November is one of those months when London starts changing its mood. The days get shorter, the Christmas lights begin to appear, and suddenly there seems to be something happening in every corner of the city.
This weekend, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November, is particularly busy. There is a historic procession taking over the City, a free arts festival in Finchley, immersive light experiences in Greenwich, new festive attractions opening and plenty of theatre and exhibitions to explore.
You could spend the weekend discovering somewhere new, get into the Christmas spirit or simply enjoy a good show without having to plan an entire day around it.
Here are 20 things to do in London this weekend, with a mix of free activities, ticketed experiences and ideas for different interests.
1. Watch the Lord Mayor's Show
When: Saturday 14 November, 11am–2.30pm
Where: City of London
Price: Free
One of London's oldest traditions returns this Saturday, bringing a spectacular procession to the streets of the Square Mile.
The Lord Mayor's Show dates back to 1215 and celebrates the appointment of the City's new Lord Mayor. This year's procession features the 698th Lord Mayor, Bronek Masojada, and sets off from Mansion House at 11am.
Expect marching bands, performers, military displays, community groups, horses and more than 50 decorated floats. Around 6,500 participants are expected to take part along the 2.86-mile route.
There is also a traditional river journey before the procession, with the Lord Mayor travelling aboard the ceremonial Royal Shallop Jubilant.
You do not need a ticket to watch. Find a spot along the route, arrive early for a good view and expect busy streets around the City. Check the official route and travel information before setting off, as road closures will affect the area.
2. Explore the free Light + Flight Festival in Finchley
When: Saturday 14 November, 12pm–9pm; Sunday 15 November, 11am–7pm
Where: Finchley Lakeside, Squires Lane, N3 2QT
Price: Free; reserve a place
If you fancy something different from the usual central London attractions, head north to Finchley for the Light + Flight Festival.
This two-day celebration brings together art installations, live music, film, performances, creative workshops and food. It takes place at Finchley Lakeside, a five-storey complex overlooking the lake that is opening to the public as a temporary cultural hub.
One of the highlights is Ascendance, a major new artwork being unveiled as part of the festival. There will also be contributions from artists, creative organisations and local groups.
The festival is designed as an indoor event, so it is a useful option if the November weather is not particularly inviting.
Entry is free, but visitors are encouraged to reserve a place. It is a good opportunity to discover a different part of London while enjoying a full programme of creative activities.
3. Catch a performance at the EFG London Jazz Festival
When: 13–22 November
Where: Venues across London
Price: Varies by performance
The EFG London Jazz Festival is back, bringing musicians from around the world to venues across the capital.
The festival runs throughout this weekend, with performances ranging from established jazz artists to emerging musicians and experimental collaborations. You will find concerts in major venues as well as smaller spaces, so there is plenty to explore whether you are a long-time jazz fan or simply looking for a different evening out.
This year's programme includes Charlotte Dos Santos, Robocobra Quartet and Caravan Palace among its featured artists.
Rather than treating the festival as one single event, browse the programme and choose a particular concert that suits your plans. Individual performances have their own ticket prices and schedules, so check the official listings for Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November before travelling.
4. Experience Lost Worlds at the Old Royal Naval College
When: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November
Where: Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN
Price: £22 adults, £16.50 concessions, £68 family ticket
Greenwich is already worth visiting for its historic architecture, but this weekend there is another reason to head to the Old Royal Naval College.
Lost Worlds by Luxmuralis transforms the historic buildings and grounds into an immersive light and sound experience. Visitors follow a walking route through spaces including the Painted Hall, Chapel, Undercroft and Colonnades, with projections and soundscapes inspired by ancient civilisations, myths and forgotten histories.
The experience is particularly interesting because it uses the architecture as part of the artwork. Rather than simply looking at a light display, you move through the historic setting as it is transformed around you.
This is the final weekend of the event. It runs through booked evening time slots, with the advertised entry sessions extending from 5.45pm to 9pm. The final entry is at 9pm and the event closes at 10pm. Allow around 50 minutes for the experience.
Tickets are listed at £22 for adults, £16.50 for concessions and £68 for a family ticket. Check the booking page for available slots and ticket conditions.
5. See the Christmas lights at Kew Gardens
When: 13 November 2026–3 January 2027, selected dates
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Price: Tickets from £25.50
Christmas at Kew opens for the season this weekend, bringing its popular after-dark light trail back to the gardens.
The route takes visitors through illuminated landscapes, colourful installations, light tunnels and displays set among Kew's trees and botanical collections. There are also seasonal food and drink options along the way.
The trail is around 3km long, so allow plenty of time to enjoy it rather than treating it as a quick walk. It is especially appealing if you enjoy winter evenings outdoors and want to see the gardens in a completely different atmosphere.
The 2026 event runs on selected dates from 13 November until 3 January. It is not open every night, so check the calendar carefully before booking.
The official starting price is £25.50, with different ticket options and prices depending on the booking. The event runs from 4.20pm to 10pm, although last entry times vary by gate. Book ahead and check your chosen date and entrance.
6. Visit Wundrful World of Christmas
When: Opens 13 November
Where: Immerse LDN, ExCeL Waterfront
Price: Ticketed; check booking page
If you are planning a family day out, Wundrful World of Christmas is one of the new festive experiences opening this weekend.
The attraction is designed for younger children, particularly those aged around three to eight. It takes visitors on an interactive journey towards the North Pole, with encounters involving Santa and his elves, festive scenes and activities.
The 2026 experience also includes an Elves' Playground, adding more activities to the visit. The main walk-through lasts around 50 minutes, although you should allow extra time for the wider experience.
It runs from 13 November to 24 December at Immerse LDN on the ExCeL Waterfront. Check the official booking information for session times, age suitability and ticket prices before visiting.
7. Step into Alice Immersive Wonderland
When: Opens 13 November
Where: Dock X, Canada Water
Price: Ticketed; check booking page
A new immersive experience arrives at Dock X this weekend, inviting visitors to follow Alice into a world inspired by Lewis Carroll's famous story.
Alice Immersive Wonderland brings the story to life across a series of large-scale spaces, with theatrical performances, interactive elements, elaborate sets and a projection finale.
You can expect familiar scenes and characters recreated as part of a walk-through experience. It is a different way to enjoy the story, particularly if you like attractions where you can move through the sets rather than simply observe them.
The experience opens on 13 November and is listed as suitable for all ages. Allow plenty of time for your visit and check the official booking page for the session length, ticket prices and availability.
8. Experience Hogwarts in the Snow
When: 14 November 2026–17 January 2027
Where: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Leavesden
Price: Ticketed; prices depend on the booking
Harry Potter fans have another reason to plan a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, as Hogwarts in the Snow returns on Saturday.
The seasonal transformation brings a festive atmosphere to the film sets, including the Great Hall, which is decorated with Christmas trees and seasonal details. Visitors can explore the sets and discover how the films created their winter scenes.
New for 2026 is a festive Foley experience at the Backlot Stage, exploring the sounds used to bring the wizarding world's Christmas scenes to life.
The event runs from 14 November until 17 January 2027. It is part of the Studio Tour experience, so you will need to book admission for your chosen date. Weekend tickets can sell out, so check availability before making the journey to Leavesden.
9. Go ice skating at Glide at Battersea Power Station
When: Open for the 2026 festive season
Where: Battersea Power Station
Price: Ticketed; varies by session
One of London's recognisable festive ice-skating experiences is back at Battersea Power Station.
Glide features three interconnected outdoor rinks set beside the River Thames, with a large Christmas tree creating a seasonal centrepiece. Whether you are confident on the ice or still finding your balance, it is a classic winter activity to enjoy with friends or family.
There is more to do around the rink too. You can explore the surrounding shops and restaurants, enjoy something warm after skating or take a walk around the Power Station itself.
Sessions are ticketed, and prices depend on the date and time. Check the official booking calendar for availability this weekend before travelling.
10. Take a festive flight on the London Eye
When: From 14 November
Where: London Eye, South Bank
Price: Included with London Eye admission during the festive promotion
The London Eye's festive flights return on Saturday, offering another way to enjoy the city as the Christmas season begins.
Visitors can take in views of the Thames, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and London's changing skyline from the attraction's enclosed capsules. The festive experience adds seasonal touches and storytelling to the ride.
The special festive flights are listed as running from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 and are included with London Eye tickets for visits during that period. Optional upgrades may cost extra.
If you are visiting at the weekend, booking ahead is sensible, particularly if you want a specific time around sunset. Check the attraction's official website for the latest ticket details.
11. Walk around the Southbank Centre Winter Market
When: Open during the festive season
Where: South Bank, beside the River Thames
Price: Free entry; purchases cost extra
A walk along the South Bank is always a good London weekend plan, and the Winter Market makes it even more inviting at this time of year.
Wooden market stalls line the riverside, with food, drinks and seasonal gifts creating a festive atmosphere. You can browse the stalls, pick up something to eat or simply enjoy the views across the Thames.
The market is particularly nice in the evening, when the surrounding area is lit up and the riverfront feels distinctly wintry.
The 2026 market is running from 2 November into the festive season. Entry to the market is free, although food, drinks and purchases are extra. Check the Southbank Centre's programme for any changes to the market dates and opening arrangements.
12. Visit the Ever After Garden in Chelsea
When: 5 November–21 December
Where: Duke of York Square, Chelsea
Price: Free to visit; donations welcome
For something quieter and more reflective, visit the Ever After Garden at Duke of York Square.
The installation features more than 30,000 illuminated white roses, creating a beautiful display after dark. Visitors can dedicate a rose in memory of someone they have lost, with donations supporting The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
It is not a traditional Christmas attraction, and that is part of what makes it special. The garden offers a moment to pause during the busy festive season and remember loved ones.
The display runs until 21 December. Check the official information for the latest visiting details and dedication options.
13. See Kate's Knitalian at Air Contemporary
When: Open Saturday 14 November, 10am–5pm
Where: Air Contemporary, Ham Yard, Soho, W1D 7DT
Price: Free
Not every weekend activity needs to be a large-scale attraction. Sometimes a small, unusual exhibition is exactly what makes a London day out interesting.
At Air Contemporary in Soho, artist Kate Jenkins has created Kate's Knitalian, an imaginative Italian deli made entirely from knitted and crocheted materials.
The display features woolly recreations of food and deli favourites, from pasta and antipasti to colourful desserts. The detail is what makes it worth seeing: familiar dishes have been recreated using yarn, stitches and a lot of creativity.
The exhibition runs until 5 December. The gallery is open from 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. It is free to visit, making it a lovely addition to a Soho afternoon.
14. Discover contemporary textiles at Beyond Bayeux: Tapestry Now
When: Open this weekend
Where: Guildhall Art Gallery, City of London
Price: Pay what you can
If you enjoy art and exhibitions, make time for Beyond Bayeux: Tapestry Now at Guildhall Art Gallery.
The exhibition explores how contemporary artists are reinterpreting tapestry, an art form with a long history. It brings together modern works and new commissions, showing how textiles can be used to tell stories and explore ideas in different ways.
Artists featured include David Hockney, Yinka Shonibare and Hurvin Anderson. It is an interesting opportunity to see how a traditional medium continues to influence contemporary art.
The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and admission is pay what you can. Check the gallery's visitor information before travelling.
15. Explore Constantinople to Istanbul at the V&A
When: Open this weekend
Where: Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington
Price: Weekend exhibition admission listed at £27
The V&A's Constantinople to Istanbul exhibition is a good choice if you want to spend part of your weekend exploring history, art and culture.
The exhibition looks at the city across different periods, exploring its changing identity and the layers of history that have shaped it. It offers an opportunity to understand Istanbul through objects, artistic traditions and historical connections.
It is worth checking the exhibition's full details before visiting, particularly if you want to combine it with other galleries at the museum.
The exhibition is scheduled to run until 9 May 2027. The V&A lists weekend admission at £27, with different pricing on weekdays. Check the official page for current ticket details.
16. Watch Sylvia at the Royal Albert Hall
When: 13–15 November
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington
Price: Tickets from £36
For a theatrical night out, Sylvia is at the Royal Albert Hall for a limited run this weekend.
The production tells the story of Sylvia Pankhurst and the fight for women's right to vote, bringing a significant part of British history to the stage through music, dance and performance.
The musical features Beverley Knight as Emmeline Pankhurst and Naomi Katiyo as Sylvia. Its soundtrack draws on hip-hop, funk and soul, giving the historical story a contemporary musical style.
Performances are scheduled across the weekend. The published schedule includes Saturday 14 November at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and Sunday 15 November at 1pm and 6pm. Tickets are listed from £36, subject to availability.
17. See Pride: The Musical at the Bridge Theatre
When: From 12 November; check the weekend performance calendar
Where: Bridge Theatre, London Bridge
Price: Tickets from £30
Pride: The Musical is another theatre option to consider this weekend.
The production brings the story of the 1984 miners' strike and the alliance between striking miners and LGBTQ+ activists to the stage. It is based on the story behind the film Pride, exploring solidarity, community and the unlikely friendships that emerged during a difficult period in British history.
The show began its Bridge Theatre run on 12 November. The official booking calendar lists performances during the opening weekend, including Saturday 14 November. Ticket prices start from £30, although availability and prices vary by performance.
Check the theatre's live calendar for the exact performance time and remaining seats before making plans.
18. Catch The Afronauts at the Royal Court Theatre
When: Opens Saturday 14 November
Where: Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square
Price: £15–£74.50
A new production opens at the Royal Court Theatre on Saturday, making this a good weekend for anyone who enjoys discovering theatre.
The Afronauts, written by Ryan Calais Cameron and co-directed with Monique Touko, is inspired by Zambia's 1964 space programme. It follows a schoolteacher and a group of dreamers who set out to challenge expectations during the international space race.
The production explores ambition, imagination and the determination to pursue an extraordinary idea, even when the rest of the world doubts it.
The run begins on 14 November and continues until 19 December. Tickets are listed from £15 to £74.50, with age guidance of 14+. Check the Royal Court's booking page for the performance schedule and availability.
19. Enter the world of Club NVRLND at The Vaults
When: Opens Saturday 14 November
Where: The Vaults, Launcelot Street, Waterloo, SE1 7AD
Price: Tickets from £30
The Vaults in Waterloo is known for its immersive productions, and this weekend it welcomes a new experience: Club NVRLND.
The production reimagines Neverland as an underground nightclub, mixing immersive theatre with a soundtrack of familiar pop hits. Inspired by the world of Peter Pan, it offers a different kind of night out, where the audience becomes part of the experience rather than simply watching from a seat.
The production features music associated with artists including Britney Spears, Rihanna, P!nk and Coldplay. It is designed as a high-energy, nostalgia-filled party with theatrical storytelling.
The run begins on 14 November and is scheduled to continue until 31 January 2027. The official schedule lists Saturday performances at 4.30pm and 8pm, with a Sunday performance at 4.30pm. The age recommendation is 16+, and ID checks are carried out at the door.
General admission is standing, so wear comfortable footwear and check the access information if you need seating or other support.
20. Catch the final weekend of the UK Jewish Film Festival
When: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November
Where: Participating cinemas across London
Price: Ticketed; varies by screening
The UK Jewish Film Festival reaches its final weekend in London, making this your last opportunity to catch some of this year's screenings in the capital.
The festival brings together films exploring Jewish stories, culture, identity and history, with a programme that includes feature films, documentaries and shorter works.
There are screenings at several London venues this weekend. On Saturday, you could catch Girls Like Us at Everyman Belsize Park at 6.15pm, Think Good at the same cinema at 8.15pm, or The Mad Dog of Europe at JW3 at 6.20pm. The documentary gala Shalom + Fish, Chips & Faith is scheduled at Curzon Mayfair at 8pm.
Sunday's programme includes We Met at Grossinger's at Curzon Bloomsbury at 11.20am, The Long Journey Home at Phoenix Cinema at 11.45am, Noga at Curzon Bloomsbury at 6.30pm and The Last Concert at Curzon Mayfair at 5.30pm.
These are selected screenings, not the complete programme. Check the festival calendar for the full list and book directly, as availability is specific to each screening.
A few more ideas if you want something different
If you have already made plans for the main events, here are a few additional options worth considering.
FRAMELESS Lates: Explore immersive art after hours on Saturday evening. The adults-only sessions run on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 10pm. Check ticket availability before going.
Nine Night at Kiln Theatre: The production is running at Kiln Theatre, but the Saturday 14 November performance was listed as sold out in the booking information checked. Look for other dates rather than making a special trip without a ticket.
The Jungle Book at the National Theatre: The new production opens this weekend and runs into February 2027. The Saturday 14 November evening preview was listed as sold out, so check other performances separately.
Epping Ongar Lights Express: A special Christmas lights train event is listed for 14 November, with further dates during the festive season. It is in Ongar, Essex, rather than central London, so check the departure station, timings and ticket availability before travelling.
London Korean Film Festival: The festival continues until 16 November, with screenings across London. Browse the programme for Saturday and Sunday films and venues.
Miracle at Russell Street: This Covent Garden festive pop-up is listed as running until 30 December. It is a seasonal option for a drink, but check booking and walk-in arrangements before visiting.
Planning your London weekend
With so much happening, it is worth choosing a few activities that fit together geographically rather than trying to cross the whole city several times.
For Saturday, you could begin with the Lord Mayor's Show, spend the afternoon exploring the City or Soho, and finish with a theatre performance or an evening light experience.
On Sunday, consider heading to Greenwich for Lost Worlds, visiting the V&A in South Kensington, or travelling north to Finchley for the Light + Flight Festival.
A few practical things to remember:
Book ticketed attractions in advance. Popular seasonal events can have limited timed-entry slots.
Check the exact date. Christmas at Kew and other seasonal attractions do not necessarily operate every day.
Allow extra travel time. The Lord Mayor's Show will bring road closures and large crowds to the City on Saturday.
Check performance times directly. Theatre schedules and ticket availability can vary by day.
Dress for the weather. Several experiences involve walking outdoors, and November evenings can feel cold.
Whether you are in the mood for festive lights, live music, art, theatre or a free day out, London has plenty happening this weekend. You do not have to spend the whole weekend shopping for Christmas or visiting the same familiar attractions. There are new experiences opening, interesting exhibitions to explore and neighbourhoods worth discovering.
Planning your next London day out? Discover more neighbourhood guides, hidden gems, food spots and things to do on LondonYaar.com.
Follow @rohan.londonyaar for more London places, stories and things worth knowing before you visit.