Interesting and unusual things to do in London for £5 or less this week.
All week
ALICE IN WONDERLAND: The British Library has put on a fantastic display exploring the world of Alice through illustrations, books and lots of other items packed into its popular exhibition, Alice Travels Down The Rabbit-hole. Highlights include a version of the book with Salvador Dali illustrations, a sculpture of the bottom half of Alice, legs up in the air as she disappears down the rabbit-hole and even Wonderland-inspired video games — visitors are encouraged to pick up a gamepad and have a play. Free, just turn up, until 17 April
WINTER LIGHTS: There's still a chance to see Canary Wharf lit up with special displays for all the family, including 3D shapes accompanied by storytelling and face painting. Turn up after 4pm to get the most out of the many light effects. Check the website for locations. Free, just turn up, until 22 January
MUMMIFIED CROCODILE: Head to The British Museum to see its latest display — a mummified crocodile with baby mummified crocs in tow. Free, just turn up, until 21 February
VIDEO GAME ART: Can video games be art? Head to Whitechapel Gallery to help you make up your mind. This one room exhibition features six video clips which push the boundaries between two worlds. Free, just turn up, until 15 May
FIGHTING EXTREMES: FROM EBOLA TO ISIS: The work of British armed forces is central to this topical display at the Imperial War Museum. Following the Paris attacks and news that Guinea is now Ebola-free, this exhibition shows the work of British troops abroad to conquer these two different extremes. Photographs, interactive timelines and parts of military kit feature in the one room display. Free, just turn up, until 13 November
Monday 11 January
HISTORY: Rear Admiral David Snelson, Commanding Officer of HMS Ark Royal in 2001, presents The History of the Five Ark Royals — an evening lecture exploring the past of these spectacular vessels. Climb aboard HQS Wellington for this informative evening. £5, prebook, 6.30pm
COMEDY: Improvisational comedy talents, Shoot From The Hip, storm The Camden Head with their own brand of spontaneous humour. If your Monday needs cheering up, get yourself laughing. Free, just turn up, 8pm
Tuesday 12 January
BILLY BLAKE'S CAB: Comic artist and illustrator John Riordan discusses his cartoon, William Blake: Taxi Driver, the fictional London cabbie featured in Time Out from 2007- 2009, whose passengers included Milton, Newton and Tracey Emin. John drops into Waterstones Piccadilly to talk about Blake's influence on his work and his new graphic novel. Free, prebook, 7.30pm
HELLO 2016: Hear the "buzziest" new music at The Old Blue Last. Previous events at Vice's pub have seen performances from breakthrough acts such as Superfood, Wolf Alice, The Magic Gang, Oscar, Girl Band, Demob Happy, Black Honey, Crows and many more. Free, just turn up, 7.30pm
Wednesday 13 January
THE PARASITE ZOO: Like them or not, parasites live on everything — humans included. Explore the rich diversity of these fascinating creatures in a lecture by Professor Mark Viney of the University of Bristol, and discover why we need them, at Gresham College. Free, just turn up, 6pm
Thursday 14 January
HERGÉ'S MASTERPIECE: TINTIN: Step into a late night viewing of the wonderful world of Tintin at Somerset House's exhibition which explores the past of the cartoon Belgian detective and the origins behind the creatio. Featuring pencil sketches, character drawings and original artwork from the stories, this collection takes in many aspects of the world-famous hero and is a must for all comic book fans. Free, just turn up, 10am-9pm
LONDON GRAFFITI AND STREET ART TOUR: Discover London's secret street art with Free Tours by Foot. Meet outside Whitechapel Gallery and join the two-and-a-half-hour tour that goes beyond the guidebooks to show you the works in Brick Lane, Shoreditch, Liverpool Street and more. Free, prebook, 2pm
ETHICS AND CLIMATE CHANGE: After the recent Paris talks, climate change is a subject on everyone's minds. Join the discussion at Conway Hall, led by Paul Mobbs and Evan Parker, supported by the London Debate Network. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm
Friday 15 January
POETRY@3: The first Poetry@3 event of 2016 gets going at The Poetry Cafe. Sign up to read your latest work or just listen to others at this afternoon hosted by Paul McGrane, for "poets who like to come out and play during the day". Free, just turn up, 3pm (2.30pm sign-up if you want to read)
DROP IN DRAWING: As part of Late Shift at the National Portrait Gallery, join artist Grace Adam for a chance to explore your inner artist. After a short introduction, help yourself to drawing materials and get sketching. All abilities. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8.30pm
SILENT VISIONS OF THE FUTURE: Get yourself to Coin Street Neighbourhood Film Club near Southbank for their Silent Visions of the Future programme. Enjoy both factual and fictional silent films exploring predictions of the future from as far back as 1910. Live music accompanies the programme, with a specially-composed jazz score. £5, prebook, 7.30pm
Saturday 16 January
EXPLORE ZOOLOGY: Bring the whole family to this hands-on talk about all things zoological. If you have queries about elephants or you're curious about crocodiles, the enthusiastic museum educators are ready to answer all your questions at the Grant Museum of Zoology. Free, just turn up, 1pm
LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR: Walk through dozens of stunning entries at this exhibition in Waterloo station's retail balcony, including the winning piece "Lines in the Landscape". Free, just turn up, all day event until 7 February.
ANGEL COMEDY: Tonight's line up is sure to get rid of any January blues. Enjoy storytelling and wit from Sy Thomas, Ant Hewson, Tom Ward and Tamar Broadbent. Barry Ferns MCs this popular night at the Camden Head. Free, just turn up, 8pm
Sunday 17 January
BRITISH MUSEUM OF FOOD: If you still feel peckish after Christmas, check out the British Museum of Food — the world's first institution entirely devoted to the history, evolution, science, sociology and art of food. Bompas and Parr have created exhibits including a chocolate room and a British Menu Showcase, so there's something for everyone's tastebuds. £5, prebook, 10am-5pm
OPEN MIC: The Hemingford Arms, Islington, holds its bi-monthly open mic tonight. From bands to solo performers and a bit of jazz and blues in between, it's time to pick up your guitar and play. Free, just turn up, 7.30pm sign up
