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The clocks may have gone back, and the nights drawing in but that doesn’t stop London and the South West from being must visit destinations as November brings a whole host of events and activities to warm you up for the festive season.
Dust off your winter warmers and head out to see fireworks light up the skies, immerse yourself in Diwali celebrations, go to one of London’s Remembrance Day events, enjoy soothing sounds at the London Jazz Festival. And, if that’s not enough to keep you busy, the festive season gets into gear. Get your Christmas shopping done early (or treat yourself) on Black Friday and head to some magical Christmas markets.
Here’s your guide to what’s on in November in London and the South West - now, get those calendars filled!
Celebrate Diwali: the festival of lights
Diwali - also known as the festival of lights - is one of the biggest festivals celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists.
Starting on 1 November this year, it’s a 5-day festival which falls during the Hindu lunar month Kartika, celebrating new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
Houses, shops and public places get decorated with small oil lamps, and people often do fireworks events and eat sweet treats. If you’re getting together with family and friends, we share the best things to do in London for Diwali in this guide.
World Vegan Day
1 November
Finding a vegan restaurant just a few years ago may have seemed a real challenge – but now, the options are limitless! With more and more people opting for an environmentally kinder, plant-based diet, we have rounded up the best vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in London perfect for World Vegan day, all of which are easy to get to using the South Western Railway network.
Celebrate Día de Muertos
1-2 November
Not to be confused with Halloween, Día de Muertos (also known as Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday dating back 3,000 years. The two days are for family members who have passed away as they get to visit the land of the living and reunite with loved ones for the day. Rather than being a sad day, it is celebration filled with music, food, dancing, and stunning decorations to welcome back their dearly departed.
There are events going on across London including Hackney’s Day of the Dead Festival, created by MexiBrit with the support of the Mexico Embassy in the UK. The festival takes over Hackney Bridge’s outdoor and indoor spaces to host Mexican arts, crafts, clothing and food stalls.
Many restaurants and bars offer a special menu. Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant & Castle, has a free event with face painting and Mariachi music on Saturday, 2 November from 5pm.
If you would like to join in the celebrations, why not visit one of these places for the best Mexican food in London.
Watch the skies light up on Bonfire night
5 November
5 November marks bonfire night. Make the most of it and go to a display with family and friends. Big and small, there are events to suit every taste with many taking place on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 this year.
Experience the capital’s displays, which include huge bonfire lights, fairground rides, ice rinks, and food and drink at the likes of Battersea and Wimbledon Park.
There’s also events outside London in Winchester and some with stunning sea backdrops such as Bournemouth and Poole. Or, take a train to Devon, to the small town of Ottery St. Mary. To celebrate bonfire night, men, women and children of all ages run through the town carrying flaming barrels of tar on their backs! See our guide to the best bonfire displays in London and the South West to find out more.
Head to the Lord Mayor’s Show
9 November
The Lord Mayor’s Show, the oldest and longest civic procession in the world, will set off from Mansion House on 9 November at 11am.
More than 6,000 people take part in the procession that includes floats, inflatables, marching bands and military detachments. You can watch the outward procession from 11am to 12pm in the area between Bank and St Paul's.
We suggest getting trains to London at least 45 minutes early for a good view from the roadside.
11 November marks Remembrance Day - held in recognition of Armistice Day, when the Allied forces and Germany signed a treaty ending World War I. It was first celebrated on 11 November 1919. Members of the Commonwealth use this day to commemorate the lives lost in all wars since.
The nation takes part in a two-minute silence at 11 am to pause, reflect and remember those who died fighting. Remembrance Day 2024 is on Monday, 11 November. This year, Remembrance Sunday takes place beforehand, on Sunday, 10 November.
There are various events taking place this year, including National Service of Remembrance in Whitehall and Festival of Remembrance in Royal Albert Hall. Find more events and how to get there in our guide to things to do on Remembrance Day.
Follow a penguin parade
14 November
We know the weather is getting colder but cold enough for penguins? This Christmas, London’s Fleet Street Quarter is transforming into a winter wonderland with a magical free penguin parade sculpture trail in support of World Wildlife Fund.
From 14 November keep an eye out for some uniquely festive penguins, all decorated by artists. They will be perched in spots like Chancery Lane, New Street Square, Ludgate Circus and Fleet Street, adding a splash of Antarctic charm to the City. Scan the code on each of the penguins and learn important facts about these feathered friends.
Watch a drone show
16 November
If you'd like a lightshow without the bangs you can watch hundreds of animated drone lights tell an extraordinary story from the dawn of time at the Utilita Bowl Stadium, Southampton.
The Evolution, Drone Light Show will use the sky as its stage. Expect cutting edge technology and immersive storytelling, in this brand-new narrated show with a powerful cinematic soundtrack.
Get into the groove at London Jazz Festival
15-24 November
The London Jazz Festival just keep getting bigger and better with events and gigs happening across iconic London live music venues such as the Jazz Café, South Bank, Ronnie Scott’s, and KOKO. Whether you’re looking for up-and-coming artists or prefer your jazz legends, this will be a spectacular week that will blow away those November blues…
For the first time the event is hosting The Jazz Social, a pop-up venue that will serve as a festival hub and hangout from 11 - 24 November. Located in Citypoint near the Barbican, expect a pop-up jazz cafe and bar, with intimate live music, special events, records, live radio broadcasts and more.
Go to a Christmas Market
Christmas markets are returning to London and the South West this November! Fill up on mulled wine and mince pies, grab your stocking fillers, and soak up the magical festive atmosphere at markets across our network.
From the world-famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and vibrant Leicester Square Market to one of Europe’s best - Winchester Cathedral market and much more, check out our guide to the best Christmas markets. Here, you’ll learn what they offer, how to get there, and other festive activities to try while you’re in town.
Indulge in Thanksgiving and Black Friday
28 & 29 November
While not officially a holiday in the UK, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday now mark the start of the festive season. For Thanksgiving in London, we recommend booking American institutions such as the Hard Rock Café, who put on special menus for the weekend so you can celebrate with your loved ones. Didn’t get to book in time? Don’t worry as you can get 20% off at Hard Rock Café thanks to SWR Rewards.
If you’re looking to save money on presents (whether for yourself or family and friends), then Black Friday (29 November) and Cyber Monday (2 December) are a great time to shop till you drop in some of the South West’s best shopping centres.
Check out an exhibition
Frameless is an immersive and interactive take on fine art, showcasing no less than 42 different digital interpretations of 29 of the world’s most iconic artists, including masterpieces from Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Dalí, Van Gogh and Rembrandt, to name just a few.
Set to a score of classical and contemporary music, Frameless uses state of the art projection technology, creating a must-see experience to excite and inspire visitors of all ages. A truly magical experience right in the heart of London. Save with SWR Rewards with 20 % off.
Head to the theatre show
Now it’s cold, indoor activities are much more appealing. Going to the theatre is a great shout for an evening out with family and friends. Check out our roundup of West End shows and save with SWR offers.
Plan your travel with South Western Railway
Now you’ve filled your November calendar, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.
We’ll catch you next month with ideas for what to do across our network in December.
Top Christmas shopping spots in London and the South West
Shopping at Christmas can be a magical experience with festive lights and dazzling window displays at the top spots. Read our guide here. Travel with South Western Railway.
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