Things to Do in London in November – Events, Fireworks & Festive Activities

London Events in November 2026

November is a great time to experience London as the city moves from autumn into the festive season. Bonfire Night fireworks light up the skies, Christmas markets begin to open, seasonal ice rinks return and festive lights start appearing across the capital.

From traditional celebrations and live music to theatre, exhibitions and winter attractions, there is plenty to enjoy throughout the month. Whether you are planning a family trip, a weekend city break or a solo visit, this guide covers some of the best things to do in London in November 2026.

1. Bonfire Night Fireworks Displays

About: Celebrate one of Britain’s most famous November traditions with spectacular Bonfire Night fireworks displays across London. Visitors can enjoy colourful fireworks, seasonal food stalls, entertainment and family-friendly activities at different locations throughout the city. It is a great way to experience a traditional autumn evening during a London visit.
Date: Around 5–8 November 2026; dates vary by venue
Venue: Various locations across London, including Alexandra Palace and Wimbledon Park
Price: Free and Paid

2. Coram’s Fields Bonfire Night Fireworks

About: Enjoy a family-friendly Bonfire Night celebration in central London at Coram’s Fields. The event offers visitors an evening of fireworks and seasonal entertainment, making it a great option for families looking for a traditional November experience close to central London attractions.
Date: 5 November 2026
Venue: Coram’s Fields, Bloomsbury
Price: General entry – free

3. Battersea Park Fireworks

About: Battersea Park hosts one of London’s most popular Bonfire Night celebrations, featuring a spectacular fireworks display alongside food stalls and entertainment. The event attracts visitors from across London and provides a memorable evening experience near the River Thames.
Date: 7–8 November 2026
Venue: Battersea Park, London
Price: Paid (TBC)

4. Remembrance Sunday

About: Attend London’s annual Remembrance Sunday ceremony at The Cenotaph as the city honours members of the armed forces and those who lost their lives in conflicts. The traditional service includes wreath-laying ceremonies and moments of reflection in the heart of Westminster.
Date: 8 November 2026
Venue: The Cenotaph, Whitehall
Price: Free

5. Armistice Day Two-Minute Silence

About: Mark Armistice Day in London with the national two-minute silence held at 11am. Visitors can join people across the city in remembering those who served and sacrificed during conflicts.
Date: 11 November 2026
Venue: Various locations across London
Price: Free

6. Skate at Somerset House

About: Experience one of London’s most iconic winter activities as Somerset House transforms its historic courtyard into a festive ice rink. Surrounded by beautiful architecture and seasonal decorations, it is a popular winter experience for couples, families and visitors exploring central London.
Date: 11 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027
Venue: Somerset House, Strand
Price: £11–£28.50

7. EFG London Jazz Festival

About: Enjoy world-class jazz performances during the EFG London Jazz Festival, one of the city’s biggest annual music celebrations. The festival brings together international artists, emerging musicians and performances across some of London’s leading venues.
Date: 13–22 November 2026
Venue: Barbican, Southbank Centre and multiple London venues
Price: Ticket prices vary depending on performance

8. Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

About: Experience Christmas in the wizarding world as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London transforms for Hogwarts in the Snow. Visitors can explore original Harry Potter film sets decorated for the festive season, including the Great Hall with Christmas decorations, festive displays, snow-covered sets and the Hogwarts castle model covered in filmmaking snow.
Date: 14 November 2026 – 17 January 2027
Venue: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Leavesden
Price: Paid

9. Lord Mayor’s Show

About: The Lord Mayor’s Show brings centuries of London tradition to the streets of the City, with historic coaches, marching bands, performers and community groups taking part in the procession.
Date: 14 November 2026
Venue: City of London, with the procession passing through the Square Mile
Price: Free

10. Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

About: Enjoy a magical winter skating experience outside one of London’s most historic royal landmarks. Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink offers visitors the chance to glide across the ice with the magnificent Tudor palace as a backdrop, making it a memorable seasonal activity for families, couples and winter travellers.
Date: 20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 (excluding Christmas Day)
Venue: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey
Price: Paid

11. Pitchfork Music Festival London

About: Music lovers can discover some of the most exciting names in independent and alternative music at Pitchfork Music Festival London. The multi-venue festival brings together emerging artists and established performers across venues in the capital, making it a great choice for visitors looking for a contemporary music experience.
Date: 2–8 November 2026
Venue: Multiple venues across London, including central and east London locations
Price: Paid

12. Kingston Christmas Market

About: Start the festive season early at Kingston Christmas Market, where visitors can browse seasonal stalls offering handmade gifts, festive food and winter treats. Located away from the busiest central London areas, it provides a relaxed Christmas shopping experience for visitors exploring southwest London.
Date: 12 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Venue: Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JS
Price: Free entry; food and purchases charged separately

13. Christmas at Kew

About: Kew Gardens transforms after dark for Christmas at Kew, with illuminated pathways, creative light installations and festive displays throughout the gardens. The evening experience combines art, nature and seasonal entertainment, making it one of London’s most popular Christmas attractions.
Date: 13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Venue: Kew Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Price: From £25.50

14. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

About: Explore one of London’s biggest winter festivals as Hyde Park Winter Wonderland returns with Christmas markets, fairground rides, ice skating, live entertainment, festive food and seasonal attractions. It is a popular choice for families, groups and visitors wanting to experience London’s Christmas atmosphere in November.
Date: 19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Venue: Hyde Park
Price: Entry ticket required; prices vary by date and time, with attractions charged separately.

15. One Day: The Musical

About: Experience One Day: The Musical in London’s West End, a stage adaptation of David Nicholls’ bestselling novel. The musical follows Emma and Dexter’s relationship over two decades, bringing their unforgettable love story to life through original music, emotional storytelling and a West End production.
Date: 17 November 2026 – 14 March 2027
Venue: Garrick Theatre, London
Price: From £30

16. Oxford Street Christmas Lights

About: Visit one of London’s most famous shopping streets as Oxford Street welcomes the festive season with its annual Christmas light display. The dazzling decorations attract visitors from around the world and create a perfect backdrop for an evening winter walk through central London.
Date: November 2026 (exact switch-on date TBC)
Venue: Oxford Street, Central London
Price: Free

17. Regent Street Christmas Lights

About: Experience the elegant festive atmosphere of Regent Street as its iconic Christmas lights return for the winter season. Known for its grand architecture and beautiful decorations, Regent Street is one of the best places in London to enjoy Christmas lights without an entry fee.
Date: November 2026 (exact switch-on date TBC)
Venue: Regent Street, Central London
Price: Free

18. Carnaby Christmas Lights

About: Discover one of London’s most creative festive displays at Carnaby Street. Each year, the area introduces a unique Christmas theme with eye-catching decorations, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring Soho, Oxford Street and the West End during the festive season.
Date: November 2026 (exact date TBC)
Venue: Carnaby Street, Soho
Price: Free

19. Thanksgiving in London

About: Celebrate Thanksgiving in London with special seasonal dining experiences, traditional American menus and festive gatherings at selected restaurants, hotels and venues across the city. Although Thanksgiving is not a British holiday, London embraces the occasion with turkey dinners, autumn-inspired dishes and themed celebrations for visitors and locals.
Date: 26 November 2026
Venue: Various restaurants, hotels and venues across London
Price: Paid – prices vary by venue

20. Southbank Centre Winter Market

About: Enjoy a festive riverside experience at the Southbank Centre Winter Market, where visitors can explore seasonal stalls offering handmade gifts, winter treats, festive food and drinks. Located beside the River Thames, the market is a great addition to an evening walk around London’s South Bank, with nearby attractions including the London Eye and Royal Festival Hall.
Date: November 2026 – January 2027 (exact dates TBC)
Venue: Southbank Centre / Queen’s Walk, South Bank
Price: Free entry; food, drinks and purchases charged separately

21. Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights

About: Step into one of London’s most historic markets as Leadenhall Market receives its festive transformation. The beautifully decorated Victorian market offers visitors a magical Christmas atmosphere with impressive architecture, seasonal decorations and nearby City of London landmarks.
Date: 14 November 2026
Venue: Leadenhall Market, City of London
Price: Free

22. Covent Garden Christmas Celebrations

About: Experience one of London’s most atmospheric festive destinations as Covent Garden transforms for Christmas. Visitors can enjoy spectacular decorations, a large Christmas tree, seasonal performances, festive shopping and entertainment throughout the historic Piazza.
Date: From November 2026
Venue: Covent Garden, Central London
Price: Free

23. Magic West End Christmas

About: Celebrate the festive season with Magic West End Christmas, a seasonal theatre experience bringing together talented West End performers, Christmas songs and magical entertainment. The show offers visitors an evening of festive music and performances in the heart of London’s famous theatre district.
Date: 15 November 2026
Venue: The London Palladium
Price: Paid

24. London International Animation Festival

About: Discover the creative world of animation at the London International Animation Festival, featuring screenings, workshops, talks and special events celebrating independent animation from around the world. It is an excellent choice for visitors looking for a unique cultural experience beyond London’s traditional attractions.
Date: 27 November – 6 December 2026
Venue: Barbican Centre, London
Price: Paid

25. Van Eyck: The Portraits

About: Visit the National Gallery for a landmark exhibition bringing together Jan van Eyck’s known painted portraits. The exhibition includes works brought together from collections across Europe and offers visitors the opportunity to see some of the Northern Renaissance artist’s most important portraits in one place.
Date: 21 November 2026 – 11 April 2027
Venue: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square
Price: Paid; ticket prices to be announced. Members go free.

26. The Jungle Book at the National Theatre

About: Watch a new stage adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book at the National Theatre. Adapted by Anupama Chandrasekhar and directed by Indhu Rubasingham, the production reimagines Mowgli’s story in the Sundarbans and features puppetry that brings the story’s animals and landscapes to the Olivier Theatre stage.
Date: 13 November 2026 – 6 February 2027
Venue: Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank
Price: Paid; tickets listed from £25 to £105.

27. Festive Afternoon Tea Experiences Across London

About: Enjoy a classic London tradition with a festive twist as hotels and restaurants introduce seasonal afternoon tea menus for Christmas. Visitors can experience beautifully presented cakes, sandwiches, winter-inspired treats and speciality drinks at some of London’s most iconic venues.
Date: Throughout November and December 2026; dates vary by venue
Venue: Various London venues including The Ritz, The Savoy and Harrods
Price: Paid

28. Christmas at London Zoo

About: Enjoy a festive day out at ZSL London Zoo with seasonal decorations, Christmas activities and family-friendly experiences among the animals. The event offers visitors a different way to enjoy the festive season while exploring one of London’s most popular attractions.
Date: 21 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Venue: London Zoo, Regent’s Park
Price: Paid

29. Winston Taylor Photo Portrait Prize 2026

About: Find some of the most striking contemporary portrait photography at the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize. The exhibition showcases powerful portraits from photographers around the world, celebrating creativity, storytelling and different perspectives through photography.
Date: 5 November 2026 – 17 January 2027
Venue: National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place
Price: From £10 off-peak and £12 peak

30. Vanessa Bell & Duncan Grant Exhibition

About: Explore the artistic partnership of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant through this major exhibition celebrating two influential members of the Bloomsbury Group. The exhibition brings together paintings, textiles and decorative works, offering visitors insight into their creative lives and contribution to British modern art.
Date: 12 November 2026 – 11 April 2027
Venue: Tate Britain, Millbank
Price: Paid – ticket price TBC; free for Tate Members

Things to Know Before Visiting London in November 2026

• Book tickets early for popular November events, especially Christmas attractions, ice skating, theatre shows, exhibitions and seasonal experiences, as some have timed entry or limited availability.
• Check official event websites before travelling for opening times, ticket requirements, entry rules and any last-minute changes.
• Arrive early for Bonfire Night fireworks, Christmas light displays and other busy evening events, as popular viewing areas can become crowded.
• Plan your transport in advance, particularly when visiting central London during Christmas markets, festive events and busy weekend evenings.
• Dress for colder November weather with warm layers, comfortable footwear and a waterproof jacket, especially if you are attending outdoor events or light trails.
• Allow extra time for queues, security checks and entry procedures at popular attractions such as Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Christmas at Kew.
• Free Christmas light displays do not require admission tickets, but areas such as Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden can still become busy in the evenings and at weekends.
• Check the weather forecast before heading to outdoor events, as rain or changing conditions can affect your plans.
• Keep your phone charged and consider carrying a portable power bank if you will be using digital tickets, maps, transport apps and mobile payments throughout the day.

Where to Stay in London in November

With events taking place across different parts of London throughout November, choosing accommodation with convenient public transport links can make your trip much easier. Staying near the Tube or bus network means you can reach Christmas markets, festive attractions and evening events more easily, while also getting back comfortably after a busy day of sightseeing.

If you are looking for a hostel in Hendon, London Backpackers offers budget-friendly accommodation and comfortable rooms for travellers visiting London in November. The hostel is close to Hendon Central Underground station, providing convenient Tube connections for reaching central London and many of the events featured in this guide.