53 things to do in London in November 2025

As the evenings get darker, fireworks light up the skies for Bonfire Night, London's streets begin to sparkle with Christmas lights and traditional pubs offer a cosy retreat.
Written by Visit London Editors Edited by Kirstine Spicer 06 December 2024
Angel-shaped Christmas lights on Regent Street in London.
Regent Street Christmas lights. Credit: lazyllama. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

What's on in November in London?

There are plenty of things to do in London in November to make the most of the vibrant autumn colours and longer nights or to warm up indoors.

Festive cheer begins to take over the capital from mid-November, as everyone gets ready for Christmas in London.

Check out what's happening in London this weekend for some last-minute inspiration. 

 

Unmissable events in London in November

Fireworks light up the sky over Chelsea Bridge on Bonfire Night.
Admire dazzling fireworks on the Thames. Image courtesy of City Cruises.
  1. See some amazing Bonfire Night London fireworksWatch autumn skies light up on Bonfire Night in November. Around 5 Nov
  2. Pay your respects on Armistice Day and Remembrance SundayTake a moment to remember those who fell during the wars during special events and services in London. 10-11 Nov
  3. Admire a colourful array of carriages and costumes at The Lord Mayor's Show: The 800-year-old inauguration ceremony has evolved into a huge procession of marching bands, floats and dancers. 8 Nov
  4. Join your American friends during Thanksgiving celebrations in London: Attend a festive service and find the best places to devour a traditional meal.
  5. Surround yourself with bagpipe melodies during St Andrew's Day in London: Rock the tartan and feast on haggis and whisky around the city. 30 Nov

Check back nearer the time for more events in November, or take a look at the London events calendar.

Activities and experiences to do in London in November

A group walking along a river bank on a Royal walking tour
Learn about the history of London on a walking tour. Credit: London & Partners/Michael Barrow.
  1. Discover all that London has to offer with a sightseeing pass: Save money by visiting multiple attractions with The London Pass.
  2. Or tick off top sightseeing locations in London with the Total London ExperienceA hassle-free day exploring London's best spots. 
  3. Head out on the river Thames with a sightseeing cruiseEnjoy unrivalled views of the city's best sights, from the London Eye to St Paul's Cathedral.
  4. Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour around central London's most exciting locations: See London from the comfort of a seat and get off when you feel like it!
  5. Take a deep dive into history at The Postal Museum with their exciting exhibition retracing London's outstanding mailing systems: Discover what the first postcards looked like and learn how mail was delivered across London while riding the Mail Rail.
  6. Visit some of London's most revered historical locations: Take in all the sites at Windsor Castle and Westminster Abbey.
  7. See top attractions and landmarks from an afternoon tea bus with a panoramic view: Sit back, relax and sip away as this tour highlights what London has to offer.
  8. Check out some of London's top indoor attractions: Visit the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and The London Dungeon.
  9. Discover thousands of rare plants at Kew GardensSee the world's most diverse collection of exotic plants in one place. 
  10. Take a walking tour with an expert local guide: From family-fun on tours such as Paddington Bear, to TV and film favourites Doctor Who and James Bond
  11. Or be shown around one of London's top attractions on a British Museum Guided Tour: See the vast collection with someone who knows it like the back of their hand.
  12. Visit one of London's lesser-known museumsDiscover never-before-seen evidence at the Jack the Ripper Museum and watch the Horse Guards at work at the royal Household Cavalry Museum.
  13. Have fun at one of London's top immersive experiences: Play detective at Sherlock: The Official Live Game.
  14. Wrap up warm and go on an outdoor aerial adventure at Gripped LondonZip, slide and jump your way through six different adrenaline packed adventure courses. 
  15. Or get competitive at indoor go-karting: Take on your pals at the Capital Karts race track where you'll work to take the title of racing champion.
  16. Head to a comedy night at the West End Comedy ClubSee comedy veterans and up-and-coming acts at this iconic Covent Garden venue. 
  17. Spend a night at the movies: Head to one of London's best independent cinemas or enjoy an evening at a Vintage Cinema Screening with Cocktails at TT Liquor*
  18. Make the most of London's incredible food scene: Take a tour of Borough Market get stuck in at the Ultimate Foodie Cookery Masterclass at The Jamie Oliver Cookery School*.

Discover more things to do in London including the best attractions for families and where to go for fantastic food and drink

Theatre shows and musicals in London in November

Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, is shown looking sideways, wearing a black witch's hat and a black dress.
Travel to the world of Oz and discover the story of the unlikely friendship between two witches: Glinda and Elphaba, with Wicked The Musical. Image courtesy of Matt Crockett.
  1. Laugh out loud at Roald Dahl's Matilda at Cambridge Theatre: See the much-loved children's novel reworked into a hilarious musical. 
  2. Be spellbound with Wicked musical tickets at the Apollo Victoria: Enjoy spectacular effects and show-stopping songs as the untold story of the witches from The Wizard of Oz comes alive on stage.
  3. Enjoy the inspiring Six The Musical at the Vaudeville Theatre: Meet the Tudor wives taking back girl-power in this historical heartbreak musical.
  4. Don't miss the stage adaptation of Disney's Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane: Get ready for this hilarious musical adventure inspired by the hit animated film.
  5. Catch a performance of the breathtaking worldwide hit, The Lion King: Watch as Simba grows from a young cub to a leader of the pride.
  6. Be enchanted by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Be dazzled by this visual masterpiece on London's West End.
  7. Laugh out loud at Mrs Doubtfire at the Shaftesbury Theatre: Watch as this cult classic film comes to life on the stage. 
  8. Meet your favourite Ghibli characters in My Neighbour Totoro at the Gillian Lynne Theatre: Don't miss this award-winning anime theatre adaptation, with epic stage props and special effects.

Check out more best musicals and theatre shows in November or get ready for some festival magic with London's top Christmas shows.

Art exhibitions in London in November

The Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt is projected on four screens, showing a ship battling a storm at seas.
The Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt at FRAMELESS, the new London immersive art gallery. Image courtesy of FRAMELESS/Chris Orange
  1. Discover modern art like you've never seen it before at the Moco MuseumSee pieces from Picasso, Basquiat, Warhol and many more at this new location.

  2. Immerse yourself in breathtaking artwork at FRAMELESSSee as much-loved masterpieces come to life through an array of visual effects.
  3. Visit the King's Gallery, Buckingham PalaceDiscover royal portraits, artworks and much more.
  4. Discover Emily Kam Kngwarray at Tate Modern: See this major exhibition celebrating the world of the renowned Australian artist's compelling paintings. 10 Jul-11 Jan
  5. Explore the work of Lee Miller at Tate Britain: Don't miss this impressive collection of the trailblazing surrealist photographer. 2 Oct-15 Feb
  6. Catch Wes Anderson: The Exhibition at the Design Museum: Follow the evolution of the popular director's films, from his first experiments in the 90s to his more recent Oscar-winning work. Opens 21 Nov
  7. Take a look at the unique Marie Antionette Style display at the V&A Museum: Discover the unusual and beautiful fashion of the unlikely icon. Opens 20 Sep

these roundups of top art exhibitions and the best museum exhibitions in London.

Christmas events in London in November

Three people try to win a game of ring toss at winter wonderland in london.
Take on the games at Winter Wonderland. Image courtesy of C. Faruolo/Winter Wonderland.
  1. Get into the festive spirit on a Christmas Lights London by Night bus tour: Enjoy spectacular festive light displays and see the city sparkle.
  2. Experience Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: See the world of Harry Potter transformed for winter.
  3. Enjoy festive fun for all the family at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park: Fairground rides, ice skating and family shows await this Christmas.
  4. Explore Kew Gardens at night: Join the magical Christmas at Kew light trail through the iconic gardens.
  5. Attend an enchanting carol service: Sing along to your favourite Christmas tunes at one of the many shows across the city.
  6. Pick up the perfect gift at London's best Christmas markets: Peruse the stalls throughout the city and treat yourself to a number of Bavarian dishes and trinkets.
  7. Discover Windsor Castle: See the royal residence decked out in its Christmas garb!
  8. Catch one of the many Christmas shows and pantosTake your pick of family-friendly festivities!
  9. Go ice skating in London: Enjoy one of the city's many seasonal ice rinks.
  10. Enjoy a Christmas-themed afternoon tea experience: Take a break from the chaos of the holidays!
  11. Take a Christmas tour in and outside of the city: Visit famed London locations or even travel to destinations further afield.
  12. Enjoy a London Eye champagne experience: Take in the festive setting atop one of London's highest points!
  13. Head to Kensington Palace for its Christmas takeover: See the palace in all its winter glory!
  14. Enjoy luxury experiences in London: Treat yourself and your loved ones to something special in the run up to Christmas.
  15. Book ahead for New Years Eve celebrations: Spend the evening aboard a Thames river cruise or watch the fireworks from a winter rooftop bar.

 Discover more festive things to do in London in November.

For more things to do in November in London, take a look at this events calendar and guide to what's on in London.

You can also find lots of inspiration for this season with this ultimate guide to autumn in London, featuring festivals, immersive experiences and family fun.

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