What's Happening in November
November is the month when London truly immerses itself into the Christmas spirit. With the switching on of Christmas lights all over town, ice skating rinks, Winter Wonderland and Christmas shopping in full flow, there's nothing like the sparkle of London Christmas lights to give the city an instant festive makeover. Here’s what’s on our list this month.
1. Marylebone High Street Christmas lights
One of London's most atmospheric and charming high streets (if we don't say so ourselves) will be illuminated from November 10, at an event with food stalls, snow machines, and Santa's grotto. A great day’s eating and shopping can be had in the area so do twin your visit with a jaunt around Daunt Books, Ginger Pig or a pint at the Gunmaker’s. And of course a glass of bubbles in our very own Reform Social & Grill.
10th November, 2022
2. Family Fun at Matilda
Matilda, an extraordinary girl armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand against her oppressive parents and head teacher to change her story with miraculous results. See the much-loved children's novel reworked into a hilarious musical.
Cambridge Theatre, 32-34 Earlham Street, London WC2H 9HU
This landmark exhibition is being staged by the National Gallery to mark the centenary of the birth of the major 20th-century artist Lucian Freud (1922–2011.) This first major exhibition of Lucian Freud’s work in 10 years brings together paintings from more than seven decades. It spans a lifetime of work, charting how Freud’s painting changed during 70 years of practice – from his early and intimate works to his well-known, large-scale canvasses and his monumental naked portraits.
Until 22 January 2023
National Gallery, London
4. Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens is aglow as magical winter trail lights up the evening skies for 2022. Take an enchanting journey into a glittering wonderland with a host of popular after-dark Christmas event through the famous botanic gardens, lit up with lights and spectacular projections.
Selected dates, 16 November 2022 to 8 January 2023
5. Southbank Centre Winter Market
Every winter, Southbank Centre turns the banks of the Thames into frosty wonderland, full of little wooden cabins selling gifts, warming drinks, and snacks galore. Cosy up at Jimmy’s Winter Lodge, with its heated riverside snowglobes offering al fresco cheese fondue sessions or perhaps try your hand at a classic winter sport at The Curling Club.
3 November 2022 to 8 January 2023
6. Winter Horse Carriage Rides
Live out all your dark Dickensian dreams on a winter outing in Richmond Park or Bushy Park on a traditional carriage ride drawn by a pair of majestic Shire horses from the last working heard in London. Snuggle up in a blanket and clip-clop your way around the park while sipping on sloe gin, eating mince pies and learning about your surroundings from guides and carriage riders that look straight of ‘Great Expectations’, dressed in smock coats and bowler hats. The money raised supports the equine therapy services of Operation Centaur, who manage the horses.