Our recommendations for stuff happening in November

November has arrived, and with it comes cooler days and shorter daylight hours. We’ve just gained an extra hour of sleep thanks to the clocks going back. London is alive with cultural events, seasonal markets, and autumn traditions. Here are some of the best free things to do this November.

Art & Culture

• Picasso: A Legacy On view at Halcyon Gallery, New Bond Street, from 16 October 2025 to 4 January 2026, It brings together over 130 original works from the last four decades of the artist’s life.
• Cai Guo-Qiang: Gunpowder and Abstraction 2015-2025 at White Cube Bermondsey from 26 September to 9 November 2025. Featuring more than 30 works created with ignited gunpowder, the display explores themes of creation and destruction through vibrant compositions on canvas, paper, glass, and mirror.
• Japan House London offers a range of free cultural experiences this November. Highlights include Grand Sumo Highlights screenings, giving visitors a taste of Japan’s iconic sport, and Rhythms of brewing: sake culture and song in Nadagogō to discover the people and culture behind sake brewing. There are also talks and demonstrations exploring traditional crafts and regional Japanese heritage.
• The Writeidea Festival 2025 Idea Store is a vibrant community hub offering far more than books It’s a welcoming space to learn, connect, and enjoy cultural experiences. The 2025 Festival will take place at The Tower Hamlets Town Hall, Whitechapel, 21-23 November.

Outdoor Activities

• The Christmas lights switch-ons gives us the first sparkle of the festive season. With the nights getting longer, it’s the perfect time to wrap up warm and take a walk through London’s magical Christmas lights, an unforgettable way to enjoy the season for free.
• “Remember, remember the 5th of November” Bonfire Night, celebrated on the 5th of November in the UK, commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Expect fireworks to take place between 1 – 9 November across all London Boroughs, While many displays are ticketed, you’ll likely catch glimpses lighting up the sky from parks and rooftops.

Special Events

• The Lady Mayor’s Show 2025, formerly known as the Lord Mayor’s Show, is one of London’s oldest and most vibrant civic traditions, taking place on Saturday, 8 November 2025 it features a grand procession with floats, bands, and the iconic golden State Coach, showcasing the City’s heritage and civic pride.
• The EFG London Jazz Festival 2025, running from 14–23 November, brings ten days of vibrant, genre-blending performances to venues across the city. Now in its 33rd year, the festival showcases global icons and rising stars. From orchestral concerts to intimate solo sets, the festival celebrates jazz’s diversity, innovation, and emotional power.
• If you're a car lover, St James’s Motoring Spectacle is a dream come true. Held on 1 November 2025 in London’s Pall Mall, this free event showcases over 130 vehicles, from pioneering pre-1905 veteran cars to cutting-edge hypercars and electric models.

Unique Experiences

• God’s Own Junkyard a vibrant collection of neon signs and artwork. It’s a visual feast and a great place for some quirky photos. Opens Friday to Sunday, check their website before visiting as they host private events.

Whether you're into vintage cars, jazz rhythms, fireworks, or family-friendly fun, the city comes alive with free events that celebrate culture, creativity, and community. So, wrap up warm, head out, and enjoy the magic of London’s autumn festivities!