🦊 November Lights

Morning, London! Happy Thursday. After an unusually mild start to November, it looks like the chill is finally arriving. Time to dig out the winter coats, gloves, and that one hat you swore you’d never lose. You might remember my weekly battle with the kids’ gloves last year, the tradition lives on.

Any minute now, we’ll start seeing “snow forecast for London” headlines just to toy with our emotions. We might be able to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights this week though. Keep an eye.🤞

The response to last week’s Scoop dinner plans was incredible; over 95% of you loved the idea and some of the messages were genuinely great. We’re sorting out the final details so you can grab your seat and meet some fellow Londoners!

Let’s dive in.

. LONDON SNIPPETS .
Bits that caught our eye

🌌 Northern Lights Might Be Coming to London For once, it is not just Scotland having all the aurora fun. Thanks to solar flares and a bit of magnetic chaos, London could be treated to a rare glimpse of the northern lights this week. Just find a dark patch of sky, cross your fingers and prepare to be mildly underwhelmed by light pollution. Full story

🛥️ All Aboard London’s All-Electric Amphibious Tour. London’s getting a new amphibious tour, years after the old yellow Ducks vanished from the Thames. This time it’s all-electric, launching near the MI6 building for maximum spy-movie drama. Part bus, part boat, no diesel fumes. Quack if you’re excited. Full story

👑 Make Way for the Lady Mayor’s Show. After 800 years of Lord Mayors hogging the spotlight, London is hosting its very first Lady Mayor’s Show. Expect the usual civic spectacle, marching bands, horses, floats and all: but with a long-overdue twist.. Full story

. CHRISTMAS SHOW .
The Magic Flute is coming to London

We’re genuinely excited about this one! Luca Silvestrini’s The Magic Flute lands at The Place this Christmas, a dance-theatre twist on Mozart’s classic filled with music, mystery and festive magic.

The story follows the fun-loving bird-catcher Papageno and lost Prince Tamino as they set out to rescue Princess Pamina, uncovering the truth about the mysterious Queen of the Night and the powerful Sarastro along the way. You can watch the trailer here.

It has all the ingredients for a brilliant family outing: playful storytelling, live singing, stunning visuals and that trademark mix of movement, music and heart that has made Luca Silvestrini’s Protein Dance such a hit with families.

Created by an incredible team of artists, from music and movement to costume and set design, this one looks properly special and will fill up fast.

📍The Place, Euston WC1H
🗓️ Dec 17-24th
More info

. SCOOP SOCIAL .
Dinner Club!

In case you missed it last week, we are trying something new. Small dinners for Londoners who’d like to meet new people and make a few new friends. The response has been amazing and we’re going ahead with the first one.

The invite link will be sent out next Thursday so you can book your seat. The first dinner will be on Wednesday, Dec 3rd. Save the date!

🍽️ Here’s how it works: you’ll take a quick quiz about your personality, interests, food preferences and budget, get matched with five others who fit your vibe, and go for dinner. Then, optionally, all tables come together at a nearby venue to keep the good times going. Simple as that. The goal is simple: help people make real connections and new friends over good food. You can bring someone with you if you want too 🙂.

. CHRISTMAS .
London Lights Up!

London’s streets will soon be glowing one by one.

Already on! Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Marylebone, The Strand Lights, Old Spitalfields, Mayfair Christmas Lights, Bond Street & Savile Row. Upcoming:

Thu 13 Nov – 🎁 Christmas Lights Switch-On, Leadenhall Market
Thu 13 Nov – 🍺 The Churchill Arms Lights, Kensington
Fri 14 Nov – 🌿 Christmas at Kew, Kew Gardens
Sat 15 Nov – ✨ Chelsea Lights Up
Sun 16 Nov – 🎉 Belgravia Switch-On Party
Mon 17 Nov – 🪩 Connaught Village Lights
Wed 19 Nov – ☃️ Kids Christmas Lights, Soho
Tue 25 Nov – 🏙️ The Shard Light Show, London Bridge
Thu 4 Dec – 🎄 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Trafalgar Square

Get your cameras ready!

. EVENTS SCOOP .
What’s on this week?

🧚 Beauty & the Beast @ Winston Churchill Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 13–14, Ruislip HA4
Disney’s timeless musical brought to life on stage.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £12 | Info

🎨 Art & Storytelling @ Holborn Library
Date & Loc: Nov 13 (Thu), Holborn WC1X
Join artist and author Rosemary Clunie for a creative storytelling workshop combining art, imagination and myth. Families can make and illustrate their own story to take home.
Age: 3-11yo | Price: no cost | Info

🌺 Field of Remembrance @ Westminster Abbey
Date & Loc: Nov 13–16, Westminster SW1P
Pay tribute to fallen service members in this moving annual display of poppy crosses in the Abbey grounds. The official opening service takes place today.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

✨ Wendy & Peter Pan @ Barbican Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 13-22, Barbican EC2Y
The RSC reimagines JM Barrie’s classic in Ella Hickson’s witty retelling. Join Wendy and Peter in this high-flying mix of fairy dust, sword fights and heart.
Age: 7+ | Price: from £25 | Info

✨ Time by Luxmuralis @ Old Royal Naval College
Date & Loc: Nov 13–22, Greenwich SE10
A stunning light and sound installation transforms the Painted Hall into a cosmic journey through time. Expect dazzling projections, immersive music and plenty of festive wonder.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £12 | Info

🚀 Space Adventures @ British Library
Date & Loc: Nov 14 (Fri), King’s Cross NW1
Blast off on a creative mission exploring the wonders of space through storytelling, art and games inspired by the library’s collections.
Age: 2–5yo | Price: no cost (book. req) | Info

👑 Story Time: The King’s New Party Clothes @ Lyceum Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 14 (Fri), Covent Garden WC2E
A playful retelling of The Emperor’s New Clothes with puppets, music and lots of giggles, presented by Little Supernovas.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £15 (adult + child) | Info

🧘 Mini Makers: Move & Flow @ Pitzhanger Manor
Date & Loc: Nov 14 (Fri), Ealing W5
Yoga-inspired sessions for little ones and caregivers.
Age: under 5s | Price: £12 (adult + kid) | Info

🎡 Winter Wonderland @ Hyde Park
Date & Loc: Nov 14 onwards, Hyde Park W1
London’s ultimate festive fairground returns with rides, food and ice skating.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £5 | Info

🕷️ Grandad Anansi @ Polka Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 13–16, Wimbledon SW19
A joyful tale of courage, love and letting go.
Age: 4–9yo | Price: from £12 | Info

🐢 The Hare & the Tortoise @ Puppet Theatre Barge
Date & Loc: Nov 13–30, Little Venice W9
Beautifully staged marionette version of the classic race.
Age: 4–10yo | Price: from £12 | Info

🕯️ Candlelight Tribute to Taylor Swift @ Southwark Cathedral
Date & Loc: Nov 15 (Sat), London Bridge SE1
A candlelit concert dedicated to Taylor Swift’s biggest hits, from Love Story to Cruel Summer. Performed live by a string quartet in one of London’s most atmospheric settings.
Age: 8+ | Price: from £26 | Info

🌌 Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert @ Royal Albert Hall
Date & Loc: Nov 15 (Sat), South Kensington SW7
Experience the epic film on the big screen with John Williams’ iconic score performed live by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Age: 12+ | Price: from £28 | Info

🪐 Astronights Sleepover @ Science Museum
Date & Loc: Nov 15 (Sat), South Kensington SW7
Spend a night at the museum with hands-on workshops, science shows and a giant-screen film before bedding down among the exhibits.
Age: 7–11yo | Price: £80 | Info

🎷 Blues Party @ Southbank Centre
Date & Loc: Nov 15 (Sat), Southbank SE1
Free dance party in the Clore Ballroom with DJs, live sets and ska-reggae-rocksteady vibes, part of EFG London Jazz Festival.
Age: 7+ | Price: no cost | Info

🎺 Melbourne International Jazz @ Barbican
Date & Loc: Nov 15 (Sat), Barbican EC2Y
An unforgettable blend of contemporary jazz, hip hop and choral music led by the extraordinary voices of Marliya Choir. A powerful, politically charged performance from Australia’s acclaimed festival.
Age: 12+ | Price: from £25 | Info

🎨 How to Survive in a Cartoon Universe @ Royal Institution
Date & Loc: Nov 15 (Sat), Mayfair W1S
Join physicist and cartoonist Dr James Brown for a hilarious, science-packed look at cartoon physics, from falling anvils to rocket-powered roller skates.
Age: 4+ | Price: from £7 | Info

🧵 Crafty Fox Market @ British Library
Date & Loc: Nov 15–16, King’s Cross NW1
Shop handmade gifts, prints, ceramics and festive crafts from London’s top independent makers at this vibrant Christmas market.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

🎨 Family Takeover: Shaping Patterns @ Camden Art Centre
Date & Loc: Nov 15 (Sat) & 29, Finchley Road NW3
A free day of art-making inspired by the Acts of Creation exhibition. Families can experiment with colour, texture and pattern in drop-in workshops led by artists.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

🎭 The Firework-Maker’s Daughter @ Polka Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 15–Jan 18, Wimbledon SW19
Philip Pullman’s award-winning adventure bursts to life with music, magic and a brave heroine chasing her dream to become a firework-maker.
Age: 6–12yo | Price: from £10 | Info

🐧 Me... @ Little Angel Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 16–Feb 2, Islington N1
A heartwarming show based on Emma Dodd’s picture book about a tiny penguin finding his place in the big, snowy world.
Age: 2–5yo | Price: from £8.50 | Info

🧢 Nick Cope: I’ve Lost My Bobble Hat @ artsdepot
Date & Loc: Nov 16 (Sun), North Finchley N12
Join Nick Cope for a fun, music-filled family concert packed with his much-loved songs and charming silliness, perfect for little listeners.
Age: 3+ | Price: from £15 | Info

🐛 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show @ Radlett Centre
Date & Loc: Nov 18–20, Radlett WD7
Faithful puppet adaptation of Eric Carle’s beloved stories.
Age: 2+ | Price: from £14 | Info

🌈 Family Festival: Imaginary Worlds @ British Library
Date & Loc: Nov 22 (Sat), King’s Cross NW1
Step into a day of stories, music and creativity inspired by the power of imagination. Expect author readings, craft workshops and performances for all ages.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

💃 Family Day @ William Morris Gallery
Date & Loc: Nov 22 (Sat), Walthamstow E17
A lively creative dance session for families inspired by the gallery’s collections. Move, groove and make art together in this fun-filled morning.
Age: 4+ | Price: no cost (book req.) | Info

🏡 Evim (My Home) @ Grand Junction
Date & Loc: Nov 22 (Sat), Paddington W2
A magical dance-theatre piece inspired by Rumi and the whirling dervishes. Three travellers twirl in search of belonging in this wordless, visually stunning show for young audiences.
Age: 1–7yo | Price: from £4 | Info

🚂 The Polar Express @ Discover Children’s Story Centre
Date & Loc: Nov 24–Dec 6, Stratford E15
Step aboard a festive adventure inspired by the beloved tale. Enjoy storytelling, creative play and a magical journey to the North Pole.
Age: 1–6yo | Price: from £5 | Info

🎄 Christmas Films in an Enchanted Forest @ Backyard Cinema
Date & Loc: Nov 26–Dec 31, Bermondsey SE3
Step into a twinkling woodland cinema and enjoy festive film favourites under the stars. Hot chocolate, cosy blankets and Christmas magic guaranteed.
Age: 7+ | Price: | Info

🪵 Pinocchio: Family Workshop @ Shakespeare’s Globe
Date & Loc: Nov 29-Dec 20, Bankside SE1
Step into the world of Pinocchio through games, storytelling and playful theatre activities designed for young imaginations and their grown ups.
Age: 5–8yo + grown ups | Price: £12 | Info

🎄 Christmas Carols @ Coin Street
Date & Loc: Dec 6 (Sat), South Bank SE1
Join a joyful evening of carol singing on the South Bank with live music, mince pies and festive lights by the river.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

🎨 Make Studio: Beauty @ Tate Modern
Date & Loc: Ongoing, Bankside SE1
Create art inspired by the idea of beauty in this free, hands-on studio space for families. Experiment with colour, texture and materials while exploring Tate’s galleries.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

🎥 The Enchanted Cinema @ Horniman Museum
Date & Loc: Dec 20-21, Forest Hill SE23
Settle in for magical short films and animations projected in the Horniman’s gorgeous conservatory, with live musicians bringing every scene to life.
Age: 4-12yo | Price: from £10 | Info

⛸️ Disney On Ice @ The O2
Date & Loc: Dec 26–Jan 4, North Greenwich SE10
Join Moana, Elsa, Ariel and more as Disney’s most beloved heroes glide onto the ice in a dazzling live show full of music, adventure and skating magic.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £30 | Info

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