You’d be forgiven for feeling a bit bewildered that we’re already approaching November. In fairness, we slightly skipped autumn weather (a.k.a. sweater weather) and transitioned straight from the height of summer into the eye of the storm – literally.
Unmissable November Events
Words by
Clara Taylor
30th October 2026
It's the first month of the festive season, so we've curated all the unmissable November events to book.
Darker, cosier evenings bring a desire to curl up and hibernate. Resist! At all costs. There’s plenty to be getting out and about. Be it an expert-led exploration into white truffles or a Christmas decorating workshop – no, it’s not too early – we’ve hand-picked all the unmissable events to diarise this November.
Last Chance to See Winston Churchill’s Paintings at The Wallace
Sir Winston Churchill painting in Belgium, September 1946. ©Churchill Archives Centre.
Our resident cultural connoisseur Charlotte Metcalfe recently pondered why London is the art capital of the world. The answer, quite simply, is that we’re home to some of the world's most renowned museums, historic houses, and cutting-edge galleries. This November, Winston Churchill: The Painter is in its final month, so head down to the Wallace to discover a new side of one of Britain’s most prolific politicians.
Winston Churchill: The Painter closes on 29th November. Book tickets at wallacecollection.org
Oranj’s New Music Programme
East London wine bars are becoming somewhat of a stereotype these days; however, Oranj is genuinely still cool. Tucked discreetly – almost too discreetly, it’s a little hard to find – Oranj is renowned for its tasty small plates and natural wines. Now, it’s expanding its late-night offering with the launch of a new music programme. Centred around a custom-built Danley sound system, the programme will bring music to the venue five nights a week. Who said nightlife’s dead?
Find out more about the new Dray Walk music programme at oranj.co.uk
Wiltshire Truffles Tasting Menu
Truffle chicken to ring in the white truffle season.
White Alba truffle season is upon us in the UK, and what better way to get acquainted with the bianco pregiato than an expert-led truffle tasting menu. Zak Frost of Wiltshire Truffles is bringing his family’s produce to Canary Wharf, where he’ll be teaming up with the Fallow chefs for a special four-course white truffle dinner. It’s a rare chance to experience white truffle at the height of its fleeting season.
Tickets for the 4th November dinner are £250 per person and are available now via roerestaurant.co.uk
Penhaligon’s and Wild About Flowers Partnership
Penhaligon's gifting suite and afternoon tea. ©The Lanesborough
Whether you’re buying for yourself or buying for early Christmas presents, Penhaligon’s pop-up Gifting Suite will be gracing the hallowed halls of The Lanesborough. Wild About Flowers will showcase a beautifully curated edit of seasonal fragrances and candles. While you’re perusing, you can also enjoy a Penhaligon’s Matcha cocktail, a selection of festive teas and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves.
You need to pre-book. Do so via oetkerhotels.com
The Chelsea Christmas Tree Lighting
Performers at the Duke of York tree lighting. ©EV Chelsea.
In the words of Mariah Carey: “It’s tiiiiiiiiime!” November is officially festive season – because why not elongate the festive period as much as possible? To help you get in the spirit, the Duke of York Square is hosting its Christmas tree lighting ceremony, where a glittering 40ft Norwegian Spruce will be illuminated for all to see. The evening will also see festive entertainment, street performers, lanterns, snow flurries and carol singing – there's no better way to rouse the festive spirit.
The Chelsea Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place Thursday 12th November, 5 pm -7.30 pm in the Duke of York Square.
Manteca & Smokestak’s Blok Party
Smokestak & Manteca's anniversary party.
David Carter’s latest opening, Kid, may be getting all the attention, but don’t let this overshadow the anniversary of two of his classics: Manteca and Smokestak. For their 5th and 10th birthdays, respectively, the two restaurants are joining forces for a “Blok Party”, taking over Protein Studios in Shoreditch and firing up the offset smoker and wood-fired oven. It’ll be a one-night-only street food party, spilling out onto the pavement until late. Even better, all proceeds go to charity.
Book your tickets for the celebration on 7th November, 6 pm – 2 am, at smokestak.co.uk
Celebrate Beaujolais Day at Mazarine
The Beaujolais Day menu at Mazarine.
Some “awareness days” are truly ridiculous: chewing gum day, swap soup day, to name a few. But Beaujolais Day, that’s serious business. Mazarine is celebrating accordingly with the arrival of the new vintage, featuring a selection of Beaujolais wines, curated wine flights, and a special three-course menu. The offering will be about as French as it gets – expect a croque Mazarine, escargots, coq au vin and lots and lots of red wine.
The special Beaujolais Day menu runs from 19th-21st November. Reserve your table at mazarinerestaurant.com
Donutelier at The Landmark
Donutelier's marvellous creations. ©Justin De Souza.
Comfort food has well and truly found a home in haute cuisine, as shown by the soaring popularity of Michelin-starred burgers, caviar-topped fried chicken and lobster rolls. In the latest decadent iteration, the humble doughnut is taking over The Landmark London with cult-baker Donutelier’s pop-up. Exhibiting the Christmas collection, it’ll be a showcase of French pâtisserie with light, airy doughnuts and festive flavours. Leading the line-up is Gilded Pistachio, with layers of pistachio crème pâtissière, praline and Chantilly cream. Meanwhile, Coconut Snowflake brings a flurry of white to the counter, pairing coconut praline with crème pâtissière.
The Donutelier Christmas Shop will be open to hotel guests and the public daily, excluding Mondays, from 10:30 am to 6 pm, between 25th November and 24th December. donutelier.co.uk
Thanksgiving Dinner UK Style
It may not be a UK tradition; however, Ocado research shows searches for Thanksgiving have jumped 440% year on year. If you’re looking to partake in the festivities without getting your hands dirty, of course, then hot foot it to The Cadogan. Here you’ll be served with American classics like a roast turkey crown, green bean casserole, mac & cheese and sweet potato pie.
The Thanksgiving menu is available on 26th November from £100 per person at thecadoganarms.london
Christmas Decorating Workshop at the Haymarket Hotel
Alice Mary Lynch's Christmas decorating workshop at The Haymarket Hotel.
A creative workshop is always a good idea, and the Haymarket Hotel’s Christmas decorating workshop promises to be particularly whimsical. The workshop is run in partnership with artist Alice Mary Lynch, best known for designs inspired by costumes, fairy tales, and the natural world. Here, you’ll create and paint a pair of ‘tree dancer’ wooden decorations. The workshop finishes with a festive afternoon tea and a glass of Champagne in Brumus Restaurant.
Sunday 29th November, 1 pm-4 pm. Tickets cost £150 per person. firmdalehotels.com
