London in November 2026: Wonderful things to do and see

As the festive season begins, admire London’s incredible decorations on a Christmas lights bus tour and get front row seats to some of the best views in the capital. Cruise past the London Eye, weave through Piccadilly Circus and see world-famous attractions up close, including the Regent Street angels and the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree. 

While onboard, your tour guide will provide plenty of fascinating insights into the history of the city, pointing out the the biggest landmarks and the most spectacular photo opportunities. We recommend claiming a spot on the upper deck for the best vantage point – just make sure to wrap up warm. Find more insider tips in our Christmas lights bus tour review. 

Kick off the cosy season with a trip to see A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic. With Jack Thorne (writer of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) behind this adaptation, it’s no surprise that it has become a smash hit; in fact, 2026 marks its tenth year on stage. 

West End star Giles Terera (Hamilton, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) takes the leading role in the production, which reimagines Charles Dickens’ classic tale using immersive staging, a glorious score and plenty of merriment. It’s guaranteed to be the highlight of any Christmas itinerary – just make sure to book your tickets in advance, as they’re likely to sell out. 

Get ready for a truly magical experience at Hogwarts in the Snow, a glittering wonderland within Harry Potter Studios London. See the famous film sets transformed for the festive season, with tables lined for a Christmas feast in the Great Hall and trees sparkling with frost in the Forbidden Forest. You can also admire the lights in Diagon Alley and the colourful decorations in the Gryffindor Common Room.  

Snap a photo of the snow-dusted model of the Hogwarts Castle before you go, and don't forget to visit the gift shop. You’ll find house-branded robes and replica wands on offer, plus plenty of Harry Potter-inspired snacks and sweet treats. 

Mark your calendar as London Museum opens its doors after almost four years of redevelopment at its new home, taking over the General Market buildings at West Smithfield in Farringdon.

Set across three distinct spaces: Past Time, Our Time and Real Time, see London's story told through more than seven million never-before-seen items and iconic objects, from Elizabethan and Jacobean jewellery collections in the Goldsmiths' Gallery to a dedicated display on the Great Fire, Queen Victoria's mourning dress, Tom Daley's Olympic diving trunks and a chunk of the Whitechapel "Fatberg".

Remember, remember 5 November: Bonfire Night (also known as Guy Fawkes Night) sets London’s skies aglow with fireworks every year, usually accompanied by dazzling sparklers and plenty of seasonal food.  

There are many different firework displays to enjoy in the capital, from the ever-popular Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival to the spectacular Battersea Park Fireworks. You can explore the history behind the celebration and find top tips for London firework events in our guide to Bonfire Night in London. 

This month marks the London opening of One Day: The Musical, a brand new stage adaptation of David Nicholls’ beloved novel. Showing at the Garrick Theatre from 17 November 2026 until 14 March 2027, the play explores the enduring connection between protagonists Emma and Dexter as they drift in and out of each other’s lives over the course of a decade.  

Fans of the book (and the subsequent Netflix show) will know that the plot is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching in equal measure, making for an unforgettable theatre experience. Don’t miss your chance to see the magic of One Day brought to life on a West End stage, and check out other popular shows on our London musicals page. 

November sees London’s ice rinks open for business once again, and keen skaters have an array of different locations to choose from this year. 

Battersea Power Station’s riverside ice rink, Glide, reopens from 6 November until 3 January with three interconnected rinks, a scenic skating trail and a helter skelter – not to mention a 30-foot spruce tree which serves as a jaw-dropping centrepiece. Meanwhile, cultural hub Somerset House will transform its neoclassical courtyard into an ice rink from 11 November until 10 January, and Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland features a popular ice rink that is conveniently located next to its bustling Christmas market (from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027). Bookmark our guide to London’s best ice skating rinks for more inspiration. 

If you’re searching for ways to celebrate Diwali in London, there is plenty to look forward to, with events and performances taking place alongside magnificent firework displays. 

Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November this year, and the capital will come alive in celebration. Head to the Royal Albert Hall for a charity concert from Bollywood singer Kavita Krishnamurti, who will perform alongside The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra – or visit the National Maritime Museum, where you can enjoy lantern parades, dance performances and creative workshops, plus a brand new Diwali Bazaar. 

After delighting audiences during its sold-out run at the National Theatre, hit show Pride The Musical is just one of many new London shows opening soon; in fact, it transfers to The Bridge Theatre on 12 November. 

Helmed by the writer and director of the 2014 film, this incredible production traces the alliance between mining workers on strike and lesbian and gay campaigners during the AIDS crisis. Expect laughter, optimism and a touching tribute to the power of community.  

Every year, the sprawling grounds of Kew Gardens play host to a dazzling light trail during Christmas at Kew. Stroll through the twinkling light tunnel, admire immersive installations and watch the glorious Palm House burst into colour. 

The three-kilometre trail is great for families, and it’s the perfect way to embrace the festive season. It also offers a rare opportunity to see famous spots including the Great Pagoda and the Temperate House from a new perspective. Don’t forget to treat yourself to street food and hot drinks while you explore; you can check out our Christmas at Kew review for more first-hand tips. 

Based on the beloved book by Raymond Briggs, this stage adaptation of The Snowman is guaranteed to be adored by audiences of all ages. It brings together immersive storytelling, stunning choreography and the iconic musical score from the 1994 film to create a theatrical experience like no other.  

Prepare to be transported to snow-dusted dreamlands during the famous flying scene, accompanied by a live rendition of Walking in the Air. Journey through the starry sky, watch festive landscapes come to life, and soak up the nostalgia of this timeless story. Plus, check out other bestselling Christmas shows, pantomimes and musicals in London for 2026. 

Keen shoppers – and anyone hunting for Christmas presents – will be well aware that Black Friday arrives in the last week of November, bringing a host of sales, offers and unbeatable deals.

While you may be on the lookout for stocking stuffers, don’t forget to browse our theatre discounts page to save on top London shows. From festive favourites such as Scrooge: A Cirque Extravaganza to classic productions including Moulin Rouge, there’s a show to suit everyone. 

While there’s plenty to do in the bustling capital, the beginning of the festive season offers a brilliant opportunity to venture outside of London and explore even more of the UK. 

We particularly love a Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford day trip, which covers three spectacular locations in just 11 hours. Step inside the handsome State Apartments and the breathtaking chapel in Windsor Castle, delve into the ancient mystery of Stonehenge, and finish your trip with a walking tour of Oxford, admiring landmarks including the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera. 

The Lives of Others has officially arrived on London’s West End for a limited run this autumn. Directed by Olivier Award-winner Robert Icke, the play reimagines Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's Oscar-winning film, which premiered in 2005. 

The nail-biting adaptation explores themes of censorship, surveillance and artistic freedom. With Hollywood stars Keira Knightley and Luke Thompson in the leading roles, it’s sure to sell out in no time – so nab your tickets while you can. 

Bag tickets to the Nations Championship Final, a new tournament bringing together the world's 12 biggest rugby teams. 

Taking place at London's Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, the final weekend is set for 27, 28 and 29 November, culminating in the Grand Finale. But it's not just about who takes home the winning trophy; every final game will contribute to an overall score, crowning either the Northern or Southern Hemisphere groups as Hemisphere Shield holders until the next edition in 2028!

Get ready for an adrenaline-fuelled experience with a festive twist during Up at the O2’s Snow Globe Climb. This 90-minute roof walk offers a unique Christmas thrill – not to mention some unbeatable views of the London skyline.  

Under the guidance of an expert climber, ascend to the very top of the O2 Arena and be rewarded with entry to the UK’s highest snow globe. Step inside to sample mulled wine, gingerbread and hot chocolate while you snap plenty of photos and enjoy a soundtrack of festive tunes. Find out more in our Up at the O2 review. 

Pitchfork Music Festival returns to London at the beginning of November, bringing cutting-edge sounds to a mix of smaller venues and landmark concert halls across the city. Folk star Jacob Alon is set to grace the stage at Hackney Empire, while Australian electronic duo The Avalanches will perform a buzzing DJ set at Roundhouse in Camden. 

You can also nab tickets to gigs at MOTH Club, KOKO, the Royal Festival Hall and Village Underground. The festival is renowned for offering an eclectic lineup and a commitment to giving trailblazing, genre-defying artists their time in the spotlight – so you’re sure to discover something new. 

From art and history to literature and film, there’s a London exhibition to satisfy every interest, with plenty of new openings planned for November. We’re particularly excited about Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery, a landmark British Library exhibition delving into the ways in which Christie’s extraordinary life inspired her most famous stories. 

Elsewhere in the capital, you’ll find masterpieces by Matisse, Picasso and Klee on show (from 19 November at The Royal Academy), alongside an exhibition dedicated to Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant of the famous Bloomsbury Group (from 12 November at Tate Britain). It’s also your last chance to see Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at the V&A and Inside Aardman: Wallace and Gromit and Friends at the Young V&A (both close 15 November). 

There’s no better time to see The Phantom of the Opera, one of the longest-running London musicals in history – especially since the show is celebrating 40 years on the West End this year.  

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s incredible play has gained cult status since it burst onto the stage in 1986; audiences continue to be dazzled both by the gripping story and the timeless score, which features songs including The Music of the Night and All I Ask of You. The Phantom of the Opera is currently playing at His Majesty’s Theatre in Haymarket, and a string of special guests are set to join the cast between August and November to mark the show’s anniversary. 

Whether you have an entire afternoon to spare or you’re keen to do a quick spot of shopping, you’ll love browsing some of the best Christmas markets in London. Expect a mix of street food, snacks and desserts, alongside plenty of festive gifts and souvenirs. 

Our favourite markets include the Southbank Centre Winter Market, which offers excellent stocking stuffers, and the bustling Trafalgar Square Christmas Market, which serves up unbeatable food in one of London’s most famous locations. The market at Covent Garden is another stunning spot, providing great gifts and impressive photo opportunities.

There’s no better way to explore a city than on foot – and if you’re determined to see London’s festive decorations up close this season, be sure to claim your spot on a Christmas lights walking tour. 

Beginning in the heart of the capital, you'll make your way from Piccadilly Circus to Regent Street, where you’ll have plenty of time to admire the glittering canopy of angels. You’ll then wander along Carnaby Street and through Soho before visiting other famous spots including Oxford Street, Fortnum & Mason and The Ritz Hotel. 

Music fans are spoilt for choice this month as another stellar event arrives on the London scene: La Discothèque at Drumsheds. For one night only, the sprawling north London venue will host a raucous celebration of disco music featuring artists including Ron Trent, Folamour and Purple Disco Machine. 

Now in its tenth year, La Discothèque is a UK-based music brand renowned for championing disco and house music across the world – and its return to London is guaranteed to be memorable. Alongside back-to-back DJ sets, you can expect spectacular dance performances throughout the night. 

The Mayor’s Show dates back to the early 13th century, when King John declared that each newly-elected mayor was required to travel to Westminster and pledge loyalty to the King.  

Today, the procession is a highlight of London’s event calendar, encompassing dancers, marching bands and an array of colourful floats and banners. While the programme for this year’s edition is yet to be announced, the 2025 show featured more than 7,000 participants from 100 different organisations, including youth charities and the armed forces. 

With the end of the year in sight, now is the time to nail down your New Year’s Eve plans. Book a New Year’s Eve tour and watch the world-famous fireworks from the river, or gather at the London Eye to soak up the incredible atmosphere. 

In the mood to party? You can also spend the evening at one of London’s top clubs, settle in for a drink at a pub or bar, or treat yourself to an unforgettable immersive experience like Mamma Mia the Party at The O2. For more inspiration, check out our guide to what to do on New Year’s Eve in London.