Things to do in London in November are full of festive charm, from candlelit concerts to sparkling Christmas lights.
The days may be shorter but I love this month because the city turns into a winter wonderland fast. You’ll find neighbourhood light switch-ons, Thanksgiving celebrations and experiences you won’t find any other time of year.
Book early to avoid missing out and look out for my exclusive discount codes on some of the best activities below.
Weather & Time information for November in London
- Average Highs: 57°F (14°C) at the start of November down to 50°F (10°C) by the end of the month.
- Average Lows: Range from 45°F (7°C) early on down to around 41°F (5°C) overnight.
- Rainfall: Expect around 10 to 12 days of measurable rain throughout the month.
- Cloud Cover: Skies are mostly grey and overcast, and daylight drops from around 9.5 hours at the start of the month to just over 8 hours by the end, with sunset before 4pm in late November.
- Clock Changes: No clock changes in London this month. The USA falls back on Sunday 1 November 2026, so the usual time difference returns (London is 5 hours ahead of New York).
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What You Must Book Now
LUMINISCENCE until January 2027
A spectacular 360° cutting-edge video mapping experience brings the story of London to life inside Westminster Cathedral, including the mosaic domes, digitally completed for the first time.
From 25 November to 2 January, there’s also a 15 minute festive addition. It features live choir and orchestra performances, much loved Christmas classics and a new seasonal 360° projection.
Use SUNNYINLONDON10 for 10% Off
Also Happening
Bonfire night
The annual event in which the historic moment when Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up Houses of Parliament and King James I in the Gunpowder Plot of 5 November 1605 is celebrated with fireworks.
Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday (11th November)
London remembers those who fell during the wars. The parade will take place along Whitehall on Sunday 8 November.
thanksgiving dinner in london
Several restaurants will offer this traditional American meal in November. Updates will be added as informed.
- Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, The Cumberland Hotel (2026 details on the way)
Christmas Candlelight Concerts for 2026
- Rhapsody in Blue at Christmas at St Mary le Strand, 26 November
- Christmas Carols by Candlelight, 3 December 2026
- Candlelight Christmas Classics, 18 December 2026
- Candlelight Christmas Movie Soundtracks, 19 December
- A Dickensian Christmas by Candlelight, 19 & 23 December 2026
- Christmas by Candlelight at 235 Shaftesbury Avenue 12, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26 December
- Viennese Christmas Spectacular at Cadogan Hall, 30 December 2026
- Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Christmas at St Mary Le Strand Church 2026
2026 diwali
- The Festival of Lights will be celebrated with stage performances and cultural activities on Sunday, 25th October in Trafalgar Square from 1pm-7pm.
- The five days of Diwali for 2026 are from 6th-10th November.
Experience of the Month
sparkling christmas lights open top bus tour
- 26 November 2026 – 5 January 2027
- See London’s Christmas lights from the open top deck of a classic Routemaster bus, with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine for every adult.
- Location: Trafalgar Square (8 Northumberland Avenue)
- Price: from £25 (early bird price for the first two weeks)
- Times: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, 10pm, approximately 60 minutes
Things to Do in November: Best Christmas Market
Victorian Christmas Village
- 7 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
- A Dickensian-style Christmas market at St Katharine Docks, now in its third year, with artisan gifts and festive food by the marina. Free entry.
- This year it moves closer to the Dickens Inn, and includes Dear Us London, a stall selling jewellery among the festive gifts.
- Time it with the St Katharine Docks Christmas lights switch-on on Thursday 19 November, with school choirs and an appearance from St Nick.
Sunny’s Picks You Don’t Want to Miss
Christmas Light Switch-on Parties
- Oxford Street, 3 November 2025 (TBD 2026)
- Regent Street, 5 November 2026
- Carnaby Street, 4 November 2026
- Bond Street, 12 November 2026
- Covent Garden, 12 November 2026 (decorations change every 3-4 years)
- Greenwich, 18 November 2026
- Marylebone Village, 11 November 2026 (3-8pm)
- Old Spitalfields Christmas Light Switch On, 11 November 2026
- Leadenhall Market, 19 November 2026 (6pm)
- Belgravia, Winter Market begins 22 November 2026
- The Shard, 25 November 2025 (TBD 2026)
- Trafalgar Square, 3 December 2026
- Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival (not Christmas), 19 January 2027- 30 January 2027
Mr Sunny’s Pub Picks for November
WARm & QUIET london PUBS
- Mayfair
- The Guinea Grill, Bruton Place
- The Barley Mow, Duke Street
- The Audley Public House, Mount Street
- Central London
- The Thomas Cubitt, Belgravia
- The Lamb, Bloomsbury
- Star Tavern, Belgravia
- The Antelope, Belgravia
- The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell
- North London
- The Holly Bush, Hampstead
- The Flask, Highgate
Explore This Neighbourhood
Mayfair
Afternoon Tea Inspiration
grinchmas afternoon tea bus tour
- 15 November – 31 January 2027
- Taking place on a classic Routemaster bus, you can have a sightseeing experience while having an array of Grinch-inspired treats as part of an afternoon tea menu. Book special menus in advance for best experience
- Location: Northumberland Avenue (outside the Corinthia Hotel)
- Price: adults from £50
- Times: 1pm, 3.30pm, 6pm, approximately 90 minutes
Use SUNNYLONDON Discount Code for 10% off
Things to Do in November: Place to See
Fortnum & Mason
- Founded in 1707 on Piccadilly, it’s one of London’s oldest department stores and holds Royal Warrants, so it’s as much a piece of history as a shop.
- The Christmas windows are among the best in London. They’re usually unveiled in early November, so this is a great month to see them (2026 date TBC).
- The famous hampers and festive food hall make it the place to pick up edible gifts, from teas and biscuits to Christmas puddings in their signature eau de nil tins.
- Watch the clock above the entrance: on the hour, figures of Mr Fortnum and Mr Mason appear and bow to each other while the bells chime.
- Create your own tea blend: the in-house tea experts can help you make a personalised blend, a lovely gift that’s truly one of a kind.
What to Avoid
- Winter Wonderland on weekend evenings: book a weekday daytime slot.
- Oxford Street and Regent Street on Black Friday weekend (27 to 29 November): go on a weekday instead.
- Bond Street lights on a weekend night: visit on a weekday evening for a calmer stroll.
Things to Do in November: How To Save Money
2026 Current Ticket Discounts for London
Next update on 2nd November 2026
Discount Code: SUNNYINLONDON10
Get 10% off these until 2nd November
Christmas Guide to London
Christmas in London Guide
Worried you’ll plan a Christmas in London trip and miss the best activities?
With this guide you’ll know about everything that’s happening in town. From sparkling lights to perfect itineraries, self-guided walks and everything in between, our Christmas in London guide is packed with all the tips you need.
You’ll also get email updates about festive activities and dates as they’re announced, so you’re always updated on things to do in London for Christmas.
London Travel Planners
For help on how to plan London itineraries for three days in London and more (including Christmas) we have several options.
London Travel Guides & Custom Itineraries
1:1 Itinerary Audit or Custom London Trip Itinerary
London Travel Guide (Itineraries for 3+ Days)
Christmas in London Guide
London Restaurant Guide (by Attractions)
Hotels in London
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet for your London trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on the most central location in town.
For the full list of what’s happening for the holiday season this year- read Visiting London for Christmas.
Don’t Miss London News
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