Looking for something fun to do today? Something eye-opening to watch tonight? Our guide on things to do this week in London is personally curated, ensuring there's always a diverse range of events for you to choose from. Get stuck in!
All week
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Christmas really comes to town this week as several more festive illuminations are switched on: Knightsbridge, Marylebone, Covent Garden and Bond Street all get a glow-up. Here's a full guide to which Christmas lights start when in London this year.
CROYDONITES: The 11th edition of Croydonites Festival continues, celebrating the culture of the south London borough with events spanning comedy, theatre, film and more. This week: theatre show Man or Bear ponders the viral question; while Team Viking takes a comic look at organising a Viking funeral. Until 21 November 2026
MIRACLE CHRISTMAS BAR: If you like your Christmases like your aunt used to do it in the eighties (i.e. by the absolute bucketload) Miracle is the place for you. The blindingly kitsch festive pop-up bar is back from Monday with as many decorations as they can squeeze in, alongside an OTT Christmas cocktail menu which we've rather enjoyed slurping our way through in years gone by. Miracle has a new, bigger location this year, on Russell Street in Covent Garden. 9 November-30 December 2026. For more like this, see our guide to London's best winter and Christmas pop-up bars.
BENGALURU TO BETHLEM: Last chance to see the Bethlem Museum of the Mind's exhibition Manasa Chitra: the Art of Mental Health from Bengaluru to Bethlem, which contains works by artists from India who have a lived experience of mental distress. FREE, until 14 November 2026
FRANZ & MARIE: Georg Büchner's classic German tragedy, Woyzeck, is retold in folk musical Franz & Marie at Charing Cross Theatre, closing this weekend. Watch the story of a platoon of young soldiers stationed in an isolated outpost for months, including Franz, who lives for his girlfriend Marie, and their baby, Georgie. Until 14 November 2026
AN OAK TREE: Tim Crouch's experimental play An Oak Tree is at the Other Palace until this weekend, with Crouch joined by a different guest co‑star at each performance — Katherine Parkinson on Saturday, and Suranne Jones on Sunday. The piece examines loss, suggestion and blame following a fatal accident involving a stage hypnotist. Until 15 November 2026
INSIDE AARDMAN: Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit at the Young V&A celebrates the 50th anniversary of the stop-motion studio with models, sets and storyboards from Aardman's archives, many of which have never been on public display before. This weekend is your last chance to see it. Until 15 November 2026
ALICE IN WONDERLAND: The Clermont Hotel at Charing Cross has just launched its charming Curious Afternoon Tea, an edible homage to Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. Treats include an Eat Me raspberry and chocolate tart, rose marmalade and lime-filled sable biscuits, black sesame and cherry opera cake, and a glossy apple mousse — all nodding to moments from the children's book.
DRINK OF THE WEEK: Cosy subterranean bolthole the Bloomsbury Club has a new cocktail menu; The Listeners Club takes you through five eras of music — with drinks including the Monroe Glow (butter-washed bourbon, cognac and sherry) and Super Freak (grapefruit, basil, coriander and jalapeño) paired with a specially-compiled Spotify soundtrack.
Today's events: Monday 9 November
LONDON COFFEE TRADE: The evolution of coffee in London is the subject of a lunchtime talk at the London Archives in Clerkenwell. From coffee beings served at frost fairs on a frozen Thames, through early coffeehouses and mass market cafes, learn how each of these businesses functioned differently, shaped by the era in which they thrived. 12.30pm
CONVERSATIONS WITH AN EXECUTIONER: Elżbieta Moczarska, translator Sean Gasper Bye and award-winning historian Roger Moorhouse are at the Imperial War Museum for the UK launch of Elżbieta's late father's book, Conversations with an Executioner. Kazimierz Moczarski was a Polish writer, journalist and soldier who saw combat during the German invasion of Poland. He was later imprisoned by the USSR's Communist regime, when he shared a cell with Nazi war criminal Jürgen Stroop — the subject of the book. 6.05pm-8.30pm
DARK FAIRY TALES: Master storyteller Viktor Wynd shares macabre and mischievous tales from around the world at the Last Tuesday Society in Hackney. Expect stories of giant octopuses, man-eating pigs, shapeshifting creatures and other material far removed from the Ladybird or Disney versions, with a complimentary glass of Devil's Botany Absinthe included. 6.30pm-7.30pm
CLOAK AND DAGGER COUTURE: Fashion historian Justine Picardie and V&A Senior Curator of Fashion Oriole Cullen discuss the secret history of espionage in haute couture, from Edward Molyneux and Hardy Amies to Christian and Catherine Dior. The online livestream explores how fashion houses, designers and international travel intersected with covert activity during the world wars. 7pm-8pm
THE DOLLY SHOW: A live theatre concert at Rose Theatre in Kingston, The Dolly Show celebrates the late, great Dolly Parton's musical legacy, with tribute artist Kelly O'Brien and a live band performing hits including 9 to 5, Jolene, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You. 7.30pm
MARINA LITVINENKO: Marina Litvinenko reflects on life with her husband, former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko, the events that led to his murder and her fight for justice, at Conway Hall. Hear her thoughts on what the case reveals about Putin's regime, and the risks faced by those who challenge it. 7.30pm-8.45pm
GREEN CROYDON: Croydon Council's Community and Conservation Team Leader Alice Owusu-Evans discusses Croydon's green spaces, wildlife and biodiversity at East Croydon United Reformed Church. The talk considers how the council, local communities and stakeholders are working together to protect them. 7.45pm
Today's events: Tuesday 10 November
AI AND MATHS: Gresham College hosts The End of Mathematics? The AI Crisis, a lecture from Professor Alain Goriely examining how artificial intelligence is tackling research problems once thought to require years of human ingenuity. He explores what recent advances in AI could mean for mathematical discovery, understanding, education and the people who pursue them, and whether it's the end of maths as we know it. FREE, 6pm-7pm
STORYTELLING SUPPER CLUB: Bistro Aix in Crouch End lays on a three-course seasonal supper accompanied by stories from Sarah Liisa Wilkinson of Crick Crack Club, who leads guests into a forest populated by love-struck trolls, wild twins, vengeful witches, goats and spoons. Suitable for adults only. 6.30pm
A HANDEL CELEBRATION: The Brook Street Band and the London Handel Players join forces at St George's Hanover Square, Handel's own church, with mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston. The programme includes Trio Sonata in B minor, Sonata in A major and the cantata Mi palpita il cor, with optional pre-concert reception at Handel Hendrix House. 7pm-9pm
FLEA CIRCUS: For over 150 years, audiences have been paying their sixpences to be amazed by whole troupes of real, live, performing fleas. Head to the Club for Acts and Actors on Covent Garden where tropical ecology expert Dr Tim Cockerill persuades you that the Flea Circus really existed, and how it all worked. 7pm
ABANDONED UNDERGROUND: Explore lost and forgotten parts of the London Underground in a live virtual tour with Stephen Benton of Footprints of London. The online talk uses slides to examine closed stations, abandoned tunnels and projects that did not quite go to plan, with questions welcomed during and after the event. 7pm-8pm
WOMANHOOD: Tahmina Begum discusses her book Womanhood: A Love Letter to South Asian Muslim Women with Natasha Lunn at Foyles Charing Cross Road. The novel traces the lives of three women across eight years, each weighing the cost of being a good woman, and the conversation is followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. 7pm
LGBTQ+ COMEDY: The Comedy Store hosts the final of LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year, in which a raft of promising talent vies to scoop the top £1,000 prize — and make you laugh a lot along the way. 7.30pm
Today's events: Wednesday 11 November
THE GREAT WAR: Guildhall Library examines how artists with direct experience of the First World War depicted the conflict despite strict official censorship, and how both sides responded to its aftermath. Tate Lecturer Val Woodgate leads this free talk, available in person or online. FREE, 2pm-3pm
GEORGIAN DELIGHTS: Learn about the world of Georgian food, drink and excess at Turner's House in Twickenham, as Dr Peter Ross, author of the recently published Insatiable Appetites: Eating Out in Georgian London, gives a talk on the subject, followed by an array of Georgian-themed drinks and treats to enjoy. 6pm-8pm
MUSIC COMPLEX FUNDRAISER: The Fox and Firkin in Lewisham hosts a night of live music and DJs raising funds for Deptford's Music Complex, a community space where local musicians can hone their skills. The line-up includes DJ John Brown, Blurt, The DNA Test, Lello and Dave Okumu & The Means. 7pm-11pm
REMEMBRANCE: Historian Shalina Patel goes beyond familiar accounts of the world wars in Remembrance: The War Stories You Didn’t Learn At School at Pizza East in Shoreditch. The talk considers overlooked women, spies and the millions of men from across the British Empire who fought and served, followed by a Q&A. 7pm-8.30pm
TRICITY VOGUE: Cabaret singer Tricity Vogue and her eight-piece All Girl Swing Band bring a 1920s-style night of flappers, mischievous covers and sizzling harmonies to Wilton's Music Hall. Expect a full-on cabaret show, with a three-part horn section, banjo ukulele and vintage glamour — plus a little sauce. 7pm
JEN BRISTER: Stand-up comedian Jen Brister brings her current show Reactive to Soho Theatre Walthamstow, examining her constant frustration with the state of the world and people in general. Can she find her zen? Seems unlikely, to be honest. 7.30pm
Today's events: Thursday 12 November
FIREFLY FESTIVE FOREST: A new Christmas attraction for 2026, the Firefly Festive Forest opens on Sloane Street in Chelsea. It's a free outdoor art trail of 30+ Christmas tree sculptures, designed by artists including Alison Jackson, Charlotte Colbert and Tom Faulkner. It's one of our picks of free festive things to do in London this Christmas. FREE, 12 November-1 December 2026
BLOOMSBURY DUO: Vanessa Bell — sister of Virginia Woolf — and her husband Duncan Grant were the most famous artistic duo of the Bloomsbury Group. View their works and learn about their relationship in a new exhibition at Tate Britain. 12 November 2026-11 April 2027
PRIDE THE MUSICAL: Following a sold-out National Theatre run, Pride The Musical — about activist Mark Ashton and the unlikely alliance between lesbian and gay campaigners and striking miners in 1984 — pops up at the Bridge Theatre near Tower Bridge. It pairs a soundtrack inspired by pop, rock, disco and Welsh choral traditions with a charming mix of humour and emotion. 12 November 2026-May 2027
HATTON GARDENS: Gresham College traces the transformation of Hatton Gardens from a garden belonging to the Bishops of Ely and Sir Christopher Hatton into London's world-famous diamond centre. Today's free lunchtime talk explores the area's secretive trade, luxury homes and stories of fortunes made and lost. FREE, 1pm-2pm
LORD MAYOR: How does someone become Lord Mayor of the City of London, and what does the role involve? Ahead of the Lord Mayor's Show this weekend, City of London guide and lecturer Jill Finch answers those questions at Guildhall Library. FREE, 2pm-3pm
DISABILITY ARTS FESTIVAL: Harrow Arts Centre's annual Disability Arts Festival brings artists, organisations and audiences together for performances spanning theatre, dance, music, comedy and spoken word. The evening includes a variety show followed by a mini disco, with flexible unreserved seating for wheelchair and mobility access. 7pm-9.30pm
COMEDY: The Clem in Limehouse has comedians Tadiwa Mahlunge, Tim Reeves, Trevor Crook and Mara Mainka on stage — plus MC Sion James and a special guests. You can also get your laughing gear around a free drink, included with your ticket. 8.30pm
Today's events: Friday 13 November
SANTANDER CYCLES CHANGES: A warning that from this evening, the Santander Cycles service won't be available until Tuesday 17 November. This is because TfL is launching a new Santander Cycles app with some upgrades. The cycles will be available again from Tuesday evening, when the new app will be up and running, and the old app will no longer work.
SYLVIA: The rebellious middle child of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst is the subject of the musical Sylvia, which transfers from the Old Vic to a short run at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend. It uses a soundtrack of hip‑hop, funk and soul music, with Beverley Knight appearing as Emmeline Pankhurst and Naomi Katiyo as Sylvia. 13-15 November 2026
EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL: Get down with the trumpets at the EFG London Jazz Festival, which kicks off its first weekend of 2026 with an array of concerts and events — including a Jazz FM live broadcast and performances by Ineza, Faris Ishaq and Chip Wickham. 13-22 November 2026
WUNDRFUL WORLD OF CHRISTMAS: Some might say that mid-November is too early to be getting the kids wound up for Christmas. But if that's not you, take them along to the Wundrful World of Christmas at Excel, where they can meet Santa and his elves via a mixed reality experience, including riding a special lift to the North Pole and visiting the North Pole Post Office. 13 November-24 December 2026
CHRISTMAS AT KEW: We know we shouldn't have favourites, but we have a soft spot for Christmas at Kew, the spectacular light and illuminations festival that glows up 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 2026-3 January 2027. Find other light festivals in London this winter.
THE JUNGLE BOOK: A new adaptation brings Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book to the National Theatre, with a twist. This version centres Ma Bonbibi, the Lady of the Forest, with contemporary themes about the changing climate and the interdependency of humans and animals in the natural world. Age seven+. 13 November 2026-5 February 2027
ALICE IMMERSIVE WONDERLAND: 10 large-scale rooms bring Alice's Wonderland to life with live performance, interactive games and a 20-minute 360° projection finale. New experience Alice Immersive Wonderland opens at Dock X in Canada Water, offering the chance to meet Lewis Carroll's zany characters and step into scenes including the Mad Hatter's Tea Party and the Cheshire Cat's Forest. From 13 November 2026
HARLEM RENAISSANCE: Guildhall Big Band celebrates the vibrant, eclectic music of the Harlem Renaissance at Guildhall School of Music & Drama. The evening explores an era that marked a major turning point in the cultural and artistic history of New York's African American community. 7pm
ARE YOU EVEN INDIAN?: Dance theatre piece Are You Even Indian? follows a British-born Indian woman and an Indian-born man who fall in love, leading to dilemmas such as which country to call home, and which language their child should speak. See it at Enfield's Dugdale Arts Centre. 7.30pm
BOROUGH AND BANKSIDE: Explore the area's long and sometimes shocking history on a guided walking tour, beginning at St George the Martyr in Southwark. The route considers Roman Borough, Shakespearean theatre and the brothels, taverns and bear baiting that once defined Bankside, finishing near foodie hotspot Borough Market — just in time for lunch. 10.30am-12.30pm
NORMAN JAY: Norman Jay MBE brings his Good Times Sound System legacy and rare groove credentials to Stanley Hall in South Norwood, alongside Suena Bien Sound System. The DJ, co-founder of KISS FM and author of Mister Good Times, Jay continues to champion new sounds while staying rooted in his musical influences. 7pm-11pm
ELVIRA REY: Polish-born jazz artist Elvira Rey brings Great American Songbook classics, Brazilian rhythms and Slavic influences to the Piano Room at Toulouse Lautrec in Kennington. 7pm-9.30pm
Today's events: Saturday 14 November
CLUB NVRLND: Immersive nightclub experience Club Nvrlnd transforms the Vaults in Waterloo into Peter Pan's underground nightclub. The audience becomes part of a nostalgic party, with a soundtrack of 2000s hits from the likes of Britney Spears, Rihanna, P!nk, Outkast and Coldplay. 14 November 2026-31 January 2027
LIGHT +FLIGHT: The London borough of Barnet offers two weekends of free events and activities for Light + Flight Festival. This first weekend sees large-scale art installations, live music, film, performance, creative workshops and the unveiling of a major new artwork, at Finchley Lakeside. FREE, 14-22 November 2026
THE AFRONAUTS: The world premiere run of The Afronauts, a Zambian space race epic by award-winning writer Ryan Calais Cameron (For Black Boys...) marks the finale of the Royal Court Theatre's 70th anniversary Downstairs season. Watch the true(ish) story of the Zambian Space Program, and a nation's defiant dream to reach for the stars, play out on stage. 6.30pm (and until 19 December 2026)
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TRAIN: Choo choo! All aboard the Epping Ongar Lights Express, a special ride on a train bedecked with fairy lights. Once on board, admire specially-installed illuminations through the windows. New for 2026, there are three different themed rides to choose from. 14 November 2026-2 January 2027
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 (or in this case, Lady) Mayor being replaced by the new one, and takes the form of a procession through the City of London. For the first time in several years, things kick off with a river pageant. FREE, procession from 11am
ART DECO POSTERS: London Transport Museum's senior curator Georgia Morley explores how art deco transformed London's public transport network into a showcase for modern art and design. This curator's talk draws on the museum's exhibition and the work of artists including Jean Dupas, Vera Willoughby and Edward McKnight Kauffer. 2pm
JOHN KEATS: Keats House in Hampstead hosts an afternoon of readings and conversation with poets Julia Bird and Mike Sims. Explore the Gothic thrills of La Belle Dame sans Merci and ghostly visions in Keats's work, with tea and cake served. 3pm-4.30pm
ICE HOCKEY: Support the local team as Haringey Huskies take on Oxford Rising Stars at Alexandra Palace Ice Rink. The fast-paced evening is suitable for all ages, with an hour-long ice disco taking place straight after the game. Refresh yourself on London's ice hockey scene before you go. Doors 5pm
PUNK AND POST-PUNK: Rooz Studios near Old Street quakes with the punk/post-punk stylings of live bands including Dead Star Boys, the Wormwood Scrubs and Charred Hearts. There are also special performances from Tara Rez and Segs. Don't expect to hear much on Sunday. Doors 7pm
DAVID BOWIE SPECIAL: How Does It Feel To Be Loved? brings its annual David Bowie night to Signature Brew Haggerston, mixing plenty of Bowie favourites with the club night's usual indie pop and soul selections. The 18+ event also features music by artists including Belle & Sebastian, Dusty Springfield, the Cure and the Supremes. 9pm
Today's events: Sunday 15 November
CHRISTMAS FAIR: Handmade crafts, books, treats and festive decorations fill the Great Hall at Blackheath Halls for Blackheath Christmas Fair. There are children's activities, charity Christmas cards, a raffle and seasonal refreshments in the café, with proceeds supporting Age Exchange, its Creative Dementia programme, and Blackheath Community Library. 10.30am-4.45pm. Find other Christmas markets and fairs in London this year.
VINTAGE FASHION: Frock Me! Vintage Fashion Fair brings 80 dealers to the Lindley Hall at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Victoria, showcasing vintage fashion, antique textiles and jewellery. 11am-5.30pm
HIGHGATE VAMPIRE: Storytellers George and Vanessa recount the gothic tale of the Highgate Vampire on Highgate Hill, close to where the supernatural events (allegedly) took place. Filled with vampires, media frenzy, hauntings and black magic, this outdoor event is strictly for over-18s, and you're advised to dress warmly. 2.15pm-4.30pm
CHRISTMAS CABARET: A double bill of comedy, cabaret and singalong classics comes to the Fox and Firkin in Lewisham with 4 Poofs and a Piano x La La Piano Bar: The Christmas Special. The 4 Poofs and a Piano quartet perform an hour of comedy and harmonies, followed by La La Piano Bar's festive set of Christmas jingles and pop songs. 3.30pm-6pm
GEORGE MOONEY TRIO: The saxy sounds of the George Mooney Trio float through the Ivy House in Nunhead this afternoon, accompanying your Sunday pint/roast. FREE, 4pm-6pm
THE IMPERFEKTIONIST: Described as 'Mose Allison meets Kraftwerk', the Imperfektionist returns to the Old Library in New Cross to perform tracks from new LP Plunderfoniks. FREE, 5pm
LONDON GAY BIG BAND: The London Gay Big Band brings jazz, soul, swing, musical theatre and diva classics to Toulouse Lautrec as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. This special seven-piece performance combines big-band energy, powerhouse vocals and LGBTQ+ celebration. 6pm-8pm
RAPHAEL WALLFISCH: One of the world's most recorded cellists, Raphael Wallfisch joins Conway Hall Artistic Director Simon Callaghan for a programme spanning Martinů’s rhythmic 7 Arabesques, Ethel Smyth's Cello Sonata, Henriëtte Bosmans's 3 Impressions and Beethoven's Op.69 Sonata. 6.30pm-8.30pm
PUB QUIZ: Prime your little grey cells for another week of work, at the Wheatsheaf in Tooting's laid-back Sunday pub quiz. 8pm
