Things to do in London this month is sponsored by London West End.
HALF TERM: The school half term break continues into the first week of November. Got children to entertain? Have a read of our family-friendly events guide, spanning shows, exhibitions, free activities and other events. Until 3 November
ORGAN SPECTACULAR: As Luke Jerram's Gaia installation ends its run at Southwark Cathedral, enjoy an evening viewing it accompanied by organ music. Stroll beneath the celestial orb as the award-winning soundtrack by composer Dan Jones plays, before Cathedral organist James Gough delivers a mix of popular sci-fi themes including Star Wars, interspersed with classical organ music. 1 November
BLACK BRITISH HISTORY: Writer Joanna Brown and illustrator Angela Vives launch their new biographical book, Bright Stars of Black British History. Head to the National Archives to hear about important people of African descent, including John Blanke, the African Tudor trumpeter, and Claudia Jones, the community activist who introduced Carnival to London. 1 November
HIDDEN LONDON: See the bits of the Tube most people don't know exist! London Transport Museum's Hidden London tours continue this month with a chance to explore Aldwych station, abandoned in 1994 and now popular with film crews. Visit sealed off parts of Euston, unused by passengers for half a century and still containing 1960s adverts. Or wind your way down to Baker Street station, whose secret sections conceal an old rifle range. Meanwhile, a tour above-ground explores how early transport shaped the streets of the West End. All month. (sponsor)
LUCHA LIBRE: Mexican wrestling show Lucha Libre smacks down in York Hall in Bethnal Green, showcasing a fast-paced form of professional wrestling with colourful masks and high-flying moves. The tour is your last chance to see Mexico’s greatest ever Luchador, El Hijo del Santo, before his retirement. 1-2 November
FORGE ART FAIR: See work by contemporary visual artists at Forge Art Fair, which takes place at London Lighthouse Gallery near Canning Town. Oil painting, photography, illustration and textile art are among the mediums on display. 1-3 November
KOREAN FILM FESTIVAL: Cinemas across the capital host more than 20 screenings as part of the London Korean Film Festival, which includes critically acclaimed films, new talent and Korean box office hits. There are special strands focusing on women's voices, and what's popular in Korean culture right now. 1-13 November
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: London's Christmas lights are switched on this month — it begins with Oxford Street on 5 November. Then Regent Street, Covent Garden, Carnaby, and other areas follow over the coming weeks. Here's when exactly each of London's Christmas light displays are switched on. FREE, from 5 November
VETERAN CAR RUN: The Veteran Car Run sees more than 100 pre-1905 vehicles setting off from London to Brighton. You'll have to be up early to cheer them on — they begin leaving Hyde Park around 7am, heading through Lambeth towards Croydon, and on towards the coast. FREE, 3 November
ELMER'S BIRTHDAY: Beloved David McKee character Elmer the Elephant celebrates his 35th anniversary with a special party at Southbank Centre, part of the final day of London Literature Festival. Party games, a DJ and art and craft activities are provided in honour of the colourful patchwork creature. FREE, 3 November
ART & ANTIQUES FAIR: Traditional fine art and 20th-century and contemporary pieces are among the curated pieces on show and sale at the Winter Art & Antiques Fair. It's a chance to speak face-to-face with knowledgeable dealers specialising in jewellery, paintings, sculptures, bronzes, furniture, mirrors, and textiles. Takes place at Olympia London, alongside the Spirit of Christmas Fair. 4-10 November
THEATRE FESTIVAL: Voila! Theatre Festival describes itself as an "annual theatre rendezvous in London" spanning multidisciplinary, multilingual and multicultural performance. This year, that translates into an impressive 72 different productions, including That Boy Has No Shoes, a story about Apartheid in South Africa, Spanish cabaret Copla, and physical comedy The Room of Piss, which asks what would you do if your piss was blue? 4-24 November
FIREWORKS NIGHT: Remember, remember, the fifth of November. It's fireworks night (or Bonfire Night) — the anniversary of the foiled Gunpowder Plot. Take a look at the displays going on at parks and sports grounds around London this year, and get booking those tickets. We've also selected a few fireworks events beyond London, which are well worth travelling to. Around 5 November
US ELECTION: Back in July, the UK held a general election on the USA's Independence Day. Now, the US holds its election on our Bonfire Night. Fireworks all round. Anyway, here's our pick of US Election night parties and events in London. The winner could be announced that night, or, as with 2020, it could take a few days to count the votes. Especially if a certain candidate insists on trying to overturn the results if things don't go their way... 5 November
WRAP UP LONDON: Annual charity coat collection WrapUp London will return to London stations, so dig out your old coat from the back of your wardrobe. The organisation redistributes the coats they collect to those who need them most, to help keep them more comfortable and safe over the winter months. From 5 November
PITCHFORK MUSIC FESTIVAL: Organised by the team behind the Pitchfork website, Pitchfork Music Festival returns to London, with shows at more than 20 venues across six nights. Aziya, Charly Bliss, Ellie O'Neill, Goya Gumbani, Kae Tempest, Mabe Fratti and System Olympia are among those on the bill. 5-10 November
FesTeLõn: St John's in Hoxton is the chosen venue for this year's FesTeLõn, a festival of Spanish theatre now in its 12th incarnation. Plays, comedy, concerts, Q&As, talks and workshops are on the programme. Events are held in Spanish, though some have English subtitles or brief synopses available. 6-10 November
Sponsor message
Festive things to do in the West End
London’s buzziest cultural district has had its annual glow-up – with dazzling Christmas light displays now illuminating St Martin’s Lane, Piccadilly and Leicester Square. And that’s far from the only reason to visit the West End this month…
Got some Christmas shopping to do? Admire Piccadilly’s slimmed down (but no less magical) illuminated aerial display in between drooling over the bespoke hampers in Fortnum’s newly opened Christmas shop and the boutiques of Burlington Arcade. Planning a festive theatre trip? See Steve Coogan as Dr Strangelove, Lily Collins in Barcelona, or the new hit musical Why Am I So Single?, then take in all 8000 LED-bulbs of St Martin’s Lane on your way to a post—performance Christmas cocktail (make ours a Hazelnut Whip at The Alchemist, please!)
Speaking of festive refreshments, Leicester Square’s twinkling Christmas market has all the mulled wine and mince pies you could wish for. You can even squeeze in a bit of culture, in the form of the interactive Scenes in the Square film trail. If that’s not enough for you, be sure to check out Art of London’s handy online guides, which feature a raft of world-class galleries, theatres, museums and pop ups. There are even specially-crafted Christmas itineraries for extra festive magic.
BARBRA & LIZA LIVE: Steven Brinberg plays Barbra Streisand with Rick Skye as Liza Minnelli in Barbra & Liza Live, a musical impersonation show at Charing Cross Theatre. They're accompanied by Nathan Martin at the piano. 6-17 November
TEDDINGTON BEER FESTIVAL: If you've just about recovered from London's Oktoberfest celebrations, head to the Landmark Arts Centre for Teddington Beer Festival. Sample more than 75 cask ales and 18 ciders, with proceeds supporting the Landmark Arts Centre, where the event is held. 7-10 November
LUXURY TRAVEL FAIR: If you're lucky enough to be planning a getaway in the next few months, you might find the inspiration you're looking for at the Luxury Travel Fair at London Olympia. Hear from celebrity travellers and expert speakers including filmmaker and presenter Libby Penman and CN Traveller digital editor Sarah Allard. You can also chat to reps from travel and expedition companies. 7-10 November
UK JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL: Various cinemas around London and beyond hosts screenings as part of the UK Jewish Film Festival, with online screenings taking place the following week. The festival spans genres including drama, comedy and documentary, and begins with an opening night gala at Curzon Mayfair, screening A Real Pain, about two cousins who reunite to visit their grandmother in Poland. 7-17 November
AUT-OOO ARCADIA: Artist Louis Morlæ takes over part of Somerset House with robotic sculptures, video, and interactive multimedia, to imagine what a fully-automated future might look like. Aut-OOO-Arcadia looks at a time when machines might have taken over our jobs, allowing us to enter a new world of leisure. 7 November-23 February
PICASSO: PRINTMAKER: The British Museum opens a new exhibition focusing on the lesser-known aspect of artist Pablo Picasso's career: his prints. He created over 2,400 of them in all, with several on display here dating from the early-1900s through to the 1930s. 7 November-30 March
NASHVILLE NIGHT: Cowboy boots and checked shirts at the ready for A Country Night in Nashville at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea. Hits by the likes of Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, The Chicks, Willie Nelson and Kacey Musgraves, are covered by live band Dominic Halpin and The Hurricanes. 8 November
POPPY FIELDS: As has become tradition, the Tower of London marks Remembrance Day in a spectacular way. Poppy Fields is a sound and light show featuring artworks reflecting on both world wars projected onto the Tower's buildings. It's accompanied by a soundtrack, and ticketholders can also visit the Crown Jewels outside of the usual opening hours. 8-16 November
SHAKESPEARE BY CANDLELIGHT: Shakespeare's Globe opens a new production of thriller play All's Well That Ends Well, with Chelsea Walker making her Globe directorial debut. It's performed in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, London's only candlelit theatre, making for an extra atmospheric experience. 8 November-4 January
AD WOMEN: 100 years of women in advertising is celebrated in AdWomen, a new exhibition at the Museum of Brands in Notting Hill. Find out how advertising has both influenced and reflected women's societal and domestic roles over the last century, including the pioneering women who created groundbreaking TV ads that transformed the industry. Adverts dating back as far as the 1920s are on show. 8 November-28 April
LORD MAYOR'S SHOW: If you're a sucker for pomp and pageantry, don't miss the Lord Mayor's Show. The event marks the outgoing Lord Mayor being replaced by the new one (this year that's Alistair King), and takes the form of a procession through the City of London. FREE, 9 November. There's also a secret ghost parade rehearsal a few days before, though the date of this is kept under wraps.
THE GREAT MUGHALS: The V&A opens a major exhibition focusing on the Mughal Court, an empire which ruled over modern-day India, Pakistan and Afghanistan for over 200 years from the 16th century. As the name suggests, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence focuses on the extraordinary creative output of the Golden Age of the Mughal Court. From 9 November
ALI SMITH: Author Ali Smith makes an appearance at Southbank Centre to launch her new novel, Gliff. She talks to novelist Eley Williams about the book, which delves into how we make meaning via nods to dystopian fiction and the Kafkaesque. 10 November
REMEMBRANCE: There are always special events in London around 11 November, to mark Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day. This year's details will be announced in due course. Around 11 November
AUTISM MAMA: Comedian Josephine Lacey takes up residence at Soho Theatre with her current show, Autism Mama, sharing her experiences of guiding her autistic son through puberty. Expect visual aids, balloons, and plenty of heartwarming moments. 11-16 November
TOTTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL: Now in its sixth year, Tottenham Literature Festival is back at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, celebrating stories by Black authors, poets, and artists from Tottenham and beyond. This year’s theme is Black Imaginations. 11-17 November
MIRACLE CHRISTMAS BAR: If you like Christmas like your aunt used to do it in the eighties, by the absolute bucketload, Miracle is the place for you. The incredibly kitsch festive pop-up bar takes over the upstairs bar of the Henrietta Hotel again, with as many decorations as they can possibly squeeze in, and a themed Christmas cocktail menu which we've rather enjoyed drinking our way through in years gone by. 11 November-23 December. For more like this, see our guide to London's best winter and Christmas pop-up bars.
NCT DREAM: South Korean boy band NCT Dream — a sub-unit of the main NCT band — are currently on tour around Europe, swinging by Wembley Arena to play songs from their latest album DREAM( )SCAPE. 12 November
IRISH FILM FESTIVAL: The Irish Film Festival London holds screenings at Vue West End, Vue Piccadilly and the London Irish Centre. At time of writing, the full programme for 2024 hasn't been announced, but keep an eye on the website. 13-17 November
CHRISTMAS AT KEW: We know we shouldn't have favourites, but we have a real soft spot for Christmas at Kew, the spectacular light and illuminations festival that washes over the gardens each winter. Over a million lights and thousands of laser beams go into creating the event, which also features a fire garden, light tunnel and illuminated trees. 13 November-5 January
LONDON PHOTO SHOW: Hoxton Arches hosts the London Photo Show, an open group exhibition giving photographers from all over the world a chance to flaunt their work to the public. A wide range of photographic styles are on show, and it's a chance to buy work direct from the creators. 14-17 November
EVER AFTER GARDEN: Mayfair's Grosvenor Square glows with the light of more than 30,000 illuminated roses, as the Ever After Garden returns. Anyone can visit, and though there's no admission fee, the installation raises money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, so consider donating if you can. Alternatively, dedicate a rose to a loved one (minimum suggested donation £10). 14 November-18 December
PENGUIN PARADE: A dozen penguins are taking up residence around Fleet Street this winter, for a free sculpture trail. The Penguin Parade consists of 12 statues, each 1.6m tall and individually designed by a different artist, dotted around Chancery Lane, New Street Square, Ludgate Circus and Fleet Street. It's free to visit, though donations to conservation charity WWF are encouraged. FREE, 14 November
SOUND VOICE PROJECT: Opera installation The Sound Voice Project takes up residency at the Royal Opera House, offering eight showings a day, each with a 20-minute run time. Personal documentary, graphics, digital projections and performance film combine to tell the stories of opera singers living with voice loss. 14-20 November
TAYLOR WESSING PHOTO PRIZE: An annual staple in the London arts calendar, the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize showcases the work of talented young photographers, gifted amateurs and established professionals. Informal captures and more formal posed portraits all feature in the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. 14 November-16 February
CHRISTMAS SANDWICH FESTIVAL: Spread the news! A festival focusing entirely on Christmas sandwiches comes to Peckham, offering festive takes on the humble sarnie, whipped up by 20 top chefs. Entry tickets include three tokens to spend on sarnies of your choice. 15-17 November
DIGITAL BODY FESTIVAL: A new festival combining the moving body and digital technology takes place in Hackney Wick. Digital Body Festival has a varied programme including talks, panel discussions and art installations, featuring a lab where you can take part in the creation of digital motion using technology including VR. 15-17 November
EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL: Get down with the trumpets as the EFG London Jazz Festival returns. It takes place at venues including Barbican and Royal Festival Hall, and the programme features Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May, the Kenny Barron Trio, the Denys Baptiste Quartet, Jamie Cullum and loads more — it's a packed programme this year! 15-24 November
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TRAIN: Choo choo! All aboard the Epping Ongar Railway for Lights Express, a special ride on a train illuminated with countless fairy lights. Once on board, see specially-installed illuminations through the windows. 16 November-12 January
AKRAM KHAN: Legendary choreographer Akram Khan brings his latest show, Gigenis: the generation of Earth to Sadler's Wells, exploring ancient myths alongside an ensemble of six Indian classical dance artists and seven live musicians. 20-24 November
FINDING THE WORDS: Writers and poets including Julian Barnes, Victoria Hislop, Brian Bilston and Margaret Busby appear at the Finding The Words Literary Festival, in aid of charity Freedom From Torture. Resilience and strength are celebrated in the fundraising event at the London Library, which also features survivors of torture sharing their stories. 21 November
CONCERT FOR CONSERVATION: Singer Heather Small headlines a gig at the Water Rats in King's Cross, raising money for the Cheetah Conservation Fund, which is working to save the big cats in the wild. A fundraising raffle also features, and there may be a special guest too (probably not an actual cheetah...). 21 November
CHRISSIE HYNDE: The Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde opens an exhibition of her artworks at 4 Cromwell Place. Hynde Sight offers up 60 of her recent works for public viewing, with subjects ranging from furniture and musical instruments to self-portraits. 21 November-14 December
HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND: London's giant festive funfair returns to Hyde Park, with all the usual attractions; ice rink, giant wheel, funfair rides, ice kingdom, circus, Christmas market and food and drink stalls. Like last year, you'll need to book your entry slot in advance, and prices vary depending on peak and off-peak timings. 21 November-5 January
THE 80S: The social and political change of the 1980s is the subject of a new photography exhibition at Tate Britain. View the work of a diverse community of photographers, collectives and publications, working against the backdrop of race uprisings, the miner strikes, section 28, the AIDS pandemic and gentrification. 21 November-5 May
HOUSE PROUD: National Trust property Fenton House in Hampstead stays open late for House Proud, an evening celebrating LGBTQ+ history through music, song and talks. Drag king Don One hosts. 22 November
CHRISTMAS WINE FEST: Thinking about your festive tipple already? The Big Christmas Wine Fest has vino experts Oz Clarke, Tim Atkin and Olly Smith on hand to help you pick the perfect wine to pair with your turkey. Over 600 vinos from all around the world are available for tasting, and ready to buy when you find one that floats your boat. 22-23 November
WRITE IDEA FESTIVAL: The WriteIdea reading festival is a weekend of free events at Tower Hamlets Town Hall in Whitechapel. On the line-up are Olivia Laing (discussing her book about restoring a walled garden in Suffolk), Madeleine Pelling (whose book Writing on the Wall is a cultural history of the 18th century, told through the graffiti) and Tasneem Abdur-Rashid in conversation with Dr Fatima Rajina, about British Bangladeshis. FREE, 22-24 November
IRISH WRITERS' WEEKEND: Over 30 of Ireland's most exciting writers pitch up at the British Library for the Irish Writers' Festival. Authors, poets, comedians, and musicians are among those talking about their work, including Lucy Caldwell, Sinéad Gleeson, Rónán Hession, Chloe Michelle Howarth, Caoilinn Hughes, Una Mannion, Mike McCormack, Paul Muldoon, Graham Norton and Dara Ó Briain. 22-24 November
PERCY JACKSON: Rick Riordan’s best-selling novel Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief has been adapted for the stage, opening at The Other Palace. It's the story of a New York City teenager who discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god Poseidon, and is suitable for ages 8+. 22 November-2 February
SEA SHANTY FESTIVAL: Warm up your vocal pipes and climb aboard Cutty Sark for the Sea Shanty Festival, celebrating the vessel's 155th birthday. Bands and singers from across the UK perform live including the HogEye Men and the London Sea Shanty Collective. 23 November
LUKE JERRAM'S MARS: Instagram-famous installation Luke Jerram's Mars is on the move again, this time making itself at home in the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College. The 7m-wide artwork features detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface recreated to scale, and rotates slowly on its axis. A programme of events takes place around the installation, including silent discos and yoga sessions. 23 November-28 January
CHRISTOPHER WREN: Guildhall Library hosts a talk about the life and work of Christopher Wren, by City Guide and Lecturer Jill Finch. Either in person or online via livestream, hear the story of how Wren became Professor at Gresham College, a founder of the Royal Society and architect of St Paul’s Cathedral. FREE, 25 November
SCOTTISH BOOK FESTIVAL: Scots in London host the St Andrew's Book Festival, taking place at various central London venues. It's a chance to hear from Scottish writers and celebrities, including Sir Alexander McCall Smith, Sir Ian Rankin, Judy Murray and Lorraine Kelly. 25 November-1 December
THE PRODUCERS: The first major London revival of Mel Brooks' musical The Producers opens at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Andy Nyman, Marc Antolin, Joanna Woodward and Harry Morrison star in the show based on the film of the same name, about a theatre team who decide to put on the world's worst show. 26 November-1 March
EAT & DRINK FESTIVAL: Head to Olympia London for the Eat & Drink Festival Christmas special. Pick up tips on preparing your festive feasts, with special demos from celebrity chefs; discover beers, wines and spirits to pair with your meal; and go home armed with goodies from the artisan food market. It's part of the larger Ideal Home Show at Christmas, on at the same venue at the same time. 27 November- 1 December
THANKSGIVING: Thanksgiving falls on the last Thursday in November with plenty of London restaurants serving up traditional feasts for American expats, and anyone else who fancies getting in on the action. Here's our pick of where to celebrate Thanksgiving in London this year. 28 November
ELECTRIC DREAMS: Discover how artists used machines and algorithms to create mesmerising and art between the 1950s and the early 1990s in new exhibition Electric Dreams at Tate Modern. View works by early innovators of optical, kinetic, programmed and digital art, who paved the way for the immersive sensory installations and automatically-generated works which are so popular today. 28 November-1 June
HANSEL AND GRETEL: After a successful run last winter as a festive family show, Hansel and Gretel returns to Shakespeare's Globe. It's a retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale featuring music and magic, for ages 5+. 29 November-5 January
CHURCHILL IN CARTOONS: The Imperial War Museum marks 150 years since the birth of Winston Churchill with free exhibition Churchill in Cartoons: Satirising a Statesman. View satirical cartoons from Churchill's time in the public eye and find out how they influenced perceptions of him, and continue to shape our perception today. FREE, 29 November-23 February
BIG CATHEDRAL KNIT: Know your way around a pair of knitting needles? Join in with the Big Cathedral Knit at Southwark Cathedral, and help to assemble knitted and crocheted blankets for people experiencing homelessness around London. Beginners and experienced makers all welcome. 30 November
AUTUMN WALKS: London's parks and open spaces look fantastic as the leaves change. We've picked some of our favourite places to walk in autumn, to catch the trees in their orange, red and gold finery — you might catch the tail end of it if you're quick!
CHRISTMAS SHOWS: Too early to mention the 'C' word? Perhaps not, as many of London's festive theatre shows and productions begin this month — and those that don't are already getting booked up for when they open in December. Have a look at our guides to family Christmas shows, Christmas music shows, Christmas theatre, dance and comedy showcases, and more productions of A Christmas Carol than you could shake a turkey at. And then, of course, there's pantomime. Oh yes there is.
ICE RINKS: London's winter ice rinks open at venues across the capital, including Somerset House, Battersea Power Station and Hampton Court Palace this month — with one already open from mid-October. Here's our guide to ice skating in London this Christmas.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS: London's festive fairs and Christmas markets start opening in November, including Southbank Centre's Winter Market. Here's our complete round-up of Christmas markets and fairs in London this year.
LAST CHANCE: A few things are closing in November too. It's your last chance to see:
- WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT: Experimental drama White Rabbit Red Rabbit has no rehearsals, no director, and a different (usually well-known) actor each night taking on a script they've never seen before. The play itself is about contemporary Iran, by Iranian writer Nassim Soleimanpour. Until 9 November
- LAND OF THE FREE: With the US election early this month, a timely play about John Wilkes Booth, the actor who assassinated Abe Lincoln is stagedin London. Land of the Free is at Southwark Playhouse in Borough, and with recent goings on in America, the timing is even more apt than originally intended. Until 9 November
- A FACE IN THE CROWD: 1957 film A Face In The Crowd — reworked for the stage with the music of Elvis Costello — is on at the Young Vic, but only for the first week and a half of the month. Until 9 November
- BUDDHA OF SUBURBIA: The RSC and Wise Children’s production of The Buddha of Suburbia ends a four-week season at Barbican. It's the story of 17-year-old Karim, set in south London in the 1970s. Until 16 November
- CABINET MINISTER: Another politics-themed play, this time set this side of the pond, The Cabinet Minister is about a minister whose reputation hangs in the balance. It's on at Menier Chocolate Factory. Until 16 November
