25 Things to Do in London in November 2026
November is when London starts changing character.
The days get shorter, the coats come back out, and suddenly you notice Christmas lights appearing above streets that looked completely ordinary a week earlier. But November in London isn't just about Christmas. It is one of the city's busiest months for exhibitions, theatre, live music, cultural celebrations, ice skating and major sporting events.
There is also plenty happening before December arrives. Diwali brings colourful celebrations across the city, Bonfire Night fills the sky with fireworks, major new exhibitions open, and some of London's biggest winter attractions begin their seasons.
So if you're wondering what to do in London in November 2026, here are 25 ideas worth putting on your list.
Dates and details below have been checked against current official venue, organiser and London event listings as of late October 2026. Event schedules, ticket availability and prices can still change, so check the official event page before travelling.
1. Watch Bonfire Night fireworks
November begins with one of London's biggest annual traditions.
Bonfire Night takes place on 5 November, marking the anniversary of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Across London, you'll find organised fireworks displays, bonfires and family events around this time.
Some events take place on the evening of 5 November itself, while others are scheduled for the surrounding days, so check the individual organiser before making plans.
It is one of those evenings when London feels completely different: cold air, glowing bonfires and fireworks lighting up the sky.
2. Celebrate Diwali in London
Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026, and London will be celebrating across several neighbourhoods and cultural venues.
One of the best things about experiencing Diwali here is that there isn't just one way to celebrate it. You can visit a museum event, explore a South Asian neighbourhood, enjoy performances or simply go out for an Indian meal.
There are several particularly good options this year, including the National Maritime Museum and Wembley Park.
3. Spend a Diwali day at the National Maritime Museum
If you want a major organised Diwali celebration, head to Greenwich on Saturday 7 November.
The National Maritime Museum's Diwali celebration runs from 10:30am to 5pm and is free to attend. The programme includes music and dance performances, creative workshops, talks, storytelling, a Diwali Bazaar and food and drink.
There is also a lantern parade at 5:15pm, making this particularly interesting if you're looking for something visual to photograph.
The 2026 celebration is also introducing a Diwali Bazaar featuring South Asian designers, independent brands, artists and makers.
4. Explore Wembley Park's Diwali Weekend
Wembley is another great place to experience Diwali.
Wembley Park Diwali Weekend runs from 6–8 November 2026, with the main Diwali Market taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November, 10am–7pm.
The market is free and features more than 25 traders selling street food, sweets, jewellery, textiles, gifts and other products.
There are also free performances and activities, including a Saturday Diwali dance party and Sunday performances from Dhol2Dhol and Bollyqueer at London Designer Outlet.
5. Visit Agatha Christie's world at the British Library
Calling all mystery lovers.
Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery opens at the British Library on 30 October 2026, meaning the entire exhibition is available throughout November.
The exhibition explores Christie's life, travels and inspirations, with personal objects, letters, notebooks, photographs and manuscripts.
Among the objects on display is Christie's 1937 Remington typewriter, alongside material connected with her writing and theatrical work. Visitors can also explore spaces inspired by the world around her stories, including an Orient Express-style carriage.
The exhibition runs until 20 June 2027, so November is an excellent time to see it before the winter crowds build up.
6. See Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art before it closes
November gives you one final chance to see Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at the V&A.
The exhibition closes on Sunday 15 November 2026, so if it has been on your London list, don't leave it until the end of the month.
It explores the relationship between fashion and art through the work of Elsa Schiaparelli and the house she founded.
7. Step inside the world of Wallace & Gromit
Another V&A exhibition reaching its final weeks is Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends.
It closes on Sunday 15 November 2026 at Young V&A.
For anyone who grew up watching Wallace & Gromit, this is a particularly fun London museum visit, with a chance to explore the creativity and filmmaking behind Aardman's much-loved characters.
8. Discover Constantinople to Istanbul
A completely different museum experience arrives at the V&A in November.
Constantinople to Istanbul: One City, Two Empires opens on Saturday 7 November 2026 at V&A South Kensington.
The exhibition explores the history and transformation of one of the world's most significant cities, making it an interesting option if you enjoy history, art and different cultures.
It is particularly useful for November visitors because it is a brand-new exhibition rather than something that has already been running for months.
9. See the new London Museum in Smithfield
One of London's biggest cultural openings of 2026 happens right at the end of November.
The new London Museum in Smithfield opens on 28 November 2026.
The museum's new permanent galleries will occupy Smithfield's historic General Market and are free to visit. The project brings together thousands of years of London's history with new spaces designed as a social destination for the city.
The museum says its collection includes seven million objects covering 450,000 years of history.
If you're visiting London towards the end of November, this is one of the biggest new attractions to put on your itinerary.
10. Go to the EFG London Jazz Festival
Music lovers have plenty to look forward to in November.
The EFG London Jazz Festival runs from 13–22 November 2026, bringing ten days of performances, collaborations and new commissions to venues around London.
The programme includes artists such as Melody Gardot, Mariza, Goldie with his live band and orchestra, Asha Puthli and Kyoto Jazz Massive.
There are also free and informal events around the festival, so you don't necessarily need to commit to a huge concert to experience it.
11. See Pride The Musical
If you're looking for a new West End experience, Pride The Musical begins at the Bridge Theatre on 12 November 2026.
Based on the true story behind the film Pride, it follows activists who bring together a group of lesbian and gay campaigners with striking miners in 1984.
The London run begins on 12 November and is currently scheduled through 8 May 2027.
12. Watch One Day – The Musical
David Nicholls' One Day is coming to the West End in musical form.
One Day – The Musical opens at the Garrick Theatre on 17 November 2026.
The story follows Emma and Dexter from graduation night through the years that follow, exploring their friendship, relationships, ambitions and missed opportunities.
The production is scheduled to run until 14 March 2027, with tickets currently starting from £30.
13. Get into the Christmas mood with A Christmas Carol
Christmas theatre arrives early in London.
The Old Vic's A Christmas Carol begins performances on 10 November 2026 and runs until 9 January 2027.
The production, adapted by Jack Thorne and directed by Matthew Warchus, returns with Giles Terera as Ebenezer Scrooge.
It is staged in the round, making the audience feel particularly close to the action. And yes, there are mince pies, music and plenty of festive atmosphere.
If you want your first proper taste of Christmas in London, this is a good place to start.
14. See Hay Fever in the West End
Not everything in November needs to be Christmas-themed.
Noël Coward's Hay Fever continues at Wyndham's Theatre throughout November, with its current run scheduled until 12 December 2026.
The production stars Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant and centres around the chaotic Bliss family and their collection of unexpected weekend guests.
It's a good choice for a classic comedy night in the West End.
15. Go ice skating at Somerset House
One of London's most recognisable winter scenes returns in November.
Skate at Somerset House opens on 11 November 2026 and runs until 10 January 2027.
The rink sits inside Somerset House's historic courtyard, underneath a large Christmas tree, with seasonal food, drinks and shopping around it.
Tickets start from £11, although prices vary depending on the session.
Even if you don't skate, the courtyard itself is worth visiting for the atmosphere and photographs.
16. Try Glide at Battersea Power Station
For something slightly different, head south of the river.
Glide at Battersea Power Station returns from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
The attraction has three interconnected rinks and a 200-metre skate trail, with views towards the Thames and London skyline.
It is especially good for an evening date, a family outing or a festive day around Battersea Power Station.
17. Visit Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew returns from 13 November 2026.
The evening light trail takes visitors through Kew Gardens with illuminated installations, colourful displays and some of the gardens' famous landmarks transformed after dark.
The 2026 season runs through 3 January 2027, with selected dates and evening entry times.
It is one of those London experiences where the journey itself becomes part of the attraction: wrap up warm, grab a hot drink and follow the illuminated trail through the gardens.
18. Experience Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
If you want the full-on Christmas experience, November is when it begins.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens on 19 November 2026 and continues until 3 January 2027.
Expect rides, attractions, food, festive entertainment and an ice rink, with the event returning to Hyde Park for another season.
It is a paid event and tickets are required for entry, so this is one to book rather than simply turn up for.
19. See London from a Christmas lights bus tour
From early November, London begins lighting up for Christmas.
A Christmas lights bus tour is an easy way to see several illuminated parts of central London in one evening without walking between them.
Current Visit London listings show tours operating from 6 November 2026, with departures including the London Eye, Victoria and Green Park depending on the operator.
You can expect routes to pass areas such as Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, although the exact route and lights can vary.
20. Visit Hogwarts in the Snow
Harry Potter fans have another reason to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London in November.
Hogwarts in the Snow begins on 14 November 2026 and continues until 17 January 2027.
The Great Hall gets its festive makeover, the Hogwarts castle model is covered in snow and the Forbidden Forest receives a winter transformation.
It is one of the most popular seasonal attractions around London, so advance booking is strongly recommended.
21. Try the Snow Globe Climb at The O2
Want a Christmas experience that involves more than walking around a market?
The Snow Globe Climb at Up at The O2 combines the venue's famous roof walk with a giant festive snow globe at the summit.
The seasonal experience begins from November 2026, with current listings showing dates from around 20 November and seasonal sessions continuing into winter.
The climb reaches 52 metres above ground and gives you panoramic views over London before the festive experience at the top.
22. Watch the Lord Mayor's Show
One of London's oldest traditions returns on Saturday 14 November 2026.
The Lord Mayor's Show is a huge annual procession through the City of London, featuring floats, horses, marching bands, performers and ceremonial traditions.
The procession begins at 11am, and watching from the streets is free.
It is a completely different side of London from the West End and Christmas attractions, making it a great November choice if you want to see the city's historic traditions in action.
23. Watch international rugby at Allianz Stadium
November 2026 is a major month for international rugby in London.
England play Australia on 8 November, Japan on 14 November and New Zealand on 21 November at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Then comes the first Nations Championship Finals Weekend, running from 27–29 November.
The finals weekend features double-headers across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the matches deciding the inaugural Nations Championship.
If you're a rugby fan, this could easily be one of the biggest sporting weekends of the year.
24. Spend a day around Greenwich and the Cutty Sark
November is also a good month to explore Greenwich beyond the obvious landmarks.
On Saturday 21 November, the Cutty Sark hosts Sea Shanty Festival 2026, with performances and workshops celebrating the historic tea clipper.
The event runs from 10am to 6pm and is free for Cutty Sark ticket holders.
You can combine it with the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Market, Greenwich Park and the riverside for a full day out.
25. Experience the Cutty Sark after dark
For something much more unusual, look out for in the dark at the Cutty Sark.
The immersive event takes place on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November 2026, with sessions at 6:30pm and 8:30pm.
Rather than experiencing the famous ship in the usual daytime setting, you'll enter an atmosphere built around darkness and live music.
Tickets are currently listed at £35–£80 for adults, making this one for a more unusual London evening rather than a casual museum visit.
What is the best time to visit London in November 2026?
It really depends on what you want.
Early November is best for Diwali, Bonfire Night and the first winter experiences.
Mid-November is ideal if you want exhibitions, the London Jazz Festival, the Lord Mayor's Show, theatre and the first major Christmas attractions.
Late November is when London becomes noticeably more festive, with Winter Wonderland, the new London Museum in Smithfield, the Nations Championship Finals and more Christmas experiences underway.
If Christmas is your main reason for visiting, I'd personally aim for the second half of November. You'll get much of the festive atmosphere without waiting until December, and several major seasonal attractions are already open.
Is November a good month to visit London?
Yes especially if you enjoy museums, theatre, food, seasonal events and Christmas atmosphere.
The trade-off is the weather. November is cooler, wetter and darker than the summer months, so plan for layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes.
The upside is that you can spend the colder parts of the day inside museums, galleries, theatres and cafés, then head outside when the city's lights come on.
And by the end of November, London already starts feeling like Christmas.
Final thoughts
November is one of those months where London slowly changes from autumn into winter.
You can start the month watching fireworks, spend a weekend celebrating Diwali, catch a new exhibition, watch a West End show, go ice skating, explore Greenwich, see international rugby and finish the month surrounded by Christmas lights.
And that's exactly why November is such a good time to experience London.
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.