26 enjoyable issues to do in London in November (2023)
October appeared to whizz by and earlier than we all know it, it will likely be Christmas in London! Earlier than then, nevertheless, have the month of November with a calendar that’s jam-packed with enjoyable issues to do.
November is the month for bonfire evening and there are a variety of celebrations happening throughout town. Among the greatest fireworks happen at Ally Pally (they’ve been known as the “Glastonbury of Fireworks”). This yr they happen on November 3 and 4 – tickets are nonetheless out there. Learn on for extra bonfire evening recommendations and plenty of concepts of issues to do in London in November.
Christmas markets and Christmas lights get going this month and the ice-skating season begins with a handful of ice rinks open for enterprise.
The EFG London Jazz Festival returns this month with 10 days of reside music, new collaborations and a few enjoyable, interactive household exhibits.
The London Korean Film Festival takes place this month with two weeks of flicks from a few of Korea’s greatest recognized filmmakers (2 – 16 November).
Sadly the favored Regent Road Motor Present gained’t be going forward this yr. Fingers crossed it returns in 2024.
Should you’re hankering after turkey and pumpkin pie this month then the Colony Grill Room is internet hosting its conventional four-course Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday 23 November.
Buckingham Palace is closed to guests now till July 2023 however you may see the Royal residence from the skin once you watch the Changing of the Guards. Excursions of the Houses of Parliament happen each Saturday this month.
Lastly, Remembrance Day will happen this yr on Saturday, November 11.
Don’t overlook to try our record of issues happening in October, with lots of the exhibitions and occasions listed ongoing.
Disclosure: This publish could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. I’ve been or may very well be in the event you click on on a hyperlink on this publish compensated through a money fee, reward or one thing else of worth for penning this publish. See our full disclosure coverage for extra particulars.
Issues to do in London in November
Bonfire Evening
Sadly there aren’t very many free firework occasions happening in London any extra (the Victoria Park fireworks have been cancelled) however there are nonetheless locations the place you may watch fireworks mild up the evening sky.
Check out the next firework shows:
Should you can’t make it to one of many above fireworks shows then guide a ticket for the immersive Gunpowder Plot expertise on the Tower of London and uncover the explanations behind Man Fawkes evening!
Ice Rinks in London
Time to get your skates on as London’s winter ice rinks open throughout town. E-book tickets for Battersea Energy Station, Queen’s Home Greenwich, Canary Wharf and our favorite skating rink Somerset Home now. Check out extra locations to apply your Torvill and Dean routines right here.
London’s Christmas Lights
Central London is aware of a factor or two about placing on an spectacular Christmas show, beginning this month. Festive frivolities kick off on 2 November when the Oxford Road Christmas lights are switched on.
The two November can be when Carnaby Road’s lights might be turned on. To have a good time, the neighbourhood is internet hosting the Carnaby Christmas Procuring Social gathering when greater than 100 outlets, bars and eating places will supply a 20% low cost on most of their merchandise.
The lights in Covent Backyard come to life on Tuesday 7 November adopted by the Regent Road lights on Thursday 9 November.
If you wish to see London illuminated from up excessive, take a night spin across the London Eye.
London’s Christmas Reveals
Prepare for the festive season with tickets to a Christmas present. Among the greatest theatre performances open this month together with Elf the Musical, Stick Man, The Snowman, and the annual retelling of A Christmas Carol on the Previous Vic. Check out our favorite Christmas exhibits in London right here.
London’s Christmas Mild Trails
London’s festive mild trails kick off this month together with these at Kew Gardens (15 November), Lightopia at Crystal Palace (17 November) and Illuminature on the London Wetlands Centre in Barnes (18 November). Check out our different really helpful mild trails right here.
London’s Christmas Markets
London’s Christmas Markets spring into motion this month as nicely. One in every of our favourites is the Southbank Centre Winter Market (2 November) that takes place alongside the south financial institution of the River Thames.
Hogwarts within the Snow
Followers of the Harry Potter movies ought to get their wands on the prepared for Hogwarts at Christmas. The annual Hogwarts within the Snow opens its doorways on November 11 and welcomes friends till January 14.
The Nice Corridor might be reworked with the ice silvers of the long-lasting Xmas Ball scene. The Gryffindor frequent room might be dressed for the season and snow will cowl the Forbidden Forest in addition to the cobbled stone and magical store fronts of Dragon Alley.
For extra Harry Potter magic, check out this strolling tour by way of central London.
Dates: 11 November 2023 – 14 January 2024. Tickets can be found now.
The place: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
London’s greatest festive funfair is again for an additional yr of funfair rides, ice skating, a Christmas market and much too many indulgent food and drinks stalls. There’s additionally the prospect to meet Santa and see London from up excessive within the large Ferris wheel.
When: 17 November 2021 – 1 January 2024
The place: Hyde Park; nearest tubes Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Nook and Knightsbridge
Christmas on the Postal Museum
The Mail Rail is getting a festive makeover, ranging from 1 November. The subterranean trip which takes guests again in time to the heyday of the postal railway might be embellished for the vacations.
Additionally on show are letters to Santa, which inlaces official playing cards from Father Christmas despatched to youngsters between 1963 and 2010. The first business Christmas card can even be on show within the museums everlasting exhibitions area.
When: Opens 1 November
The place: Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Pl, London WC1X 0DA
The Witches on the Nationwide Theatre
Opening on 7 November is that this adaption of Roald Dahl’s novel a few younger boy who lives along with his grandmother and who comes throughout a coven of witches who’ve plan’s to show all of the world’s youngsters into mice.
The stage model might be proven on the Nationwide Theatre and can star Katherine Kingsley because the Grand Excessive Witch.
When: Opens 7 November – 27 January
The place: The Nationwide Theatre, South Financial institution, SE1 9PX
‘Stranger Issues: The First Shadow’
Strangers Issues followers might be pleased to know that this prequel to the smash Netflix present is opening this month on the Phoenix Theatre.
Set within the small city of Hawkins in 1959, this stage manufacturing is a brand new story written by Stranger Issues creators the Duffer Brothers alongside Harry Potter and the Cursed Youngster author Jack Thorne and Kate Trey, who wrote the 2011 movie Drive.
When: Opens 17 November
The place: The Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Highway, WC2H 0JP
Luxurious Journey Truthful
Get inspiration on your subsequent journey (out of your armchair or in any other case) on the Luxurious Journey Truthful that’s happening this month at Olympia. They’ve obtained a cracking line-up of audio system timetabled together with TV presenter Dan O’Neill and Wildlife Biologist and Presenter Lizzie Daly. It’s also possible to chat to representatives from journey and expedition firms.
When: 2 – 5 November
The place: Olympia; nearest tube Kensington (Olympia)
Winter Horse Carriage Rides
Wrap up heat and climb on board a conventional carriage drawn by a pair of Shire horses from the final working herd in London for a tour round lovely Richmond Park.
Snuggle beneath a blanket, take a sip on sloe gin and munch on a mince pie as you clip clop alongside for the hour-long trip.
The rides happen on numerous dates all through the festive season and embrace a behind-the-scenes tour of the working stables.
When: Varied dates ranging from the tip of November to the start of January, test web site for particulars. The tour prices £450 per carriage, which seats six individuals and contains tea / refreshments and a tour of the stables.
The place: Holly Lodge Richmond Park
Wrap Up London
The annual charity coat assortment WrapUp London is happening once more this yr. The charity distributes the coats that they accumulate to those that want them most so dig out your previous winter coats and donate them to a very good trigger. Examine the web site for assortment factors.
When: 7 – 27 November
The place: Examine web site for assortment factors
Lord Mayor’s Present
For pomp, pageantry and a enjoyable procession, line up on Saturday 11 November for the Lord Mayor’s Present, the annual occasion which marks the outgoing Lord Mayor being changed by the brand new Lord Mayor. The spectacle dates again to the early thirteenth century and contains a grand ceremonial carriage in addition to floats and marching bands travelling by way of the Metropolis of London.
When: 11 November
The place: Metropolis of London; take a look at the route here
Ever After Backyard
Mayfair’s Grosvenor Sq. is being reworked into an illuminated backyard with greater than 25,000 illuminated roses put in to boost cash for The Royal Marsden Most cancers Charity. There’s no admission price however donations are very welcome. It’s also possible to select to dedicate a rose to a cherished one.
When: 16 November – 19 December
The place: Grosvenor Sq.; nearest tube Bond Road
Energy Up on the Science Museum
A should for all avid gamers out there’s the Energy Up exhibition on the Science Museum. This interactive exhibit showcases one of the best video video games and consoles from the previous 50 years and contains the whole lot from Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario.
Play in opposition to buddies in multiplayer showdowns, take a look at out new digital actuality experiences, and extra.
When: Ongoing
The place: The Interactive Gallery on the Science Museum, nearest tube South Kensington
Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms
The immersive Infinity Mirror Rooms by Japanese artists Yayoi Kusama on the Tate Fashionable have proved such successful that the dates have been prolonged till 28 April 2024. Tickets do go shortly, nevertheless, so greatest to snap yours up shortly.
Infinity Mirrored Room – Stuffed with the Brilliance of Life is proven alongside Chandelier of Grief in addition to a small presentation of pictures and transferring picture offering historic context for these artwork works.
When: Till 28 April 2024
The place: Tate Fashionable, Bankside, SE1 9TG
Wildlife Photographer of the Yr on the Pure Historical past Museum
One in every of my favorite exhibitions of the yr takes place on the Pure Historical past Museum. The Wildlife Photographer of the Yr takes place in a newly designed exhibition area that features quick movies, quotes from jury members and photographers in addition to insights from Museum scientists alongside the pictures.
When: Till 30 June 2024
The place: The Pure Historical past Museum; nearest tube South Kensington
My Neighbour Totoro on the Barbican Theatre
Returning to London this month is the award-winning adaptation of the 1988 animated characteristic movie My Neighbour Totoro by Studio Ghibli.
This stage manufacturing, dropped at you by the Royal Shakespeare Firm and Govt Producer Joe Hisaishi, has gained six Olivier Awards and 5 WhatsOnStage Awards and obtained numerous 5 star evaluations. Briefly, you understand that it’s going to be good!
When: 21 November – 23 March 2024
The place: Barbican Theatre
Burma to Myanmar at The British Museum
This new exhibition on the British Museum explores the dramatic fluctuations in fortune of Myanmar – often known as Burma – during the last 1,500 years
Though immediately Burma is dominated as soon as extra by a navy dictatorship and is an remoted determine on the world stage, it was as soon as an influential superpower on the crossroads of Asia.
This exhibition focuses on the creative output produced by Myanmar’s numerous peoples and the way they interacted with one another and the world round them resulting in new concepts and artwork types.
Highlights of the gathering embrace a silver ‘tanka’ coin relationship from 1612-22, a Kachin ammunition pouch made from rattan and cotton relationship from the early 1860s, and a map exhibiting three Stan states from 1889.
When: 2 November – 11 February 2024
The place: The British Library; nearest tubes Tottenham Courtroom Highway, Holborn, Russel sq. and Goodge Road
courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Japan: Myths & Manga on the Younger V&A
After three years, a £13 million renovation, numerous consultations with native youngsters and a reputation change (it was once known as the Museum of Childhood), the Younger V&A is as soon as once more open and is sort of good.
The vastly new and improved museum for kids opened in July with three new galleries to discover – Play, Think about and Design – with lots to please youngsters of all ages. A mysterious “sound tree” homes an interactive sport, a make-your-own board sport desk and a large foam development set. All collectively it’s an exquisite world of color and creativeness.
Their newest exhibition, Japan: Myths to Manga, explores how panorama and folklore have influenced Japan’s tradition, know-how and design.
When: Japan: Myths & Manga opens on 14 October
The place: Younger V&A, nearest tube Bethnal Inexperienced
Style Metropolis on the London Museum of Docklands
Happening on the London Museum of Docklands this month is Style Metropolis, a brand new exhibition exploring how Jewish style makers formed London type.
Uncover the individuals and locations that have been pivotal to making London look good together with famend wedding ceremony costume designer Netty Spiegel, grasp milliner Otto Lucas and flamboyant Mr Fish.
When: Till April 2024
The place: Museum of London Docklands, nearest tube Canary Wharf.
Highly effective Parachutes at Tower Bridge
The following free household exercise session at Tower Bridge explores how the ‘Guardian Angel’ parachute was examined at Tower Bridge in 1917.
Happening on Saturday 11 November, youngsters may also make their very own mini parachute to take dwelling and hold. These actions are greatest suited to youngsters aged 6 to 10 (however all ages welcome) and can be found all through the day and included within the value of admission.
When: Saturday 11 November, 10am – 4pm
The place: Tower Bridge; nearest tube Tower Hill station
New exhibits on the Arts Depot
North London venue the Arts Depot has a handful of latest exhibits for households this November.
Morgan & West’s Huge Magic Present for Youngsters (Sunday 5 November) is aimed toward youngsters aged 6+; The Star Seekers (Sunday 12 November) explores the photo voltaic system, galaxies, shootings stars and planets by way of songs, silliness and anti-gravity methods (ages 3 – ); The Museum of Marvellous Issues (Sunday 19 November) brings large puppets, interactive storytelling and magical results to stage (ages 3-8); and Using a Donkey Backwards & Different Tales (Sunday 26 November) retells “clever and silly tales” from Muslim literature for teenagers and their dad and mom.
When: Varied dates, see web site for particulars
The place: The Arts Depot, North Finchley
Fantasy: Realms of Creativeness at The British Library
The British Library have unveiled their new exhibition exploring the lengthy historical past of fantasy by way of props, costumes, manuscripts, early editions of novels and clips from TV exhibits together with Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
The exhibition additionally options maps and posters alongside a room impressed by the American thriller sequence Twin Peaks. There’re reside motion function play costumes, a online game primarily based within the Fallen London world and lots extra assured to please followers of the style younger and previous.
When: Till 25 February
Web site
The place: The British Library, nearest tube Kings Cross
