November is almost here! And you know what that means. It’s the last month for the Scrooges amongst you to complain about Christmas “arriving earlier and earlier every year”, before December is upon us. And for the rest of us, it’s time to embrace the festive season head-on. The temperatures have plummeted ( okay, sometimes…), and the Christmas lights are being strung up around the city. But before December arrives, there’s still plenty to do in that strange time between Halloween and Christmas. Here are our picks for the most wonderful things to do in London this November:
1. Catch the Glastonbury of fireworks (October 31 – November 1)
The Ally Pally Fireworks Festival will return once again for its explosive annual showcase. And this year the celebration will span Halloween (All Hallows Eve) and All Hallows Day itself. Which means October 31 and November 1, for those who need specific dates. As always, it’s set to be an enormous event with everything from an Oktoberfest-style beer hall to ghost tours, live DJs, funfair rides, drone shows, and, of course, fireworks.
2. Grow a mo’ and save lives
November Movember has arrived, bringing with it the now iconic charity initiative that sees bros growing mo’s and raising awareness of men’s health. But Movember isn’t restricted to men or the follicularly blessed – there are all manner of ways to get involved, raise money, and save lives. Are you ready to answer the call of the mo’?
3. See the city start to light up for Christmas
November means that the countdown to Christmas is well and truly underway. And as such, many of London’s Christmas light displays will be turning on around the city. Check out these displays and brighten up your nights with some festive cheer:
🌟 Oxford Street Christmas lights – from November 3
✨ Regent Street Christmas lights – from November 6
🌟 Carnaby Street Christmas lights – from November 6
✨ Covent Garden Christmas lights – from November 12
🌟 Old Spitalfields Market – from November 12
✨ Soho Kids Christmas lights – from November 19
4. Pay tribute to lost loved ones
One of London’s most touching sights is returning this November, allowing us to remember those who have sadly passed. The Ever After Garden will pop up in Chelsea this year, from November 13 to December 16, with a display of thousands of illuminated white roses. The garden raises money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, and visitors can dedicate a rose to lost loved ones in person or online.
5. Meet gentle giants and prehistoric predators
Ever wanted to meet a real-life dinosaur? Well… You can’t. But Jurassic World: The Experience is about as close as you’ll get to travelling back in time to walk with these prehistoric creatures. You’ll see everything from the treetop-munching Brachiosaurus to the ‘clever girls’ in the raptor paddock, and the fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex. You can even get up close and personal with adorable baby dinosaurs.
6. Donate a coat to someone in need
WrapUp London is back with their charity coat drive this November, as they start accepting donations on November 3. Donations can be made all the way until December 7, and they will have donation points scattered all across the city. This is the 15th year for the charitable initiative, allowing you to clear out your closet and keep someone warm this winter. And to make it even easier for commuters and Londoners, they’ll have collection points at the following tube stations from November 4-6:
- Kings Cross
- Liverpool Street
- Moorgate
- Waterloo
- London Bridge
7. Spot Snoopy around London
A trail of twelve uniquely-designed Snoopy sculptures will pop up in Fleet Street Quarter, from November 19, 2025 to January 16, 2026. The art trail coincides with area’s Christmas lights switching on so you’ve got a double whammy of festive feelings and Snoopy sculpture hunting. What a delightful day out!
8. Get stuffed with sarnies at a Christmas sandwich festival (November 29)
What happens if you collect together some of London’s best chefs, cooks, and sandwich purveyors around Christmas time? You end up with the Sarnie Party Christmas festival. For one day, everyone from Dom’s Subs to Focaccia Mia and Rogue Sarnies will be stuffing Christmassy flavours between slices of dough for you to enjoy. The event will also feature “DJs, cold beers, fun & games to keep the vibes vibing”,
9. Celebrate London’s diversity at a pan-lingual theatre festival (November 3-23)
The Voila! Theatre Festival lands in London this November for its 12th year of programming, featuring a border-crossing array of performances. Altogether, across 3 weeks, the festival will showcase 110 shows featuring 450 artists and 70 different languages. Over half of the shows are bilingual (in English and another language). And as for the rest? Every show that isn’t in English is surtitled, allowing English-speaking audience members to “engage with stories from other cultures”.
10. Become part of the art at Moco Museum
Moco Museum’s already impressive collection of modern and contemporary art (including pieces from Warhol, Banksy, and even singer Robbie Williams) has recently received a dazzling new addition. Krista Kim’s digital installation, Heart Space (2024), recently landed at Moco, and “invites visitors to become part of the art itself by transforming their real-time biometric data into a mesmerising visual symphony”. That’s not all, either, with new works also now on display from artists such as KAWS, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and more.
11. Glide along the ice at London’s highest ice rink
This November, Bussey Rooftop Bar in Peckham will transform into a Christmassy destination with London’s highest ice rink. Expect rooftop vibes with a festive twist from November 17 to January 1 as you take to the skies for a glide on the ice. They’ll also have a special food and drinks offering for the season, and live DJs every Friday and Saturday. Get ready to jingle those sleighbells all season long.
12. Or take to the ice at another of London’s ice rinks
But the Bussey Rooftop Bar ice rink isn’t the only place for you to spin your way along the ice (or at least try not to fall…). Head to these London ice rinks for a charming wintry activity:
🧊 Hampton Court Palace
🧊 Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Read more about London’s ice rinks here.
13. Immerse yourself in a festive theatrical dining experience (Opens November 25)
An ultra-glamorous, wonderfully festive theatrical dining experience lands in Shoreditch this November to bring Christmas cheer to East London. Nutcracker Noir is an immersive, multi-sensory experience combining West End drama, stunning sets, and food inspired by the action on stage. Expect twinkling lights, velvet nights, and holiday enchantment as the timeless tale of The Nutcracker is reimagined with a noir twist.
14. Wander around a festive Christmas market
Need to get a head start on the Christmas shopping? Or simply looking for somewhere to enjoy mug after mug of steaming mulled wine and spiced cider? These London Christmas markets have you sorted.
15. Or explore some of the UK’s stunning Christmas markets
London isn’t the only place in the UK with stunning Christmas markets. So why not strike out and check out some of our country’s other gloriously magical sights? Some of our particular favourites include:
❄️ Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
❄️ Manchester Christmas Markets
❄️ Blenheim Palace
16. Slide some rocks along the ice
Okay, so it might be a bit of an understatement to describe curling as sliding ‘rocks’ along the ice, but you get the picture. Club Curling returns to King’s Cross this winter, popping up at Coals Drop Yard from November 7, 2025, to March 1, 2026. Test your skills on the lanes before heading to the Club Curling Lounge to unwind, drink in hand.
17. Escape London and wander around a Winter Wonderland
Every year it’s one of the most popular festive attractions in London, and every year it just gets bigger and better. This year is no different, with Winter Wonderland returning from November 14 to deliver Christmas cheer by the sleigh-load. Be sure to book your ticket soon so you don’t miss your preferred time and date!
18. Trade in your leftover Halloween pumpkins for free pasta
Over at 27 Old Compton Street, Chef Nima Safaei has come up with a pumpkin amnesty plan to save some of London’s Halloween pumpkins from going to waste. Between November 3-5, if you bring in a leftover Halloween pumpkin, you’ll receive a plate of handmade pumpkin ravioli – completely for free!
19. Drink with Santa at a Christmas dive bar
The immersive Christmassy drinking experience, Humbug, returns to London for another raucous festive season. Guests can expect interactive games, a sozzled Santa, and a sack-load of surprises. Over the course of the three-hour experience, you’ll meet HUMBUG regulars, ranging from a disgruntled dive bar waitress to a mailman who has lost all his letters to Santa, and an ever-changing line-up of London’s finest cabaret, circus, and musical acts.
20. Or have a drink at London’s most OTT Christmas cocktail bar
If you fancy going ALL IN with your festive celebrations, why not pay a visit to London’s most over-the-top festive cocktail bar, Miracle at Henrietta? Sip on drinks like the Christmasaurus and the Snowball Old Fashioned, while surrounded by some of the gaudiest holiday decor you’ve ever laid eyes on. But act fast to reserve your spot, because bookings are known to disappear in the blink of an eye. Don’t be left praying for a miracle.
21. Head to the Alps (on a London Bridge rooftop)
Après Bar has returned to take over London Bridge Rooftop for the winter. The fully-covered and heated rooftop bar (thank goodness) combines teapots of mulled wine, vintage Alpine decor and memorabilia, and plenty of festive food and cocktails. They’ll also be hosting an Après Brunch every Saturday, regular DJ nights, and weekly events. Plus, there’s a Christmas Grotto and some Cable Cars and Pergolas – for private hire or just great photo ops.
22. Climb the O2 to visit the UK’s highest snow globe
If you’re after a festive activity with a view to remember, then this is just the thing for you. Up at the O2 is bringing back its Christmas snow globe, perched right on top of the world-famous venue. From November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026, they’ll be treating visitors to a sky-high vantage point with falling snow and mulled wine – and the perfect photo opportunity.
23. Solve a murder in a fancy cocktail bar (November 7)
For one night only, this November, Fitzrovia’s The Fancy Pig cocktail bar will swap speakeasy glamour for scandal as it hosts a special murder mystery party. The immersive event will take guests back to the Roaring Twenties (drink in hand, naturally) as they navigate shady characters and unexpected twists.
Don’t miss out; grab your ticket here.
24. Dodge the crowds at this charming Christmas village in Central London
If you want more festive cheer than you can shake a stick sprig of mistletoe at, but without the enormous crowds, be sure to check out the Chelsea Winter Village. From November 26, they’ll be taking over the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea with a 1.5km light trail full of interactive installations, Christmas market stalls, live entertainment, and more. Psst… It’s also the only winter lights trail in Central London!
25. Chow down on Michelin-starred food from Spain (November 5)
A two-Michelin-starred restaurant from Madrid is coming to London for an extra special meal. Smoked Room is bringing its celebrated open-fire omakase experience to London’s Ekstedt at The Yard for one night only. It’s your chance to try out some of the best food Spain has to offer – without even having to leave the city, let alone the country.
26. Tuck into a rare dining experience
London’s chefs and restaurants are always collaborating and joining forces – but with each other and with venues far outside the city. And they’re always dreaming up all manner of wild menus for guests to enjoy. If you want to try out a limited-edition menu or a one-night-only dining experience, check out these special meals this November:
🦀 Ceylon Crab Table at Kolamba East (November 2) – on the first Sunday of each month, Kolamba East hosts special crab table meals, bringing traditional Sri Lankan crab feasting to Shoreditch. Book here.
🖼️ Akara menu at Tate Modern – Tate Modern has partnered up with Aji Akokomi(Akara and Akoko), on an exclusive three-course menu inspired by the Nigerian Modernism exhibition.
🍽️ Tastemakers at Kanishka with Romy Gill MBE (November 16) – kicking off the ‘Super Mum – Super Chef’ series, Romy Gill will serve a six-course tasting menu inspired by Indian home cooking. Book here.
🔥 Chalee & Num at Mountain (November 4) – Mountain will host two of Thailand’s most influential culinary figures, Chef Chalee Kader and Chef Num Weerawat Triyasenawat, for a collaboration lunch. Book here.
🐖 Tasca weekender at Ploussard (November 8 & 9) – France and Spain collide as roving Spanish-influenced restaurant Tasca takes over the kitchen at French wine bar/restaurant PLOUSSARD for a weekend.
27. Head to the theatre
London’s theatre scene is truly world-class. After all, is there any place more synonymous with drama and acting than the West End? (Shh… D0n’t say Broadway.) Check out these plays in London this November:
NEW OPENINGS
🐻 Paddington The Musical (November 1, 2025 – May 25, 2026): Savoy Theatre – the story of the marmalade-loving bear gets the musical treatment.
🔥 After Sunday (November 10 – December 20): Bush Theatre – a Caribbean cooking group at a medium-security hospital prepares for Father’s Day, but tensions threaten to boil over.
🪖 All My Sons (Opens November 14): Wyndham’s Theatre – Bryan Cranston helms this new production of Arthur Miller’s first play.
🚀 The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Live (November 15, 2025 – February 15, 2026): Riverside Studios – Douglas Adams’ iconic comic novel comes to life in this immersive experience.
🕵️ The Spy Who Came In From The Cold (November 15, 2025 – February 21, 2026): Soho Place – the first John le Carré novel to get the theatrical treatment.
🩰 Ballet Shoes (November 17, 2025 – February 21, 2026): Olivier Theatre – Noel Streatfeild’s novel hits the West End stage with a story of “ambition, sisterhood, and dancing through life’s challenges.”
👻 A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story (November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026): Alexandra Palace – experience Dickens’ classic ghost story in suitable spooky environs.
☃️ The Snowman (November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026): Peacock Theatre – the Christmas classic returns to the stage for the festive season.
👠 Ebony Scrooge (November 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026): Sadler’s Wells East – the story of Scrooge is reimagined around a fashion empire (a la Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly) in this hip-hop adaptation.
ENDING SOON
❤️🩹 The Lady from the Sea (Ends November 8): Bridge Theatre – a new Ibsen adaptation finds a woman choosing between a past flame and her current life, where she feels she may have settled.
❤️🔥 Entertaining Mr Sloane (Ends November 8): Young Vic – Rizzle Kicks’ Jordan Stephens stars opposite Tamzin Outhwaite in this story of strangers, seduction, danger, and desire.
🎶 Fanny (Ends November 15): King’s Head Theatre – a 19th-century composer strikes out to get recognition for music published under her brother’s name.
💗 Daddy’s First Gay Date (Ends November 16): Seven Dials Playhouse – a man on the cusp of fatherhood goes on his first-ever date with another man.
🚗 Clarkston (Ends November 22): Trafalgar Theatre – Heartstoppers’ Joe Locke makes his West End debut in a story of two men travelling west in search of purpose and meaning in their lives.
🪶 Wendy & Peter Pan (Ends November 22): Barbican Centre – the story of Peter Pan is reframed to focus on Wendy.
👊 Punch (Ends November 29): Apollo Theatre – the aftermath of an impulsive punch that has fatal consequences.
💔 The Unbelievers (Ends November 29): Royal Court – a mother’s life falls apart in the wake of her son’s disappearance.
🍖 The Meat Kings! (Inc.) of Brooklyn Heights (Ends November 29): Park Theatre – the American Dream and anti-immigration sentiment are explored within the walls of a New York butcher.
28. Or laugh and shout at a panto
Image: @lyrichammersmith, via IG
Yup, panto season is back, folks! That means it’s time to grab a seat for a riotous old performance that’s sure to be full of belly-laughs, audience interaction, and celebrity appearances. Here are a few of our picks for panto season performances:
🫛 Jack and the Beanstalk (November 15 – January 4) – Lyric Hammersmith
🎃 Cinderella (November 22 – December 31) – Hackney Empire
🏴☠️ Peter Pan: A Pantomime Adventure (November 28 – January 11) – Greenwich Theatre
29. Take a magical journey on the Polar Express
Get your cosy pyjamas on and get those golden tickets ready, Londoners, because we’re off to the North Pole! The magical Polar Express experience is chugging its way into London from November 29 to December 23, allowing guests to live out the iconic Christmas film. You can expect dazzling dancing chefs, delicious hot chocolate, and Yuletide fun aboard the hour-long journey.
30. Sip on a truffle martini flight
Ever had a truffle martini? How about three truffle martinis? Because that’s just what’s on offer over at the luxe MR PORTER Restaurant, Bar & Lounge, now that truffle season is in full swing. They’re celebrating one of the food world’s most luxurious ingredients with a menu of decadent dishes and a limited-edition Truffle Martini Flight.
Available from November 1-30. Book here.
31. Sip and paint potter (November 12)
Image: @viningstreetwineclub & @benneypottery, via IG
Low-ABV wine brand, 6Percent, is teaming up with ceramic artist Benney Pottery and Vining Street Wine Club in Brixton to host Pottery & Pour. It’s an evening to enjoy wine (without the high ABV) and create your own pottery piece, whilst also grazing on charcuterie and cheese boards. Could it be
32. Get your fondue fix
London’s fiery, cheesy, fondue-fuelled winter BBQ pop-up, Fire & Fromage, has returned to London’s South Bank. Get cosy in a weatherproof cabana, huddle up around the fire pit, and tuck into an impressive fondue feast. You can even round off the experience by toasting marshmallows over the fire.
33. Or indulge in oozy raclette (from November 13)
If fondue somehow isn’t enough to sate your desire for cheese in these cooler nights, head to The Chalet at Somerset House. Each table at this Alpine-themed pop-up restaurant has its own raclette machine – so the cheese remains perfectly oozy all night long. Mugs of mulled wine and mulled cider are on hand, too, to keep to cosy vibes going – perfect for warming up after a session on the ice at Skate at Somerset House.
34. Jump around at a top London gig
London’s music scene is one of the best in the world, with venues that range from intimate clubs for new acts to enormous arenas for chart-topping music superstars. Soak up the unmissable atmosphere of a live gig at one of these performances this November:
🎸 King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (November 1-2 & 4) – Electric Brixon & Royal Albert Hall
🎵 The Temper Trap (November 2) – O2 Forum Kentish Town
🎤 Loyle Carner (November 2-4) – O2 Academy Brixton
🎸 Turnstile (November 5) – Alexandra Palace
🎶 Blood Orange (November 7-9) – Alexandra Palace
🎙️ Perfume Genius (November 11) – Roundhouse
🎵 Luvcat (November 12) – KOKO
🎸 Wet Leg (November 13) – Royal Albert Hall
🎶 Decius (November 13) – Scala
🎙️ Lorde (November 16-17) – The O2
🎸 Babyshambles (November 16-17) – O2 Academy Brixton
🎤 Tinie Tempah (November 18) – KOKO
🎵 Joy Crookes (November 18-19) – O2 Academy Brixton
🎸 Lambrini Girls, Enola Gay, and Clt Drp (November 19) – O2 Forum Kentish Town
🎧 Radiohead (November 21, 22, 24) – The O2
🎙️ My Bloody Valentine (November 25) – OVO Arena
🎤 JLS (November 28-29) – The O2
🎹 Hans Zimmer (November 30-December 1) – The O2
35. Attend a stunning candlelit concert
For an altogether different musical experience that is no less stunning, head to one of these Candlelight Concerts in London. In gorgeous environs, surrounded by 1000s of flickering candles, you’ll have your breath taken away by enchanting performances. Music ranges from classical music to movie scores, spooky horror themes, and the biggest pop and rock acts around.
See the full list of Candlelight Concerts in London here.
36. Take a ride in the newly-launched Chimney Lift
Following an overhaul and a new identity, the Chimney Lift (née LIFT 109) returns this November – on its 3rd birthday, no less – to whisk visitors into the sky. Enjoy stunning views of London and explore the immersive features that make it a 360° experience.
37. Browse the racks at a Lucy & Yak pop-up
Image: @lucyandyak, via IG
Beloved clothing brand Lucy & Yak has popped up in London with a temporary store selling their iconic print-led and brightly-coloured garms. The pop-up, catchily named ondon & Yak, is expected to be in place for 6 months. So head on down to secure some new signature pieces, “crafted from ethically sourced, eco-friendly materials.”
📍 Find the pop-up at London & Yak, 14 Lamb Street, E1 6EA. The nearest stations are Liverpool Street and Shoreditch High Street.
38. Master the art of momo (November 28)
London’s momo maestros over at Eat Momo will be taking dumpling-lovers behind the scenes to learn how to master the art of making momo. Guests will be guided through every single step of the process, from making the dough to the final finished dish – drink in hand.
Find out more and book tickets here.
39. Try out one of London’s newest openings
Restaurants and bars are always opening up in London, so much so that it can be hard to keep track. Good thing we’re here to help, eh? Be among the first to check out these new openings in London this November:
🍝 Motorino (Now open) – a new London Italian spot from Luke Ahearne (previously Lita and Luca) and Stevie Parle (chef-owner of Pastaio and Town).
🍜 Poon’s at Somerset House (Opens November 5) – serving home-style Chinese dishes, which may be unfamiliar in the West, such as Zha Jiang Noodles and Claypot rice.
🍜 Khao-Sō-i (Opens November 12) – The first international outpost of Chiang Mai’s cult-favourite noodle bar.
🔥 Firestarter (Opens November 13) – a new live-fire kitchen & grill featuring shareable dishes with big flavours. Crab Doughnut, anyone?
🍽️ Maset (Opens early November) – French cuisine from the Occitan region, with dishes like Bouillabaisse Croquettas, Pâtes au Pistou, Monkfish with Lardo and Camargue Rice.
🍸 cato (Opens November) – a cocktail bar dedicated to julep-style drinks, with award-winning bar talent.
🔥 Nora (Opens November) – a new modern Turkish eatery in Canary Wharf.
40. Get cultured at an art exhibition
Thanks to London’s wealth of art galleries and museums – many of which are FREE – there is always an interesting new exhibition opening up somewhere. Be sure to check out these new exhibitions that open this month, or catch the last few days before others close!
🩷 Frieze Sculpture (Ends November 2): Regents Park – a public (and free!) display of sculptures accompanying the prestigious Frieze London art fair.
💛 Making Egypt (Ends November 2): Young V&A – “Explore the creativity of ancient Egypt and how it still influences art, design and popular culture today”.
💜 Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs (Ends November 9): Japan House – an insight into how Japanese design has influenced ‘pictograms’ and visual language used around the world.
💚 Kurt Cobain Unplugged (Ends November 18): Royal College of Music Museum – experience rock history with this display of items from Nirvana’s iconic MTV Unplugged performance.
🩶 Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2025 (November 13, 2025 – February 8, 2026): National Portrait Gallery – displaying works from the competition, ranging across photos from “talented young photographers, gifted amateurs and established professionals”.
💙 Turner and Constable (November 27, 2025 – April 12, 2026): Tate Britain – two of Britain’s greatest painters – and greatest of rivals – are displayed together 250 years after their births.
41. See a London church transformed into a shimmering piece of public art
This November, London’s historic St Mary-le-Strand church will be enveloped in a dazzling, shimmering curtain-like image that will transform the site into a piece of public art. The piece, entitled Decades, will pay homage to the church’s architecture and celebrate its 300th birthday. Happy birthday!
42. Watch Christmas movies all day long
Did you know there’s a TV channel that plays Christmas movies all day long? Because that’s exactly what happens over on the GREAT! Christmas TV channel. And they’ve been playing non-stop festive flicks since as far back as September! How’s that for some Christmas spirit?
43. 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.
More things to do inspiration…
😁 Fab and FREE things to do in London
🚶♀️ The VERY BEST London activities you need to try at least once