What we're reading
- The tube route most likely to make you sick has been revealed.
- 25% of all homeless people across the country are located in London.
- Chelsea FC condemns fans who sang anti-semitic chants.
- Did you see this flashmob at London Bridge?
- Our friend David Fathers is selling new prints of his brilliant Thames poster.
Things to do
CIRCUS 1903: Circus 1903 is a new show at Southbank Centre, celebrating the art of circus in all its glory. The London run starts today, fresh from the Paris Theatre in Las Vegas, with life-sized puppet elephants, plus acrobats, contortionists, jugglers and more. Southbank Centre, £25-£99.50, book ahead, until 5 January
WOMEN IN JAZZ: It's the last couple of weeks to see this free exhibition about women in jazz music, which reveals the contributions female musicians have made to the genre in the last century, and looking at up and coming female jazz musicians who will shape its future. Barbican Library, free, just turn up, until 31 December
A HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS: The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performs well-known scores and soundtracks from much-loved Christmas films. Music from Harry Potter (is it really a Christmas film though?), A Christmas Carol and The Nightmare Before Christmas all features. Royal Albert Hall, £35-£65, book ahead, 2pm/7.30pm
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: Find out how Christmas was celebrated in Victorian Islington on this Footprints of London walking tour. Learn about the foods that would have been eaten and the parties that would have been held as you walk past the venues where it all happened. Angel station, £12/£9, book ahead, 3pm-4.45pm
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: It's 175 years since A Christmas Carol was published, so of course the Dickens Museum is celebrating. Lucinda Hawksley, the author's great great great grandaughter, hosts an evening of mulled wine and mince pies with a theme of Christmases past, including readings from Dickens' work, all in his former home. Dickens Museum, £25, book ahead, from 6.30pm
SING A LONG CAROLS: Enjoy evening of singalong carols and other Christmas songs, with a soundtrack provided by The Riverside Brass Quintet. Song sheets are provided, and happy hour is 5pm-8pm. Northcote Records (Battersea), free, booking a table recommended, from 7pm
SHIP CONCERT: Wrap up warm for this concert of music from Renaissance Spain — it takes place on a (static) ship. Large processions and long and elaborate pieces of choral music were features of festive music at this time, so expect plenty of that in this concert, designed like a celebration in a royal court. The Golden Hinde (Bankside), £7.50-£10, book ahead, 7.30pm
DINNER WITH STRANGERS: Dinner With Strangers is pretty much what you'd expect from the name... an evening of food and drink, and a chance to get to know new people. A few ice breaker activities are planned for the evening, but nothing too terrifying. The Joker (Croydon), £35, book ahead, 7.30pm-10.30pm
YONCE EXPERIENCE: This regular club night dedicated to all things Beyonce hosts its Christmas special tonight. Polish your Halo and get ready to Get Drunk In Love as you dance the night away to tunes from Beyonce and Destiny's Child. XOYO (Shoreditch), from £5, book ahead, 10pm-3am
LIVE MUSIC: 2014 The Voice winner and singer-songwriter Jermain Jackman performs a set of soul and pop songs live on stage, accompanied by some special guests. 100 Wardour Street (Soho), free entry, book ahead, 8pm-10.30pm
Good cause of the day
Camden SOUP is an event where you can find out about local community projects which are currently looking for funding. Pay a small contribution on the door, and you'll get some soup and bread to enjoy during the event, plus a chance to vote for your favourite project. All proceeds at the end of the evening go to the one with the most votes. More information here.
