London’s Week: DLR Snags, Festive Magic & Congestion Charge Hikes

The “Best Of Londonist: 10-16 November 2025” delivers a comprehensive weekly roundup of London news and features, highlighting key developments across transport, festive events, and culture. A significant transport update includes the temporary withdrawal of new DLR trains due to wet weather, posing a setback to their rollout. Conversely, London's iconic Duck Tours are set to return with an all-electric fleet, offering an eco-friendlier way to experience the city. However, a notable change impacting drivers is the increase in the Congestion Charge, which will now apply to electric vehicles, raising the cost of central London travel to £18. On a positive note, Southwark Tube Station has been granted listed status, ensuring heritage protection for the Jubilee line hub.

As London prepares for winter, the roundup offers extensive coverage of Christmas 2025, detailing festive events, food, and drink options. Specific recommendations include the best TfL bus route for viewing Christmas lights and a guide to stunning light trails and illumination festivals near the capital. Families can look forward to Winter Funland, an all-inclusive funfair, circus, and ice rink experience, while unique attractions like Santa's Grotto on the London Eye and various festive film screenings are also highlighted. The guide also points to popular spots for mulled wine and Christmas Day dining reservations.

Culturally, the Londonist explores diverse art and historical narratives. A new Richard Wentworth sculpture, humorously positioned atop the super sewer in Vauxhall, adds a contemporary artistic touch. The historic Simpson's Tavern is slated to reopen in 2026 under a new name, preserving a piece of London's chophouse heritage. The Tolpuddle Martyrs Mural is celebrated as a colourful tribute to trade unions, and readers are invited to discover lesser-known Art Deco gems, from fire stations to laundries. The feature also delves into the intriguing concept of a “Street View” for history, imagining a virtual time machine for the city.

This eclectic collection underscores London's dynamic nature, blending updates on infrastructure and policy with celebratory guides to seasonal festivities and deep dives into the city's rich artistic and historical tapestry, offering residents and visitors alike a guide to navigating and enjoying the capital's ever-evolving landscape.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/best-of-london/best-of-londonist-10-16-november-2025)