Things To Do This Week In London: 16-22 December 2024
Make the most of the last full week before Christmas.
Things to do this week is sponsored by Opera Holland Park.
All week
EVER AFTER GARDEN: Mayfair's Grosvenor Square is aglow with 30,000 illuminated roses, forming the Ever After Garden — but only until Wednesday of this week. The installation is a fundraiser for the Royal Marsden Hospital Cancer Charity, and though it's free to visit, you're invited to dedicate a rose to a loved one (suggested minimum donation £10). Until 18 December, 3pm-9pm
CHRISTMAS ICE DISCOS: The ice rink at Alexandra Palace (which is open all year around) hosts daily Christmas ice discos in the run-up to the big day, and beyond. Anyone age 14+ can have a go on the ice beneath twinkling lights, while Christmas tunes play and 'snowflakes' fall. Daily (except 25 December), until 5 January. Alternatively, take your pick from one of London's seasonal ice rinks, at venues including Somerset House and Hampton Court Palace.
BASEBALL BAR: Immersive baseball bar Moonshot has swung into west London. From the people who brought you Sixes Social Cricket, here's your chance to gather together pals/family/work colleagues and battle it out in batting cages to see who can hit the highest score. Fuel up on American-style gourmet hotdogs/pizza/shakes/killer cocktails to keep you swingin'. Open daily (sponsor)
OLGA KOCH: Soho Theatre has Olga Koch in residence right now — she's performing her acclaimed show Olga Koch Comes From Money, which delves into the comedian's privileged upbringing. The Guardian described it as "knotty but uniquely exposing". (Also check out Olga's views on central London toilets, which she's just penned for Londonist.) Until 21 December
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Seen London's Christmas lights yet? If not, make time to visit them this week. We've put together a guide to this year's festive illuminations including when, where and how to see them. Up for an adventure? Follow this self-guided walking tour around the best lights and festive sights in the West End, or if you want to save on shoe leather, hop on a TfL bus and watch them roll past the windows.
FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA: Cranberry scones. Eggnog tart. Coronation turkey sandwiches. Sound good? Book yourself into one of these Christmas afternoon teas currently being served at venues around London, and eat your way through all manner of festive treats. There's even a Moomin-themed one, if you're feeling whimsical.
FESTIVE THEATRE: Got time to squeeze in a theatre trip this week? It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the capital's stages, with pantomimes galore, family-friendly Christmas shows, festive forays into the worlds of theatre, dance and comedy, and music shows to get you tapping and clapping away.
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON: The above is just the tip of Santa's hat when it comes to festive things to see and do in London. Our team has curated a complete guide to spending Christmas in London, spanning things to see, do, eat, drink, what to watch, where to shop, and everything else you need to know. Pour yourself a mulled wine and have a read. Not into Christmas? We've got you covered too, with our guide to non-festive things to do in London in December.
MUSEUM OF THE WEEK: The Museum of Brands in Notting Hill is putting a festive twist on things, with its Festive Family Trail, in which kids have to hunt down the perfect gift through the decades. There's also a chance for them to design their own toy, inspired by what they've found in the collections. Until 2 January
PANTO OF THE WEEK: Londonist was recently invited to see Dick Whittington and His Cat at the Hackney Empire — one of the London-iest pantos, given the subject matter — and another tour de force from Clive Rowe as Sarah the Cook (the outfits are astounding, the sass is real). With cartoonish sets, twists on pop songs and a heavy metal baddie who plays his tow tail like an electric guitar, this is a trendy take on an age-old tale. ★★★★☆
Monday 16 December
THE SIXTEEN: Renowned chamber choir The Sixteen is at Cadogan Hall for a festive celebration comprising a selection of seasonal songs and enchanting choral pieces, from medieval times to the modern day. Harry Christophers conducts. 16 and 17 December
JULIAN CLARY: Meet Julian Clary, current star of Robin Hood at the London Palladium, at Waterstones on Oxford Street. He's signing copies of his murder mystery book, Curtain Call To Murder, which is set at the Palladium amidst a feuding cast. Purely fiction, we assume. 2pm-3pm
AFTERNOON TEA TOUR: Take a specially curated guided tour of the Natural History Museum, followed by a festive afternoon tea. Spend an hour with an expert guide visiting often-overlooked specimens within the museum's collection and asking your questions, followed by afternoon tea in the museum's private members’ room. 2pm-4pm
CURIOUS COMEDY: Join marine biologist turned comedian Robyn Perkins for a mix of stand-up and science. Comedy for the Curious: Love & Hate examines relationships and the science behind one night stands with insights from guest psychologist Dr. Ally Grandison and TikTok star Finlay Christie. Takes place at Top Secret Comedy Club on Drury Lane. 6pm
SILK ROADS RELAXED EVENING: The British Museum hosts a relaxed evening event themed around the current Silk Roads exhibition. Explore artefacts, participate in creative activities, and enjoy the museum's ambience in a quieter setting, ideal for anyone with special sensory needs. 6.30pm-8pm
PHILHARMONIA BRASS: One of our picks of Christmas carol concerts in London this year, The Philharmonia Orchestra’s brass ensemble puts a lively twist on Christmas music at the Alexandra Palace Theatre, performing a mix of carols and festive music. 7.30pm
Tuesday 17 December
ABBEY WOOD TOUR: Footprints of London guide Rob Smith leads a walk around the Abbey Wood area of south-east London, located at the end of the Elizabeth line. Spend a couple of hours getting to know the area on a two-mile walk, but beware that the route takes you along some woodland paths which may be muddy, so dress accordingly. 11am-1pm
FILM PREVIEW: Get an advance look at upcoming romantic drama film We Live In Time, starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, at Barbican Cinema. After the screening, director John Crowley appears live on stage to discuss the film, which is about a soon-to-be divorced man who is hit by the car of an ambitious young chef. 6.10pm
DOCTOR VELVET: Amsterdam-based rhythm and blues outfit Doctor Velvet are in the house at Brixton's Hootenanny tonight, and will be sure to have you grooving to their brooding sounds. FREE, 7pm-11pm
RICK ASTLEY: One of several Christmas concerts at the venue this week, Rick Astley's Swinging Christmas comes to the Royal Albert Hall, offering a programme of swing and festive classics accompanied by a big band. 7.30pm
CHRISTMAS QUIZ: Get ready for an evening of festive cheer and trivia at the Christmas quiz organised by the Royal Geographical Society's London regional committee. Teams of up to six are welcome, and festive jumpers are encouraged with a prize for the best attire. The questions cater to both seasoned travellers and casual geography enthusiasts. 7.30pm-10pm
Sponsor message
An enchanting musical retelling of A Christmas Carol
See Charles Dickens' seasonal ghost story A Christmas Carol come to life on stage this week, in a semi-staged production for all ages by the Opera Holland Park team.
Composer Will Todd and librettist David Simpatico combine melodies of traditional Victorian carols and the chimes of handbells for a haunting musical version of the festive tale, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.
Martin Duncan (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland) directs eight of the company’s finest principals, including Victoria Simmonds, Julien Van Mellaerts and Paul Carey Jones. They don costumes in the beautiful setting of Smith Square Hall, a Grade-I-listed former church, for a thoroughly festive evening out.
A Christmas Carol is at Sinfonia Smith Square this week, Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 December. Tickets start at £15 — book yours now.
Wednesday 18 December
LONDON HORSE SHOW: The London International Horse Show returns to ExCeL, with equestrian sport and seriously impressive displays across two arenas, as well as three FEI World Cup competitions – in Show Jumping, Dressage and Driving. 18-22 December
MPROV MOVIE: Yes, you read that right. At Mischief Movie Night (In), the audience suggests a genre, location and title — and with this, comedy troupe Making Merry Mischief puts together an entire improvised movie. The made-on-the-spot show also comes complete with rewinds, fast forwards, director's cuts and a thrilling live score. Watch in person at Sadler's Wells or livestream at home. From £15. Runs 18-23 Dec and 7-12 Jan, with live-streaming 20-23 Dec. (sponsor)
SCIENCE MUSEUM LATE: The Science Museum's monthly late night opening takes on a festive theme. Use maths to create Christmas decorations, enjoy mulled wine and mince pies while joining in an epic carol singing session, or take part in a silent disco where festive tunes and seasonal singalongs take centre stage. Entry and many activities are free, but there are some additional charged events, including a screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol followed by a talk about the science behind the film. FREE, 6.30pm-10pm
WIFI WARS: Celebrate the end of 2024 with Wifi Wars at the Royal Institution. Join Steve McNeil and Rob Sedgebeer for a festive show where the entire audience can participate using gaming technology. Expect a blend of comedy and computer science, where players will compete on a leaderboard. All proceeds will benefit Barts Charity and The Royal Institution. 7pm-8.30pm
A DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS: Readings from Charles Dickens' novel A Christmas Carol are performed alongside traditional carols by the London Concert Brass, at A Dickensian Christmas at Cadogan Hall. 7.30pm
KENNINGTON NOIR: Regular cinema event Kennington Noir screens Jacques Tourneur's 1947 film Out of the Past starring Robert Mitchum as Jeff Bailey, a former private detective who is drawn back into his past when a stranger arrives. Watch it at the Cinema Museum. 7.30pm
Thursday 19 December
THE TYBURN ROUTE: Join tour guide Richard Watkins for a walking tour exploring the history of condemned prisoners in Holborn, stopping at historic pubs along the route to Tyburn. Learn about the chilling past of the Tyburn Fair, including the last drinks taken before executions. 2.30pm-4.30pm
CHEMISTRY OF A CANDLE: The Royal Institution's Innovator in Residence David Ricketts gives a reimagined version of Faraday's popular Christmas Lecture about the chemistry of the candle, last given in 1861. This demo-filled evening teaches the science behind how a simple candle works, and can be watched in person or online. 6pm-7.15pm
FESTIVITY THROUGH THE AGES: Learn how festive traditions have evolved from Shakespeare to Dickens in a special event at Keats House in Hampstead. See the building decorated for Christmas, and hear from Professor Greg Dart about why the Romantic poets were concerned that Christmas festivity was dying out. 6pm-8pm
CHRISTMAS LATES: Explore the beautifully decorated former homes of George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix, inspired by their musical pasts. Wander around Handel & Hendrix after hours, with a glass of mulled cider, and take part in Christmas crafting activities. 6pm-10pm
DIE HARD: W London in Leicester Square continues its series of festive films in the hotel's screening room. Tonight, kick back and watch Die Hard. Tickets include options for cocktails, popcorn, and even the hotel's après-inspired afternoon tea if you fancy going all out for a festive treat. 7pm. Alternatively, watch the newly-released Wicked at the same venue tomorrow
OPEN MIC NIGHT: The Orange Room Collective hosts a showcase that celebrates Black creatives, particularly artists from Woolwich. Expect a mix of open mic performances spanning music, poetry, and storytelling, some of which are accompanied by the live house band. 7pm
Friday 20 December
NEON CHRISTMAS PARTY: Taking place at all Oxygen Activeplay venues (including Acton, Croydon and Romford), The Neon Night Before Christmas is a Christmas party for all ages featuring a DJ, Christmas tunes, games, and prizes. Neon attire is highly encouraged, and hot dogs and squash are included. 6pm-8pm
CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM: The Natural History Museum offers an adults-only festive evening. Explore the galleries while a harpist fills the Museum with the sounds of Christmas. Visit the current exhibitions after hours, join a drop-in workshop to create your own nature-themed Christmas card, or learn about the natural cause of Rudolph’s nose being red, or the Christmas meteorite, among plenty of other activities and entertainment. 6.30pm-9.30pm
MYSTERY MENU: Battersea restaurant The Table serves a meal consisting of four of the best dishes from its tasting menu series of events, which spans Indian, Italian, Mexican, British, Thai, Middle Eastern and Japanese cuisine. Tonight's menu isn't revealed until you arrive at the restaurant, where the Buckingham Jazz Trio play throughout the evening. 6.30pm
CHARITY PUB SINGALONG: The Royal Star on City Road hosts a festive singalong in aid of mental health and suicide prevention charity London Nightline. Join in with well-known Christmas songs by the likes of Wizzard and Wham, accompanied by a live pianist — helped along by a glass of mulled wine or two, naturally. 7pm-10pm
CHRISTMAS QUIZPOCALYPSE: Female- and queer-led theatre company Prudencia Productions brings the Christmas Quizpocalypse to the Drayton Arms on Old Brompton Road. It's an immersive theatre production taking the form of a traditional pub quiz with wacky twists, surprises along the way, and prizes to be won. 7.30pm
WEIRDOS PANTO: It's been five years since the last Weirdos Comedy Club panto, but it's back for one night only, with a veritable Selection Box of alt comedy talent, including Bec Hill, Joz Norris, Lucy Pearman, Mark Silcox, Matthew Highton, Sam Nicoresti and Suchandrika Chakrabarti. Shonky cardboard props, missed cues and forgotten lines are all to be expected — but trust us, in the best possible way. 8pm
Saturday 21 December
JAZZ CAFE WRAP-UP: Camden's Jazz Cafe presents its first ever Christmas party showcase, featuring favourite artists from the year. Headlining are Marla Kether, known for her blend of Latin percussion and African rhythms, duo Knats offering jazz-influenced electronica, Marysia Osu with her innovative harp, and DJ Cosmo Sofi with her soulful selections. 7pm
THE YOUNG'UNS: The Young’uns, a folk trio recognised with three BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, will perform a set of Christmas songs both old and new at Conway Hall. Experience their unique blend of folk music with a festive twist. 7pm-9pm
GIRLY POP CHRISTMAS DISCO: Dance the night away to songs by Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Little Mix, Kylie, Lady Gaga, and Olivia Rodrigo at the Girly Pop Christmas Disco at Between The Bridges on South Bank. Drag and cabaret stars perform too, and entry is free. 7pm-11pm
MITSUBISHI SUICIDE: Experimental rockers Mitsubishi Suicide play the 100 Club tonight, and judging from what we've listened to on Spotify, Bing Crosby this ain't. Support comes from the very cool C Turtle. 7pm-12am
FULLTONE ORCHESTRA: The Fulltone Orchestra team up with tenor Emmet Cahill and Brit-nominated soprano Camilla Kerslake for a Christmas concert at Central Hall Westminster. It's a fundraising event for mental health charity Mind, with the voice of Mind president Stephen Fry also featuring. 7.30pm
CHRISTMAS PYJAMA PARTY: Two tempting options at the Prince Charles Cinema tonight. Settle in to watch five Christmas films in a row (The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf, Home Alone, Gremlins and Die Hard), taking you through until past 8am tomorrow. From 11pm. Alternatively, brace yourself for a Christmas horror mystery movie marathon, running parallel to the other festive all-nighter, but with no clues as to which films are being shown until you turn up. 11.30pm
Sunday 22 December
PLAQUEMINE LOCK: Two chances to catch live music at Louisianan themed bar Plaquemine Lock in Angel today. Manny Fizzotti gets things going at lunchtime with a mash-up of blues, folk, rockabilly and more. That's followed in the evening by young singer-songwriter-fingerpicker Dom Glynn. 12pm and 8pm
THE GRUFFALO AND THE SNOWMAN: The annual performance of The Snowman returns to Cadogan Hall with the Mozart Symphony Orchestra. The film is screened with live orchestral accompaniment, featuring soprano Alice Mackenzie singing Walking in the Air. It's followed by The Gruffalo and its sequel The Gruffalo’s Child, with each character portrayed by different instruments in the orchestra. 1.30pm/4.30pm
DICKENSIAN WALK: Explore the London of Charles Dickens, led by tour guide David Charnick. Meet at St George the Martyr on Borough High Street and wander for two hours, hearing readings of passages from Dickens' work, in the locations which inspired him. Ends at Bank station. 2pm-4pm
THE NUTCRACKER: Barbican Cinema screens a recording of last year's production of The Nutcracker by the Royal Ballet and Opera. Sophie Allnatt stars as young girl Clara who journeys to the Sugar Garden in the Kingdom of Sweets and meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince. 2pm
POWER OF FOUR: Four drag queens, that is. Every Sunday, Two Brewers in Clapham welcomes four fabulous queens to take to the stage in succession. If the mood takes you, the final act is followed by partying till the early hours. It's basically Christmas now anyway, right? 5.30pm-11pm (free entry before 6pm)
COMEDY STORE PLAYERS: Some of the finest improvisers in the land — namely Lee Simpson, Neil Mullarkey, Richard Vranch, Rachel Parris, Josie Lawrence and Steve Edis — are at the Comedy Store for an evening of making up funny stuff on the spot. It's a London institution, no less. 7.30pm