What’s on in London – November 2023

November is the perfect month to experience the capital’s cultural and festive charms. Kicking off with a bang, Bonfire Night in London lights up the city’s skies with spectacular firework displays, igniting the spirit of celebration. Film enthusiasts can sample cinematic brilliance from different corners of the world as the Korean and Jewish film festivals unfold across the UK capital.

As winter whispers in, don’t miss the enchanting ice-skating rink at Somerset House, a quintessential London experience. And keep your eyes peeled as the city transforms into a magical wonderland with twinkling lights and Christmassy-themed markets. London in November 2023 is a delightful fusion of tradition, culture and merriment – make it a month to remember!

London’s skies are set to ignite with a dazzling array of colours as Bonfire Night approaches, commemorating the foiled plot of Guy Fawkes 400 years ago. On the first weekend of November, the city becomes a pyrotechnic paradise!

From the grandeur of Alexandra Palace to the intimate charm of Dulwich, and the fiery spectacle of Battersea Park to the magical night in Morden Park, there’s a firework show for everyone. Barnes, Wimbledon, and Beckenham also light up the night with vibrant displays.

Get ready for a cinematic binge as the 18th edition of the London Korean Film Festival hits multiple screens across the city! This unparalleled celebration of Korean cinema promises two weeks of thrilling movie magic. With an exciting lineup of 40 top picks spanning a multitude of genres, prepare to be captivated, entertained and moved. Iconic venues like BFI Southbank, Rio Cinema, and The Garden Cinema will set the stage for this cinematic spectacle.

The festival’s grand opening, ‘A Normal Family’ by director Hur Jin-ho, will set the tone for a fortnight of immersive storytelling. And when the curtains finally close, ‘Dr. Cheon and The Lost Talisman’ by director Kim Seong-Sik, known for his contribution to the Oscar-winning ‘Parasite,’ will leave you in awe. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the finest of Korean cinema right in the heart of London!

Prepare to be swept off your feet by the mesmerising melodies and soulful rhythms at the upcoming EFG London Jazz Festival 2023! With a staggering line-up of over 300 shows hosted across 70 vibrant venues, this festival promises an unforgettable jazz journey through the heart of London. From the iconic Barbican to the lively Southbank Centre, and from the intimate Cafe Oto to the prestigious King’s Place, the city will pulse with the rich sounds of jazz.

This festival offers diverse segments. ‘New Creations’ highlights emerging talents and pays homage to legends like Pharoah Sanders, featuring Makaya McCraven and the London Contemporary Orchestra. In the ‘Jazz Visionaries’ series, acclaimed artists like Cory Henry, Josh Barry, Emma Rawicz, and The Cookers take the stage, while the ‘Icon’ series showcases jazz heroes like Emeli Sandé, Norah Jones, and the Charles Lloyd Ocean Trio.

Sip, swirl and savour in the shadows at the Lidl Chateaux Noir wine-tasting festival, coming to Leake Street Waterloo this November! Lidl, the budget supermarket on a mission to democratise wine, invites oenophiles to indulge in top-quality vinos in the dark.

The 2023 Chateaux Noir will take visitors on an exciting journey in total darkness for exclusive wine-tasting sessions led by Lidl’s resident Master of Wine, Richard Bampfield. Picture yourself in a pitch-black tasting room as waiters don night-vision goggles to serve a remarkable selection of wines, from Lidl’s affordable gems to luxurious big-brand varieties. Don’t miss this extraordinary wine adventure!

Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant tapestry of Jewish cinema at the upcoming UK Jewish Film Festival! The festival celebrates the diverse narratives and experiences within the Jewish community. Among the compelling screenings, ‘One Life’, starring the legendary Anthony Hopkins, the thrilling ‘Kidnapped’, which clinched the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes, and the heartwarming ‘My Father’s Secrets’, are set to stir your emotions.

From powerful documentaries to LGBTQI+ films and more, this festival promises to ignite your imagination across London’s theatres. Don’t miss this cinematic journey through Jewish culture!

Get ready to embark on an enchanting botanical journey, mid-November onwards Kew Gardens, where the 300-acre garden bursts to life with festive fervour. Twinkling lights and seasonal melodies fill the crisp air as you wander through a collection of glass houses adorned with kaleidoscopic projections.

Shimmering tunnels of light and trees ablaze with jewel-bright colours guide your way. And, as tradition dictates, there will be warming winter treats to savour and a special grotto where you can have a jolly encounter with Father Christmas himself.

Mid-November is also that time of the year when you need to put on your ice skates and head to Somerset House for a Swiss-inspired winter wonderland. Skate at Somerset House, an iconic and beloved London tradition, heralds the festive season with a sensational blend of ice skating, contemporary beats, and delectable culinary delights.

Whether you’re a novice or a pro, Skate School offers skating lessons for all levels. Discover pop-up stores, explore high-street boutiques, unwind in cosy lounges, and groove to the electrifying tunes of trailblazing DJs on the rink-side decks.