Of course, the best way to do London on the Cheap this week is to visit friends and rellies and plough through their festive supplies of food and drink, play silly games, watch a bit of frothy telly (see Londonist Stays In for top tips) and fall asleep mildly pissed. When you get cabin fever however, here's a few ideas for low level expenditure entertainment that doesn't involve church or carol singing.
Christmas Eve: Stick the finger up at overindulgence! Go to the London Freelist, and print out this page. Take it to the Porchester Centre in Bayswater and get 5 days free fitness!Christmas Day: If you can get to Hampstead Heath without public transport for 11am then go and gawp at the swimming races in the ponds. The freezing cold ponds! You could even take part but we'd question your sanity.
Boxing Day: All latin infused following Alesha's fabulous Strictly win? The Royal Festival Hall is banishing the winter blues with a Christmas Salsa Jam, absolutely free from 5pm, with top performers, showcases, DJs and lots of salsa-ing.
Thursday & Friday: If dancing's not your thing, how about free storytelling at the Festival Hall? Eric Maddern will take you on a midwinter journey at 11.30 and 13.30. Saturday: If neither dancing nor stories get you going, what about music, you picky, picky person? Indigo Moss give a free folk/rock/thigh slapping gig at the lovely, lovely Festival Hall at 12.30 and 16.30. Sunday: Go for a walk. The parks are lovely in winter.Happy Christmas and happy holidays!
Photo from Jason Rogers' flickr stream.
With many thanks to the London Freelist. Check the websites for more information.
