November is the month when autumn melts into winter in London. Christmas is just around the corner which means there are scores of happenings in the capital. Before the festive markets claim the limelight, here are the best events and festivals to check out during an autumnal getaway at Central Park London.
- Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night)
Every November, Londoners gather in their winter woollies to watch fireworks displays and giant bonfires while eating toffee apples and fairground food. Although Guy Fawkes Night is officially the 5th of November, this event straddles the two weekends on either side.
The Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival is one of the most extravagant Bonfire Night events. This year’s event is scheduled for 3rd and 4th November. It will include street food, DJ acts, a German Bier Fest, and a light show to accompany the pyromaniacs. Tickets are required.
Battersea Park is another alternative that is convenient while staying at Central Park London. This festival will occur on 4 and 5 November with the Sunday being a more family-friendly affair with gentler displays and more activities for children.
- EFG London Jazz Festival
Tune into some of the most innovative and renowned jazz artists at this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival. The Barbican, Southbank Centre, and independent jazz clubs all around the capital will hold 300 shows during the music festival. The New Creations program unites artists, composers, and ensembles who will form new collaborations across different styles of jazz. This is one of the best November events for couples planning a romantic getaway in London.
The festival is taking place between 10 and 19 of November.
- Roald Dahl’s “The Witches”
If you are planning a theatre weekend at Central Park London, consider snapping up tickets to The Witches at the National Theatre. Following the successful productions of Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s terrifying tale is the next to storm the stage. A young boy stumbles across a conspiracy of witches planning on turning all children in the world into mice and sets out to save the day.
The musical is scheduled to run from 7 November until late January.
- Hotboozapalooza
Vinegar Yard, the buzzing food market near London Bridge, will transform into Hotboozapalooza in early November for one night only. This is a festival celebrating the festive markets of Europe whereby cocktails are concocted and named in honour of another European city. This year’s event sees libations inspired by Polish, Czech, German, and Austrian cities.
Hotboozapalooza will occur on 2 November.
- Christmas at Kew Gardens
Christmas at Kew once again returns to London’s botanical garden. The entire complex will be illuminated with fairy lights, glass houses, glistening light tunnels, and trees draped in a kaleidoscope of colours. In order to stay warm while roaming the trails, the grounds will be outfitted with food stalls and a grotto where children can meet Father Christmas. It might feel too early to think about Christmas but this event is so magical it would be a pity to miss it while staying at Central Park London.
Christmas at Kew takes place from 15 November until early January.