Produced in partnership with Funzing.
January need not be blue. We've rounded up a whole bunch of fun things to do from Funzing, where local Londoners are offering all sorts of quirky experiences to perk you up in the New Year.
You can get 10% off these experiences until 4 January if you enter discount code londonist2016 when you book.
LONDON BY BIKE:
See London from a different point of view. Join Jess and her cycling crew for an alternative tour around Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the West End — they'll share fascinating facts about the city's history and sights as you pedal. £24/£22, 2 January from 10.30am
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SUPER SOURDOUGH:
Homemade bread tastes way better than a supermarket loaf. Want to learn how to bake healthy artisan sourdough bread? Join Lucy for a masterclass at her cookery school in East Acton for demonstrations and get some hands-on experience. She'll share her top tips and some tasty nibbles. £30, 3 January from 10am
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DIY MUSICAL INSTRUMENT:
If you love music and crafts, this is for you. Experimental maker Tom has over seven years experience in making musical instruments from everyday objects such as tennis rackets and old pieces of wood. He will show you how to recycle these materials and create your own three-stringed instrument. £35, 3 January from 12pm
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FRENCH DELIGHTS:
Professional baker JoJo invites you to her house in Canada Water for a hands-on experience learning how to make perfect colourful French Macarons. Just bring a container to take them home in, if you think you can resist eating them beforehand. £26, 5 January from 7pm
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LEARN TO SEW:
Your mum never taught you how to use a sewing machine? No worries, Craig is on a mission to get Londoners confident with seams, zips and hems. His three-hour workshop will teach you the basics of using a sewing machine — all materials will be provided. You'll be making your own clothes in no time. £21/£15, 8 January from 2pm
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SHOE DESIGN:
Since starting her own school five years ago, Australian-born Amanda has taught the art of shoemaking to people from all over the world. During this half-day class you will learn how to design a pair of shoes from a technical and a creative point of view. All materials provided. £75, 9 January from 10am
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THEATRE GYM:
Always wanted to learn acting? Free your inner performer in a fun and relaxed environment while making new friends. Artistic director Tal will help you understand different acting styles along with the basics of puppetry. £23, 14 January from 7pm
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DISCOVER SHIBARI:
Adventurous couples can learn the art of Japanese Rope Bondage in London's only shibari focused studio, a LGBTQ-friendly, sex-positive, female-friendly, body-positive and kink-friendly space. Experienced artist, performer and teacher Gestalta will demonstrate knots, explain flow and ensure you know how to practise shibari safely. It's all about consent. £100 per couple, 17 January from 1pm
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MAKE YOUR OWN PHOTO TRANSFER:
Join DIY queen Naz as she teaches you how to put your favourite photos onto wood, material or glass and create a novel decoration for your home. You will learn about the right size to use for the image, transfer techniques and the materials you can transfer your photo on to — all equipment will be provided. £29, 17 January from 1pm
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HULA HOOPING:
Looking for a different fitness regime in the new year? Join Obie, 'Miss Pearl The Whirl' from The Majorettes, the world record-holding hula hoop troupe led by Marawa the Amazing. Their one-hour session in Hoxton has a funky soundtrack and is guaranteed to get you moving, laughing and sweating. £12, 19 January from 7pm
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PAINT LONDON SKYLINE:
Have a go at painting and try to recreate Chloe Bruce’s famous London Skyline at this pop-up painting class in Clapham. All materials will be provided and you will be helped and advised throughout the lesson. £26, 19 January from 7.30pm
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LONDON SHOPPING:
Where did Titanic’s Heart of the Ocean come from? Where have the royal family and the rich and famous Christmas shopped for the past 300 years? London obsessive Andrew will take you around Mayfair and St James's for a unique tour about the history of shopping in London. £11/£8, 21 January from 6pm
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GIN TASTING:
Gin lovers smack your lips in anticipation of this tasting experience, when Julia will take you through an evening of fun and taste. You'll learn how to recognise the varieties of gin, taste six different types and pair them with appropriate canapés. £30, 21 January from 7pm
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MAKE CHAR SUI BUNS:
Learn how to make fluffy pillows of deliciousness with experienced chef and teacher, Will. At the end of the three-and-a-half-hour hands-on workshop you'll have made and eaten roast pork (char sui) buns and emerald pork and chive dumplings. £35, 22 and 29 January from 6.30pm
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HISTORICAL WALK:
Retrace the most significant historical moments of our city, from London's Romans walls to the Great Fire of 1666 through to the 800 year-old tradition of the Lord Mayor's Show. Experienced tour guide Andrew will take you around the city for an afternoon of discovery. £11/£8, 22 January from 2.30pm Book Now
PORK PIES IN A PUB:
Professional baker JoJo thinks that pork pies are sexy (we agree). Join her for a cooking class in a historic south London pub and learn how to make pies for your family and friends. £29, 23 January from 3pm
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TEA SOCIAL:
Doing dry January? Join Kyle and his tea club for an afternoon of tea cocktails and savoury snacks. Their 1920s-themed buffet will be laden with savoury canapés, all perfectly paired with the teas you’ll be imbibing — expect styled decorations and retro atmosphere. £32, 23 January from 5pm
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DOCTOR WHO vs HARRY POTTER:
Two great heroes — both have saved the world from the evil. But when danger comes, which one would you call? Make your mind up on this special tour led by Andrew, focussed on uncovering the filming locations and London places that inspired both the Doctor and Harry Potter. £10/£8, 24 January from 2.30pm
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KNITTING WORKSHOP:
With the nights getting colder, we all fancy a wool scarf to keep us warm. Needle ninjas Riannon and her friends will show you how to make a super soft chunky merino wool jelly snood in a variety of stitches. No experience or equipment is needed, just enthusiasm and a positive attitude. £35, 26 January from 7pm
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DELICIOUS DIM SUM:
Having grown up in a Chinese restaurant and run three of his own, Will knows a thing or two about Asian cuisine. He'll guide you step-by-step from making and rolling the dough to preparing the fillings and forming the parcels — by the end, you'll know everything you need to know about dim sum and will not leave hungry. £35, 28 January from 6.30pm
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LONDON GHOSTS:
Join an experienced and fearless tour guide for an after-dark walk exploring haunting stories of London. Hear spooky tales from the ancient City of London, visit its most ghost-riddled buildings and stories including the Black Dog of Newgate Prison and the spectre of the Bank of England. £11/£8, 29 January from 7pm
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VINTAGE STYLING TOUR:
East London is well known for its vintage shopping scene but sometimes it's difficult to discern the good from the bad. Designer and fashion activist Eve knows it well: let her guide you through hand-picked vintage shops and alternative clothing havens and get some helpful tips on styling while trying on items. £10, 30 January from 1pm
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Find more London experiences with Funzing through their website, Twitter and Facebook page.
Feeling inspired to share your hobby, professional skill or talent? You can become a host and promote your own event on Funzing — find out more on their website.
