What’s on in November in London and the South West

Winter is coming, but there’s no need to be glum. The clocks going back and the nights getting darker doesn’t stop London and the South West’s sparkle in November. 

Dust off your winter warmers and head out to see fireworks light up the skies, and streets filled with bright Christmas lights. The festive season has begun – get your Christmas shopping done early (or treat yourself) on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and head to some magical Christmas markets. That’s not all – immerse yourself in Diwali celebrations, go to one of London’s Remembrance Day events, enjoy soothing sounds at the London Jazz Festival and much more across our network. 

Here’s your guide to what’s on in November in London and the South West – now, get those calendars filled!

Head to a Bonfire Night event

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.

Experience the capital’s displays which include huge bonfire lights, fairground rides, ice rinks, and food and drink at the likes of Battersea and Alexandra Palace. 

If you’re thinking of ways to spend bonfire night with the kids, then look no further than LEGOLAND® Windsor’s Fireworks Spectacular! 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. 

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 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. 

Eat out on World Vegan Day

World Vegan Day is a global event celebrated each year on 1 November, to champion the benefits of veganism for animals, humans and the environment. 

Eating green is super accessible these days with most restaurants and cafes offering delicious and diverse vegan options; London is a popular hub for vegan eateries! Some top spots include small-plate restaurant Tendril in Mayfair, Club Mexicana in Soho, and Japanese eatery Itadaki Zen in Kings Cross. 

The South West also boasts plenty of places to get yummy vegan food, including Mad Cucumber in Bournemouth, and Café Thrive in Southampton. Find more vegan eateries across the region in our dedicated guide. 

Celebrate Día de Muertos

1-2 November marks Día de Muertos (translates to Day of the Dead) – a Mexican holiday dating back 3,000 years. It’s a two day holiday that’s intended to reunite the living and dead. 

It’s not a sad day, though! It’s a celebration filled with music, food, and dancing. If you fancy joining in on the celebrations, visit one of these places in our guide to the best Mexican food in the capital. 

Join in on Remembrance Day events

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. The Sunday after Remembrance Day is called Remembrance Sunday (12 November 2023), when another two-minute silence takes place.

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.

Head to the Lord Mayor’s Show 

Also on 11 November is the Lord Mayor’s Show, the oldest and longest civic procession in the world. More than 6,000 people take part in the procession which 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 Pauls.  It’s also broadcast live by the BBC from the Bank / Mansion House area. Find out more.

We suggest getting trains to London at least 45 minutes early for a good view from the roadside.

If you fancy getting a bite to eat after, travel with us and you’ll enjoy money-off popular places like Gordon Ramsey’s Street Pizza, and the Bermondsey Bierkeller. See other food and drink options. 

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 12 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’ve got plenty of ideas to help you plan the perfect celebration. In this guide, we share the best things to do in London for Diwali.

Go to London Jazz Festival 

The EFG London Jazz Festival is the biggest pan-city music festival in Europe, including over 300 shows across more than 70 venues, including Jazz Café, South Bank, Ronnie Scott’s, and KOKO.

The organisers say the aim of the festival is to “celebrate the place of jazz in a city which is at ease with its rich cultural diversity, and draw in a multitude of venues across London who present the music, week in, week out, throughout the year”.

Taking place between 10-19 November this year the festival will showcase jazz visionaries and new talent from around the globe. Find out more and get your tickets.

Dine out on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving may be an American holiday, but it doesn’t mean we can’t get involved! Thanksgiving Day is on 23 November, celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. 

There are heaps of American-eateries around the capital including Hard Rock Café and Smith & Wollensky which hold Thanksgiving events, which include dedicated menus for the holiday. 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the biggest shopping events of the year. Taking place on Friday 24 November and 27 November respectively, most of our favourite brands take part including Zara, Amazon, Asos, Nintendo, John Lewis, Argos and much more! 

London and the South West have heaps of fantastic spots to shop till you drop – whether you’re looking to treat yourself or get some Christmas shopping done. Our guides to the best places to go shopping in London and the South West are well worth a look in.

See the Poppy Fields event at Winchester Cathedral

Taking place until 4 November Poppy Fields is a light and sound show that takes you through an immersive journey around Winchester Cathedral. 

The artworks reflect on the end of World War I and 2, and aim to promote world peace. The accompanying music is composed by David Harper, and there’s recorded poetry by oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne. Find out more and get your tickets. 

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. 

Some November standouts include:

There are plenty of SWR theatre reward deals when you travel with us. Check them out!

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!