Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Evening Standard

    Stranger Things Day 2023: what it is and how to celebrate in London

    by Jonathan Kanengoni Nov 06, 2023 4 minutes
    Source: Courtesy of Netflix

    November marks the start of the festive period run up, but for fans of Stranger Things, there’s a reason to celebrate sooner than Christmas.

    This is because November 6 is Stranger Things Day: a day for fans around the world to celebrate the hit Netflix programme. In Stranger Things lore, it’s the day when, back in 1986, 12-year-old Will Byers vanished from Hawkins, Indiana, while cycling home.

    This was not only one of the first scenes of the entire series, but the mysterious disappearance marked the beginning of all the subsequent drama: Will’s friends start looking for him, and so the adventures begin.

    Here’s everything you need to know about how to celebrate this year’s Stranger Things Day.

    What's the history of Stranger Things Day?

    Netflix began acknowledging Stranger Things Day in 2018, by releasing special footage of its upcoming third season. They followed it up again (and established it as a yearly tradition) in 2019 with the release of a blooper reel and the title of the first episode of season four.

    In 2020 the artwork for the fourth season was released on Stranger Things Day – followed by a teaser of season four in 2021.

    With this in mind, it’s very likely that Netflix will provide fans with a glimpse of season five, or at least a sliver of news, later today. However, as of yet, the streamer hasn’t released anything major. It has just been teasing fans on X, and released a featurette showing a preview of its upcoming stage play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which we've popped at the top of the page.

    What to do to celebrate in London?

    While the show is filmed in the US, London is a base for a large amount of fan activity - and there are plenty of ways for viewers here to celebrate.

    Stranger Sings!

    Although the award-winning hit Broadway parody musical is currently touring in the UK, it will be returning to Southwark Playhouse Borough in December. So why not celebrate Stranger Things Day by purchasing some tickets? 

    The Vaults, December 13 to January 6, 2024; strangersingsuk.com

    Stranger Things: The First Shadow

    There’s also a brand new Stranger Things stage play opening in London Next week and tickets are on sale now. The play is a new story by the Stranger Things creators the Duffer Brothers, which has been written by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child writer Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, Stranger Things’ story editor. In other words, it’s set to be a major hit.

    Phoenix Theatre, November 17 to August 25, August 2024; uk.strangerthingsonstage.com

    Read Read Caitlin Schneiderhan's new novel, Flight of Icarus

    If you are less of a party animal, why not stay in and hunker down with Stranger Things writer Caitlin Schneiderhan’s new book, Flight of Icarus? The prequel novel follows Joe Quinn’s character Eddie Munson, and develops the story around his relationship with his estranged father Al.

    Watch the series

    All four seasons for the mega hit series are still available to watch on Netflix, so another great way to celebrate today - particularly given the weather and the fact it’s a Monday - is to snuggle up on the sofa to watch your favourite episodes. And if you haven’t finished all four series yet, there’s never been a better day to catch up.

    Throw a Stranger Things party

    If you prefer an Eighties DIY vibe, throwing your own Stranger Things party is a great way to turn things Upside Down for the day – and there are a few ways to throw a perfectly themed celebration.

    We recommend trying to get your hands on a red light for recreating the show intro’s moody scarlet hues. Clearly everyone has to dress up in Eighties gear, and if you can help it you shouldn’t only crank up Spotify - cassettes and vinyl are the authentic order of the day. Here’s our top Stranger Things tracklist to kick it off.

    Kate Bush – Running up that Hill

    The track took on a new lease of life after being featured on season four of the show, becoming a worldwide hit 30 years after its initial release. The song plays as Max walks through the school hallways, but more importantly it plays a pivotal role in rescuing her from season four’s big bad, Vecna.

    Madonna – Material Girl

    The classic Madonna track features in season three of the show, in a scene where Max and Eleven are walking through the mall shopping while Mike finds a present for Eleven.

    Dead or Alive - You Spin Me Round

    The iconic eighties track received renewed life in season four of Stranger Things, when Eleven, Mike, and Will enter Rink-O-Mania.

    The Police – Every Breath You Take

    The Police’s signature song plays in season four when Max transports herself to her favorite memory, the Snow Ball, only to find it infected by Vecna’s presence.

    Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time

    Cyndi Lauper’s timeless hit plays in season three when Lucas asks Max to dance with him and a girl asks Will to dance with her.

    Olivia Newton-John – Twist of Fate

    The track features in season two, in a scene where Dustin enters the Snow Ball and looks around the room.

    New Order – Elegia

    The instrumental of this New Order classic track plays in season one on the morning of Will’s funeral.

    Echo and the Bunnymen – Nocturnal Me

    The track plays in season one when Jonathan tries to find Nancy, and plays into the end credits.

    Dolly Parton – The Bargain Store

    The Dolly Parton classic plays when Nancy and Jonathan go to the store to buy monster hunting supplies.

    Metallica - Master of Puppets

    Epic moments abound in Stranger Things, but one standout comes in season four, where Eddie (Joseph Quinn) climbs on top of his caravan in the Upside Down and sacrifices himself by drawing the baddies to him. His technique: playing Metallica’s Master of Puppets on guitar. Aww yeah.

    More from Evening Standard

    Evening Standard7 min read
    London’s Best Pubs For A Pint Of Guinness In 2024
    Not every pint of Guinness is poured equal. The beloved Irish stout is a delicate thing; a decent jar needs an experienced hand. There's a little pub science in it, something to do with the nitrogen, pressure, temperature, the cleanliness (or not) o
    Evening Standard2 min readCrime & Violence
    This London Borough Has The Most Mobile Phone Thefts
    The next time you bring your phone out to chart your itineraries, take selfies or just wave it around in the public, police are warning that you should be always be careful, as incidents of phone theft are increasing across London. There are numerous
    Evening Standard2 min read
    Reece James Lauds Thiago Silva As One Of The World's Greatest Ever Players Ahead Of Chelsea Exit
    Reece James hailed Chelsea teammate as one of the greatest players to have played the game ahead of the defender’s imminent departure. The 39-year-old this week confirmed he will call an end to a four-year stint at Stamford Bridge in which he won th

    Related