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All of today's London news, scandal, gossip and Santas.
Things to do today:
GLASS DELUSIONS: It's your last chance this week to catch Grant Museum of Zoology's Glass Delusions exhibition. Artist in Residence Eleanor Morgan explores the boundary between living and non-living materials, inspired by the Grant Museum's collection of intricate glass sponges — animals that naturally build themselves out of glass. Free, just turn up, until 19 December
CO-HOUSING: Head to The Building Centre in Fitzrovia for a talk about co-housing and, more specifically, the future of housing in London. Are we taking the Danish concept of co-housing seriously enough? £15/£12, prebook, 6.30pm
A BRIGHT QUIZMAS: Science London runs a night of festive quizzing and comedy. Comedian-cum-boffin Dr Steve Cross hosts a chaotic concoction of craft, music, food, trivia and downright-bizarre quiz rounds, plus prizes and surprises. £5, prebook, 7pm
GHOST STORIES AT CHRISTMAS: Head to Westminster Reference Library (one time home of Sir Isaac Newton) to hear some festive ghost stories, courtesy of Simon Blaker and Felix Trench. £10/£7, prebook, 7pm
CRAFT AND GIFT MARKET: Pick up a few last minute presents (or treat yourself) at the Stories on Broadway craft and gift market. Local designers and makers will be selling their products. Free entry (donations to Centrepoint welcome), just turn up, from 7pm
AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON: Join Londonist and Underground Film Club for a screening of An American Werewolf in London, taking place underneath Waterloo station. Before watching the hound from hell go on the rampage around the sex shops of Soho, we'll be sharing a bonus short film about a seductive ghost that lives in Peckham (can't make it? Join us for Shakespeare In Love on 21 December). £15, prebook, 8pm
COMEDY: Sara Pascoe will spark off a whole new series of Christmas traditions with her show at Battersea Arts Centre. How about a mouse choir? Father Crispin’s Centipede? No? There’s no pleasing some people. Until 23 December, £12, prebook, 8pm
CRICK CRACK CLUB: Fairytales for grown ups are back at Soho Theatre, courtesy of storytellers Martin Shaw and Sally Pomme Clayton. Hear a tale of a princess who marries a bear, followed by the yarn of Tatterhood the wild twin. £10/£8, prebook, 8pm
Tickets for today:
ROYAL ALBERT HALL: Go behind the scenes and discover the illustrious history of this glorious concert hall on a Secret History Tour at 1pm.
CHINESE FOOD: Tom Parker Bowles hosts a 60 minute chat with Giles Coren and restauranteur Alan Yau about Chinese food at China Exchange, 6pm start.
FENCING: Always wanted to lunge and parry with a foil in hand? Try an Introduction to Fencing session at Mount Carmel School, Archway, and see if your thighs can take it, from 6.15pm.
PITCH PERFECT: See Rebel Wilson in the sleeper hit Pitch Perfect at Backyard Cinema in the Winter Night Garden tonight at Winterville, Victoria Park. Film at 8pm.
REGENCY ROOMS: The most talked about cabaret club of the 1990s returns for a special Christmas Show, hosted by Lenny Beige and featuring a phalanx of freakish and funny acts, including Frankie Tan, Geordie Gunter, Singing Jesus, Frank Sanazi, Hampstead Village People and Skate Bush at Guanabara, 7.30pm.
ICE SKATING: You can skate in London from Wembley to Westfield, Finchley to South Kensington, Canary Wharf to Hyde Park. Check out our round-up and take advantage of some special ticket offers.
Browse and book many more London events at our tickets site, powered by YPlan.
Good cause of the day
London Air Ambulance's Christmas concert takes place tonight at St Andrew Holborn, featuring performances by Babington House School Choir and Singology Choir, with proceeds going directly to the charity. More information and tickets.
Christmas Jumper Day
Public service announcement: this Friday is Christmas Jumper Day. If your festive knitwear choices are somewhat lacking, take a look at our favourite Chrimbo knits — including some very London-y designs.
Find more London events in our Free & Cheap events listings. Want to see your event in these last-minute listings? Email us at hello@londonist.com at least 48 hours before the event, and we will consider it for inclusion. Note: due to high volumes of email, we can't always reply.
