7 amazing things to do in London this November

Thursday 30 October 2025 12:34

Share

• 
  Share on Facebook
• 
  Share on Twitter
• 
  Share on LinkedIn
• 
  Share on WhatsApp
• 
  Share on Email

Immersive new exhibitions, theater festivals and The Hunger Games finally launch: here are the best things to do in London this month

‘Tis the season to warm up and head indoors — unless you’re going to Kew’s Christmas event, which is an annual display of extraordinary greenhouses lit up in glorious colors.
For that, you may need to be outside, but otherwise, it’s the season of pantomimes and immersive festive experiences, as we enter the Silly Season in the capital.

Elsewhere, there’s a new Wes Anderson exhibition and the arrival of the highly anticipated new (controversial) The Hunger Games immersive experience at Canary Wharf. Dig deeper, here are the best things to do in London this November.

7 amazing things to do in London this month

Voila! Theater Festival
It can be hard to choose which fringe theater production to book, but check out Viola! The Theater Festival brings together some of the best shows into one festival. Performances take place at venues across the capital, including the Ectectera Theater in Camden, The Cockpit in Marylebone and The Playground Theater near White City. There are three weeks of performances, workshops and events that “connect border-breaking theater with citizens everywhere.” November 3 – 23.

Wes Anderson: Archival Exhibition at the Design Museum
Wes Anderson’s props from his fantastical films are stored in a drafty warehouse in Kent. These are not the magical worlds of his films, although they were given another stage this month as a major retrospective of the writer-director’s work premiered at the Design Museum. Expect hundreds of props, sets and outfits from his back catalogue, with pieces referencing his entire career from the 1990s to the present. Starting November 21.

The Last Days of Pompeii: An In-depth Exhibition
Immersive experiences are currently one of the most popular things to do in London. This time in London takes you to the bottom of the sea on the Titanic submarine, to Elvis’ childhood and now, to Pompeii, to witness the ancient city’s “pre-eruption beauty” before Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, killing around 2,000 people. Experience life in the city, meet locals, and hear their stories of daily Roman life through immersive modern storytelling technology spanning 10 galleries and 3,000 square meters, including an 8-meter video mapping room, and a 360-degree cinematic VR experience. Starting November 14.

Nutcracker Noir
Immersive storytellers DesignScene and Secret Theater have collaborated for this immersive, reimagined version of Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet. Combining live theater with actual parties, guests will follow the story of an orphan named Clara, who grew up in a fantastical theatrical world. When you dine, expect “world-class performers, mischievous stories and theatrics” combined with “decadent dishes and immersive sets.” Starting November 25th.

Christmas at Kew 2025
The world-renowned artist has designed a new light installation for this year’s Christmas at Kew, a nightlife celebration of “light, music and magic” set in the botanical gardens. Wander between light displays and past art, through light tunnels, and stop for street food and seasonal drinks. Starting November 14.

Hunger Games
Canary Wharf has long sought to convince Londoners that it is a place to work and play, but the opening of a new 1,200-seat theater may be the boldest move ever made. Troubadour Canary Wharf, which opened last week, was built specifically for The Hunger Games on Stage, the first stage production of Suzanne Collins’ dystopian trilogy. Reserve a seat in the “district” of your choice and watch Katniss Everdeen compete. John Malkovich was the production’s main star playing President Snow (though he only appeared on screen), while initial reports noted a somewhat chaotic production. Regardless, tickets are selling fast – hopefully the odds are in your favor.

Jack and the Beanstalk
Panto season is no more: it’s front and center at Hammersmith’s Lyric theatre, where their production of Jack and the Beanstalk begins this month. Expect jokes for the whole family and lots of bawdy as the story of a boy and his magic beans has been transferred to a Hammersmith public school. The Lyric pantomime has long been the city’s best, and this one starts mid-month so if you’re keen to get into the festive spirit early then this one’s for you. Starting November 15th.

For more things to do in London, visit City AM Life&Style