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What’s On In London This November
Are you ready for a jam-packed November in London in the run-up to Christmas? Find out what’s taking place in London this November!
Winter is quickly approaching in London which means a whole new season of fun events and cosy nights out. November might bring colder weather but it will also bring the start of the festive period to the capital city with lots to explore, see and do. From some of the best Christmas markets around to bonfire night, Thanksgiving and more, there’s plenty to celebrate and if you’re visiting London during November, you won’t be short of activities to keep you busy.
Christmas Lights & Markets
London doesn’t truly feel festive until the city’s famous Christmas lights get switched on, usually by a celebrity guest. This year, Oxford Street’s famous lights will be switched from 2nd November, and its neighbouring Regent’s Street will light up from 9th. Hundreds of people normally attend the switch on, to watch the big red button pressed (usually by a famous face!), so it’s worth wrapping up warm and arriving early.
One of the best Christmas light displays in the city is at the famous Harrods department store in Knightsbridge, which has thousands of twinkling lights on its front and is one of the best Christmas shopping departments in London if you need any gifts or decorations.
Likewise, London will be awash with Christmas markets in November. From the flashy Leicester Square, Winter Wonderland and Southbank markets, to the luxury Selfridges market and cosy Kingston market, you’ll have something to fit any taste.
Aside from the main markets, you can often find smaller stalls and set-ups dotted around the city. If you’re staying in West London, taking a stroll down Kensington High Street or into Notting Hill will likely reveal a host of local stalls, shops and food vendors offering festive goods.
Thanksgiving Celebrations
Not something you’d normally think of when visiting London, since Thanksgiving is celebrated across the pond, but many Americans call London home and there are often thousands of visitors from the United States during November. This year, Thanksgiving is on Thursday 24th November, and many of the city’s best restaurants and hotels offer special dinners and celebrations for the occasion.
Although announcements haven’t been made for 2022, last year saw restaurants such as 45 Park Lana, Balthazar’s and Jones Family Kitchen cooking up Thanksgiving feasts, accompanied by music and a classic pie for dessert.
If you’re visiting London with friends or family or on business, staying in an apartment while you’re here means you can host your own Thanksgiving dinner whether you order from one of London’s great restaurants or pick up some produce from West London’s plentiful markets.
The Lord Mayor’s Show
One of London’s most unique and historic events, the Lord Mayor’s Show occurs every year to celebrate the newly elected Lord Mayor of London. This year’s show will take place on Saturday 12th November and sees hundreds of different British groups take part in a procession through London.
Participants include divisions of the armed forces, royal military bands, charities, schools and companies of which the Lord Mayor is a patron and many more. These groups each put together their own display for the procession, whether playing music or marching, many of them ride huge decorated floats and have huge props!
The show normally lasts between around 10am and 1pm and is a very lavish occasion featuring some of the most important and decorated soldiers and members of historic London organisations. On the day, many roads will be closed between the City of London and the Royal Courts of Justice, so plan accordingly. Thousands of people line the streets to watch the show so it’s vital to arrive early and pick a good spot!
Ice Skating
London has arguably some of the best ice rinks of any city in the world. Although the iconic Natural History Museum had its final year in 2021, there are still lots of amazing rinks to get you in the mood for Christmas, most of which open at the start of November. The ice rink at Canary Wharf will be the first to open on 22nd October, which is beautiful to visit in the evening surrounded by glittering skyscrapers. After this on 17th November, the famous Skate at Somerset House will kick off, which is loved by locals and visitors alike, not just for its spectacular rink located in the Somerset House courtyard, but also for its Skate ‘Lates’ featuring great music. This is accompanied by an alpine lodge where you can enjoy hot drinks and hearty food after you’ve spent time on the ice.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is also one of the most popular, opening on the 18th of November. The market and rink normally get incredibly busy but are filled with rides, food stalls and other fun things to do once you’ve finished skating. Finally, a new one for this year will be at the recently opened Battersea Power Station, which has transformed to include apartments, shops, restaurants and pop-up experiences. The ice rink will open on the 11th of November and will be made up of three giant rinks located between the Power Station and the Thames.
Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew is an annual event that is fun for everyone and whether or not you’ve already visited Kew Gardens during the day, it is magical by night. The beautiful Kew gardens are transformed throughout November and December by unique light installations for visitors to admire, such as a sparkling tunnel of fairy lights, a fire garden and twinkling Father Christmas.
The light trails snake through the gardens, and along the way, you can find food and drink vendors ready to warm you up with a mulled wine, hot chocolate or some toasted marshmallows. Christmas at Kew is normally a highly popular event, so it’s worth booking tickets as soon as possible. Located in West London, it’s easy to reach in less than 30 minutes from areas such as Earl’s Court and Kensington.
Feel at home with Nestor
Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, strolling the Christmas markets or just enjoying a seasonal holiday in London, you can rely on Nestor for a relaxing and homely place to stay. Our spacious apartments are designed with comfort and sustainability in mind, offering you a base from which to rest, work or explore the city. With reusable and recyclable toiletries and contact-free check-in, you can enjoy an eco-friendly and safe stay.
Based across West London in neighbourhoods such as Kensington and Victoria, our homes are in the heart of the city, perfect for sightseeing or spending a cosy day.
To take advantage of our best rates, book directly on our site.
