Free fun in London - November edition!

Our top budget-friendly spots this month

November has arrived, and with it comes cooler days and shorter daylight hours. We’ve just gained an extra hour of sleep thanks to the clocks going back. London is alive with cultural events, seasonal markets, and autumn traditions. Here are some of the best free things to do this November.

Art & Culture

• Through Our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture: Step into a completely different world this winter. Through Our Eyes is the very first group exhibition in the UK to celebrate the vibrant art and culture of the Sámi people, Europe’s only recognised Indigenous people. Presented across five of our galleries, this free exhibition brings together 19 incredible artists working today. You’ll discover a huge mix of creative styles, from sculpture and photography to video and performance art. From 6 Nov 2026.
• Arcadia by John Akomfrah at the Natural History Museum: Through Arcadia, Akomfrah asks how migration, colonialism and empire have shaped the planet, its people and its natural environments alike. You’re invited to reflect on the entanglement of human histories with the natural world and the legacies of those transformations today. From 6 Nov 2026.
• Tradition/Rebellion: Coming-of-Age Style in Kitakyushu at Japan House. It celebrates the eclectic and flamboyant fashion worn by 20-year-olds in the Japanese city of Kitakyushu as they mark their entry into adulthood. Co-curated by fashion director Yamaguchi Souta and Japan House London’s Simon Wright, with the people of Kitakyushu, Tradition/Rebellion is an original Japan House London exhibition built over several years. Admission is free but tickets will guarantee entry during busy days. From 11 November.
• London Museum: 10 years in the making and four years since the previous venue closed, we finally have the chance to see the new London Museum, the reincarnation of the former Museum of London. The brand-new museum in Smithfield pulls together several historic buildings into one giant celebration of the city and its history, drawing on over seven million objects. From 28 November.

Outdoor Activities

• “Remember, remember the 5th of November” Bonfire Night, celebrated on the 5th of November in the UK, commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Expect fireworks to take place between Halloween weekend until 8 November across all London Boroughs, While many displays are ticketed, you’ll likely catch glimpses lighting up the sky from parks and rooftops. See where you can watch the fireworks in London.
• The Christmas lights switch-ons gives us the first sparkle of the festive season. Enjoy a stroll along the newly pedestrianised Oxford Street, beautifully illuminated by its iconic Christmas lights, creating a festive atmosphere in the heart of London.

Special Events

• The Lady Mayor’s Show 2026, formerly known as the Lord Mayor’s Show, is one of London’s oldest and most vibrant civic traditions, taking place on Saturday, 14 November 2025 it features a grand procession with floats, bands, and the iconic golden State Coach, showcasing the City’s heritage and civic pride. On this day, St Paul’s Cathedral joins the rest of the City of London in celebrating the Lady Mayor’s Show. There is free and unticketed entry to the Cathedral floor and Crypt throughout the day until the last admission at 4pm.
• The EFG London Jazz Festival 2026, running from 13–22 November, brings ten days of vibrant, genre-blending free performances to venues across the city. The festival showcases global icons and rising stars. From orchestral concerts to intimate solo sets, the festival celebrates jazz’s diversity, innovation, and emotional power.
• Free Christmas Carol Services in London: Experience the magic of the season at one of London’s free Christmas carol services, where beautiful music, festive traditions, and stunning historic venues come together to create a truly memorable atmosphere.

Even though the days may be shorter and the weather a little gloomier, London comes alive at this time of year with festive lights, seasonal markets, and unforgettable experiences around every corner, proving there’s plenty to enjoy no matter the season.

Wrap up warm, head out, and enjoy the magic of London’s autumn/winter festivities! 🧣