Bonfire Night | This annual event that only the English get excited about, is to commemorate the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. It is celebrated with firework displays across the city over the first weekend of November. The big ones are Alexandra Palace (Fri & Sat) and Battersea Park (Sat – sold out & Sun). Tickets essential for both events.
NEW YEAR’S EVE Firework tickets: These go on sale Friday 3rd November at midday. Tickets cost £20.
EFG Jazz Festival 2023 | EFG returns to London. The festival features a line up of jazz musicians from around the world, I can guarantee it’s a good night out. I’ve also done a new blog post on 7 sensational jazz spots in London to keep the jazz spirit alive this winter.
EFG Jazz Festival 12-19 November.
David Hockney | Drawing from Life at National Portrait Gallery. After Hockney’s excellent Life exhibition was cut short due to the pandemic, it’s back for another run. Expect crowds for this one, even if it is to discuss the Harry Styles portrait and ‘that’ cardigan! I personally particularly loved the drawings of his dear friend Celia Birtwell.
David Hockney at the National Portrait Gallery 9 Nov. – 25 Feb 2024.
Crown and Coronation at The Tower of London | I could not be happier that there is an immersive light show and the fact it is at The Tower of London is an even bigger bonus.. why you ask? Because your ticket gives you access to the Crown Jewels after hours without the usual crowds. In London for only 9 days before it heads off on a National tour. Book your tickets now
Crown and Coronation 17 -25 November.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Boundless at Saatchi Gallery | Partners in life and art, Christo and Jeanne-Claude take us inside these challenging projects to see how they were pulled off, alongside works by some artist contemporaries.
Saatchi Gallery 15 November 2023 – 22 January 2024, £12.
Museum of the Home Yard Sale: Elegant homeware, stylist’s stalls and amazing studio clear outs are just one part of this popular Yard Sale. Along with the online auction (22-26 November), it is the perfect time to purchase Christmas gifts and do some good. The Yard Sale and online auction support their Campaign for Change : Food Equality.
Early bird tickets available now at £15 for entry at 9am. £7.50 at 10am – 5pm.
Sunday 26 November.
Antony Gormley: Body Politic at White Cube, Bermondsey. Gormley is the master of taking the simple concept of a figurative sculpture and making us pause to think about what it represents. White Cube in Bermondsey is presenting over 250 of Gormley’s latest works and inviting us to take a peek into the darkness within.
Antony Gormley at White Cube 22 November 2023 – 28 January 2024, free.
Twinkle at Christmas Chelsea Design Centre. This is a small curated luxury shopping destination for all those gorgeous boutique brands you rarely get to see at the big fairs. I was super impressed last year, so I will be going back. 30 Nov – 2 Dec.
Lord Mayor’s Show : The longest and oldest civic procession in the world takes place for the inaugural journey of the 695th Lord Mayor of London. Saturday 10 November. Check the timetable to plan your day.
Look out for the Christmas Light switch on event’s all over London. Including the glorious Ever After Garden, which lights up Mayfair with white roses for loved ones we’ve lost. 16 November – 19 December. Daily 3-9pm. Entry is free. If you are unable to visit the garden you can donate a rose here.
