Looking for the best things to do in London in November? You’re in plenty of time to book tickets to the best events in London, from theatre shows to art exhibitions, and there are always pop-ups opening across the city, but our handy guide features the best of what’s on in London in November so you won’t miss a thing.
It’s officially that time of year in November because Christmas is coming – but not before Bonfire Night has gone off with a bang, like at Ally Pally where the fireworks will be spread over two nights. London is really ramping up for all things festive with ice rinks, winter terraces, and Christmas specials galore, and Winter Wonderland will be back in action for 2023. And if you need a break from all the holiday cheer, you can escape into a completely different reality with immersive experiences like Horizon of Khufu, the Butterfly Trail and the Delight exhibition.
1. Catch the Incredible Fireworks Display at Ally Pally
It sounds like Bonfire Night will truly be going off with a bang at Ally Pally as this year there’ll be not one but TWO days of festivities. As always, there’ll be a spectacular array of fireworks, soundtracked by a killer playlist and with the London skyline in the background. But there’ll be plenty else on, with the entertainment programme including a drag takeover by The Glory on Friday night, sets from the likes of Fat Tony and DJ Spoony and an Elton John tribute act. Plus, there’ll be loads of street food stalls, an ice rink (which’ll be turned into an ice disco) and a German bier festival happening inside the Palace itself. Tickets are on sale now, so snap ’em up before they’re gone.
Fri 3rd & Sat 4th November 2023
Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
fireworks.london
2. See a Documentary Premiere at This Film Festival
For the past decade, Doc’n Roll Film Festival has been celebrating outstanding filmmaking in the music documentary genre and now it’s marking its 10th birthday with yet another stellar lineup of movies. Throughout November, the festival will see screenings of docs that cover seminal artists such as TLC, Cyndi Lauper, Nicky Hopkins, The Zombies, Max Roach and The Elephant 6 Recording Co, appear at some of the city’s best-loved indie cinemas.
Wed 1st – Sun 12th November 2023
Various locations in London
docnrollfestival.com
3. Show Off Your Skills at the Somerset House Ice Rink
Christmas is officially coming as the ice rink is heading back to Somerset House for another winter of festive fun. As well as spinning around the rink during the day in front of the 40ft Christmas tree, whether you’re freestyling it or are taking a Skate School lesson, you’ll also be able to take to the ice once night falls with Skate Lates, hosted by array of DJs, artists and clubs, including Pxssy Palace, Raf Rundell, Cousins, RAW SILK, Haseeb Iqbal and Deptford Northern Soul Club.
Weds 15th – Thurs 30th November 2023
South Building, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
somersethouse.org.uk
4. Immerse Yourself in This Fantastical Installation
Hold a butterfly on the tip of your finger at this immersive botanical garden at Outernet London. Created in collaboration with Pixel Artworks, The Butterfly Trail is the world’s first mixed reality experience and it’s running on Outernet’s four-storey high, 16k wraparound screen. Using cutting-edge tech, The Butterfly Trail will take you through explorer Professor Peter Pelgrin’s Botanical workshop and inside his Glass House where you can interact with the space, release AR butterflies and trigger real-time animations using your smartphone.
Wed 1st – Thurs 30th November 2023
Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 8LH
outernetglobal.com
5. Get in the Christmas Spirit at Winter Wonderland
Fancy a mulled wine and bratwurst anyone? Winter Wonderland is back and will be taking over Hyde Park so you can slip n’ slide your way around the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink; immerse yourself in the Magical Ice Kingdom; hang onto the edge of your seat at Zippos Christmas Circus, the Edelweiss Funhouse and Cirque Beserk; take a spin on the big wheel or spend the day strolling through the Bavarian Village with hot ciders in hand.
Fri 17th – Thurs 30th November 2023
Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
6. See ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ in the Theatre
Adapted for the stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Tom Morton-Smith and original composer Joe Hisaishi, My Neighbour Totoro sold out its world premiere run at the Barbican last autumn and winter, and picked up a slew of award nominations along the way. And it’s proved to be so popular that it’s returning to the Barbican for another 18-week season beginning this November.
Tues 21st – Thurs 30th November 2023
Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS
barbican.org.uk
7. Take a Trip to Seoul Without Leaving London
A slice of Seoul is landing in London this autumn as Delight, an exhibition about the city’s heritage and culture, is opening in October. The show has been produced by Seoul-based artist Gyoungtae Hong and director Younsook Im, and curated by Daehyung Lee, as a way for Londoners to experience Seoul in a new way – or for the first time.
Wed 1st – Thurs 30th November 2023
Borough Yards, Stoney St, London SE1 9AD
delightexhibit.com
8. Watch the West End Production of ‘Hamnet’
After a sell-out run at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon, Lolita Chakrabarti’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestseller Hamnet, directed by Erica Whyman, is transferring to the West End. Much of the cast are reprising their roles for the run at the Garrick Theatre, including Ajani Cabey (playing Hamnet), Madeleine Mantock (playing Agnes Hathaway), and Tom Varey (playing William Shakespeare). The novel and the play tells the story of William Shakespeare and Agnes Hathaway’s relationship and how they navigate the loss of their son Hamnet, who dies from the plague at only eleven years old.
Wed 1st – Thurs 30th November 2023
2 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0HH
thegarricktheatre.co.uk
9. Visit Sarah Lucas’ Major Exhibition at the Tate
This November, Tate Britain is hosting an exhibition on Sarah Lucas, featuring over 75 works from across four decades of her career. Lucas, who’s known for her exploration of the human body, gender, sex and class, rose to fame as one of the Young British Artists in the early nineties, and some of her early works from this period will be presented in the exhibition. The display will also include many of her chair and seated sculptures, concrete pieces, large-scale photographs, nude plaster casts, and recent sculptures made between 2019 – 2023, ten of which are being shown for the very first time.
Wed 1st – Thurs 30th November 2023
Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
tate.org.uk
10. Meet Santa at This All-New Immersive Christmas Experience
Secret Cinema is returning this December for a one-off Christmas edition, Wishmas, which will centre around the question: ‘Where do all your wishes go?’. This new production comes from Creative Director Elgiva Field, who has previously worked as the Associate Director of Punchdrunk and Theatre-rites. The immersive experience will launch in Waterloo this November and will be running for the entire holiday season, with tickets from £29 available now.
Tues 14th – Thurs 30th November 2023
1 Launcelot Street, London SE1 7AD
wishmas.co.uk