Looking for something fun to do today? Something eye-opening to watch tonight? Something delicious to eat tomorrow? Our guide to things to do this week in London is personally curated, ensuring there's always a diverse range of events for you to choose from. Get stuck in!
All week
EVER AFTER GARDEN: Last couple of days to visit this year's Ever After Garden in its new home at Duke of York Square in Chelsea. Swing by between 3pm and 9pm to see 30,000 white roses illuminated, creating a field of glowing flowers. It's free to visit, but consider making a donation to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity if you can. FREE, until 16 December
DIVINE FEMININE: Comedian Prashasti Singh performs her current show Divine Feminine at Soho Theatre Dean Street. She covers her experiences of growing up in a patriarchal family, questions all her life choices, and meticulously assigns blame to the women and men who shaped her into this being. 15-20 December
DRACAPELLA: It may be Christmas across London, but it's still Halloween at Park Theatre, where Dracapella — a twist on Bram Stoker's horror novel with a capella covers of everything from Somebody to Love to Eye of the Tiger — is playing well into January. Good for those who prefer garlic to garlands. Until 17 January
ICE SKATING: 'Tis the season for taking to the ice and making a fool of yourself (just us?). Seasonal ice rinks are in situ all over the capital, from Somerset House to Hampton Court Palace, including one on a rooftop, and a couple of new ones for Christmas 2025. They're likely to be very popular this week, so make sure you book your slot in advance.
FESTIVE FILMS: Home Alone, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf, Frozen in Concert... just some of your options for Christmas film screenings taking place at various cinemas and venues around London this week.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: For us, one of the best things about Christmas in London is the Christmas lights. The West End is aglow with festive illuminations right now. Unsure where or how to see them? This self-guided walking route takes you through the best bits — pick and choose which section you do, or walk it all in one thoroughly festive evening. Alternatively, book yourself on a Christmas lights bus tour to see them from the warmth of a bus (some have live commentary too). Of course the cheaper alternative to that is hopping on a TfL bus yourself — and we know just the route.
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON: If the above suggestions just aren't festive enough for you, take a look at our huge guide to spending Christmas 2025 in London. It covers everything you need to know about the festive season in London, from things to see and do, to where to eat and drink, which theatre shows to book, and what's open when.
ESCAPE CHRISTMAS: Alternatively, if Christmas just isn't your thing (hey, we get it) have a look at our pick of non-festive things to do in London in December.
EAT OF THE WEEK: Chapter 2 at the Biriyani Centre is now open for business in Southfields (it's a relocated, refreshed spot for the original Southfields Biriyani Centre, created by Radhika Kamaraj and Thiru Rajendran during lockdown), sErving authentic South Indian cooking with a refined edge. The signature dum biryani is made with aged basmati rice, saffron milk and caramelised onions, with a side of aubergine curry and raita. There's also another Biriyani Centre in New Malden.
PUB OF THE WEEK: How about 100 of 'em? We've just compiled our (subjective) list of London's best boozers: from knick-knack strewn gems to no-frills micropubs; from craft beer cathedrals to classic Fuller's establishments. If you're seeking a decent drinking hole to ring in the festive season, you know where to go.
Today's events: Monday 15 December
PIANO DIARIES: Grammy-winning songwriter Toby Gad gives two Christmas concerts at The View From The Shard, 800ft above London, to celebrate the launch of his new festive album. The programme features performance by Gad himself, along with The Morassi String Quartet and guest artists including Megan McKenna, Louisa Johnson and Dionne Bromfield, as well as a special opening set by acclaimed jazz pianist Espen Berg — all with views over the twinkling London skyline. 15-16 December
STEP INTO CHRISTMAS: Croydon's Fairfield Halls is the place to head for feel-good festive music show Step Into Christmas. A large cast performs tunes such as All I Want for Christmas Is You, Last Christmas and Jingle Bell Rock for an evening full of festive cheer. 7.30pm
BRASS CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The Philharmonia Orchestra’s brass ensemble offers an evening of seasonal music at Alexandra Palace Theatre. Expect a programme of carols and festive favourites including Away in a Manger and Good King Wenceslas, in a show suitable for age seven+. 7.30pm
ALBION CHRISTMAS BAND: Take a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain via the Albion Christmas Band's annual festive show at Kings Place in King's Cross. Expect a seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word and humorous readings. 8pm
HAPPY MONDAYS COMEDY: This week's Happy Mondays Comedy at the Amersham Arms in New Cross is a fundraising special, supporting Lewisham Foodbank. Carwyn Blayney, Tony Ukulele, Celine Kuklowsky, Hajar J Woodland, Steve Holmes and Claudia Trentino are on the line-up, along with a special surprise guest. 8pm
Today's events: Tuesday 16 December
BABY COMEDY: Parents and carers: Bring Your Own Baby Comedy is aimed at anyone with a baby up to 15 months old. It takes the format of a regular comedy show, with the content designed for adults, but the logistics made baby-friendly. Think soft flooring, buggy parking, and a completely relaxed atmosphere for feeding and changing your little one as necessary during the show. Takes place at Chickenshed Theatre in Highgate. 12pm
THE HAUNTED MAN: As is Christmas tradition, actor James Swanton performs Charles Dickens' fifth and final Christmas book, The Haunted Man. The author's former home, now the Charles Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury, is the backdrop for the story of chemist Professor Redlaw who is followed by a spectre who looks exactly like him. 4pm
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT: Charity the Cystic Fibrosis Trust holds its Carols by Candlelight service at St Luke's Church in Chelsea. Speakers include Jenny Agutter, David Haig, Synnove Karlsen and Luke Martineau, giving readings interspersed with carols performed by a choir. 7pm
CAMP XMAS: Hoxton's Museum of the Home screens musical comedy film A Diva's Christmas Carol (2000) starring Vanessa Williams as a cold-hearted pop singer who is visited by three ghosts during the festive season. 7pm
PUB SINGALONG: A live pianist accompanies revellers at the Christmas singalong at Dutch pub De Hems in Soho. Songsheets are provided to help you keep up with festive tunes by the likes of Wham, Wizzard and Mariah. The pub has over 100 Dutch and Belgian beers available to get those vocal chords well lubricated. 7pm-10pm
A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS: Embrace the yuletide nostalgia at Canal Cafe Theatre's A Vintage Christmas, a festive cabaret show starring the ever vivacious Ms Janey Gardiner, and musical maestro Mr Will Hall tickling the ivories to cover vintage tunes such as Santa Baby and Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. 7.30pm
COMEDIANS DO CAROLS: Soho Theatre Walthamstow hosts a one-night mega sing-along featuring comedians singing, you guessed it, carols. Amy Annette, Jack Rooke, Lolly Adefope, Nish Kumar, James Acaster, Charlie Craggs and Himesh Patel take part, with more names to be announced. 7.30pm
Sponsor message
Go behind the scenes at the Palace of Westminster
This winter, go behind the scenes of the UK Parliament, with a Palace of Westminster tour.
Soak up hundreds of years of history. Surround yourself with stunning art and architecture inside the world-famous landmark, and walk in the footsteps of renowned leaders, past and present. Stand inside the House of Commons Chamber with its famous green benches, and the House of Lords Chamber, home to the monarch's golden throne. On a 90-minute guided tour, a knowledgeable expert shares the history of this unique building and the vital work that goes on inside, with little-known facts about the Palace and famous political leaders. You’ll get a chance to ask questions along the way.
Alternatively, book yourself an audio tour and explore at your own pace. The multimedia guide (available in different languages) allows you to spend more time in the areas that most interest you. This option's ideal for a festive family day out, as you can get a free child ticket (age 5-15) with every full-paying adult ticket purchased. Kids get their own version of the audio tour, with fun games and quizzes to draw them in.
Palace of Westminster tours take place over the festive period from Monday 22 December to Friday 2 January, plus now booking for every Saturday throughout January, February and March. Book your guided tour or audio tour today. Round off your trip with a stop at the Jubilee Café (situated just off Westminster Hall) for hot and cold snacks and drinks, and the Jubilee shop next door, which offers a range of gifts, souvenirs, children’s toys and other unique merchandise.
Today's events: Wednesday 17 December
HIGH NOON: Eric Roth's take on the film classic High Noon moseys into the Harold Pinter Theatre; the story sees the love of Will Kane and Amy Fowler tested as the clock ticks down to the return of deadly outlaw Frank Miller on the high noon train. Until 6 March
POPLAR GUIDED WALK: Join a guide from London Museum Docklands for an adults-only walk around the Poplar area. The focus is on post-war Poplar, so you'll visit plenty of sites linked to memoir-turned-TV series Call The Midwife, including the Lansbury Estate, Poplar High Street and St Frideswide’s Mission House, the building which inspired the fictional Nonnatus House. 11am-1pm
TUDOR CHRISTMAS: Though it's commonly said that modern-day Christmas was "invented" by the Victorians, the season was celebrated in Tudor times too. Tonight's Gresham College lecture — the last one of the year — delves into what the festivities looked like during that period, spanning feasting, carols, gifts, mince pies and merrymaking. Watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn) or online via livestream. FREE, 6pm
MOTHERBOARD: Genesis Cinema hosts a fundraising screening of Motherboard, a documentary filmed over a 20-year period, from when director Victoria Mapplebeck found herself pregnant and single, through to her son Jim's first day at college. It's followed by a Q&A with Mapplebeck, with money raised going to the charity Breast Cancer Now. 6.25pm
PIXIE LOTT: Islington's Union Chapel continues its series of Christmas concerts with a special show by singer Pixie Lott. Expect to hear her hits and new tunes, including her latest single Coming of Age, as well as festive favourites 6.30pm
CITY ACADEMY SONGBIRDS: Celebrate life, death and everything in between, with the City Academy Songbirds at Grand Junction in Paddington. The all-female choir performs a brand new Requiem Mass written by choir leader Katherine Hare, For Whom The Bell Jingles, followed by fun festive carols. 8pm
Today's events: Thursday 18 December
FREE CAROL SERVICES: Make your way to All Souls Langham Place (Oxford Circus) for its annual festive singalongs, 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). 18-21 December
LONDON HORSE SHOW: The London International Horse Show returns to Excel, with equestrian sport and seriously impressive displays across two arenas, as well as three FEI World Cup competitions – in Show Jumping, Dressage and Driving. 18-22 December
BABY BROADWAY CHRISTMAS: Today's Baby Broadway concert at Big Penny Social has a festive twist. Aimed at families with children from newborns to school age, Baby Broadway introduces little ones to live showtunes, with plenty of singing and dancing along. This time, prepare to tap along to West End singers performing tunes from festive films including Elf, White Christmas, The Snowman and Frozen. 11am-11.45am
JEWISH MUSEUM: Though it no longer has a physical home, London's Jewish Museum lives on through a programme of events, including a free object handling session at the Museum of the Home today, to celebrate Hanukkah. At the family-friendly event, get up close to objects from the Jewish Museum's collection, or have a go at playing the dreidel, with doughnuts from Rinkoffs Bakery for sale, and a special lighting of the Chanukiah (a nine-branched candle) at 4pm. FREE, 11am-4pm
CITY PUBS: Richard Watkins's new guided walk knits together some of the best pubs in the Fleet Street area (and associated history), bringing you stories of writers (Pepys, Johnson, Dickens, Edgar Wallace), drunken journos, disgraced courtiers and a sadly short-lived crown prince. You'll see some of the finest pub buildings, sites of great pubs past and two pubs whose names are not all that they seem — one of which packs quite a punch! The walk includes a stop-off for a drink. Repeated 27 Dec and 3 Jan. 2pm
WINTER GAMES NIGHT: Rich Mix in Shoreditch hosts a free winter games night. Go with friends, or arrive alone to meet new people over classic board and card games. Hot chocolate and snacks are available, and a DJ keeps things lively by hosting some of the games. FREE, 6pm
HOLBORN STUDIOS: The canal-side film and photography studios on the Hackney/Islington border has long faced the threat of demolition and redevelopment. The most recent battle for survival appears to have been won. Tonight, a gathering organised by the Hackney Society will look back on the battle, and look to the future of this much-cherished facility. There'll also be drinks and nibbles. 6.30pm-9pm
FLOATING JAZZ: Head out onto the floating pontoon at St Katharine Docks for a live Christmas jazz performance on the water. Get a free mulled wine on arrival, and snuggle down under a blanket against the backdrop of twinkling Christmas lights on the yachts for a performance by singer Olivia Swann and a live band. 6.30pm-8.30pm
Today's events: Friday 19 December
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Lucinda Hawksley, descendant of Charles Dickens, gives a free talk about his festive masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. Hear how, under financial strain, and pressure from his publishers, he wrote the book in just six weeks. You can watch in person at the Charles Dickens Museum (Bloomsbury) or online. FREE, 1pm
JAZZ WRAP UP: Camden's Jazz Cafe wraps up 2025 with a Christmas party showcase, with some of its best performers of the year returning to the stage. The eclectic line-up includes six-piece neo-soul band CROOKS INC., and jazz singer-songwriter Sofia Grant. 7pm
WIFI WARS: Steve McNeil and Rob Sedgebeer from WiFi Wars pop up at the Royal Institution for a festive show, giving you the chance to play video games against 300 people. Take along a charged phone or tablet to play along, and try to make your way to the top of the leaderboard. 7pm-8.30pm
SWIFTOGEDDON: Taylor Swift club night Swiftogeddon returns to Between the Bridges on South Bank — the last time it’s held there before the venue closes for refurb work in 2026. Dance the night away to four hours of non-stop Taylor songs, from the big hits to deep cuts and lesser-known tracks — and we'd be very surprised if her festive tune Christmas Tree Farm doesn't get an airing this time round! 7pm-11pm
CRICK CRACK CHRISTMAS: Storytelling collective Crick Crack Club takes over Hoxton Hall for a festive show, complete with Christmas carols. Expect winter wonderland-themed fairytales, mince pies and mulled wine, sing-along carols, and a Christmas tree shrine. Christmas jumpers very much encouraged! 7.30pm
WRESTLING: A 'Holiday Have At It' is going down at Mile End's Genesis Cinema tonight, with a festive edition of Emporium Pro Wrestling. Let's just hope that if Santa takes to the ring he's got enough time to recover before Christmas Eve... 8pm
Today's events: Saturday 20 December
GREAT GAY GATSBY: Two chances to party with the London Gay Men's Chorus today, and their Great Gay Gatsby show, the 200-strong choir belting out standards by the likes of Jerome Kern and Cole Porter — in the magnificent deco setting of the Troxy. 2pm and 7.30pm
SNOW SCIENCE: The science of snow and ice takes centre stage in a family-friendly show at the Royal Institution. Find out how snow is made, and why we associate it with Christmas, with exciting experiments along the way. Aimed at children aged 12 and under, and their families. 2pm-3.15pm
BIG GAME 17: Though it usually takes place between Christmas and New Year, the Big Game at Twickenham is slightly early this year. The family-friendly sporting spectacle sees the Harlequins Womens team take on the Bristol Bears, followed by the men's match later in the day. Throw in a pre-match set by DJ duo Groove Armada, free fairground rides, a pyrotechnics display and loads of other entertainment, and you've got yourself quite the day out. 3.05pm/6pm
TANGO NUTCRACKER: Festive magic meets the dark, passionate rhythm of Argentine Tango at The Nutcracker- A Twisted Tango Tale. Head to Le Gothique in Wandsworth for a reinterpretation of The Nutcracker featuring UK Tango Champions David Chatoriski and Daniela Delerci, alongside fellow dancers Emma Lucia Reyes and Cuan Durkin. Live music and 3D projections accompany the performance, with a VIP experience including a two-course festive meal available. 6.30pm-11.30pm
RESISTANCE COMEDY: Jingle Bell Funny is the festive edition of Resistance Comedy. Stephen K Amos headlines the evening of laughs at Enfield's Dugdale Centre, along with Lateef Lovejoy, Jason Patterson, Olivia Lee and Elaine Fellows. 8pm
SCARED TO DANCE: Welsh indie rock band The Tubs are guest DJs at tonight's Scared To Dance alternative club night. Head to the Shacklewell Arms in Dalston for a night of tunes by the likes of David Bowie, Wet Leg, The Smiths, Manic Street Preachers, and other post-punk, indiepop, new wave and art rock acts. 11pm
Today's events: Sunday 21 December
THE MERRY MACABRE: The Last Tuesday Society & Viktor Wynd Museum in Hackney hosts The Merry Macabre, a Christmas market with a dark twist. Browse stalls by a selection of alternative vendors offering everything from unusual art and eccentric crafts to peculiar jewellery. 10am
SOUTH LONDON JAZZ ORCHESTRA: Turning out jazz bangers from the ilk of Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington, the South London Jazz Orchestra are bringing down the house at Toulouse Lautrec for this matinee performance. 2pm-4pm
SNOW QUEEN: Vanessa and George of London Dreamtime host a family storytelling session themed on the Snow Queen. Head to Peckham's Asylum Chapel to hear the story told by candlelight on the Winter Solstice. 3pm-5pm
12 DAYS OF CLIFFMAS: Mistletoe and wine at the ready as Geri Allen comes to Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zedel to share her favourite festive tradition — 'Cliffmas', featuring you-know-who. 5pm-6.30pm
MUSIC FOR MIDWINTER: American vocal quartet Windborne are at Kings Place performing songs from their seasonal album, To Warm the Winter Hearth. They blend English carols, solstice songs, wassails, and early American folklore for an atmospheric performance showcasing their harmonies. 5pm
CHRISTMAS COMEDY: Comedian and Fantasy Football host Andrew Mensah is joined by Travis Jay, Kae Kurd and Chantel Nash for Brixton House Comedy, a festive edition of the regular show packed with laughs. 7pm
COMEDY STORE PLAYERS: Neil Mullarkey, Josie Lawrence, Richard Vranch, Lee Simpson and Ruth Bratt make up The Comedy Store Players, a troupe which performs an entirely different improvised show every Sunday at the London Comedy Store. They take suggestions for characters, stories and locations from the audience, then weave it into a show right before your eyes. 7.30pm
