November: we’re transitioning from autumn to winter and anticipation for the most magical time of the year builds. Here’s our pick of the best events going on in London to keep your spirits high as temperatures drop.
Battersea Park Fireworks
To celebrate our longest reigning monarch, this year’s theme is A Royal Night Out. The popular display is set to a musical soundtrack and visitors can also enjoy food and drinks from various stalls.
Admission: £8, £10 on November 7, under-10s free with a ticket.
Where? Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
When? Saturday 7 November. Gates open 6pm, bonfire is lit at 7.30pm, display starts at 8pm. No entry after 8pm.
wandsworth.gov.uk/fireworks
Guy Fawkes Festival
Discover the true story of Guy Fawkes and his plot by getting to know the characters during a fun performance. Culminating in a fireworks display, the evenings also feature fairground rides and craft activities.
Admission: children £7.75, adults £9.75 and under-threes go free.
Where? Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY
When? Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November. Gates open at 2pm and fireworks display at 7pm.
royalgunpowdermills.com 01992 707370
Christmas Lights Switch-on in Chelsea
Save the date for Duke of York Square’s Christmas Lights Switch-on. The all-day event is a fun and festive family occasion, including the arrival of Father Christmas to his grotto with real-life reindeer.
Admission: free.
Where? Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY
When? Saturday 7 November. All day with lights turning on at 4pm.
dukeofyorksquare.com
DreamWorks DreamPlace
Follow Shrek and Donkey on an immersive cinematic adventure. At the North Pole, children’s ‘passports’ are processed and they can earn ‘nice points’ with a game before meeting Santa.
Admission: £10 at peak times or £35 for a family of four, £8 and £28 off-peak.
Where? Westfield London (0203 371 2300) & Westfield Stratford (0208 221 7300)
When? Opens early November
dreamplaceexperience.com
Storytelling and Music Sessions
Storytellers Paul Rubinstein and Olivia Armstrong deliver a series of sessions for babies and toddlers to engage and encourage interaction between adults and their little ones using music, movement and stories.
Admission: £4 per child.
When? Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
Where? Wednesday 4, 11 and 18 November, 10am and 11.30am.
royalalberthall.com 020 7589 8212
The Lord Mayor’s Show 2015
The three-mile procession sets off from Guildhall and the day finishes with a grand firework display over the Thames.
Admission: free, but there is a charge for Grandstand seats.
Where? The Mansion House, London, EC4N 8BH
When? Saturday 14 November, from 11am to 2.30pm
lordmayorsshow.org
Kensington Mums Christmas Family Fair
Due to popular demand, Kensington Mums is organising its first fair on 29 November at Kensington Town Hall. There will be everything from kids clothing, toys and gifts to a pamper corner just for mums and kids entertainment for little ones.
Admission: free.
Where? Kensington town hall, Hornton Street W8 7NX
When? Sunday 29 November, 10am to 6pm
kensingtonmums.co.uk
Anchors Away!
Maritime-themed family clubbing run by Big Fish, Little Fish. Grown-ups with little ones can expect the excitement of a mini-festival with bubble machines, glitter, crafts and a baby chillout area.
Admission: adults £8.50, children £5.50 and non-walkers go free.
Where? Museum of London, No. 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL
When? Sunday 29 November at 2pm
museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands 020 7001 9844
