City of London Live
An independent guide to what's on in London every week, and the hidden history of the Square Mile.
The Square Mile with every building removed: our render of Environment Agency LiDAR. © Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2022. All rights reserved. OGL v3.0.
This weekend in London
31/10 to 01/11
Eight are free and three are in the Square Mile. It's dark early now, so the after-dark picks start sooner.
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Both days
Square Mile news
All newsLondon Museum opens in the old General Market at Smithfield
London Museum opens to the public on 28/11/2026 in the restored Victorian General Market at Smithfield, EC1A 9AG, with free galleries. Displays include the Cheapside Hoard, the Lord Mayor's Coach and a six-metre window where visitors can watch Thameslink trains pass through. The £437 million project marks the museum's 50th anniversary, and the neighbouring Poultry Market is due to follow in 2028.
Leadenhall Market lights up for Christmas on 19/11/2026
Leadenhall Market will switch on its Christmas lights at 6pm on Thursday 19/11/2026, with celebrations from 5.15pm. A 26ft tree will stand beneath the atrium, and Beehive Passage will become a tunnel of Victorian-style lights, with live music and snow on the night. The market says more details of its Christmas programme will follow.
Source: leadenhallmarket.co.uk
New Lord Mayor to arrive by river before the Show
Bronek Masojada, who takes office at the Silent Ceremony on 13/11/2026, will travel by river from Westminster to HMS President at 8.30am on 14/11/2026, aboard the Royal Shallop Jubilant with a flotilla of Livery boats. The last Show flotilla was in 2017. The free procession of about 6,500 participants then leaves Mansion House at 11am for the Royal Courts of Justice and back. Many City roads will close.
Source: news.cityoflondon.gov.uk
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The City of London with every building removed
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Lord Mayor's Show 2026: times, route and where to watch
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The weekly email is coming
Every Thursday: the weekend's best free and cheap things to do, and one story from the Square Mile.