Free Things To Do In London This Week: 2–8 November 2026

The week of 2–8 November 2026 brings a packed lineup of free events across London. Christmas arrives early in the West End, with Carnaby's '90s-themed illuminations switching on from Wednesday 4 November, Regent Street lighting up from Thursday — and going pedestrianised for the afternoon — and Oxford Street's lights also expected sometime this week, though no date had been confirmed at time of writing.

Also on Wednesday evening, the National Archives hosts a free online talk in which collections specialist Dan Gosling examines the immediate aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot, drawing on official records to trace the hunt for Guy Fawkes' co-conspirators and the plotters' trial.

On Bonfire Night itself (Thursday 5 November), the one free fireworks display in central London takes place at Coram's Fields in Bloomsbury. Gates open at 3.30pm, with live stage performances before the fireworks. Note that adults are not admitted without children.

Also on Thursday, the Royal College of Physicians Museum opens its doors for a free evening tour led by senior curator Liz Douglas, exploring its Patient Voices: Power, Truth, Understanding exhibition through diaries, letters, oral histories, artworks, and objects. The Ever After Garden — an illuminated display of more than 30,000 glowing white roses at Duke of York Square in Chelsea — also opens Thursday and runs until 21 December, raising funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity; visitors can dedicate a rose from a minimum suggested donation of £15.

On Saturday 7 November, the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich marks Diwali with a free family day including dance performances, Rangoli art, lantern-making, and a lantern parade through Greenwich Park with Eternal Taal's dhol drummers.