A roundup of what’s on in the City this November.
Festive season at Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is kicking off the festive season with its annual Christmas lights switch-on event on Thursday, 14th November at 5:30pm. The new Lord Mayor of London will lead the ceremony, accompanied by fireworks, live music, and the unveiling of a spectacular 18-foot Christmas tree.
Judy’s presents The Vintage Furniture & Flea Market has drawn in shoppers throughout the summer months with their eclectic collections of one-off pieces of furniture from the mid-century onwards, alongside fashion from the twenties to the noughties. This market day will be ideal for picking up a standout seasonal piece to create the perfect cosy home or one-of-a-kind present ideas for vintage fans.
-
Saturday 16 November – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market
-
Sunday 24 November – The Vintage Furniture & Flea Christmas Market
-
Saturday 7 December – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market
Leadenhall Market – Shopping and Dining in the City of London
Festive walks
After the official light switch-on, visitors are invited to explore the illuminated Market by joining Leadenhall’s popular guided walks. From 20 November these tours will embrace a Christmas theme, sharing stories of the market’s holiday traditions past and present. From its Roman origins to Dickens’ Victorian celebrations and the City’s most fortunate and fearless goose – Old Tom – the tours blend fascinating history with festive fun. Led by a City of London guide, the walks are suitable for all ages and will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, priced £8.30, between 20 November and 11 December.
Booking in advance is required to secure your place (see website for details: Festive Guided Walks – Leadenhall Market)
Poppy Fields at the Tower of London
This sound and light projection show taking place after-hours from 8 – 16 November at the iconic London landmark. The inner ward of the Tower of London will be illuminated with artwork that reflects on the First and Second World Wars for nine nights this November, including Remembrance Day, with visitors invited to explore the famous palace, prison and fortress after dark. Exclusively at the Tower of London, this Luxmuralis light show will incorporate content from the Historic Royal Palaces and Royal Fusiliers archives.
This after-hours event will operate timed entry slots, for more information visit: Poppy Fields at the Tower
The Curling Club
London’s favourite winter, alpine-themed entertainment, The Curling Club, will return to London for its fourth consecutive year and will this year welcome a brand new site. Following an impressive four year run and due to popular demand, The Curling Club will once again open in October at London’s Southbankfrom10th October 2024-6th February 2025, and for the first-time glide into London’s iconic Vinegar Yard in November.
The Curling Club – Southbank & Vinegar Yard
One Hundred Shoreditch
East-London’s independent boutique hotel, One Hundred Shoreditch & its new rooftop bar & kitchen Kaso, which has launched its Kaso Sounds event.
Taking place every Friday & Saturday until 1am in One Hundred’s rooftop, see the hottest DJs in the London scene against the city skyline. See the upcoming lineup here. Whatever the genre, you can be sure the energy will be good and the cocktails will flow with R&B, hip-hop, house, pop, and ‘90s icons playing alongside underground gems.
The Ever After Garden
The Ever After Garden is garden of remembrance filled with over 30,000 illuminated white roses in Grosvenor Square, London. The beautiful installation is returning on Thursday 14 November 2024, raising vital funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which supports the work of The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre. Visitors can dedicate a rose in memory of a loved one, while making a donation to the Charity.
You can now pre-order your rose dedication online and it will be added to the Ever After Garden when it opens. For more information, visit: Ever After Garden
Big Mamma
On the 14th of November, Big Mamma’s lavish Trattoria Gloria will present a heartwarming and festive Italian-style charity Christmas feast at Casa Italiana, London’s oldest Italian social club. The event aims to raise important funds and awareness for this cherished cultural hub, which has been a beacon for the Italian community since 1960. With recent fears of the club closing and a lack of younger members joining, Big Mamma were keen to lend a helping hand by bringing their team of young Italians to the club to set up this charity dinner in the spirit of preserving this iconic institution. Nestled in the heart of Clerkenwell’s ‘Little Italy’, Casa Italiana has served as a meeting place for Italians of all generations and their friends and Big Mamma is proud to host this special charity event to ensure that the legacy continues. Tickets cost £60 for a festive 4-course feast, with £10 of every ticket donated to Casa Italiana.
Date: 14th November
Address: 136 Clerkenwell Road, London, United Kingdom EC1R 5DL
Bangers x Kold Sauce joined forces in the kitchen to create a one-month-only special hitting the Bangers menu this November. Introducing the ‘KOLD BANGER’. Inspired by your local caff’s ham, egg, and chips – featuring KOLD glazed ham, fried egg, grilled pineapple slice, fresh crips, and a Burnt Pineapple Hot Pepper Ketchup created using Kold’s signature fermented hot peppers.
Fire & Fromage
Jimmy Garcia’s raclette pop up at London’s iconic South Bank, is back from Thursday 31st October. It’s the ultimate cheesy (pun intended!) winter experience. Hunker down in a weather-proof cabana and indulge in Jimmy’s ultimate raclette. It’s all you can eat for 90 minutes at just £35!
Bonfire Night
This Bonfire Night, elevate your celebration to new heights at the iconic lastminute.com London Eye! On 2nd November, the London Eye invites you to experience London’s fireworks like never before, from a stunning viewpoint 135 meters above ground, right in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy London’s fireworks like never before, from a stunning viewpoint 135 meters above ground, right in the heart of the city. With 360-degree view of London’s magnificent skyline, guests can watch the displays happening in north, south, east and west of London, all from one breathtaking vantage point.
The Fleet Street Quarter
This Christmas, the Fleet Street Quarter is transforming into a winter wonderland with a magical FREE penguin parade sculpture trail in support of WWF. From Thursday 14th November, families and visitors are invited to embark on a fabulous festive adventure to discover 12 adorable penguin sculptures throughout the Quarter. Each penguin, decked out in unique festive finery designed by talented artists, will be perched in iconic spots like Chancery Lane, New Street Square, Ludgate Circus and Fleet Street, adding a splash of Antarctic charm to the City. But wait, there’s more! This enchanting free trail isn’t just about admiring cute penguins. Each sculpture will reveal fascinating facts about our black and white feathered pals and the Fleet Street Quarter, narrated by comedic genius Olaf Falafel. Simply scan the QR code and dive into a treasure trove of fun facts.
For the latest headlines from the City of London and beyond, follow City Matters on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
