Best Things to Do in London in November 2026 – Events & Christmas Pop-Ups

Best Paid Things to Do in London in November

Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland returns on 19th November 2026, bringing its Christmas market, rides, shows and ice rink back to central London. It’s a large event, so I’d decide what you want to do before arriving rather than assuming you’ll fit everything into one visit. The Magical Ice Kingdom has a Peter Pan and Neverland theme for 2026, with sculptures made from carved ice and snow. There’s also the Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus, alongside returning attractions such as the Giant Observation Wheel, Munich Looping roller coaster and Bar Ice, where the temperature is kept at around -10°C. The open-air ice rink is set around the Victorian bandstand, while the Bavarian Village is the place to look for food, drinks and Christmas market stalls.

Some attractions require separate tickets, so check the cost of the experiences you want before booking your entry. Off-peak entry starts from £1 on selected Monday to Thursday dates in November, making it worth checking the calendar if you’re trying to keep costs down. Winter Wonderland closes on Christmas Day and runs until 3rd January 2027.

Price: Off-peak entry from £1 on selected November dates; rides, shows and other attractions cost extra
Location: Hyde Park, London
Dates: 19th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

Christmas at Kew

Christmas at Kew is one of the festive events I’d consider booking if you want to see London’s Christmas lights outside the busy city centre. The illuminated trail takes you through the Royal Botanic Gardens after dark, with large-scale light installations, projections and music along the route. New installations for 2026 include Infinite Choir by Squidsoup and Drift by Studio Vertigo, alongside an animated willow tree and a floral meadow installation. Returning favourites include the Christmas Cathedral, Fire Garden and the light and water display at Palm House Pond.

There are also places to stop for festive food and hot drinks along the trail. Allow a couple of hours for your visit and wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking through the gardens rather than watching everything from one spot. Entry is timed and advance booking is essential, so I’d choose your preferred date before making other evening plans.

Price: Tickets from £29.50 for adults on off-peak dates
Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond
Dates: Selected dates from 13th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

Skate at Somerset House

Skate at Somerset House opens on 11th November 2026, with an outdoor ice rink set in the courtyard of this historic building. The rink sits beneath a 40ft Christmas tree, making it a good option if you want to add ice skating to a day exploring Covent Garden and the Strand. Sessions generally last 45 minutes, and skate hire is included in the ticket price. I’d arrive around 20 minutes before your session to give yourself time to check in and collect your skates.

There are also Skate Lates with DJs, skating lessons and relaxed sessions on selected dates. You don’t have to book a skating session to visit Somerset House itself, so you can still see the courtyard and enjoy the festive setting if you don’t want to pay to get on the ice.

Price: Adults £13–£28.50; children £11–£15, plus a £1.50 booking fee
Location: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Dates: 11th November 2026 – 10th January 2027

Best Pop-Ups & Festivals in London This November

Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar

Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar is coming to London for the first time, opening from 19th November 2026 in Mayfair. The festive pop-up is planned around the singer’s Christmas music and includes themed decorations, photo opportunities and cocktails named after her songs and Christmas persona. Drinks announced so far include Make My Wish Come True and MC Toasted Tini, with Carey’s Black Irish Cream liqueur featuring on the menu.
There are also plans for weekend brunches, a place to write a letter to Mariah and themed merchandise.

If you’re a fan, this could be a fun stop to add to an evening out in Mayfair, especially if you’re visiting London with friends. The exact address and closing date haven’t been announced yet, so I’d wait for the venue details before planning your route. It’s worth checking whether bookings are required and what the minimum spend might be before you go.

Price: Not yet confirmed
Location: Mayfair, London; exact address to be announced
Dates: Opens 19th November 2026; closing date TBC

Miracle on Russell Street

Miracle on Russell Street returns to Covent Garden on 9th November 2026, bringing its Christmas cocktail bar back for the festive season. The two-floor space is decorated with retro Christmas ornaments, colourful lights, tinsel and oversized festive decorations, so expect a much more over-the-top setting than your usual cocktail bar. The drinks menu includes seasonal cocktails such as the Christmapolitan, Snowball Old-Fashioned and Candy Cane Lane. Some drinks are served in novelty glasses and mugs, which are also available to buy.

I’d consider booking a table if you’re going with a group, especially if you want to visit on a Friday or Saturday evening. The bar is in a handy location for combining drinks with Christmas lights around Covent Garden and nearby Seven Dials. Check the booking details before visiting, as the menu, availability and any minimum spend may vary by date. If you’re not planning to drink, you’ll find plenty of free festive decorations around Covent Garden nearby.

Price: Check the menu and booking details for current prices
Location: 9 Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5HZ
Dates: 9th November – 30th December 2026

The Chalet at Somerset House

The Chalet at Somerset House is an Alpine-inspired restaurant by chef Jimmy Garcia, opening alongside the seasonal ice rink. It’s a great option if you want to plan dinner around a skating session rather than finding somewhere to eat afterwards. The menu centres around table-top raclette, where melted cheese is served with charcuterie, potatoes, sourdough bread, cornichons and salad. There are also winter drinks, including mulled wine, mulled cider and hot chocolate. The Chalet is in the Somerset House courtyard area, so you can pair it with skating or a walk through Covent Garden’s Christmas displays.

Price: Check the current menu and booking details
Location: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Dates: 12th November – 31st December 2026

Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations

Chelsea Winter Village opens at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on 25th November 2026, combining a festive village with a ticketed illuminated trail. The trail runs through Ranelagh Gardens and is around 1.5km long, with light installations, interactive displays and music. New commissions for 2026 include Aurora and Celestial, alongside other large-scale light art. The village area has food stalls, festive bars, fire pits, an artisan market and seasonal entertainment. You’ll also find activities such as curling and fairground rides, although individual activities may have separate charges. One useful thing to know is that entry to the village is free, but you need a ticket if you want to walk the illuminated trail.

Price: Winter Village entry is free; Illuminations tickets from £19 for adults and £13 for children
Location: Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4SR
Dates: 25th November – 28th December 2026

Read my full guide on the best things to do in London at Christmas here

Best Free Things to Do in London This November

See the Christmas Lights on Oxford Street

Oxford Street’s Christmas lights are returning in 2026 with the familiar display of illuminated stars and new Harry Potter-inspired designs. More than 5,000 stars and over 300,000 LED lights are expected to stretch across the shopping street, and he new Wizarding World designs are linked to the opening of the Harry Potter flagship shop at 134–140 Oxford Street on 4th November. The official lights switch-on date has not yet been confirmed, so I wouldn’t plan your visit around a specific launch night just yet. You can still visit later in November once the lights are on, and it’s easy to combine Oxford Street with Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Bond Street on the same walk. The lights are free to see, so you don’t need to book anything. If you want to take photos, expect the area to be busy during evenings and weekends.

Price: Free
Location: Oxford Street, between Marble Arch and Tottenham Court Road
Dates: Expected from early November 2026; official switch-on date TBC

Covent Garden Christmas Lights

Covent Garden’s Christmas lights switch on Thursday 12th November 2026, marking the start of its festive programme, called The Theatre of Christmas. More than 300,000 lights will illuminate the Piazza and surrounding streets, with the oversized gold bells, mirror balls and baubles returning to the Market Building. There will also be a British-grown Christmas tree on the West Piazza. The launch event is expected to include a countdown and live festive performances, so it’s worth checking the official schedule if you want to see the switch-on itself. The decorations are free to enjoy, although restaurants and seasonal food stalls will cost extra. If you’d rather avoid the biggest crowds, visit on a weekday evening after the launch.

Price: Free
Location: Covent Garden Piazza and surrounding streets, London WC2
Dates: Switch-on 12th November 2026

Other London Christmas Lights Switch-Ons

November is when London’s Christmas lights start appearing across the city, and you can visit most of the displays for free. If you’re planning a festive evening out, these are the other switch-on dates to look out for. Some dates may change, so check the official event websites before travelling specifically for a switch-on.

• Carnaby Street: 4th November 2026
• Regent Street & St James’s: 5th November 2026
• Knightsbridge: 10th November 2026
• Marylebone Village: 11th November 2026
• Bond Street: 12th November 2026
• Leadenhall Market & St Katharine Docks: 19th November 2026
• Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree: Expected 3rd December 2026

Price: Free to view
Location: Various locations across London
Dates: From 4th November 2026; Trafalgar Square tree lighting expected in December

London Christmas Market Openings in November 2026

London’s Christmas markets start opening from early November, with more appearing as the month goes on. They’re a good place to browse festive gifts, try seasonal food and pick up a hot drink while exploring the city. Most are free to enter, so you can visit without needing to buy anything. Here are the main markets to look out for during your trip.

• Leicester Square Christmas Market: Expected early November 2026 to early January 2027. Skate Leicester Square is scheduled to open on 31st October.
• Covent Garden Christmas: Festive displays and decorations expected from early November, with the main lights and Christmas tree launching in November.
• Trafalgar Square Christmas Market: Expected from 9th November 2026.
• Southbank Centre Winter Market: Expected from mid-November 2026 to early January 2027.
• Old Spitalfields Christmas Market: Expected from mid-November 2026 to early January 2027.
• Winter by the River, London Bridge: Expected from mid-November 2026 to early January 2027, with stalls along the riverside.
• Greenwich Christmas Market: Expected from late November 2026 to early January 2027, with the Christmas lights switch-on scheduled for 18th November.
• Crafty Fox Market, King’s Cross: 12th–13th November 2026.
• New King’s Cross Market: Expected from 26th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027.
• Canopy Market, King’s Cross: Expected from 27th November 2026.

Price: Free entry to most markets; food, drinks and shopping cost extra
Location: Various locations across London
Dates: From early November 2026 to early January 2027, depending on the market

Thank you so much for reading and I hope this guide on the best things to do in London in November has given you plenty of inspiration for your own trip. Feel free to check out the rest of my London guides here or below:

Check out my other London guides here:

• The Best Things to do in London at Christmas
• London Monthly Guides
• Hotel Indigo West Shepherd’s Bush Review