Well, November is upon us, folks! This means, in turn, that Christmas has all but arrived in London! The temperatures have plummeted ( mostly…), and the Christmas lights are already being strung up around the city. So if you’re planning ahead to make the most of the month, there’s plenty to do in that strange time between Halloween and Christmas. Here are all of our picks for the most wonderful things to do in London this November:
1. Answer the call of the moustache
Over the years, Movember has grown into a beast of a fundraiser and initiative that sees millions of ‘Mo Bros’ and ‘Mo Sisters’ joining in. Together they raise funds, spread the word, take on challenges, and generally spark conversations about the state of men’s health around the world. Will you answer the call of the moustache?
Head to the website to find out more and sign up.
2. Celebrate Diwali (October 29-November 3)
Diwali, also known as The Festival of Light, is a wonderful celebration that lights up London – and the rest of the world – every year. It sees families and friends gathering to exchange gifts, enjoy elaborate feasts, and generally celebrate the ocassion. Here are a few of our picks for celebrating Diwali in London this year:
- Diwali Weekend at Wembley Park (November 1-3)
- Bottomless Biryani at Kricket Canary Wharf (November 2)
- Michelin-starred Diwali feast at Benares (October 28-November 3)
- Thali Diwali and a Diwali Bazaar at Bombay Bustle (October 23-November 3)
Check out our guide to celebrating Diwali in London here.
3. Band up with Guy Fawkes
The year is 1605, and a daring mission is unfolding – with you at the centre of it all! The Gunpowder Plot is a thrilling immersive production that combines history, live theatre, and virtual reality for an unforgettable explosive experience. You’ll become part of The Gunpowder Plot as you join clandestine meetings and find yourself caught up in adventure and spine-tingling encounters.
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
4. Donate a coat to someone in need
WrapUp London is back again this November with its enormous annual coat drive. Last year, thanks to the help of 1,000 volunteers, they were able to distribute 16,420 coats to more than 75 charitable projects. This year they’re back again (from November 5) and just like years past they’ll also be operating coat drop-off points at busy London stations for commuters. It’s never been easier to do good!
Find out more about WrapUp London’s coat drive here.
5. Head to ‘the Glastonbury of fireworks festivals’ (November 1-2)
Speaking of explosive entertainment, Ally Pally’s enormous fireworks festival is back this November to commemorate the event immortalised in the above Gunpowder Plot. Visitors can expect all sorts of food, music, games, and bright sparks to be enjoyed across the area’s enormous 196 acres of parkland. And new for this year is a stunning drone show that will precede the fireworks display with a colourful performance in the sky.
Check out our guide to more Bonfire night fireworks here.
6. Take in world-class art at the Moco Museum
If you’re an art fan, especially a fan of modern and contemporary art, and you haven’t visited the Moco Museum in London – what are you waiting for? The world-famous museum opened in London this year, and it features incredible works from the likes of Warhol, Haring, Banksy, Basquiat, Kusama, and many more. It’s a must-visit for any art fans. Psst… The Moco Museum even features artwork from Robbie Williams!
Find out more and grab tickets here.
7. Commemorate Día de los Muertos (November 2)
Día de los Muertos is a special celebration where family and friends gather to remember and celebrate lost loved ones. These are our picks for the best Día de los Muertos events in London this November:
🌮 Cult taco spot Proper Tacos is celebrating Day of the Dead with an extended menu encompassing everything from pozole to gorditas, tamales, chilaquiles, cafe de olla, champurrado, pan de muerto, and conchas. (October 26 – November 3)
🥃 KOL Mezcaleria is bringing the spirit of traditional Mexican street celebrations to its bar with live mariachi music, traditional art and face painting, and an exclusive cocktail menu in partnership with Volcan Tequila. (November 2)
💀 Corrochios will celebrate Día de los Muertos in partnership with The Lost Explorer. Expect live music, special food and drink, traditional pan de muerto, an all-new tequila, and a communal ofrenda. (November 2)
🥳 Zapote is hosting three days of celebrations with “foot stomping, mezcal driven expertise and unrivalled recipes from chef Yahir’s family”. (October 31-November 2)
🍸 Cavita is joining in the celebrations with a week of marigold decor, one-off special dishes and drinks, and a party in its hidden bar, El Bar De Cavita, on the final day. (October 29-November 2)
8. Grab some home comforts – for a good cause
Beloved lifestyle brand Lucy & Yak is partnering up with housing and homelessness charity, Shelter, for a very special pop-up. From November 1-3, they’ll be popping up at with ‘The Comfort Store’ at Shelter’s Coal Drops Yard Boutique in King’s Cross. The store will sell some of the brand’s comfiest and cosiest goods – focusing on ‘home comforts’ – ranging from the iconic dungarees to cosy fleeces and blankets. Customers can also donate their own preloved Yaks through Lucy & Yak’s PreLoved scheme, and all clothing donations and profits will go directly to Shelter.
Find out more about Shelter, and the work they do, here.
9. See the Christmas lights turn on around London
Whether you believe it’s simply too early, or you wish they’d turned up even earlier, the Christmas lights will start lighting up London this November. Here are some switch-on dates to pop into your diary so you don’t miss any of the festive displays coming to life.
🌟 Oxford Street – November 5
✨ Regent Street – November 7
🌟 Covent Garden – November 12
✨ Soho Kids Christmas Lights – November 12
🌟 Old Spitalfields Market – November 13
✨ Marylebone Village Christmas Lights – November 13
10. Peek behind Batman’s mask
The Batman Unmasked exhibition takes viewers behind the mask and behind the scenes with a chance to explore “a never-before-seen collection of original props, vehicles, and costumes.” With exhibits that encompass on-screen representations of Batman as far back as 1989, there’s loads to explore. The exhibition also ranges across the iconic franchise’s many villains, vehicles, weapons, and more.
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
11. Embrace the Spirit of Christmas (November 4-10)
As Christmas draws ever closer, the Christmas spirit starts to fill the city. The decorations go up, the lights turn on, the markets open, and everything starts to feel wonderfully cosy. This November is also when the Spirit of Christmas Fair returns to London with its wealth of shopping and entertainment. Attendees can get a start on their Christmas shopping thanks to offerings from over 600 independent brands. But there’s more than just shopping on offer! Guests can also check out special foodie treats, partake in creative workshops, and even imbibe in a spot of afternoon tea.
Tickets start at £23 for adults, with children under 12 getting in for free. Tickets also net attendees complimentary entry to the two adjoining fairs: the Winter Art & Antiques Fair (November 4-10 ), and The Luxury Travel Fair (November 7-10).
Find out more and book your ticket here.
12. Follow the penguins around the city
An adorable trail of penguin sculptures will pop up in London on November 14, taking visitors on a tour around the Fleet Street Quarter. Each of the statues has been uniquely designed and features all manner of fun facts about penguins. There are 12 penguin sculptures to find in total, and they’ll remain in place for eight weeks. That’s plenty of time to find them all!
13. See the Tower of London covered in poppies (November 8-16)
A stunning visual display will take over the Tower of London’s White Tower this November in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the World Wars. Guests will be invited inside the walls of the Tower of London after hours to see the tower lit up with a stunning display of fields of poppies, historic photos, artwork, and more.
Get your ticket for Poppy Fields at the Tower here.
14. See the evolution of the natural world in a thrilling VR experience
Life Chronicles is a jaw-dropping experience that allows visitors to walk with dinosaurs, shrink down to the size of microbial lifeforms, explore the deep sea, and see the beginnings of our planet, all in one place. You’ll be able to experience the breadth and diversity of the life our planet has sustained and see the evolution of lifeforms as history has progressed. It’s a truly spectacular adventure.
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
15. Trade rare cards (November 2 & 3)
This November, the London Card Show is returning for its 14th iteration – and it’s bigger and better than ever before. It’s now Europe’s biggest trading card show and features almost 800 tables of rare and limited-edition trading cards and collectibles. There will be ultra-rare sightings – including cards worth tens of thousands of pounds – as well as special guest meet-and-greets, workshops, a retro gaming arcade, and more.
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
16. Enjoy some OTT festive cocktails
London’s most festive cocktail bar, Miracle at Henrietta, returns this November to bring over-the-top festive cheer to the city. From November 11-December 23, guests can enjoy the outrageously kitschy decor and equally ostentatious drinks. It’s a Christmas Miracle (at Henrietta)!
17. Turn your world upside down at a perception-challenging museum
London’s Paradox Museum invites you to “exit reality” and “enter fun”. The mind-bending immersive exhibits turn your world upside down and force you to reconsider what you’re seeing and experiencing. You’ll be walking on the ceiling, floating in zero gravity, and you might even find your legs disconnected from your body!
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
18. Check out the UK’s highest snow globe
Sometimes the O2 just does… bonkers stuff. Like putting a snow globe on top of their iconic venue. And we love them for it. Kicking off on November 22, climbers who visit Up at The O2 can enjoy a guided climb to the top of the O2’s iconic roof before spending extended time up top, visiting an immersive snow globe. The snow globe will even feature falling snow and champagne to sip on!
19. Get slap happy at the Tortilla Slap Championships (November 9)
What started as a viral social media trend has ballooned into the UK’s first-ever official Tortilla Slap Championship, Market Place Vauxhall and Streat Latin have joined forces on the bonkers new event, which will see “32 brave competitors… battle it out for the coveted title of the UK’s first tortilla-slapping champion”. The winner will walk away with the title and a year’s supply of tacos and margaritas courtesy of Market Place and Streat Latin. The day’s competition will also feature professional wrestling displays, mariachi entertainment, and free tacos and margaritas for spectators.
Find out more and sign up to take part here.
20. Grab a free smash-burger (November 13)
This November, Honest Burgers is giving away thousands of free burgers across the UK. They’re celebrating the new recipe for their popular Smashed Burger by giving away 100 of them (with fries!) on a first-come first-served basis at all 39 of their restaurants on November 13.
Find out how to grab a free Smashed Burger and Rosemary Salted Fries here.
21. Chow down at a Christmas Sandwich Festival (November 15-17)
Yes, you read that correctly. There’s a whole festival dedicated to Christmas sandwiches of all shapes, sizes, and fillings, coming to London this November. The Sarnie Party: Christmas Sandwich Special will pop up at Copeland Park in Peckham on November 15-17 with over 20 top chefs serving up their best festive sandos. The sandwiches will come from Ruben’s Reubens, The Black Pig, Finks, Paulie’s Bagels, Lil Wong Bakes, and many more.
Find out more here.
22. Tune in to a city-wide jazz festival (November 15-24)
Every year, around the middle of November, the EFG London Jazz Festival fills London with the strains of live music and countless jazz fans. The city-spanning festival takes place across an enormous number of venues, with a whole host of musicians joining in the fun. Regardless of whether you’re a jazz novice or a seasoned aficionado, you won’t want to miss out on these thrilling live events.
Find out more here.
23. Journey to Ancient Egypt
Did you know you can travel through time and across continents to visit Ancient Egypt without even leaving London? The Horizon of Khufu experience utilises cutting-edge VR technology to take participants 4,500 years back in time. Your journey starts with watching the sun rise over the Giza Necropolis before a virtual guide takes you on a tour of ancient Egyptian culture and architecture.
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
24. Go boule-ing
Who needs bowling when you could enjoy a round of boule? South Bank’s Boulebar brings the French pastime to London with heated and covered petanque courts to enjoy the sport all through the colder months. Grab some friends and a few glasses of pastis and you’re in for a wonder-boule time.
Find out more and book here.
25. Or curl your way to victory
London’s Curling Club has already return for the season with their OG spot at London’s Southbank Centre. And this November they’re also opening their second location, an enormous new spot with room for 600 people at Vinegar Yard. Set to stay open from November 1 all the way until the end of February, you’ll have plenty of time to become a curling pro.
Meanwhile over in Walthamstow, Big Penny Social will be unveiling a brand-new heated curling emporium on November 22. Warm up with a drink from their impressive beverage menu – including craft beers, mulled wine, and more – and enjoy some friendly competition. Book here.
26. Get festive at Winter Wonderland (Opens November 21)
That’s right, folks – come November, Winter Wonderland is back! Hyde Park’s annual winter-y glow-up returns on November 21 when the festive attraction swings open the doors to its wide array of rides, attractions, bars, food stands, stores, and more. Don’t miss out on the most Christmassy event in London.
Find out more here.
27. Gamble and drink in the Wild West
If you fancy cavorting with the colourful characters and ne’er-do-wells of the Wild West, you’ll want to head to the Moonshine Saloon. This immersive experience combines theatre, expertly crafted cocktails, and the chance to rub shoulders with the locals. But first, you’ll have to smuggle your own liquor in… And beware the arrival of the Sherrif!
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
28. Get cultured at a London art exhibition
EXHIBITIONS OPENING IN NOVEMBER
❤️ Koestler Arts: No Comment (November 1 – December 15): Southbank Centre – a free exhibition of over 200 artworks by people in the criminal justice system.
💜 Celebrity Skin (November 1, 2024 – January 6, 2025): Riverside Studios – a collection of rock ‘n’ roll photography from the famed Scarlet Page.
💛 We Are Briefly Gorgeous (November 2 – December 14): Saatchi Gallery – a salon-style exhibition of 400 works from the Annual Open submission.
🧡 As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic (November 5, 2024 – January 20, 2025): Saatchi Gallery – “photographs from African Diasporic culture” curated by Elliott Ramsey and showcasing works by “Black artists from Canada, United States, Great Britain, The Caribbean, and the African Continent.”
🩶 Anastasia Samoylova: Adaptation (November 5, 2024 – January 20, 2025): Saatchi Gallery – a survey of works from American photographer Anastasia Samoylova, spanning Samoylova’s ‘Landscape Sublime’, ‘Image Cities’, ‘FloodZone’, ‘Floridas’, and ‘Breakfasts’ series.
💙 Picasso: printmaker (November 7, 2024 – March 30, 2025): The British Museum – a career-spanning exploration of Picasso’s lesser-known printmaking output. He made over 2,400 prints in his life.
❤️ ADWOMEN: 100 Years of Women in Advertising (November 8, 2024 – April 28, 2025): London’s Museum of Brands – a retrospective of iconic adverts and the creative women within advertising.
💚 Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael: Florence c 1504 (November 9, 2024 – February 16, 2025): Royal Academy of Arts – an exhibition that explores the relationships between the trio, from rivalry to influence.
🩷 Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2024 (November 14, 2024 – February 16, 2025): National Portrait Gallery – the prize returns for the 17th year, celebrating and showcasing amateurs, young photographers, and established names in contemporary photography.
💜 The 80s: Photographing Britain (November 21, 2024 – May 5, 2025): Tate Britain – photography from the 1980s, capturing the story of Britain during the transformative time period.
💚 Exodus (November 29, 2024 – May, 2025): London Museum Docklands – the first exhibition in the museum’s new Reflections Room display space sees British-Caribbean artist Zak Ové exploring migration through the present lens.
EXHIBITIONS CLOSING IN NOVEMBER
❤️ Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking (Ends November 3): Dulwich Picture Gallery – a first-of-its-kind show for the UK and Europe showcasing the evolution of Japanese printmaking across three generations.
💜 Yayoi Kusama: Every Day I Pray For Love (Ends November 2): Victoria Miro – an all-new Infinity room from Kusama alongside the artist’s newest paintings and sculptures.
💙 Muhammed Ali in Focus: The Greatest (Ends November 8): Alon Zakaim Fine Art – a collection of photographs from sports photographer Chris Smith, many of which have never been seen before.
💛 Michelangelo Pistoletto (Ends November 15): Robilant+Voena – a solo show, featuring some of the artist’s signature Mirror Paintings.
🩶 Unreal City: Abstract Painting in London (Ends November 17): Saatchi Gallery – three generations of artists explore abstract painting’s past and future.
💜 Christian Furr: Fish & Cheese (Ends November 17): Bartha_contemporary – tongue-in-cheek humour infuses this exhibition of paintings of… fish and cheese…
💚 Osamu Kobayashi: Lost Stranger (Ends November 23): BEERS London – solo show featuring the artist’s large-scale pieces with “fluid forms, bold colours, and intricate brushwork”.
🩷 Samuel Nnorom: Multitude or Minority (Ends November 24): Saatchi Gallery – solo exhibition of Ankara fabric sculptures from the Nigerian artist; works comprise constellations of bubbles and bundles of fabric and material.
🧡 Mapping the Tube: 1863–2023 (Ends November 30): The Map House – explore the history and evolution of the London Underground maps and designs.
Find even more London art exhibitions to explore here.
29. Drink up with Santa
Humbug, the ultra Christmassy dive bar-slash-drinking experience launched in London last year and was a huge hit. This year, they’re back again to invite you to “step into Christmas and Santa’s cherished watering hole”. Inside guests are treated to live performances and sing-alongs, games, immersive storytelling, and more, as they try to cheer up a glum Santa Claus.
Humbug returns on November 14. Find out more and book your spot here.
30. Browse London’s Christmas markets
Every year London is filled to bursting with all manner of wonderfully festive Christmas markets. They’re the perfect spots for a cosy day out for buying presents or just browsing while you sip on mulled wine and hot chocolate. Here are some of the Christmas markets that we’ll make a beeline for when they return this winter. Most should open sometime in the middle of November.
❄️ Leicester Square Christmas Market
🎄 Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
❄️ South Bank Christmas Markets
🎄 Winter by the River
❄️ Kingston Christmas Market
Check out even more of London’s Christmas markets here.
31. And the rest of the UK’s charming Christmas markets
As great as we may think our city is, we’d have to be pretty big-headed to ignore the UK’s other fantastic Christmas markets. Whether you’re after a festive getaway, or simply need to visit EVERY Christmas market, here are some of our picks for the UK’s best Christmas markets for all the festive feels:
❄️ Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
🎄 Manchester Christmas Markets
❄️ Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
🎄 Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
❄️ Edinburgh’s East Princes Street Gardens Market
Find even more UK Christmas markets to check out here.
32. Check out London’s newest speakeasy – direct from Amsterdam
Over in Soho, a seductive new speakeasy joint recently opened – and you definitely don’t want to miss out. From the team behind Dean Street’s popular The Seafood Bar, Zum Barbarossa has landed in London following the incredible success of its flagship bar in Amsterdam. Amidst the low-lit interiors, hidden deep underground, guests can expect expertly mixed cocktails, small bites to nibble on, and late-night entertainment. Don’t miss the Spicy Rose Paloma or the Tommy’s Spicy Mezcalita. If you can’t handle the heat, opt for the Banana And Pineapple Daiquiri.
Find out more about Zum Barbarossa here.
33. Book a table at these new bars and restaurants
In London, it seems like there are constantly new bars and restaurants opening. So many that it’s almost impossible to keep track of them all! Luckily for you, that’s literally my job. So here are some of the new bars and restaurants opening in London this November that you should check out:
🍔 BUSTER’S is a new burger bar serving wagyu beef burgers, cocktails, craft beer, and pet nat wines by the glass. Opening November 1.
🍝 Popular Italian spot Artusi is opening another restaurant at Underbelly Boulevard on November 1.
🍕 Beloved pizza group Fatto a Mano are opening their newest location in Bethnal Green on November 1.
🍝 London is getting a new casual, all-day Italian spot in the form of Nipotina on November 4.
🍷 Wine lovers will want to check out Quill – “a decadent treehouse wine bar dedicated to frivolity” – when it opens on November 5.
🍲 AngloThai is bringing Thai-British cuisine to London that focuses on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Opening November 7.
🍔 The team behind the cult Dom’s Subs sandwich shops is opening Jupiter Burger, their first dedicated burger joint. Opening “imminently”.
🥘 Vatavaran is a new luxury Indian dining destination with an attached cocktail bar, opening in London on November 7.
🥟 Chinatown’s Bun House team is opening a disco-influenced late-night spot, Bun House Disco, that transports guests back to 1980s Hong Kong. Opening November 12.
🍔 Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer are bringing their famed OTT-burgers and CrazyShake® milkshakes from NYC to London this November.
🎣 Belgravia institution Motcombs is opening a second restaurant this November, more than four decades after the original, in St John’s Wood.
🍽️ Silva is a new day-to-night spot that will open in Mayfair on November 21 with a menu influenced by everything from the Mediterranean to Japan.
🥢 Sticks′n′Sushi will open their newest sushi and skewers restaurant at Battersea Power Station on November 30th.
Check out even more of London’s newest openings here.
34. Climb aboard for a murder mystery
The Murdér Express is an award-winning immersive experience that takes the idea of dinner and a show to deadly new heights. As you tuck into a menu of delicious food, you’ll be surrounded by the action as a murder mystery unfolds around you against the backdrop of glamorous 1920s East London. It’s a night of thrills, twists, and unforgettable fun.
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
35. Hunt for a bargain in Peckham (November 23 & 24)
A “veritable flea-topia” is set to hit Peckham this November in the form of the Peckham Salvage Yard sale. The organisers of the ultra-popular Hackney Flea Market, Walthamstow Flea Market, and Giant London Flea are bringing their banging bargains to South London. An entrance fee of a mere £1.50 will net you access to a wonderland of treasures, bargains, and unique finds at a massive vintage yard full of “homewares, curiosities, collectibles, and surprising oddities”. What are you waiting for? It’s time to find the perfect new old vintage piece to fill that weird empty spot in the living room.
Find out more here.
36. Catch a show on the West End
London is home to some world-class theatre, so why not escape the dreary winter weather and escape to another world through the magic of theatre? There’s lots to choose from!
NEW OPENINGS
👽 Juno Birch: Probed (November 4 – 16): Soho Theatre – an alien drag queen discusses the absurdity of life on Earth. She’d ” love nothing more than to speak to the manager of Earth”.
💰 Wolves on Road (November 9 – December 21): Bush Theatre – is a get-rich-quick scheme too good to be true?
💪 F**KING LEGEND (November 13 – December 21): Riverside Studios – an Edinburgh Fringe hit show that “picks apart the consequences of modern masculinity”.
👀 The Unseen (November 15 – December 14): Riverside Studios – two men are imprisoned without knowing why, and plot their escape by talking to each other from their respective cells.
😊 The Happiest Man on Earth (November 20 – December 14): Southwark Playhouse Borough – an adaptation of the memoir of a concentration camp survivor who “made a promise to smile every day in thanks for the precious gift of life”.
🎄 A Christmas Carol (ish) (November 21 – December 31): @Sohoplace – Ted Lasso and Taskmaster star Nick Mohammed joins a star-studded ensemble cast for this riotous Christmas comedy.
💔 Expendable (November 21 – December 21): Royal Court – highlighting the voices of Pakistani women, Expendable finds two sisters dealing with a sexual abuse scandal that rocks their community.
⛄ The Snowman (November 23, 2024 – January 4, 2025): Peacock Theatre – the classic Christmas story returns to the Peacock Theatre stage for the 27th year.
🍭 Hansel and Gretel (November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025): Globe Theatre – the renowned fairytale transforms the Globe “with poetry, songs and hope this winter.”
ENDING SOON
☀️ A Raisin In The Sun (Ends November 2): Lyric Hammersmith – the legendary play returns to the London stage.
📻 A Face in the Crowd (Ends November 9): Young Vic (Main House) – a musical adaptation of the 1957 film, from singer-songwriter Elvis Costello and award-winning Broadway playwright Sarah Ruhl, about celebrity, power, and politics.
🐰 White Rabbit Red Rabbit (Ends November 9): Soho Place – no two performances are the same in this show with a sealed script, a different actor every night, and no director.
🎤 Statues (Ends November 9): Bush Theatre – a young man discovers a hitherto unknown musical side to his late father who previously had a rap career.
📖 The Buddha of Suburbia (Ends November 16): Barbican Centre – 1970s South London comes to life in this novel adaptation.
❤️ Juno and the Paycock (Ends November 23): Gielgud Theatre – a small family trying to survive in Dublin during the Irish Civil War.
🪄 Jamie Allan’s Amaze (Ends November 23): Criterion Theatre – a cutting-edge magic show that brings the audience into the world of wonder.
For even more stunning performances, check out our guide to the best musicals on the West End.
37. Or laugh and shout at a panto
The holiday season means the return of the panto season. That means raucous shows with surprising celebrity stars and guest roles, as well as plenty of bawdy humour and audience participation. We’ve rounded up a few of our top picks to check out this festive season, including:
💰 Robin Hood at the London Palladium
🐱 Dick Whittington and His Cat at the Greenwich Theatre
🧚♀️ Peter Pan at the Pheonix Theatre
🫘 Jack and the Beanstalk at the New Wimbledon Theatre
Head here for even more London pantos to check out this festive season.
38. Take on the Crystal Maze’s Snow Dome
The Crystal Maze has had a festive makeover with the return of the iconic Snow Dome this holiday season. From November 18 – December 29, players will collect snow-themed tokens as they race around the life-sized ornament/playing field. The fiendish attraction’s games of mental and physical skill have all been given a Christmassy twist – making it the perfect spot for a holiday outing with competitive friends.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
39. Rave (sober) at a museum (November 15)
The London Transport Museum is bringing back it’s ‘London Nights’ Late sessions this November with its very first ‘sober social’. Guests will be able to roam the museum, discover the joys of sober raving, enjoy live performances, imbibe on zero-proof cocktails, and more.
Find out more and grab a ticket here.
40. Enjoy a unique night of music (November 8)
What Does Not is teaming up with London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries for a truly unique night of music. Forming part of a multi-pronged campaign to elevate the careers of working musicians, NOISE: Loud and Local sees guests enjoying live music, DJing, food, games, and even joining in on an open jam session. It’s a night without headliners or ego, just pure talent.
Grab your tickets here.
41. Jump around at a top London gig
London boasts some pretty impressive live music venues, with world-class gigs taking place all around the city. No matter what genre you listen to, or whether you want to see a chart-topping superstar, there’s a gig in London for you. Check these out this November:
🎸 The Libertines (October 30 – November 1) – Roundhouse
🎵 Laura Marling (October 29-30 & November 1-2) – Hackney Church
🎙️ UB40 & Soul II Soul (November 1) – OVO Arena, Wembley
🎧 Ice Spice (November 4) – O2 Academy Brixton
🎸 Glass Animals and The Big Moon (November 7) – The O2
🎵 Rizzle Kicks (November 8) – KOKO
🎙️ Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds (November 8-9) – The O2
🎹 Ludovico Einaudi (November 11-12) – London Palladium
🎸 The Marías (November 11) – Roundhouse
🎵 Cigarettes After Sex (November 12-13) – The O2
🎙️ Bob Dylan (November 12-14) – Royal Albert Hall
🎹 Amyl and The Sniffers (November 13-15) – Roundhouse
🎸 Jimmy Eat World (November 15) – Alexandra Palace
🎵 Nas (November 15-16) – Royal Albert Hall
🎙️ Rachel Chinouriri (November 16) – O2 Forum Kentish Town
🎹 The Corrs & Natalie Imbruglia (November 20) – The O2
🎸 Khruangbin (November 20 – 22) – Eventim Apollo
🎵 Julien Baker (November 17-21) – EartH
🎙️ Beabadoobee (November 21) – Alexandra Palace
🎸 Fontaines D.C. (November 22-23) – Alexandra Palace
🎵 The Dare (November 20, 26, 27) – Heaven
🎙️ Royel Otis (November 27) – Troxy
🎹 KOKOROKO (November 27) – O2 Academy Brixton
🎵 Charli XCX (November 28) – The O2
🎸 IDLES (November 29 & 30) – Alexandra Palace & Alexandra Palace Park
42. Experience the art of the Tuna Ceremony
This November, Los Mochis City is launching its new TENrei: The Art of Tuna Ceremony dining experience. Launching on November 12, the experience will see guests watch the art of Bluefin tuna preparation (responsibly sourced, of course). Following that, they’ll get to enjoy a 10-course menu highlighting the premium cuts on the fish. Each course will be paired with sake or wine to enhance the culinary experience. Running on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, the experience is only open to 12 people at a time – so don’t miss out!
Book your space for TENrei: The Art of Tuna Ceremony here.
43. Enjoy a special meal
This November, London’s chefs are whipping up all sorts of special meals for hungry diners. From one-off collaborations to new menus, you don’t want to miss these unique dining experiences:
🍽️ Casa Cruz is collaborating with Parisian restaurant Jaïs to bring a taste of the French brasserie experience to Notting Hill until December 20. Book here.
🍹 Quaglino’s is partnering with Casamigos to welcome Mexico City’s legendary bar team from Licorería Limantour for a four-day residency from October 30-November 3. Book here.
🍂 The Parlour restaurant at The Ned has launched an all-new autumn menu with dishes like Spider Crab Spaghetti, Roast Turbot, and a sharing Seafood Platter. Book here.
🍝 This November, artisanal pasta restaurant Officina 00 will highlight pheasant with special menu items as part of an autumnal showcase of seasonal game. Book here.
🍔 For one day only (November 2), Kiwi-founded restaurant The Laundry will serve a limited-edition Great Kiwi Bap to commemorate New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team facing off against England at Twickenham. Book here.
🍲 Babur launches its five-course Winter Game Tasting Menu this November, pairing the finest game meats… with Babur’s signature Indian spices”. Book here.
🎶 Walthamstow’s The Collab is hosting The Famous Festival Five wine dinner on November 6, with five courses each inspired by different music festivals. Grab your ticket here.
🍝 From November 7, Pastaio will be serving a limited-edition pasta dish from Jackson Boxer: Caviar and Smoked Cream Tagliolini, which comes topped with 30g of caviar. Book here.
🔥 Kolae is dropping down at Mayfair’s NIJŪ for a special one-night-only collaboration dinner full of Japanese and Thai-inspired flavours on November 7. Book here.
🍾 Humble Grape is hosting a special 3.5-hour-long Champagne Winemaker Dinner on November 12, with Chantal Brégeon from the historic Philippe Gonet winery. Book here.
🍝 London’s beloved Gloria Trattoria is teaming up with London’s oldest Italian social club, Casa Italiana, for an “epic Italian-style charity Christmas bash” on November 13. Grab your ticket here.
🍽️ Chef Diego Rossie from Milan’s Trippa restaurant will take over the kitchen at Marylebone’s Lita for a special one-night collaborative dinner on November 20. Book here.
🍷 64 Goodge Street is spotlighting overlooked Beaujolais wine with their ‘Beaujolais (not) Nouveau’ wine offering until November 24. Book here.
44. Glide across the ice
Every winter Londoners fall in love all over again with ice-skating, and this November there are plenty of spots to get to gliding across the frozen water. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to palatial skating rinks, London has a bevvy of stunning spots to strap on the skates.
Find even more gorgeous ice-skating spots in the city here.
45. Get started early on the festive feasting
If you’re the type to draw out Christmas celebrations as long as possible and get those decorations up before anyone else, you’ll be thrilled to know some London spots are launching their festive menus this November. So if you want to enjoy some deliciously Christmassy food in November, check out these spots:
🎄 Soho’s hidden gem, 40 Dean Street, is offering a special festive menu that showcases Italy’s finest ingredients – expect the likes of Lobster Ravioli, Turkey wrapped in Parma Ham, and more. Book here. (available from November 11)
🫖 Enjoy a festive afternoon tea at Millie’s Lounge at The Ned with seasonal flavours and Christmas-themed sweet treats. Book here. (November 25-December 24)
🍽️ Elsewhere at The Ned, Cecconi’s, Cantina Malibu, and Electric Bar & Diner will also be serving festive set menus. Find out more and book here. (November 24-December 26)
🍸 Leaf & Cane at The Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars will ring in the holidays with festive cocktails and canapes. Book here. (available through November and December)
46. Taste the world’s best bourbon (November 27)
Bourbon lovers, you don’t want to miss this event. The Kensington Hotel’s K Bar is hosting an extra special tasting that will allow guests to try some of the world’s rarest, and best, bourbons. On November 27, guests will get a chance to sip their way through 25ml pours of five extra-special Pappy Van Winkle bourbons. These include:
- Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year
- Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year
- Pappy Van Winkle 20
- Pappy Van Winkle 23 (usually priced at £135 per pour at The K Bar)
Grab your ticket here. But be warned – it is £180 per person!
47. Join the Yanks in giving thanks (November 28)
Thanksgiving may be an American holiday, but do you think we’ll turn down an excuse to eat as much food as possible? Head to these spots in London to enjoy some Thanksgiving feasts:
🍗 The Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars will be hosting a special Thanksgiving dinner. Book here.
🦃 Marylebone Hotel’s 108 Brasserie will treat diners to a four-course Thanksgiving feast – with a pie room to boot! Book here.
🍗 The Kensington Hotel will celebrate Thanksgiving all the way to the weekend, from November 28-30, with classic Thanksgiving dishes. Book here.
🦃 Oblix at The Shard’s one-night-only Thanksgiving feast will treat diners to classic Thanksgiving dishes with a luxurious twist, an American-inspired wine pairing, and sweeping city views. Book here.
🍗 Drake & Morgan is going big, with special Thanksgiving-themed ‘Pie Dessert Cocktails’ and four-course Thanksgiving feasts available across all their restaurants from November 18-December 1. Book here.
🦃 Saison by Mauro Colagreco restaurant in Raffles London at The OWO will be serving up a three-course Thanksgiving menu for an elegant take on the feast. Book here.
48. Keep exploring this jaw-dropping city
Well, we can’t put everything in one article, can we? So here are even more fantastic things we’ve written about recently that you don’t want to miss in London.
❄️ The UK’s Best Christmas Destination Garden Centre Is Just Outside London
🐻❄️ The Largest Polar Bear Reserve In Europe Is Just 2 Hours From London
🤩 This Incredible Museum Is Stuffed To The Rafters With Dazzling Neon Signs, Movies Props, And More
🌮 The World’s First Pizza Taco Has Just Landed In London
🍹 This Hidden Chinatown Dim Sum Parlour Has Three Cocktail Bars Inside
🍵 There’s A Hidden Café Tucked Away Beneath This Central London Church
🎥 A Statue Of Daniel Kaluuya In ‘Get Out’ Will Be Unveiled On Leicester Square
🍺 This Grade II Listed Pub Is One Of The Oldest In London – And It Has A Fascinating Past
🍲 A Brand New Thai Restaurant Has Landed In London – And It’s Inside Bridget Jones’ Flat
🍻 This Huge Irish Pub In Covent Garden Has Twelve Floors Of Drinking
🍨 A Famous Dessert Hotspot From Mumbai Has Opened Its First UK Store In South London
🍹 This Mysterious Overgrown Cocktail Bar Is Hidden Inside A Mac Repair Store
😋 Five Reasons Why You Must Check Out This Fine Dining Caribbean Concept In South London
🍷 This Cosy, Candlelit Wine Bar Is The Oldest In London – And It Has A Truly Fascinating Past
More things to do inspiration…
😁 Fab and FREE things to do in London
🚶♀️ Our pick of the VERY BEST things to do in London before you die