Have a read:
- Londonist meets London's trainspotters.
- Inside the east London car factory you thought had closed.
- London neighbourhoods with music in their DNA.
- How Heathrow Airport almost got a ninth runway.
- There's a cricket pitch on top of the M25.
Things to do
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON: If you don't want the festivities to end, take a look at our Christmas in London page where we've gathered all the information you need to make the most of the festive season in London.
ICE SKATING: Burn off those excess calories, by taking to the ice at one of London's seasonal skating rinks. Various prices and dates, booking recommended.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Head into central London and hop on a bus to see London's Christmas lights without having to walk too far. Peer down on the sale shopping crowds as you glide through Oxford Street, Regent Street and Piccadilly.
SOHO JAZZ: Explore 100 years of jazz history on a walking tour around Soho, visiting legendary clubs and venues and hearing stories as you go. £9/£12, book ahead, 11.30am
BACKSTAGE TOURS: Find out what goes on behind the scenes during Royal Shakespeare Company's performances with this backstage tour at Barbican. Get a closer look at some of the sets and hear tales from rehearsals. Various prices, book ahead, 11.30am (and various other dates)
TANGO: Inspired by Strictly? Try tango for the first time in a friendly class at Southbank Centre. Learn the steps in the introductory class before an afternoon of social dancing. Free, just turn up, noon
THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE: Keep the kids happy with a trip to the Puppet Barge, a theatre on a boat in Little Venice, which is using wooden marionettes and shadow puppets to tell the story of a wonky Christmas tree that no-one wants. Until Joe comes along, that is... £12/£8.50, book ahead, 3pm (and various other dates)
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Stage performances of Charles Dickens' novel is just one option at Christmas in Leicester Square this year. A Christmas Carol has been reimagined as a 1940s Christmas special. From £18.50, book ahead, 3.30pm (and various other dates)
BEETHOVEN: Head to Barbican to hear a programme of Beethoven's music, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra £22.50-£52.50, book ahead, 7.30pm
Not got your New Year's Eve plans sorted yet? Take a look at our guide to what's on in London, and get planning, pronto.
