What we're reading
- The Garden Bridge has run into some more criticism.
- Take a look at gingerbread city (not for eating).
- Sadiq Khan hires a new walking and cycling Czar.
- The V&A x-rayed a 1920s Christmas cracker, to see what was inside.
- New homelessness duties could cost London councils millions.
- A London church is to be reunited with stolen 16th century carving.
- Watch a timelapse of London and its pretty Christmas lights.
- Heartwarming photos of bingo fans, travelling across the city for their love of the game.
- A jogger makes Christmas art using GPS.
Things to do
ICE SKATING: Looking to hit the ice before the big day? Check out our list of London's best spots.
MOOMINLAND: Head to the Southbank Centre for an interactive adventure in Moominland. We had a whale (or a surreal hippo-like creature) of a time. £13.50-£16.50, book in advance, until 23 April
BACKSTAGE TOUR: Find out about the work that goes into making a production at The National Theatre, through a backstage tour. Rehearsals, prop and costume making all happen on site, so you have the chance to see the next big hit take shape, months before its run. £9.50, book in advance, 10am-11.15pm and 1pm-2.15pm
LUNCHTIME JAZZ: Head down to The Royal Festival Hall to see the Shanghai Syncopated Orchestra perform jazz classics from the 1920s and 1930s. Free, book in advance, 1pm
V&A CAROLS: Pop into the V&A for the last of its lunchtime carols series. There'll be Yuletide classics and some more modern fare, so you're sorted, no matter your taste. Free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm
A PUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL: Movingstage Marionette Company retell Dickens' A Christmas Carol, with puppets. It's happening at the Puppet Theatre Barge in Little Venice. £12 for adults, £8.50 for children, book in advance, 3pm
JAYDE ADAMS: Jayde Adams turned 31 and realised that her route to happiness was being herself... in her own words: a total dickhead. 31 is her new comedy show at The Soho Theatre where Jayde Adams is totally herself. £10, book in advance, 7pm-8pm
KEVIN!: Watch Macaulay Culkin defend his home from Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern after his family accidentally abandon him at Christmas. Head to The Grand in Clapham for your annual Home Alone fix. From £3, book in advance, 7pm-11pm
ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT: The story of men broken by the brutality of war. The Pleasance Theatre is hosting this performance of Remarque's classic tale, which had a sellout run at the Edinburgh Fringe. £12, book in advance, from 7.30pm
YIPPEE KI-YAY: One man wrecking crew, John McClane (Bruce Willis), is the only man who can save Christmas. The Prince Charles Cinema is screening the classic action flick Die Hard in 70mm for all the purists out there. £12.50, book in advance, from 8.45pm
Zaha Hadid takes on abstraction
ZAHA HADID GETS ABSTRACT: The early drawings and paintings by the late Zaha Hadid are not as expected. Her structures may be smooth and curvy, but these works are all very angular. They are so far removed from architectural plans that they look more like abstract paintings. Zaha Hadid: Early paintings and drawings at Serpentine Sackler. Until 12 February, free, ★★★☆☆ (closed 24-26 December and 31 December - 1 January)
Good cause of the day
MINCE PIE EATING CONTEST: Cheer on mince pie chomping champions, to help raise money and awareness for black mental health issues. Afrwecan is putting on this event at The BBQ Shack in Acton; you'll also have the chance to meet Santa at his grotto and win some prizes. Free entry, book in advance, 12pm-2pm
