Explore the experiences of Londoners during the Second World War and the effect it had on the city they knew.
As leaves keep falling and autumn settles, November in the City of London brings an array of festive activities, cultural experiences, and seasonal events.
From an 8oo-year-old tradition to live jazz music, sparkling light displays, Sunday roasts, rooftop yoga, literary walking tours, vintage markets, family-friendly experiences, and the Christmas excitement building up, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Here’s a rundown of the best things to do in the City this November 2025.
1. The Lady Mayor’s Show (Saturday 8 November)
On Saturday 8 November, come and embrace a tradition over 800 years old, and one of the biggest dates in the City of London's calendar.
For the first time in its 800-year history, the Lord Mayor’s Show will become the Lady Mayor’s Show, marking a historic milestone for the City of London. Dame Susan Langley DBE, elected as the 697th Lord Mayor of London, is the third woman to hold the role and the first to adopt the title "Lady Mayor."
The Lady Mayor's Show is a lively spectacle of sights and sounds that brings together over 7,000 participants, 200 horses, and approximately 150 groups and floats to celebrate the Lady Mayor’s first full day in office.
Follow our guide of activities for the Lady Mayor's Show, don't miss free guided tours, and you'll be sure to make a full day of it.
2. Vibe with the EFG London Jazz Festival (Monday 10 to Sunday 23 November)
For two weeks, musicians from all over the world come together in London to perform boundary-pushing music that showcases jazz and its influence across genres and cultures.
The EFG London Jazz Festival is happening across multiple venues, including these unmissable cultural hotspots in the City of London:
The Jazz Social (Monday 10 November to Sunday 23 November): a pop-up live music bar and records store at Citypoint (1 Ropemaker St). Don't miss the free lunchtime concerts, and the happy hour everyday from 5-7pm. Open until midnight on Thursdays and Fridays for post-concert drinks. Hosts free and paid-for gigs.
Barbican (the best jazz, here and now. Including free performances on Saturdays and Sundays.
Guildhall School of Music & Drama (Tuesday 18 to Sunday 23 November 2025): the Guildhall Jazz Festival offers five FREE afternoons and evenings of performances at Milton Court Concert Hall.
The Jazz Social, a pop-up live music bar and records store at Citypoint, for the duration of the EFG London Jazz Festival (Photo: Daragh Drake)
3. Find creative and fun activities for the whole family
Second Saturday at Guildhall Art Gallery (Saturday 8 November): A revolving programme of family activities organised by Guildhall Art Gallery. This month's Second Saturday celebrates the Lady Mayor's Show with creative activities and story times, for children aged 3 to 13 with their families.
Monster Art Club (Saturdays): Get creative at the Barbican Library every Saturday from 2 to 3.30pm. This free event provides all the materials for drawing, colouring, and imaginative crafting - perfect for budding artists of all ages.
Rhyme Time at Artizan Library (Thursdays): Every Thursday from 10 to 10.30am, bring your little ones (under 5s) to a free lively session filled with action songs, musical instruments, and puppets.
F1 Arcade (Monday to Sunday): Feel the adrenaline of the Formula 1 track at this immersive racing experience. Located in One New Change, the F1 Arcade offers simulators designed for drivers aged 7 and up, with multiple skill levels to suit everyone from beginners to pros. When you’re ready to refuel, the menu has something for everyone, from burgers to family-style sharing plates. Open to children every day until 6pm.
Barbican Family Film Club (Saturdays): Enjoy Saturday mornings filled with family-friendly films.
Second Saturday activities at the Guildhall Art Gallery
4. Dodge the autumn weather with these exhibitions and displays
This November, there are plenty of options to spend time in the comfort of a gallery or a museum in the City of London. Don't miss the exhibitions at the newly opened Hypha Galleries at No. 1 Poultry, the iconic grade II* listed postmodernist building designed by James Stirling.
New exhibitions and displays opening this month:
Cells and Love at Hypha Gallery 1 / No. 1 Poultry (7 November to 6 December): Cells and Love invites all viewers, regardless of gender or parental status, into an intimate exploration of one of the most profound human experiences: becoming a mother. Free entry.
Messages from a Silent River at Hypha Gallery 2 / No. 1 Poultry (7 November to 6 December): Messages from a Silent River is a multi-disciplinary exhibition inspired by the lost course of the Walbrook River — once an open waterway in Roman London and now a silent presence beneath The City. Free entry.
Shifting Choreographies at Hypha Gallery 3 / No. 1 Poultry (7 November to 6 December): Shifting Choreographies is a group exhibition that interrogates the politics of bodies and objects in space through sound, moving image, sculpture, audience participation, writing, photography and performance. Free entry.
More exhibitions and displays to explore:
Evelyn De Morgan: The Modern Painter in Victorian London (until 4 January 2026): One of the most remarkable artists of her generation, Evelyn De Morgan’s powerful work is on display at Guildhall Art Gallery this year in a major exhibition that premiered two newly restored artworks.
Blondie in Camera 1978 (until 5 January 2026): Blondie takes centre-stage in a free photographic exhibition at the Barbican Music Library.
Jane and Louise Wilson: Performance of Entrapment (until 17 January 2026): Inspired by the Roman temple of Mithras, and artefacts discovered on the site, Performance of Entrapment offers a powerful reflection on ancient shrines, time and renewal in an immersive installation which weaves together film, archaeology, and contemporary art.
Dirty Looks (until 25 January 2026): From ruined romantic evening gowns to faux-stained jeans, mud-splashed dresses and upcycled outfits, the fashion world has never been dirtier. Featuring icons like Hussein Chalayan, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Miguel Adrover and Maison Margiela, alongside emerging designers such as Elena Velez, Yuima Nakazato and IAMISIGO, this exhibition at the Barbican explores fashion's past and present, possible future.
Spotlight on Music Hall at the London Archives (until 5 February 2026): Visit The London Archives to see a small but striking display featuring treasures from around the 1890s-1920s relating to Music Hall.
Exhibition: London in the Second World War (until 19 February 2026): In this free exhibition at The London Archives you can explore stories of Londoners during the Second World War. The London Archives is located in Clerkenwell (between Farringdon and Angel), just outside the boundary of The City of London.
Heritage Gallery Exhibition: Epping Forest (27 September 2025 to 30 April 2026): A new display has opened this month at the Heritage Gallery where a selection of items showcasing the rich history of Epping Forest will be on display. Some of the highlights will include seeing a Forest Keeper’s daily diary from 1903 and a decorative invitation to attend the visit of Queen Victoria in 1882.
Sculpture in the City 14th Edition (until Spring 2026): Artworks by Ai Weiwei, Andrew Sabin, and Jane and Louise Wilson have recently been unveiled in The City of London as part of the 14th edition of Sculpture in the City.
Building the Bank - 100 years on (until Spring 2027): This new exhibition uncovers the fascinating transformation of the Bank of England’s Threadneedle Street home.
La Ghirlandata by Dante Gabriel Rossetti at Guildhall Art Gallery
5. Find vintage and craft gems with the weekend markets at Leadenhall (Saturday 8 and Sunday 30 November)
Leadenhall Market’s iconic background hosts regular weekend markets featuring vintage furniture and fashion, as well as and handmade crafts.
- Saturday 8 November: SoLo Craft Fair, showcasing the best independent artists and makers
- Sunday 30 November: The Vintage Furniture & Flea Market, for mid-century furniture, retro home décor, and timeless fashion from the 1920s to the 2000s
Stalls are open from 12 to 5pm.
Promotional image for Leadenhall Market series of pop-up weekend markets
6. Uncover the archaeology of north-west Londinium during a walking tour (Saturday 15 November)
Starting in London's Roman Amphitheatre, explore the rich history of Roman London with archaeologist Dr Andrew Lane during a walking tour.
The tour takes place at 11am and 2pm, and will last for approximately 1.5 hours. It will start at Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre and finish at the Roman Fort Gate preserved beneath London Wall (approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the Gallery).
Tickets: £15. Booking required.
The preserved ruins of London's Roman Amphitheatre
7. Take a guided tour of The City of London (daily)
Join expert City of London Guides for daily themed walking tours departing from the City Information Centre near St Paul’s. From Roman ruins and Wren’s churches to literary legends and hidden histories, there’s something new to discover every day of the week.
You can also take a free introductory tour of Guildhall Art Gallery, conducted by Guildhall Art Gallery’s team of City Guides, which are available every day, from Tuesday to Sunday, at 12:15pm and 1:15pm and last 30 to 45 minutes. No booking is required.
8. Experience the staging of a T.S. Eliot's poem in the rarely-accessible Middle Temple Hall (Tuesday 18 November)
Experience an intimate preview of the seminal poem brought vividly to life through dramatisation by Unreal Cities and original score by Nick Roth.
Join for this unique preview in an intimate setting before its wider performances in London, with all profits from ticket sales going to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and Middle Temple Scholarship funds.
Time: Tuesday 18 November, 7pm. Tickets: Standard Tickets £30, £48 and £60
Promotional poster for T. S. Eliot's the Waste Land. Directed by Adrian Dunbar.
9. Feast on a proper Sunday roast in The City of London (Sundays)
Sundays are made for roast dinners, and The City of London has plenty of standout spots to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're after traditional trimmings or a modern twist, here are a few favourites to try this month:
The Jugged Hare (near Barbican): A celebration of seasonal British produce, with a focus on game, foraged ingredients, and bold flavours.
1 Lombard Street (Bank): A refined take on the classic roast, showcasing the best of the season in a brasserie-style setting.
The Ned (Bank): Sundays here are a feast: unlimited lobster, oysters, roasts with all the trimmings, fresh salads, and more - all served in a stunning former bank.
Blacklock (Monument): Known for its perfectly crisp potatoes, rich gravy, and expertly cooked meats. Their veggie roasts are just as impressive, spotlighting the best of British produce.
The Libertine (Royal Exchange): Set in the dramatic vaults beneath The Royal Exchange, this stylish spot serves up a delicious roast. Prefer Beef Wellington? Their Wellington Wednesdays are worth a look.
10. Attend the Christmas lights switch-on at Leadenhall Market (Thursday 13 November)
On Thursday 13 November 2025, the Lady Mayor of London, Dame Susan Langley DBE, will be switching on the Christmas lights at Leadenhall Market, unveiling an 18ft Christmas tree beneath the Victorian atrium. With a light tunnel, garlands, and a festive atmosphere, it’s a magical way to kick off the holiday season.
Time: the ceremony will take place from 5.15pm, with live performances from the Super Tenants, who will fill the air with Christmas classics to get everyone in the festive spirit. The official switch-on will take place at 6pm.
11. Join The DROP, launch event for Broadgate Central (Thursday 13 November)
On 13 November, The DROP will mark the launch of Broadgate Central, the City’s newest place for fashion, dining, and wellness, right outside Liverpool Street station.
Hosted by fashion presenter Annaliese Dayes, along with live DJ sets, roaming performers, it will make for an unforgettable lunch break for workers around the City of London. Expect giveaways and chances to win experiences from your favourite brands.
12. Start the weekend in style with those suggestions for a Friday in the City of London
Are you a city worker, a first-time visitor, a Londoner? There's plenty to do on a Friday in the City, from historic walks and rooftop bars to pop-up events and exhibitions.
Whether you're looking for afterwork plans, a group activity, cultural events, an idea for the family, follow our guide to find the top things to do on a Friday in the City of London.
Rhubarb at Sky Garden
13. An evening visit with sparkling drinks at Dr Samuel Johnson’s House (Thursday 20 November)
Explore 17 Gough Square, the 1690s townhouse where Johnson lived while compiling his Dictionary of the English Language, and discover the life of the man who became famously known as “Dictionary Johnson.”
Enjoy festively decorated rooms with a drink in hand, and cosy up in a window seat as you soak up the atmosphere. Learn how the Georgians celebrated Christmas and don't forget to browse their gift shop for seasonal treasures.
Time: 20 November, 5:30 to 7pm. Tickets: £14 (or two for £20)
14. An evening of light, sound and art with Beyond the Frame at Mansion House (Friday 21 November)
Beyond the Frame is an immersive, one-night-only event at Mansion House, in collaboration with the visionary projection artists Luxmuralis - all to raise vital funds for Treloar's.
This spectacular evening will feature the acclaimed Life projection by Luxmuralis, alongside a bespoke never-before-seen projection that shines a spotlight on the incredible artwork of Treloar’s students.
Time: Friday 21 November, 6pm - 10pm. Tickets: £75/person or £750 group (includes food & drink)
Life created by Luxmuralis
15. Explore the role of reading in the Roman Empire at London's Roman Amphitheatre (Wednesday 12 November)
Discover how Latin literature shaped lives across the vast Roman Empire in this engaging session led by Dr Kathryn Tempest (University of Leicester) and Professor Gesine Manuwald (UCL). This free workshop is part of this year’s Being Human Festival.
Amidst the ruins of London’s Roman Amphitheatre, participants will be able to explore and discuss the role of reading in the Roman Empire and the way authors such as Vergil and Cicero were received by contemporary audiences.
The session will last for approximately one hour, beginning at 2:30pm and will be free to join by any visitor on a drop-in basis. Seating will be provided.
Free - booking recommended
16. Experience two rarely heard operas with Guildhall School of Music & Drama (Monday 3 to Monday 10 November)
Guildhall School's Autumn Opera Double Bill explores love, power and resistance through fresh interpretations of two early 20th-century works centred on formidable female protagonists.
This double bill includes Der Wald (“The Forest”), from trailblazing composer and suffragette Ethel Smyth who broke new ground as the first woman to have an opera staged at the Metropolitan Opera, as well as the UK premiere of Ottorino Respighi’s Lucrezia, offering a bold modern retelling of the legendary Roman tale, where a woman’s personal tragedy ignites political rebellion.
Time: 3, 5, 7 & 10 November at 7pm. Tickets: £30 (£15 concessions)
17. Walk along the Thames to discover the Illuminated River (Thursday 20 November)
As the nights draw in, join the City Guides for this evening walk along the River Thames to discover the Illuminated River, the longest public art commission in the world. Each bridge has its own lighting sequence created by artist Leo Villareal and all together they shine a subtle and beautiful light on London.
On this walking tour in partnership with Illuminated River, you'll hear the stories of each bridge and experience their magical light. The walk will take you from Blackfriars Bridge to Tower Bridge and will be 90 min long.
Tickets: £15. Booking is essential.
A view of Blackfriars Bridge during an Illuminated River walk. © James Newton / Illuminated River
18. A night with Ravel & Tchaikovsky by the Guildhall Symphony Orchestra (Wednesday 5 November)
Experience a thrilling evening of orchestral colour and contrast in this dynamic programme performed by the next generation of professional musicians under the baton of Joshua Weilerstein.
Programme:
- Jessie Montgomery Coincident Dances
- Ravel Piano Concerto in G major
- Tchaikovsky Symphony No 4
Time: 5 November at 7pm. Tickets: £14-25 (£12 concessions)
19. Rooftop Yoga and Brunch at The Skyline London (Saturday 29 November)
Experience the ultimate rejuvenation with Rooftop Yoga and Brunch, guided by London's best yoga instructors, in the breath-taking setting of The Skyline London rooftop terrace.
Suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners, and led by their experienced and certified yoga instructors.
Time: 9:30 to 10:30am for Rooftop yoga class. 10:30am onwards for Brunch. Tickets: £38.62 inc. of Eventbrite fee (includes Yoga class and Buffet Brunch).
20. Join a guided tour of Billingsgate Roman House and Baths (Saturdays)
Explore the Billingsgate Roman House and Baths by descending into the basement of an office block on Lower Thames Street, and discover one of Roman London’s most fascinating remains.
Access by guided tour only, advance booking required. Tickets £12/£10 (additional booking fee applies).
For safety reasons, this attraction is only suitable for children aged 8+, and all children must be closely supervised by an adult at all times.
Billingsgate Roman House and Baths.
21. Take a walk through the heart of literary London (Wednesday 12 November)
Take a fascinating walk through the historic heart of literary London and visit the home of its most famous resident writer: Dr Samuel Johnson.
Time: arrive by 12.45 pm for prompt 1pm Tour departure. The tour lasts about 60 min and will start and finish at Dr Johnson's House. Tickets: £20
Dr Johnson's House © City of London Corporation
