attend just to see what the atmosphere is like.
10. Try a Purim games night
A games night can be a more comfortable alternative to a large party. Board games, quizzes and card games give people a shared activity, so you don’t have to carry every conversation yourself.
Your Yedidim runs games nights and other low-pressure activities throughout the year. Check the events page for current listings and booking information.
Pesach
Pesach, or Passover, is a time when many people come together around food, storytelling and shared tradition.
11. Join a communal Seder
If you don’t have plans for Pesach, look for a communal Seder in London. Synagogues, student groups and community organisations may offer places for people who would otherwise be celebrating alone.
Check the details before booking, including the format of the evening, dietary arrangements and the level of participation expected.
You can also ask whether the event is aimed at young adults, open to people from different backgrounds or suitable for someone attending alone.
12. Take part in a Pesach-themed activity
Pesach-related events don’t have to be a Seder. You might find a cooking session, discussion, creative workshop or social meal connected to the festival.
Your Yedidim’s seasonal and Jewish Life activities are designed to make shared experiences accessible. You don’t need to fit one particular mould or have a prescribed level of religious observance to take part.
Lag Ba’Omer and summer festivals
As the weather improves, Jewish events in London often move outdoors.
13. Go to a Lag Ba’Omer gathering
Lag Ba’Omer is commonly marked with outdoor gatherings, bonfires, music, picnics and food. Different communities celebrate it in different ways, so check the arrangements before attending.
An informal outdoor event can be a good starting point if you prefer movement and conversation over sitting in one place. You can walk around, join an activity or take a break whenever you need to.
14. Join a Jewish summer festival
Jewish summer festivals may include live music, talks, food, games, crafts and community activities. Some are family-focused, while others are suitable for a wider age range.
For more cultural listings, the Jewish Renaissance London events guide is a useful place to explore what’s coming up. You can also look for local events through community venues and Jewish organisations.
At Your Yedidim, our summer activities include picnics, BBQs, sports and days out. You can see what’s coming up and choose an event that matches your interests.
Jewish culture throughout the year
Jewish community life is not limited to the major festivals.
15. Go to a Jewish film, book, music or food event
London has a wide range of Jewish cultural events for different interests and budgets. You could:
- See a screening at the UK Jewish Film Festival
- Attend a Jewish author talk or book discussion
- Explore Jewish history through a museum exhibition or walking tour
- Listen to Jewish or Israeli music
- Join a cooking workshop
- Take part in a coffee morning or restaurant meet-up
These events can be a gentle way to connect with Jewish community London without needing to commit to a regular group.
Celebrate in a way that works for you
You don’t have to attend every festival. You don’t have to be religious. You don’t have to know anyone before you arrive.
You can come on your own, attend occasionally, stay for half an hour or remain for the whole event. Your Yedidim is an inclusive, LGBTQ+ friendly community for Jewish young adults aged 21–35, whatever your background, identity, level of observance or personal circumstances.
Membership is straightforward:
- Free membership: stay informed about upcoming events and activities.
- Supporting membership: £5 per month, including a free monthly trip or activity.
Some events may also be open to non-members, with the event listing explaining any charge or booking requirements.
If you’re looking for Jewish events in London, start with the Your Yedidim events page. Choose something that sounds manageable. Come along. Meet a few people. See what you think.
You can also join Your Yedidim for free and decide later how involved you’d like to be.
There’s no need to have it all worked out before you take part. Simply choose one Jewish festival or shared experience and begin there.
