Arts Ahead: What's On In London 2-7 December

Take some time out from dodging rain-showers and buying things for yourself under the guise of Christmas shopping, and take in some of London's new cultural offerings this week.

Be There First: London Shows Opening

Aladdin opens tomorrow at the Hackney Empire: make the trip to this fantastic theatre before it goes dark at the end of the run. (Fingers crossed for a better financial future for the Empire in 2010.) Or you can see the classic Christmas show, The Snowman, at the Peacock Theatre from tomorrow.

One for the kids: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus comes to artsdepot from Saturday. The Drill Hall brings Icelandic Christmas storytelling to London also from Saturday in The Yule Lads - Tales of Icelandic Christmas. If you're looking for something less kid-friendly, check out Frank's Closet at Hoxton Hall: a music hall-style musical featuring cross-dressing, a nod to Julie Andrews and Judy Garland and a Pearly Queen.

Too much engagement required? Try the Drive-Thru Nativity at the Blue Elephant Theatre, opening tonight: the greatest story ever told, the way consumers like best: fast and convenient.

If you're looking for something less Christmassy: Sweet Charity (starring Tamzin "Avon Calling" Outhwaite) opens at the Menier Chocolate Factory tonight. An Inspector Calls (again) at Wyndham's Theatre from tomorrow. Strauss' seductive opera, Der Rosenkavalier opens at the Royal Opera House on Monday.

Artwise, as we've already told you, the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries open at the V&A today. Tomorrow sees the opening of the much publicised GSK Contemporary: Earth - Art of a Changing World at the Royal Academy. From Friday, we recommend you check out Mutate Britain underneath the Westway: street art, painting and giant sculpture entitled "One Foot in the Grove." Sounds ace.

Finally, Take a View: Landscape Photographer of the Year opens at the National Theatre on Saturday. It's free, so you can just pop in if you get caught in a downpour while doing that seasonal South Bank amble.

Last Chance To See: London Shows Closing

Carlos Acosta: Apollo and Other Works closes at Sadler's Wells on Saturday.

Saturday is also your last chance to see the award-winning Mark Rylance in Endgame at the Duchess Theatre; Mrs Klein at the Almeida Theatre; Public Property at the Trafalgar Studios; Skellig at the Rose Theatre; and the wonderful Fahrenheit Twins at the Barbican Pit Theatre.

Enjoy, and if we've missed anything, let us know in the comments below.