Things To Do

Top Things To Do in November

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Written by Tim Barnes-Clay

With the stresses of Christmas on the horizon but just far enough away for you to pretend like you have everything covered, there’s plenty to enjoy throughout November.

We generally spend the first part of the month trying to embrace winter (never succeeding!) and the second half dreading everything we need to do for Christmas, but nothing will lift your mood better than checking out the explosive events, colourful festivals and delicious food November has to offer. Here is our pick of the action:

Bonfire Night in London (5/10)

Starting the month with a bang, Bonfire Night in London is set to be the biggest one yet. Celebrate Guy Fawkes Night in style all over the capital with the huge variety of firework displays going off in all parts of London. You don’t even have to wait until November 5th, as performances will take place all week, ensuring you won’t miss a thing. From Alexandra Palace, to the Hackney Firework Pyromusical and the the family-friendly Ravenscourt Park Fireworks, there’s plenty of options for everyone.

Lord Mayor’s Show and Fireworks (8/10)

The grandiose procession is back for another year that’ll see an array of parades, marching bands and floats. The Lord Mayor’s Show and Fireworks is not a celebration of Boris Johnson but in fact an annually elected ambassador of the City of London. Dating back to the time of King John, it has now become one of the most popular events in the capital, attracting around half a million visitors a year. Starting from Mansion House, it takes a tour through London and ends with a stunning fireworks display over the Thames between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges.

Find more information here.

Taste of London Winter (20/10)

Set in East London’s Tobacco Dock over the weekend of the 20th November, the Taste of London Winter returns for what’s sure to be another great year. You’ll get to taste some of the best signature dishes from London’s finest restaurants, witness amazing live demonstrations from top chefs putting their own twist on classic winter meals, take part in masterclasses and take advantage of the many delicious market samples. Make sure you arrive hungry, as you will truly be treated to some of the best cuisine London has to offer. 

Find more information here.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (21/10)

Arguably one of the biggest Christmas attractions in the UK, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is not to be missed. Perfect for the whole family, you can enjoy the fairground rides, Santa Land and the many markets to be found all over the park. But that’s not all, as it also boasts a Giant Observation Wheel, two circuses and of course, the Winter Wonderland ice rink, the biggest outdoor rink in the UK, which is lit with 10,000 lights. Sure to get everyone in the mood for Christmas, this is your chance to make it a memorable one. 

Find more information here.

Brick 2014: Built For Lego Fans (27/10)

Set over one weekend, Brick 2014: Built For Lego Fans is a gathering of the world’s best Lego builders and offers one of the best family events this month. Set in the ExCeL Centre; check out some awe-inspiring creations, lose yourself in the construction zones, try out the LEGO games whilst visiting the many Have-A-Go themed areas. Interactive, fun and unique, this is the perfect place for LEGO fans of all ages. You can even take part in workshops with professional brick builders and LEGO designers to improve your block building game. 

Find more information here.

Devizes Christmas Festival (28/10)

Turning the Christmas lights on every year is a big deal, but the town of Devizes have a whole festival built around it. The Devizes Christmas Festival is a full day of celebrations, which features markets, live music and street theatre. The centrepiece to the day’s activities however, is the much-anticipated gigantic lantern parade, made by children and community groups from the area. The parade, which features 2,000 people, will circle the town and eventually finish in the Market Place in time for the lights to be switched on and the start of an impressive fireworks display. 

Find more information here.