Free things to do in London this week.
Looking for more free things to do in London? Here are 102 of em! We've also compiled this epic map of free stuff in London, and have a helpful guide on where to see art in London for free, and where you can catch cheap and free comedy.
Do Christmas in London for free
Christmas can be an expensive time in London... or it can be rather cheap. If you're looking for something festive to do, but don't fancy the price tag of some of the city's seasonal events, have a browse of these free festive things to do. Follow a free light trail, hunt down sculptures, or visit an ice palace — and those are just some of your options.
Get a last glimpse of Available Light
The debut solo London exhibition by artist and writer Morgan Quaintance, Available Light is on at UAL's Chelsea Space, near Tate Britain in Pimlico, until Friday. It's the culmination of a year-long performance and exhibition touring project, exploring themes of home, belonging, displacement, foreignness and familiarity.
Until 12 December.
Step into the Land of Childhood
Also closing this week is Burgh House exhibition Helen Oxenbury: Illustrating the Land of Childhood. The free display in Hampstead showcases work by the artist-author who created books including We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. View her original gouache paintings and sketches, and learn about the process and artistry behind her creations.
Until 14 December.
Visit the Ever After Garden
Over 30,000 glowing roses light up Chelsea for the Ever After Garden... but only until next week. It provides somewhere for Londoners to remember absent loved ones in the run-up to Christmas, and there's the option to dedicate a rose, for a minimum donation of £15 to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
It's free to visit, but as it's for charity, do considering donating a couple of quid if you can.
Until 16 December (3pm-9pm daily).
Join Carols in the Courtyard in Soho
The Ham Yard Hotel near Piccadilly Circus hosts Carols in the Courtyard on Wednesday, a free evening of festive music that's open to everyone.
The casts of Les Misérables and Oliver! in the West End perform well-known carols, accompanied by the Ham Yard Players house band. While you're there, head into the hotel lobby to view its charming gingerbread village
10 December.
Be inspired by the work of Harland Miller
Artist and writer Harland Miller’s typography-inspired paintings go on show in a free Design Museum display opening this Wednesday.
View works from his ongoing Letter Painting series, which demonstrate how he harnesses the principles of graphic design, deploying bright, saturated colour palettes and a wide range of typefaces. Large-scale paintings also feature in the display, which is split across two locations within the museum. Some of the works were created specifically for this exhibition, and are shown directly alongside previous pieces.
10 December-25 January.
Go carol singing in Highgate
The Highgate Society organises Carols in Pond Square, an annual festive event which has been happening for more than 40 years.
Highgate born TV producer/director Dan Hall oversees proceedings, and music is provided by Highgate School Brass Ensemble conducted by Jonathan Harris, Head of Brass. For the first time, members of the HLSI’s (Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution) Musical Theatre Choir lead the singing.
Though it's free to attend and take part, charity collections for Alexandra Wylie Tower Foundation (AWTF) Food and Bike Bank, and the Toy Project, take place, so carry some change with you if you can.
10 December
Arrive early for All Souls Carols
If you've still got some carol-singing stamina left by this weekend, make your way to All Souls Langham Place (Oxford Circus) for its annual festive singalong, a series of free concerts which 14,000 people attended last year. Each hour-long service is packed with nativity readings, solo performances, and joyful carol sing-alongs.
There's no booking, and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early for your chosen event (though if you don't get in, the full service is shown on a giant projection screen outside the church).
13, 14, 18, 20 and 21 December.
Stay late at the Science Museum
The Science Museum stays open for a Christmas Late on Friday, giving you the chance to explore the galleries and exhibitions after hours, watch spectacular experiments at The Space Show, and (not free) do a spot of Christmas shopping in the museum's shop.
12 December.
Meet an astronaut
Also at the Science Museum this week, real-life astronaut Tim Peake swings by on Sunday to celebrate 10 years since his mission to the International Space Station. You might get a chance to meet him, among activities including dressing up in replica spacesuits, space-themed coding sessions, and a journey through the solar system in the museum's new Space gallery. It's free, but booking a (free) ticket to the museum is advised, as it's likely to be very busy.
14 December.
See what's on at Devonshire Square
Devonshire Square near Liverpool Street offers a selection of free, open-air festive events this month.
This Tuesday lunchtime, female vocal group Sleeke performs a Christmas With Soul concert. Then, on Thursday, creative company JLee Productions performs A Nutcracker Fantasy, with original choreography by former English National Ballet soloist Jenna Lee, set to the music of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.
Various dates.
