November is that curious month when London finds itself caught between two seasons. The last traces of autumn linger in the parks, the evenings draw in considerably earlier, and the first signs of Christmas begin appearing across the capital. One minute you're contemplating an exhibition at Tate Britain or an evening at the theatre; the next, you're standing beneath a canopy of Christmas lights with a mulled wine in hand.
Fortunately, there's plenty to keep the diary occupied before the festive calendar takes over entirely. This month brings the return of the EFG London Jazz Festival, new theatre productions, major art exhibitions, immersive experiences and a fresh wave of restaurant openings. Meanwhile, Christmas begins making its presence felt, with ice rinks reopening, festive afternoon teas arriving on hotel menus and some of London's most recognisable streets preparing for their annual illuminations.
Whether you're looking for a cultural afternoon, somewhere new to dine or an excuse to start celebrating Christmas a little earlier than usual, consider this your guide to making the most of November in London.
Indulge in a festive afternoon tea
The arrival of November means London's hotels and restaurants begin putting a seasonal spin on the quintessentially British afternoon tea. Expect festive pastries, Christmas-inspired finger sandwiches, warming seasonal flavours and, naturally, a glass of something sparkling. From elaborate hotel experiences to more inventive interpretations of the tradition, it's an excuse to embrace a little festive indulgence before December arrives. Explore our guide to the best festive afternoon teas in London to find your next seasonal reservation.
Raise a glass at Miracle Christmas Bar
Where: Russell Street, Covent Garden
When: 9 November – 30 December 2026
For those who believe Christmas decorations should be measured in quantity rather than restraint, Miracle Christmas Bar is likely to be right up your street. The gloriously kitsch festive pop-up returns this November, bringing an unapologetically nostalgic approach to seasonal drinking.
Think walls covered in decorations, an abundance of tinsel, vintage Christmas references and an elaborate cocktail menu designed to embrace the season's more indulgent side. Having found a bigger home on Russell Street in Covent Garden this year, Miracle promises even more room for its maximalist approach to Christmas. Consider it an invitation to leave your minimalist sensibilities at the door.
Art
Visit the new London Museum in Smithfield
Where: General Market, West Smithfield, London EC1A 9AG
Nearest Tube: Farringdon
When: From 28 November 2026
After almost four years of redevelopment, London Museum is preparing to open the doors of its new home in the historic General Market buildings at West Smithfield. The move marks an important new chapter for the institution, bringing London's history into a striking new setting.
The museum will be arranged across three distinct spaces: Past Time, Our Time and Real Time, exploring the city's evolution through a collection of more than seven million objects. Highlights include Elizabethan and Jacobean jewellery in the Goldsmiths' Gallery, a dedicated display on the Great Fire of London, Queen Victoria's mourning dress, Tom Daley's Olympic diving trunks and even a piece of the infamous Whitechapel fatberg.
Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant at Tate Britain
Where: Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
When: 12 November 2026 – 11 April 2027
Few artistic partnerships have been as influential, or as complicated, as that of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. This major Tate Britain exhibition examines the pair's five-decade creative relationship, exploring their contribution to the Bloomsbury Group and their wider influence on British art, literature and society.
Featuring more than 300 works, the exhibition brings together paintings, designs and archival material, alongside a faithful reconstruction of Grant's studio, relocated from the couple's former home in Sussex. Their commitment to artistic freedom, experimentation and self-expression provides the central thread, offering a closer look at two figures whose work helped shape the cultural landscape of twentieth-century Britain.
Watch French cinema at the French Film Festival
Where: Institut Français, South Kensington, London
When: 18 November – 14 December 2026
If you haven't yet visited the Institut Français, housed in an ornate red-brick building in South Kensington, its annual celebration of French cinema offers an excellent excuse. The French Film Festival returns to the venue's Ciné Lumière with a programme spanning UK premieres, restored classics, documentaries and special screenings.
This year's selection includes Cristian Mungiu's Fjord, the UK premiere of The Birthday Party starring Monica Bellucci, and Anat Even's Collapse, a personal account of the destruction of Gaza. With around 40 films in the programme, there should be something to appeal to both dedicated cinephiles and those simply looking for a different sort of evening out.
Events
Witness A 1300 Old Tradition - The Lord Mayor's Show
Where: The City of London
When: 14 November 2026
One of London's oldest civic traditions returns this November as the newly appointed Lord Mayor takes part in an elaborate procession through the City. Dating back to the thirteenth century, the Lord Mayor's Show originated from a royal charter granted by King John, which required each newly elected mayor to travel from the City to Westminster to pledge allegiance to the Crown.
Eight centuries later, the tradition has evolved into a colourful public spectacle, bringing together marching bands, decorated floats, horses and the famous golden State Coach. It is an entertaining collision of British pageantry and modern London, and one of the more unusual events on the November calendar.
Immerse Yourself In The World of Alice in Wonderland
For those who prefer their cultural experiences a little less conventional, Alice Immersive Wonderland offers an opportunity to step directly into Lewis Carroll's wonderfully peculiar universe. Opening this November, the multisensory attraction spans 26,000 square feet and ten immersive chapters, bringing the familiar story to life through oversized sets, 360-degree projections and live performances.
Expect a journey through a world of grinning cats, curious characters and rather questionable logic. It is an invitation to leave reality at the door and embrace the nonsensical, which, given the state of the November weather, doesn't sound like the worst idea.
Visit the World Famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Where: Hyde Park, London
When: 19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Love it or approach it with a degree of festive scepticism, Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland remains one of London's biggest seasonal attractions. Returning on 19 November, the sprawling Christmas-themed attraction brings together fairground rides, circus performances, an ice kingdom, an ice rink and a traditional Christmas market.
More than 100 wooden chalets offer everything from decorations and gifts to seasonal food and drink, while the giant observation wheel provides a rather different perspective of the capital. It is particularly well suited to a day out with family or friends, although we'd recommend allowing plenty of time to explore everything on offer.
Visit the Ever After Garden
Where: Duke of York Square, King's Road, Chelsea, SW3 4LY
When: 5 November – 21 December 2026
Not every festive experience needs to be about Christmas shopping and elaborate decorations. Returning to Chelsea this November, the Ever After Garden offers a rather more poignant reason to visit Duke of York Square.
Thousands of illuminated white roses transform the space into a peaceful garden of remembrance, with each flower available to dedicate to someone who has passed away. The installation raises funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, allowing visitors to honour lost loved ones while contributing to an important cause. It is one of London's most touching seasonal installations and a reminder that the festive period can be a time for reflection as much as celebration.
London Christmas Lights Switch On
There is perhaps no clearer indication that Christmas has arrived in London than the switching on of its Christmas lights. Throughout November, the capital's most recognisable shopping streets and neighbourhoods receive their annual festive transformation, with illuminated installations providing a welcome distraction from the increasingly dark evenings.
Carnaby Street gets things started on 4 November, followed by Knightsbridge on 10 November and Marylebone Village on 11 November. Covent Garden and Bond Street follow on 12 November, each bringing their own interpretation of festive spectacle. Whether you're admiring the elaborate displays around Regent Street or wandering through Covent Garden's beautifully decorated piazza, it's worth making an evening of it.
Celebrate a Dickensian Christmas at Leadenhall Market
Where: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 1LT
Nearest Tube: Monument
When: 12–15 November and 19–22 November 2026
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
With its Victorian architecture, ornate roof and atmospheric passageways, Leadenhall Market is already one of London's most photogenic corners. This November, it will lean into its literary heritage with a Dickensian-themed festive takeover.
Expect a ghostly seasonal experience inspired by the world of Charles Dickens, making this an appealing stop for anyone who prefers their Christmas celebrations with a little Victorian atmosphere. It is also an excellent excuse to explore one of the City's most beautiful historic markets.
Take a Christmas lights bus tour
Where: Departures from the London Eye, Victoria and Green Park
When: 6 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Price: From £25
If you would rather admire London's Christmas decorations without spending the evening navigating crowded pavements, a festive bus tour offers a rather convenient alternative. Climb aboard and enjoy front-row views of the capital's most impressive illuminations, passing the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street's iconic angels and the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.
A tour guide provides some historical context along the way, while the upper deck offers the best vantage point for photographs. Just remember to wrap up warm. For more practical advice, take a look at our Christmas lights bus tour review.
Food & Drink
Discover London's latest restaurant openings
Here are the openings worth keeping an eye on:
- SUMI, Marylebone – 1 November: The Notting Hill Japanese restaurant opens its second location, introducing its first-ever café alongside the restaurant.
- Elezar – 2 November: An Eastern European chophouse arrives in the crypt of St George's Church, offering a rather different setting for dinner.
- PAM, Farringdon – 3 November: Former Kiln head chef Karla Knowles brings live-fire Thai cooking to Farringdon.
- Bar Douro, Soho – 4 November: Celebrating ten years in London, the Portuguese restaurant group opens its third location. The new restaurant will also become the first in the UK to import and serve Maronesa beef from the remote mountains of Trás-os-Montes.
- Osteria Panzano – 27 November: Restaurateur Arjun Waney OBE, whose portfolio includes Zuma and COYA, ventures into Italian dining with his first restaurant in the category.
- Sit With Us – Mid-November: The duo behind SINO introduce a modern coffee house and bakery.
- Edmondo – November: Big Mamma brings a little 1930s Milanese glamour to the City with a new 200-cover restaurant.
- Schofield's Bar – November: The celebrated Manchester cocktail bar makes its London debut with a second location.
- The Poet, Smithfield – November: A new pub opens in Smithfield, with plans to introduce an upstairs dining room, mezzanine chef's table and attic cocktail bar over the coming year.
- Han & Han – November: Former Hakkasan Mayfair Chef de Cuisine Jeff Tan prepares to open his flagship restaurant, showcasing his take on Chinese cuisine.
- Casa Macellaio – November: Following the success of Macellaio RC, founder Roberto Costa introduces a new concept with a more relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired approach.
- Ralphie's – Late November: Chef Tom Booton opens his debut restaurant after six years at The Dorchester, promising playful interpretations of British classics.