Things to do in London in November 2026

November is when London switches from fireworks to fairy lights. These are the dates worth putting in the calendar, in the order they happen.

4 and 5 November: the first Christmas lights

Carnaby’s lights go on on Wednesday 4 November, and Regent Street and St James’s follow on Thursday 5 November. More in our Christmas 2026 dates guide.

5 to 8 November: Bonfire Night fireworks

Bonfire Night falls on a Thursday, so most big displays move to the weekend.

• Wimbledon Park, Thursday 5 November. Gates 5.15pm, children’s display 6.45pm, main display 8.30pm.
• Blackheath, Saturday 7 November. Gates 5pm, fireworks 8pm.
• Battersea Park, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November. On Saturday, gates open at 6pm and the fireworks start at 8.30pm.
• Alexandra Palace, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November. Gates 4pm, fireworks around 8pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday.

All of these need tickets bought in advance. Prices and free options are in our London fireworks guide.

6 and 11 November: the ice rinks open

Glide at Battersea Power Station opens on 6 November and Skate at Somerset House on 11 November.

8 November: Remembrance Sunday and Diwali

The National Service of Remembrance is at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on Sunday 8 November. It is free and you do not need a ticket, but get there early. The same day is Diwali. London’s big public celebration, Diwali on the Square, is earlier this year, on 25 October.

12 November: Bloomsbury at Tate Britain

Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant: Inside Bloomsbury opens at Tate Britain on 12 November and runs until 11 April 2027.

13 to 22 November: EFG London Jazz Festival

Ten days of jazz in venues all over town, from the Barbican and the Royal Festival Hall to KOKO and the Roundhouse. Our jazz festival guide has the headliners.

13 November: Christmas at Kew

The evening light trail at Kew Gardens starts on 13 November and runs on selected dates until 3 January.

14 November: the Lord Mayor’s Show

The procession sets off from Mansion House at 11am on Saturday 14 November. Watching from the street is free.

19 November: Winter Wonderland opens

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens on 19 November. Off-peak entry is free if you book, standard entry starts at £5.50. How to get tickets.

28 November: the new London Museum

The London Museum opens in the old Smithfield General Market on 28 November. The permanent galleries are free. This is one of the biggest museum openings in London for years.

Rugby at Twickenham

England play Japan on 14 November and New Zealand on 21 November at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with the Nations Championship finals weekend from 27 to 29 November.

Looking for Christmas shopping? Here is our list of London Christmas markets with opening dates.

Frequently asked questions

What’s on in London in November 2026?

Bonfire Night fireworks on 5 to 8 November, the first Christmas lights, Remembrance Sunday on 8 November, the London Jazz Festival from 13 November, the Lord Mayor’s Show on 14 November and Winter Wonderland from 19 November.

Is anything new opening in London in November?

The new London Museum opens at Smithfield on 28 November, with free permanent galleries.

Where can I see fireworks in London in November?

Blackheath, Battersea Park, Alexandra Palace and Wimbledon Park all have Bonfire Night displays, all ticketed in advance.

Sources

• Visit London: things to do in November
• Londonist: Christmas lights switch-on dates
• ianVisits: 2026 fireworks displays
• JustPark: London fireworks 2026
• GOV.UK: National Service of Remembrance 2026
• Guide London: Remembrance Sunday
• Tate: Inside Bloomsbury
• Art Fund: Inside Bloomsbury
• Lord Mayor’s Show
• Kew: Christmas at Kew
• Winter Wonderland: tickets guide
• London Museum: Smithfield opening
• MySportsTourist: England at Twickenham

Last checked: 16 October 2026. Dates and prices can change, so check with each venue before you go. Photo: Christine Matthews / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.