Things to do in London in November 2023
November in London is undeniably one of the most thrilling months. With fireworks, jazz and film festivals, and the onset of the festive season, where you can look forward to ice skating, winter markets, and the cherished Winter Wonderland. Discover our selection of 18 fantastic things to do in London this November.
Ally Pally's Fireworks Festival
Image: Fireworks Festival Alexandra Palace.
#FLODown: Experience the ‘Glastonbury of Fireworks’; at Ally Pally this November, featuring live music, a German Bier Festival, tribute acts, legendary DJs, ice skating, and a breathtaking fireworks display that will light up the London skyline. Tickets are selling fast, so make sure you don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Click here to discover more fireworks display in London.
Date: 3 - 4 November 2023. Location: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY. Price: Tickets start from £13.50. Book now.
EFG London Jazz Festival 2023
Image: EFG London Jazz Festival
#FLODown: The EFG London Jazz Festival returns for its 15th year, and it promises an extraordinary lineup. The festival kicks off with Jazz Voice, a star-studded event, and includes the EFG Elements Series with acts like Marcus Miller and Sérgio Mendes. The 2023 program boasts jazz legends like Norah Jones and Ron Carter, as well as rising talents.
Date: 10 - 19 November 2023. Location: Events across the city. Click here for the full line-up of events.
Alice Ripoll: Zona Franca
Image: Alice Ripoll, the acclaimed Brazilian choreographer, presents Zona Franca. Photo by Renato Mangolin.
#FLODown: Alice Ripoll, the acclaimed Brazilian choreographer, presents Zona Franca, her UK dance premiere in collaboration with Cia Suave. This performance addresses social injustice and inequality in Brazil, incorporating a mix of dance genres, including the viral TikTok sensation ‘passinho.’ Zona Franca delves into Brazil's political landscape, reflecting on President Jair Bolsonaro's fall and Lula's return to power, offering a fresh perspective on societal change and hope.
Date: 2-4 November 2023. Time: 7:30pm. Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX.Price: £20-£32. Book now.
Sadler’s Wells Young Associates
Image: Sadler’s Wells Young Associates.
#FLODown: In November, Sadler's Wells will present brand-new works by the 2023/24 Young Associates. This exciting showcase will feature the talents of choreographers Blue Makwana, Elisabeth Mulenga, Maiya Leeke, and the dynamic duo Roseann & Sula, each bringing their unique artistic voices to life through four distinctive duets. The Young Associates program at Sadler’s Wells is a vital platform dedicated to nurturing and supporting young creative talents.
Date: 22 - 23 November 2023. Location: Sadler's Wells, Lilian Baylis Studio, EC1R 4TN. Price: £15. Book now.
Southbank Centre’s Winter Market
Image: Southbank Centre's Winter Market © Pete Woodhead.
#FLODown: Get ready for a charming winter experience as the Southbank Centre's Winter Festival returns. Enjoy festive shows, family fun, a Winter Market by the Thames, and explore art exhibitions while listening to free choirs and classical music performances.
Date: 28 October 2023 – 7 January 2024. Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Click here for full line-up of events.
Handel Hendrix House After Dark
Image: Jimi Hendrix 1969. Photo by Barrie Wentzell.
#FLODown: The Handel Hendrix House in Mayfair, once home to G.F. Handel and Jimi Hendrix, is opening its historic rooms on Friday evenings. Visitors can enjoy the candlelit ambiance of Handel's Georgian home with live music performances, and Jimi Hendrix's vividly decorated bedroom hosts its own live music experience.
Date: every Friday until December 2023. Location: 25 Brook Street, London W1K 4HB.Price: from £20. Book now.
On Railton Road
#FLODown: On Railton Road is an immersive theatre production set in the Museum of the Home, highlighting the struggles of Brixton's queer communities in the 1970s. The play features Netflix's Hannah van der Westhusysen and a talented ensemble cast. It explores the lives of gay squatters, echoing the street theatre groups of the era, and is based on real events and archival scripts by the Brixton Faeries.
Date: 31 October – 18 November 2023. Location: Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA Price: from £7. Book now.
London Korean Film Festival 2023
Image: A Normal Family 보통의 가족 by Hur Jin-ho.
#FLODown: The London Korean Film Festival 2023, will showcase a diverse selection of Korean cinema experiences. The festival will feature the opening gala film A Normal Family by Hur Jin-ho, a twisty melodrama based on the celebrated Dutch novel Het Diner. Additionally, it will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA) with a special focus on films by notable alumni. The event includes a wide range of films in categories like Cinema Now, Women's Voices, Special Screenings, and Korea Season, making it an exciting opportunity to spotlight Korean cinema on the international stage.
Date: 2 - 16 November 2023. Location: BFI Southbank, 0 Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XT. Website: koreanfilm.co.uk.
Battersea Park Fireworks
Image: Battersea Park Fireworks. @batterseaparklondon
#FLODown: Don't miss South London's biggest Fireworks Display in Battersea Park on 4-5 November. The classic Saturday night event on 4 November will feature a spectacular fireworks display, a traditional bonfire, and offer winter comfort food, warming mulled wine, and glow-in-the-dark face paint. The family-oriented Sunday night on 5 November provides a unique and fun display for the younger ones, with an earlier start time and a fire show in place of the traditional bonfire.
Date: 4-5 November 2023. Location: Battersea Park, London. Price: Tickets starting from £12.35 (Adult/Child). Book now.
Kensington Vintage Fair
Image: Kensington Vintage Fair
#FLODown: Experience the charm of a brand-new vintage fair in Kensington, where an array of specialist and independent traders, including Mark Hill from the BBC's Antiques Roadshow, will showcase unique delights. This exciting fair launches on 4 November at the historic St Cuthbert's Church in Earls Court, offering a blend of retro treasures, antique rarities, live music, curios, art, collectables, vinyl, vintage fashion, delicious refreshments, and more. It's an unmissable treasure trove of nostalgia and discovery!
Date: 4 November 2023. Time: 10am - 4pm. Location: St Cuthbert's Church, Earls Court, 50 Philbeach Gardens, London SW5 9EB. Price: Admission ranges from £3 to £5. Book now.
Visit Brazil Gallery
Image: Visit Brazil Gallery.
#FLODown: The Visit Brazil Gallery is making its way to London, building on the success of its exhibitions in Paris and Rome. Hosted at the Embassy of Brazil, this event promises an immersive journey into the heart of Brazilian culture. From tastings of Brazilian cuisine and coffee to cooking demonstrations and an art showcase, it's a true celebration of all things Brazilian. This collaborative effort between Embratur and Sebrae seeks to highlight Brazil's rich culture, diversity, and commitment as a top global travel destination. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the gallery – it's open to the public for just one day!
Date: 4 November 2023. Time: 10 am - 5 pm. Location: Embassy of Brazil, 14-16 Cockspur Street London SW1Y 5BL. Website: galeria.visitbrasil.com
Film Orchestrated: Silent Slapsticks
Image: Brixton ReCreated, London Festival of Architecture 2023 © Jane Lam.
#FLODown: Experience an unforgettable evening of classic silent comedy with a live orchestral twist at the Ritzy cinema, courtesy of the Brixton Chamber Orchestra's Film Orchestrated: Silent Slapsticks. This 15-piece orchestra, complete with unique soundtracks and live improvisation, breathes new life into sketches by comedy legends. Adding to the magic there will be a screening of 'Entr'acte' features its original Erik Satie score.The event is hosted by comedian Darran Griffiths, and to top it all off, each ticket includes a complimentary beer from Brixton Brewery!
Date: 2 November 2023. Location: The Ritzy Cinema, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Ln, London SW2 1JG. Book now.
Christmas at Kew
#FLODown: Get ready for the much-loved holiday tradition, Christmas at Kew, making a dazzling comeback with its breathtaking light displays and exciting new installations, such as illuminated flowers and a record-breaking light tunnel. Don’t miss The Hive, a contemporary beehive masterpiece, and a candle lantern exhibit. You can also revisit cherished classics like the Christmas Cathedral and the mesmerising Fire Garden, all set against a backdrop of a starry night sky. And, of course, tuck into traditional Christmas dinners and tasty treats to complete the festive experience.
Date: 15 November 2023 – 7 January 2024. Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond TW9 3AE UK. Price: from adult: from £22.50, family: from £69, child 4 – 16: from £15, Under 4s free. Book now.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Image: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
#FLODown: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is returning for its 15th edition this November. This winter extravaganza features the UK's largest outdoor Ice Rink, a brand-new Magical Ice Kingdom, a retro-inspired Ice Bar with an 80s après-ski theme, Zippos Christmas Circus, mesmerising Cirque Berserk shows, the towering Giant Wheel, and an extended Real Ice Slide – making it a truly unique winter wonderland. With six exciting new attractions, including the world's largest transportable Starflyer, there's fun for everyone. Don't miss the family-friendly Santa Land or the chance to savour a variety of street food in this festive setting.
Date: 18 November - 2 January 2023. Time: 10 am – 10pm (open every day except closed on Christmas Day). Location: Hyde Park, W2 2UH. Price: from Free entry. Book now.
The Witches at the National Theatre
Image: The Witches at The National Theatre.
#FLODown: Prepare for a nostalgic journey down memory lane this November as the National Theatre presents a thrilling adaptation of Roald Dahl's timeless classic,The Witches. These are the most perilous creatures on Earth, and only young Luke and his ailing grandmother can thwart their sinister plan. With time running out, The Witches offers an enchanting tale accompanied by music and lyrics by Dave Malloy. This is a show not to be missed!
Date: from 7 November 2023.Location: Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX. Price: from £20. Book now.
Christmas in London
Image: Christmas in London. Regents Street. © MTotoe.
#FLODown: Experience the enchanting charm of Christmas in London with a plethora of exciting activities that unfold beneath the mesmerising glow of fantastic Christmas lights. From ice skating at iconic locations like Somerset House, Hampton Court Palace, and Canary Wharf to Christmas staples such as The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House, a fresh jazz-inspired interpretation of this beloved classic, and delightful Christmas-themed pop-up bars, there's something for everyone.
Click here to discover our guide to 17 fantastic things to do in London during the festive season.
The Cross Turns 30
Image: The Cross London turns 30. Image courtesy of The Cross London.
#FLODown: In November, London's iconic club, The Cross, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a series of special events. The venue, now reinvented, features a rooftop terrace, a Mediterranean restaurant called Wild, and stylish private hire spaces. The anniversary lineup includes themed nights with renowned DJs, bringing back the spirit of London's clubbing scene.
Click here to discover the full line up of events.
Location: The Cross, 2-4 Wharfdale Rd, London N1 9RY. Instagram: @thecrossldn.
Art in London
Image: 12 Reasons You’re Tired All The Time, 2013, Photograph. Credit: © Juno Calypso. Courtesy the artist and TJ Boulting.
We are privileged to reside in a city abundant with a vast spectrum of art, spanning Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, as well as Modern and Contemporary movements. London truly offers a rich tapestry of artistic experiences.
Click here for a curated selection of art exhibitions to explore in the city this month.