Things to do today in London is sponsored by Westfield.
What we're reading
- Sadiq makes another plea to run Southern rail.
- Moped crime is massively on the rise.
- London is Europe's cocaine capital... but only on weekdays.
- What's it actually like to be a Deliveroo deliverer in London?
- London will host four American football games at Wembley and Twickenham next year.
Things to do
AFRICA POP-UP SHOP: This pop-up shop in Southwark shows off work by emerging and established artists in Africa and UK-Africa diaspora. There's fashion, jewellery, accessories, prints and food on sale — in front of the new location of the Africa Centre on Union Street. Free, just turn up, 10am-6pm, until 17 December
VINTAGE CHRISTMAS JUMPERS: Christmas Jumper Day is on Friday, which means you'll need to nab the perfect one by then. That's where Rokit's vintage sale at Boxpark Shoreditch comes in, helping you pick the knit that's just right for you. Free, just turn up, 11am-8pm
250 YEARS OF JIGSAWS: It's the opening day for a new exhibition at the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising. Piece together your childhood and discover the past 250 years of jigsaws. Entry to the museum £9, 10am-6pm
CHRISTMAS SOUL: As part of the Art for Love Christmas festival, soul singer Zalon is performing for free in Devonshire Square. He was Amy Winehouse's leading back-up singer and toured with her for years. Free, register your interest, 5pm-7.30pm
PATTERNS BOOK LAUNCH: Patterns is a new guide to the Design Library — the world's largest archive of patterns and textiles. It's the resource that the world's top designers use for inspiration when planning for every new season. The Design Museum is hosting the launch, featuring a talk from Peter Koepke, the Design Library's owner. £10, book in advance, 6.15pm-7.30pm
WESTMINSTER GHOST WALK: Creep through the West End and hear the ghost tales that London refuses to relinquish. Learn about the trapped souls that haunt the banks of the Thames, headless wraiths and mysterious doppelgängers. Believers and sceptics equally welcome. £10, just turn up, starts at Embankment tube near the flower stall on the Charing Cross side of the station, from 6.30pm
PAUL BEATTY TALK: Man Booker Prize winner Paul Beatty is in conversation with journalist Gary Younge, in a talk arranged by Dulwich Books. The two have both written extensively about the role of race and violence in American society, which will be the focus of the talk. £10, book in advance, 7pm-8.30pm
CHRISTMAS FOLK MUSIC: Six of Britain's best folk artists are performing at Cecil Sharp House, doing folk renditions of classic festive tunes. £16, book in advance, 7.30pm-9.30pm
ANARCHIC COMEDY: Laugh with (or at) Mae Martin, in her infamous anarchic new material comedy night at Soho Theatre. With a little help from the audience, it promises to be a sloppy, raucous and unforgettable evening. £15, book in advance, 9.30pm
CADILLAC ON ICE: Time to get groovy as the Cadillac Soundsystem DJs are providing the evening's soundtrack at Somerset House ice rink. Expect an eclectic mix of house, disco and afrobeat bangers. When you're not on the floor there are cocktails at the glamorous bar in Fortnum's lodge. £17, book in advance, 8pm-11.30pm
Sponsor message
Santa, skating and brunch-dating: head to Westfield
Panicking at the thought of last-minute Christmas shopping? Westfield is here to save the day. Their two shopping centres in London have just about every shop you could ever want, plus loads of bars and restaurants, and a full schedule of Christmas events. Refuel with a gingerbread latte or a sample of Baileys at the pop-up bar, before watching a festive performance at the bandstand.
Work off the mince-pies at White City's ice rink, where you can get a complimentary brunch when you book ice skating on 18 December. If cocktails are your thing, treat yourself to a fairy tale adventure just for grown-ups, at Beyond the Waterfall: A Cocktail Odyssey. This is shopping and more. If you're after a festive day out full of lights and cheer, make your way to Westfield.
Good cause of the day
REFUGEE BENEFIT: Momentum UK is holding an end of year refugee benefit at the Amersham Arms, raising money for Art Refuge UK. The event promises live bands, DJs and secret (very special) guest speakers until the early hours of Friday morning. Book in advance, £5 entry, 7pm-3am
DOWN UNDER IMPRESSIONISM: Four Australian painters came to Europe to learn all about impressionism and took the style back home. This small exhibition is impressionism, but not as we know it. The vast sun washed landscapes of Australia provide a fresh new angle to a well known genre. Australia’s Impressionists at The National Gallery, Sunley Room. Until 26 March, £7.50. ★★★★☆
404
