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November ice skating at Somerset House
Photograph: Distinctive Shots / Shutterstock

Unmissable things to do and events in London in November 2023

Your comprehensive guide to the best events, pop-ups and things to do in London this November

Rosie Hewitson
Written by
Things To Do Editors
&
Rosie Hewitson
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We know what you’re thinking, but November isn’t just a non-month sandwiched in between Halloween and Christmas. Despite the long dark evenings now the clocks have gone back, November is sparkling, and not just because of all the Diwali celebrations, Bonfire Night antics and Christmas light switch-ons that happen around the city at this time of year. 

There’s some long-awaited theatre on the cards like the stage adaption of ‘Stranger Things’ and Alice Birch’s adaption of ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’. There’s also the London Jazz Festival to look forward to and we can also rejoice in the return of many of the major events in London’s Christmas calendar, including Winter Wonderland, Christmas at Kew, the ice-skating rinks, winter markets and seasonal pop-ups

And that’s just some of the exciting stuff happening throughout November 2023 in London. For more ideas on how to spend the early part of the festive season, check out our full roundup of the best events and things to do in London this November. 

RECOMMENDED: The definitive London events calendar.

Our November 2023 highlights

  • Things to do

Ah Bonfire Night, the evening when Brits gather in the November cold to watch fireworks and a flaming pile of wood, all in celebration of a guy who tried to blow up Parliament 400 years ago. Anyone from out of town may think Guy Fawkes Night is all a bit strange (and they’d probably be right). But, we’re fiercely proud of our Catherine Wheel whizzing, sparkler crackling tradition. You’ll find sparkles popping up in the night sky all over town this year – here are the best. 

  • Theatre
  • Drama
  • Charing Cross Road

The West End has played host to a Harry Potter sequel for years now – so why not a ‘Stranger Things’ prequel, eh? Playwright Jack Thorne helped come up with the story to the Stephen Daldry-directed ‘The First Shadow’ alongside the Duffer Brothers – maestros behind the Netflix retro horror smash – and Kate Trefry, a writer on the show who has also written the script here. The play is a return to the show’s setting of Hawkins, Indiana, but in 1959 (as opposed to the ’80s). That means we can see some familiar faces in their youths: expect to meet teen versions of Jim Hopper, Bob Newby and Joyce Byers, plus – most intriguingly – Henry Creel, the psychic teen who goes on to become the show’s terrifying antagonist Vecna.

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Christmas lights in London
  • Things to do

November is the month when London gets transformed into the sparkliest, blingiest, most festive place on earth with the switching on of Christmas lights all over town. There's nothing like the sparkle of London Christmas lights to give the city an instant festive makeover. Head to one of these display for a good old dose of Christmas cheer. 

  • Restaurants

Need an opportunity to get stuck into an utterly decadent feast just a month before Christmas dinner? Then let us present Thanksgiving: the American holiday dedicated to eating piles of turkey and lashings of pumpkin pie. There’s a bunch of different ways you can celebrate in London come November 25 – here are a few of our faves.

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Christmas markets and fairs
  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs

Looking for gift inspiration? Look no further than London's Christmas markets and fairs, which start to pop up all over town from mid-November. Among a raft of special festive events you'll find foodie gifts, hand-crafted pressies and usually a bit of glühwein to help you get into that merry spirit.

Oblix East invites you to enjoy a delicious three-course meal whilst taking in some of London's most iconic views. Located on the 32nd floor of The Shard, this relaxing bar and lounge space offers a menu of sophisticated and classic dishes from its rotisserie and grill, which you can enjoy whilst overlooking Tower Bridge and the east of London. Indulge in mini wagyu beef burgers, roasted prawns, wild mushroom orzo or the charcoal-grilled Scottish salmon. To top off this innovative casual dining experience, you will be served wine, beer or one of two award-winning cocktail creations.

Exclusive £48 for three courses and a drink at Oblix East only through Time Out offers

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