Things To Do In London: Wednesday 9 December 2015

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Cheese is king at Borough Market tonight.

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With Christmas well and truly on the way, take time to visit the London of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Unsolved mysteries of the London lunch.

The greatest stunts Tower Bridge has ever seen.

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Things to do today:

TRANSPORT YOURSELF: Learn the secrets of the London Underground, hear urban legends from the tube, and discover the cultural history of the boss of buses: the Routemaster, at this entertaining night, with Travis Elborough, Scott Wood and Londonist’s very own transport guru, Geoff Marshall. Star of Kings, 126 York Way, N1 0AX. Tickets are £6.25. 7-10pm

DAVID DE BRITO: Rich Mix in Shoreditch opens a new exhibition today, focusing on street artist David de Brito who is originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, but now lives and paints in London. Free, just turn up,until 1 January

BEATRIX POTTER: Beatrix Potter is most famous for her books about Peter Rabbit and co., but one of her books was never released. Today the V&A Museum opens a new display about The Oakmen, showcasing drawings and correspondence relating to the never-published book. Free, just turn up, until 22 July 2016

IAN HISLOP: Ian Hislop and the Private Eye team are at Waterstones in Leadenhall Market to sign copies of the 2015 Private Eye Annual, with cartoons, jokes and spoofs from the satirical magazine. Free, just turn up (early arrival recommended), 12.30pm

EVENING OF CHEESE: Things get cheesy at Borough Market tonight at this fromage themed event. Chat to expert cheesemongers about their products and sample them, plus there will be cooking demonstrations and a chance to buy the products. Free, just turn up, 6pm-9pm

COLLEGE BY CANDLELIGHT: Head to the Royal College of Physicians to experience 500 years of festive food. The evening of tastings also offers a chance to explore the college by candlelight. Expert food historian Ivan Day recreates an 18th century dessert, and more. £15, prebook, 6pm-10pm

MICHAEL FARADAY'S CHRISTMAS LECTURES: UCL puts on a Christmas lecture, delivered in period costume, including live experimental demonstrations of candles, re-enacting Michael Faraday's Chemical History of a Candle series of Christmas lectures. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm

CHRISTMAS CAROLS: Charity Operation Smile holds the first of its two Christmas carol concerts tonight, at Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair, with music from the gospel choir and readings from celebrities including Sir Ben Ainslie, Anthony Andrews and Reeta Chakrabarti. £30, prebook, 7pm

HART CONCERT: The Armenian Komitas Choir, the Ugandan Acholi London Choir and the St Martin Singers join together for a carol concert at St Cuthbert's Church near Earl's Court. Expect carols and readings, with refreshments served in the interval. Free (donations welcome), just turn up, 7pm

COMEDY: Sofie Hagen and Deborah Frances-White record their Guilty Feminist podcast at the RADA Studios on Chenies Street. Tonight’s topic: nudity. £5, prebook, 7.30pm

LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: Magnus Lindberg's Second Violin Concerto receives its world premiere alongside Beethoven's Symphony No.7 at Royal Festival Hall tonight, courtesy of London Philharmonic Orchestra. £9-£39, prebook, 7.30pm

Top tickets for tonight:

SOUTH POLE SALOON: Celebrate the dark side of Christmas at pop-up dive bar, the South Pole Saloon in Brixton. From the team that brought you Heartbreak Hotel, this is an immersive drinking, dining and theatrical experience. Guarantee your entry with a £3.50 advance ticket.

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SOUNDS FAMILIAR: Think you know music? Take part in the Sounds Familiar Christmas Party Quiz at the Phoenix, Cavendish Square, 7.30pm. Rounds include 00s vs 90s vs 80s vs 70s Cheese Meltdown, Office Party, The Mysterious Wheel Of Steel: Feat Brit Pop vs Indie Disco, and Merry ChristMash, Sing! Good luck.

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SWING DANCE: Angie A’s Juke Joint Joes Band play the hottest swing tunes for your dancing delectation at Hornsey Town Hall Arts Centre in Crouch End. Dress up, wig out, jive it all about and have a swinging Xmas time. Dance starts 7.30pm, tickets £11.

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CHRISTMAS CRACKER: Sheila Simmonds is from Woolloomooloo. In her trademark pink polyester trouser suit complete with diamante flats and handbag, she is Australia's Number 1 home shopping presenter, a "recording artiste" and queen of the hashtags. Join her for general tomfoolery, songs, sketches, games and giveaways to usher in the festive season at Leicester Square Theatre. Showtime 9pm, tickets £15.

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ICE SKATING: Have you been persuaded to take to the ice yet? There are seasonal skating rinks from Wembley to Westfield, Finchley to South Kensington, Canary Wharf to Hyde Park. Check out our round-up and take advantage of some special offers on tickets.

Browse and book many more London events at our tickets site, powered by YPlan.

Good cause of the day

CHRISTMAS JUMPERS: Head to Ryan's Bar in Stoke Newington tonight for an evening of short performances and plays to raise money for the Text Santa appeal. Christmas jumpers are very much encouraged (get some inspiration). £5.50, prebook, 7pm

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