Things To Do This Weekend In London: 21-22 December 2024
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
Things to do this weekend is sponsored by Battersea Arts Centre.
All weekend
CHRISTMAS MARKETS: Still got Christmas shopping to do? Some of the capital's festive markets remain open this weekend, and up to the big day itself. Shop for gifts, jewellery, artworks, edible pressies and more at locations including South Bank, Leicester Square, King's Cross and Battersea Power Station.
ICE SKATING: Take to the ice at London's pop-up winter ice rinks, at locations including Somerset House, Brent Cross, Hampton Court Palace and Battersea Power Station. Some are really photogenic, with Christmas trees and fairy lights strewn artfully around, and many offer seating areas for any members of the family who just want to watch.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Seen London's Christmas lights yet? If not, make time to visit them this weekend. 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 before the big day? 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.
GINGERBREAD CITY: London's tastiest annual exhibition is ongoing in Chelsea. The Gingerbread City consists of miniature biscuity buildings and structures made by teams of architects and civil engineers, this year on a 'Recycled City' theme. Look out for the Hornby train display among the sugary skyscrapers. Until 29 December
PENGUIN TRAIL: If the weather's on your side, get out explore the Penguin Parade, a free sculpture trail of 12 of the feathered birds, dotted around the Fleet Street area. The locale tends to be quieter at weekends, and it's a great way to keep children amused on the cheap. FREE, until 5 January
UNUSUAL XMAS GIFTS: Still have some festive shopping to do? Then consider swinging by Twentieth Century Posters this weekend. This lovely, independent family-run shop in Islington boasts a unique selection of rare and original posters and prints from the 1890s to the 1990s... and if you just can't decide on the perfect present, there's always their gift vouchers, to be used in store or online. Open all weekend and Christmas Eve. (sponsor)
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON: The above events are 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.
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
Sponsor message
Embark on a magical festive family adventure
Here's a magical new festive family adventure — The Holly King and The Oak King, from award-winning immersive company Wild Rumpus. Team up with the kids for a memorable adventure through Battersea Arts Centre, which, right now, is looking more bewitching than ever!
Christmas is coming, but there's not a glimmer of frost in sight. Under the rule of the Oak King, it's been summer for 100 years. But everyone's getting bored of ice cream — and now it's down to you to help the Holly King restore winter! Expect puppetry and curious characters galore — plus a liberal sprinkling of surprises along the way. The Stage called The Holly King and The Oak King "Enchanting", awarding it ★★★★★
Kids want to meet Santa? He's here too! Call in at his grotto (until 24 December) for a chat and a pressie. And why not stick around for a treat in the BAC cafe. But hurry — you've only got till Christmas Eve, when this wondrous adventure vanishes altogether!
The Holly King and The Oak King, Battersea Arts Centre, until 24 December 2024. Age recommendation is four+ but younger children are welcome. The venue is a seven-minute walk from Clapham Junction station (one stop from London Victoria).
Saturday 21 December
KISS ME KATE: If you missed this summer's production of Kiss Me, Kate, there's another chance to see it today. Barbican Cinema screens a recording of the performance, starring Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J. Block in the leading roles. 2.30pm
SIP AND PAINT: Try your hand at recreating an artistic masterpiece, aided along by a drink or two, at Sip & Paint at the London Art Bar in Holborn. All materials are provided for you to create your own version of Annie Dalton's Banksy-inspired Christmas Flying Balloon Girl painting, and an artist is on hand to offers tips and guidance if required. 3pm-5.30pm
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 skills, 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, 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
SISTERLAND SOLSTICE: We're promised "a merry mix of mischief, music, creative making and more" at the Sisterland Solstice takeover at Woolwich Works. The feminist art collective debuted last year with a festive show about Santa's wife refusing to be a sidekick anymore, and this year they're turning their attention to the darkest day of the year. 7pm
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
DRAG CABARET: Queen of camp Ms Ginger Phlappage hosts the weekly KIKI Drag Cabaret at Queen of Hoxton. Expect lip-syncs, live vocals, dance breaks, death drops, incredible outfits, and comedy from a line-up of drag queens, kings 'n' things. 7.30pm
CHRISTMAS PYJAMA PARTY: Two tempting options at the Prince Charles Cinema tonight. Settle in to watch five Christmas films in a row (A 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 and rockabilly. 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
CAROL SINGALONG: Pianist and composer Jonathan Cohen hosts Christmas Carol Singalongs at Barbican, joined by singer Louise Dearman and the London Concert Orchestra and London Concert Chorus. Away in a Manger, Once In Royal David's City, Frosty the Snowman and Winter Wonderland are among the festive tunes on the programme. 2pm/5.15pm
ICE HOCKEY: See east London ice hockey team Romford Raiders take on Bristol Pitbulls in a match at Sapphire Ice in Romford. 5.15pm
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)
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT: You'll want to arrive early if you're planning to attend the free Carols by Candlelight event at Islington's Union Chapel, as the unticketed event is always very popular. See the beautiful building lit by candles as you join in with well-known carols and hear the Christmas story told through spoken word, prayer and music. FREE, doors 6pm for 7pm start
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. 7.30pm