- What it is: Enter the Tower before it opens and watch the gates of the Middle Tower being unlocked. Then skip the queue and be first in line when the Crown Jewels exhibition opens.
- Dates: Daily until 23 December 2026
- Time: 8:45 am Tuesday to Saturday; 9:45 am Sunday and Monday
- Location: Tower of London
- Included with admission: No, separate ticket required
Your guide to upcoming events at the Tower of London
The Tower of London hosts a changing calendar of family activities, historical reenactments, seasonal performances, and exclusive member experiences throughout the year. While many daytime events are included with general admission, some require advance booking. Here's everything happening at the Tower in 2026 so you can plan your visit around the events that interest you most.
Upcoming Tower of London events in 2026
Opening Ceremony experience
Ghost tours
- What it is: After-hours access to the Tower, with the secrets of its ghosts.
- Dates: Every Sunday from 8 November 2026
- Time: 7 pm to 8 pm
- Meeting point: West Gate. Arrive 15 minutes early.
- Included with admission: No; separate ticket required (advance booking only)
The King’s birthday gun salute
- What it is: A 62-round commemorative salute fired from the Gun Park on the Wharf.
- Date: 14 November 2026
- Time: 1 pm
- Location: The Wharf, Tower of London
- Included with admission: Free
Members-only Ceremony of the Keys
- What it is: Watch the Tower being locked up for the night. It’s a centuries-old tradition. Reserved for Historic Royal Palaces members.
- Dates: 15 November and 6 December 2026
- Time: Entry at 9:30 pm sharp; the ceremony ends at 10:05 pm
- Location: Tower of London
- Included with admission: No; a separate member ticket is required
Christmas at the Tower
- What it is: A trail of festive traditions around the Tower. Discover how the Victorians shaped the Christmas we know today.
- Dates: 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Location: Tower of London
- Included with admission: Yes (members go free)
Carols by Candlelight
- What it is: An evening of carols in the candlelit Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, sung by the Chapel Royal Choir.
- Date: 10 December 2026
- Time: 7 pm to 8 pm. Arrive at the West Gate from 6:30 pm.
- Location: Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, Tower of London
- Included with admission: No; a separate ticket is required (advance booking only)
Choirs@TheTower
- What it is: A two-day choral singing festival presented by MDBrunch.
- Dates: 12 and 13 December 2026
- Location: Tower of London
- Included with admission: Yes (members go free)
Members-only Carol Service
- What it is: A traditional service of lessons and carols with the Chapel Royal choir. Exclusive to Historic Royal Palaces members.
- Dates: 15 December at 6 pm; 16 December at 6 pm and 7:30 pm (2026)
- Doors: Open 20 minutes before each service
- Location: Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, Tower of London
- Included with admission: No; a separate member ticket is required
The Spirit of Christmas
- What it is: A Victorian festive treat. Meet the Tower postman as he tries to deliver a last-minute gift. Join a giant game of pass-the-parcel.
- Dates: 27 to 31 December 2026
- Location: Tower of London
- Included with admission: Yes (it sits within the Christmas at the Tower programme)
Frequently asked questions about Tower of London events
Many seasonal daytime events, including A Tudor To-Do, Boleyn Is Back, and Imagining Animals, are included with a valid Tower of London admission ticket. Some special events require separate booking.
The Members-Only Ceremony of the Keys requires Historic Royal Palaces membership and advance booking. Relaxed Events: Children and Families also require pre-booking and are ticketed separately.
If the event is included with admission, your standard Tower ticket is usually sufficient. For member-exclusive events and relaxed sessions, advance booking is recommended because spaces are limited.
Yes. Several seasonal programmes are designed specifically for families, featuring live actors, storytelling, Tudor reenactments, puppetry, music, and interactive activities suitable for a wide range of ages.
Most events take place within the Tower grounds, with specific areas such as the South Lawn used for live performances and character encounters. Staff and signage direct visitors on the day.
Yes. Events included with admission can be enjoyed alongside your regular visit to the Tower, including the Crown Jewels and other permanent attractions, provided they're open during your visit.
Some outdoor performances, particularly Boleyn Is Back, are weather dependent. Timings or performances may be adjusted or cancelled if conditions are unsuitable.
Yes. The Relaxed Events: Children and Families programme is specifically designed for neurodivergent and learning-disabled visitors, offering reduced crowds, quieter spaces, adapted programming, and sensory-friendly adjustments throughout the morning.
