What's On In London: November

Dark nights, cold days, and twinkling lights: November is the ultimate in-between month. Some people are already blasting Mariah Carey; others refuse to acknowledge Christmas until mid-December. Whichever camp you’re in, there’s plenty to do in London this November – from fireworks displays and pop-up bars to film festivals and Christmas markets. ✨

Looking for things to do in London this November? Here’s your ultimate guide.

🎖️ CULTURAL SPOTLIGHT: Remembrance Day & Poppies

Every November, paper poppies bloom across the UK to mark Remembrance Day, a memorial day observed on November 11th to remember those who lost their lives in wars and conflicts.

But why poppies?

After the fields of Western Europe turned to mud during WWI, nothing could grow – except, as if by miracle, hundreds of red Flanders poppies. These bright red flowers became a symbol of hope and renewal amid devastation. Now, people wear paper poppies to honour those who served in the war and raise funds for the Armed Forces community.

Don’t miss the striking Remembrance display at the Tower of London this month, featuring 30,000 ceramic poppies to honour WW2 veterans. Open until November 11th.

🏛️ LONDON HIGHLIGHTS

• Cutty Sark Sea Shanty Festival, Cutty Sark, 22nd November – Sing along to traditional sea shanties and explore one of London’s most iconic ships (only a 20-minute walk from the Twin English Centre!).
• French Film Festival, 6th Nov – 14th Dec – Channel your inner Parisian at this celebration of French-language cinema. Très chic.
• Wes Anderson: The Archives, Design Museum, from 21st Nov – Explore props, photos, and quirky set designs from Anderson’s most iconic films.
• Fireworks for Bonfire Night, Alexandra Palace, 1st November – Celebrate Bonfire Night in London with a world-class fireworks, street food, and a full lineup of musicians and DJs.
• Theatre Picasso, Tate Modern – Discover rarely seen works by Picasso, with £5 tickets for under-25s.
• London Taco Experience, Riverside East, 1st November – Celebrate Day of the Dead with tacos, tequila, and a live mariachi band.
• Irish Film Festival, 12th – 16th Nov – Discover Irish film history and catch exclusive new releases at this five-day festival. 

🎄 EARLY FESTIVITIES

🎶And all I want for Christmas issssssss...🎶

• Lights Switch-On, Oxford Street, 3rd November – Watch London light up with live performances and activities.
• Miracle Pop Up Bar, Henrietta Hotel, 26th – 28th Nov – Book a table at the Miracle Bar for kitschy cocktails and over-the-top Christmas décor. Don’t forget to bring home a festive dino mug.
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, 14th Nov – 1st Jan – Feast, drink, and be merry at London’s biggest Christmas event. Expect an ice bar, Santa’s Grotto, markets, fairground rides, and much more.
• Christmas at Kew, 14th Nov – 4th Jan – Stroll among illuminated trees at this magical botanical garden trail.
• Christmas Sandwich Festival, Somerset House, 29th Nov – Sample the UK’s most anticipated festive snack and crown your favourite sarnie.

🎶 MUSIC & SHOWS

• Pitchfork Music Festival, 4th – 8th Nov – From rap to avant-rock and punk, London’s coolest music festival is back.
• EGF London Jazz Festival, 14th – 23rd – Immerse yourself in jazz legends this month at venues across the city.
• K-Music Festival, until 20th Nov – Discover Korean music beyond K-pop, with performances spanning rock, classical, and experimental genres.

🎭 LONDON THEATRE

Looking for the best London theatre shows this November? Here’s what’s taking centre stage this month:

• Paddington The Musical, Savoy Theatre, from 1st Nov – Everyone’s favourite marmalade-loving bear takes the stage for a heartwarming family musical.
• All My Sons, Wyndham’s Theatre, from 13th Nov – Arthur Miller’s devastating family drama returns with Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston in the lead.
• The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Soho Place, from 17th Nov – John le Carré’s classic Cold War thriller reimagined for the stage.
• A Christmas Carol, Old Vic Theatre, 12th Nov – 10th Jan – A London Christmas essential. Watch Scrooge rediscover his humanity in this heartwarming, candlelit adaptation.
• Othello, Theatre Royal Haymarket, until 17th Jan – Shakespeare’s tale of passion and jealousy is brought to life in this modern retelling.
• Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s Globe, from 15th Nov – Step inside Shakespeare’s enchanted forest – without freezing. Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed in The Globe’s candlelit theatre for the first time.

Study and explore in London with Twin English Centres

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