Today's Things To Do In London is sponsored by Quality Street who have organised a Christmas pop-up at Westfield White City — read on to find out more.
Things to read:
Take a stroll through the London of 1817
Have you seen these London pet plaques and memorials?
Where to learn medieval skills in London
This is the neeeeews:
Missed our round up of today's London-y news? Here it is.
Things to do today:
SAMUEL PEPYS: Dr Robert Blyth and Kristian Martin, curators of the National Maritime Museum's current Samuel Pepys: Plague, Fire, Revolution exhibition, focus on the great man himself in this morning talk. £8/£6, prebook, 11am
17TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS: Enjoy Geffrye Museum's Christmas Past exhibition by candlelight at this late opening, plus learn all about seasonal traditions, start your Christmas shopping or tuck into some festive fare. Free, just turn up, 5pm-8pm
ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET: Head to Old Street roundabout after work for a market where you can get hands-on with activities such as sushi-making, graffiti spray painting, tea tasting and more. Free, prebook, 5pm-11pm
MEET AN ASTRONAUT: Britain's first astronaut, Helen Sharman, is at Imperial College tonight to answer questions about going into space. Other space themed events are also going on. Free, prebook, 5pm-7.30pm
GALLERY LATE: William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow stays open late on the first Thursday of every other month. Visit the exhibitions in a relaxed adult atmosphere and enjoy art, music, poetry and performance. This month's theme is the art of protest, inspired by Bob and Roberta Smith’s exhibition Art Is Your Human Right. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm-10.30pm
CAROLS FOR THE ANIMALS: Wildlife charity International Animal Rescue holds a fundraising carol concert at St Stephen's Walbrook Church near Bank. Traditional carols will be performed by the church choir, and actor Peter Egan will be doing a reading, plus the compulsory mince pies and mulled wine will make an appearance. £27.12, prebook, 6.30pm
HAUNTED MUSEUM: The V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green lets adults in to explore the collections after dark on a spooky evening tour and take part in craft activities. £7, prebook, 6.30pm
HISTORY ON FILM: The way Hollywood treats history sometimes verges on the hilarious. Alex von Tunzelmann whirls us through some of the more ridiculous examples, at Kings Place. £9.50, prebook, 7pm
RAVE KARAOKE: Put some kick into your Thursday night at rave karaoke at The Old Queen's Head on Essex Road. Like normal karaoke, the words are on the screen, but throw in extra glow sticks. £3/£4, 8pm
More things to do after this sponsor message.
Quality Street pops up at Westfield London
Sharing a tin, tub or carton of Quality Street is a much loved Christmas tradition, and this December, Westfield’s Southern Terrace is turning into one big, magical space, dedicated to the festive treats.
For tonight only, Quality Street have created a unique multi-sensory experience, free for everyone to enjoy. Think wrappers falling like colourful snow from the sky, Christmas music and delicious Quality Street sweets to enjoy — make sure you drop by between 4.30pm and 10pm.
Quality Street Christmas pop-up is on today from 4.30pm-10pm at Westfield White City, Ariel Way, W12 7GF — access on the Wood Lane entrance by Next. Follow Quality Street on Facebook and share your experience using the hashtag #QualityStreet.
Today's Things To Do In London is sponsored by Quality Street.
Foodie events to fill up on this December:
SEAFOOD AFLOAT: Tuck into a four-course Basque-style tasting menu while cruising from Camden Lock to Little Venice and back. All aboard now — the last one was completely sold-out for good reason.
CHEESE AND WINE: Always a classic pairing — learn the tricks of the trade at this tipsy masterclass courtesy of the South London Wine School.
OLLIE TEMPLETON TASTES: Head to Carousel in Marylebone for four courses of cutting-edge cuisine, from wood-grilled mallard to lemon purée and beyond.
ITALIAN TAPAS: Take hearty Italian food and serve it up Spanish-style and you have a perfectly proportioned foodie evening. Melanzane, genovese and cannoli are all on the menu.
STREET FOOD: The country's best food vans, trucks and trailers go head-to-head at the British Street Food Festival and Awards, with music, beer and crazy golf thrown in for good measure.
SUNDAY ROAST: We reckon every weekend should feature a roast, and every roast should come with bottomless Bloody Marys and bellinis. This one does.
Good cause of the day
The Sick Children's Trust Christmas carol concert takes place at St Marylebone Parish Church tonight, with carols, readings and musical performances by candlelight. More information and tickets.
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