Things to do this week is sponsored on behalf of Natural History Museum.
All week
LITERATURE FESTIVAL: Richmond Literature Festival enters its final week with a strong programme ahead, including a celebration of George Eliot's 200th birthday, and a talk about the ghost trees of London. Various locations and prices, book ahead, until 24 November
JAZZ FESTIVAL: The EFG London Jazz Festival tootles on until the end of this week, with an impressive programme of events. Our picks this week include the Geoff Simkins Trio at Cadogan Hall, a live improvised music podcast and jazz for toddlers. Various locations and prices, book ahead, until 24 November
ABRAM GAMES: It's the final week of the Abram Games exhibition, celebrating the work of the graphic artist who became known as the 'official war poster artist' during the second world war. See his work, get an insight into his creative process, and learn about the legacy he left behind. National Army Museum (Chelsea), £6, book ahead, until 24 November
IRISH FILM: Founded to champion Irish film and animation here in the UK, the Irish Film Festival take place this week. The programme includes the UK premiere of documentary A Galway Rhapsody, and comedians Roisin Conaty and Bridget Christie in conversation. Regent Street Cinema, various prices, book ahead, 20-24 November
DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS: We've got Charles Dickens to thank for the massive fuss we make of Christmas these days. Find out all about the role the author had to play in the birth of modern Christmas in a new exhibition at his former family home. Dickens’s manuscripts and original illustrations for his Christmas stories, and the first ever Christmas card are among the items on display. Charles Dickens Museum (Bloomsbury), included in admission, 20 November-19 April
CHRISTMAS MARKETS: Started your Christmas shopping yet? No, us neither, but if you do want to get on it, some of London's Christmas markets are now open for business. Wander among stalls on South Bank or in Leicester Square, and check out the one-day Christmas fairs which also offer shopping opportunities.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Many of London’s Christmas lights are now switched on and welcoming visitors, with others due to be illuminated in free events over the coming weeks — including Oxford Street this Thursday. Our guide has the full details.
ICE SKATING: Several of London's festive ice rinks are now open, including the big ones at Somerset House, the Tower of London and the Natural History Museum. New additions this week are Winter Wonderland, and Hampton Court Palace, with more to follow in the coming weeks. Read our ice skating guide for all the info.
Monday 18 November
TERRY WAITE: For almost five years, Terry Waite was held captive in Lebanon, kept in solitary confinement for much of that time. Tonight, on the 28th anniversary of his release, he tells his story, including how it led to him founding his charity, Hostage International. Library London (Covent Garden), £10/£5, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
CABARET: Film critic and historian Pamela Hutchinson introduces 1972 musical film Cabaret. The multi-Oscar winning film, set in Berlin before the second world war, is part of the venue's History of the American Musical series of events. Deptford Cinema, £6/£4.50, book ahead, 7pm
CHARLES MANSON: Nikolas Schreck, author of The Manson File: Myth and Reality of an Outlaw Shaman gives a talk about the cult leader and convicted murderer. Specifically, Schreck discusses recent revelations about the case, which he believes challenge the 'official narrative' of events. Sway Bar (Covent Garden), £12, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm (sponsor)
Sponsor message
Lose yourself in the free wonders of the Natural History Museum this autumn
When was the last time you stood beneath a blue whale skeleton? Came face to face with a T. rex? Orbited around the Earth on a space expedition? Not recently, we bet, but all that can change at the Natural History Museum. It’s free, it’s fantastic, it’s a full-on playground. And not just for kids.
This autumn, let your inner child run wild with billions of years of natural history at your fingertips, from the most complete Stegosaurus skeleton ever found to a mesmerising film that lets you see our world from space, using photography taken on board the International Space Station. There are special events too, like the ever-popular monthly adult Lates. Roam the museum’s stunning halls after-hours, chat to scientists and get nose-to-nose with some rather surprising specimens – all with a drink in hand, of course.
Whether you want to rediscover permanent favourites or make a beeline for temporary exhibits like the six metre-high illuminated model of the moon, the Natural History Museum is a treasure trove for all ages. There’s no time like the present to get stuck into science and nature, so gather your friends and discover it for free this autumn. The vast wonder of the natural world will soon make you feel like a child all over again.
Tuesday 19 November
ESCAPE FROM PLANET TRASH: LGBTQ+ collective Sink The Pink launches its new show, Escape From Planet Trash. Set in 2050, and featuring comedy, aliens, drag queens and giant space spiders, it's the story of a planet that's become the dumping ground for the universe. Pleasance Theatre (Islington), from £20, book ahead, 19 November-22 December
LOUIS THEROUX: Watch new film, The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, about subversive magician/comedian John Edward Szeles, AKA Amazing Johnathan, who was given a year to live but is still with us three years later. The screening is followed by a live satellite Q&A with director Ben Berman and Louis Theroux. Bertha DocHouse (Bloomsbury), £12.50/£10, book ahead, 6.15pm
THE PEOPLE'S ART CRITIC: Londonist's Visual Arts Editor Tabish Khan is the latest guest in the Courtauld Institute's lecture series by people involved in the art world. Hear him talk about his work in and knowledge of the London art scene — he visits hundreds of exhibitions a year, covering miles and miles across the city every week, so it's safe to say that he knows his stuff. The Courtauld Institute, £6, book ahead, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Wednesday 20 November
LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE: Interactive illuminations, curling competitions, and festive food & drink — this free rooftop event is set to be totally lit. Philips Hue invites you to Hue Lit Holidays, a multi-sensory experience on the famous John Lewis Roof Garden showcasing the power of light. Tickets are strictly limited, so grab yours before they're all gone! John Lewis Rooftop Garden (Oxford Street), free, book ahead, 6pm-8.30pm (sponsor)
BOWIE'S BOOKS: Former music columnist John O'Connell talks about his new book, Bowie's Books. It's based on a list that David Bowie wrote three years before his death, about 100 books that had transformed his life, and O'Connell has written a short essay on each one. The London Library (St James's), £15/£12, book ahead, 6.45pm-8.30pm
FUNDRAISING QUIZ: Trivia, raffle prizes and a live art auction are all part of the ArtCan Christmas fundraising quiz. The charity — for which Londonist Visual Arts Editor Tabish Khan is a trustee — supports up-and-coming artists, enabling them to establish their practice through a support network. The Gable (Moorgate), £25/£22.50 per person for a table of 10, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
ROCKETMAN: As cinema locations go, 60+ floors above London is fairly impressive. Settle down for a screening of Rocketman, the Elton John biopic released earlier this year, with a complimentary gin and tonic, and a serving of popcorn. The View From The Shard, £45, book ahead, 8pm-11.30pm
Thursday 21 November
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland launches todayWINTER WONDERLAND: Huge free Christmas festival Winter Wonderland opens in Hyde Park today. Funfair rides, theatre shows, an ice rink, an ice kingdom, Santa Land, a grotto, food and drink stalls, Christmas markets, a big wheel and much more are part of the fun this year. It’s free entry, but can get a bit spendy once you’re inside — you’ve been warned. Hyde Park, free entry, just turn up (but book ahead for some attractions) 21 November-5 January (shorter opening hours today, normal hours from tomorrow)
OXFORD STREET LIGHTS: Tonight’s the biggie — the Oxford Street Christmas lights are switched on for the season. They’re new lights this year — gone are the glittering orbs, replaced with high-tech LED boards. Plenty of events are going on around the street, including gigs in some of the stores. Oxford Street, free, just turn up, 5.30pm-10pm
BOMB DISPOSAL: Hear from bomb disposal expert British Warrant Officer Kim Hughes, who received the George Cross in 2010 for his heroic service. He defused 120 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on one tour alone, including seven Taliban bombs with his bare hands in a single day. The George IV (Chiswick), £12, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm (sponsor)
Friday 22 November
ICE RINK: Done all the central London ice rinks? Head out west to Hampton Court Palace, where the ice is unveiled today. Skate in front of Henry VIII's impressive palace, with a cafe bar running alongside for anyone who wants to watch, or for post-skate refreshments. Hampton Court Palace, from £16.20 adult/£11.20 child, book ahead, 22 November-5 January
ILLUMINATED RIVER: Noticed all the rivers in central London lit up in bright colours? Hear from Leo Villareal, the artist behind the Illuminated River project, about the inspiration behind the first four completed bridges, and the plans for the next ones. He's introduced by the Dean, Andrew Nunn. Southwark Cathedral, £12/£10/£5, book ahead, 6pm-7pm
LONDON CALLING: Hop in a time machine back to the London of 1979 in a panel discussion inspired by the current The Clash exhibition. Curator Beatrice Behlen leads artists, writers and musicians in a talk about the social and political landscape of the time. Museum of London, £15/£10, book ahead, 6.30pm
Saturday 23 November
MAGIC AND MONSTERS: London Fortean Society hosts a day-long symposium about the folklore, monsters and magic of the British Isles. Authors and researchers give talks on their specialist subjects, including Dr Richard Sugg on the dangerous history of fairies, and Dr Samantha George on werewolves. Conway Hall (Holborn), £22, book ahead, 10am-5.30pm
THE CLANGERS: Families with kids aged 8 and under are invited to a Big Fish Little Fish family rave on the theme of recycling. TV characters The Clangers make a special appearance, and there are eco-friendly crafts, as well as confetti, balloons and special lights. Museum of London Docklands, £9/£7, book ahead, 2pm
EVENING WITH THE STARS: Eyes to the skies at the Royal Observatory's Evening with the Stars. Visit the world-famous observatory after hours, look through a Victorian telescope, meet astronomers, watch a planetarium show, and stand on the Meridian line. Royal Observatory (Greenwich), £24, book ahead, 5.25pm-6.50pm
Sunday 24 November
HUGUENOT HOUSE: Find out what life was like for the 18th century Huguenots of Spitalfields. Wander the area that was home to the Protestant refugees from France, including a visit to Dennis Severs' House, and learn about other notable people from the East End's history. Spitalfields, £10, book ahead, 10.30am-1pm
PALACE HISTORY: Get to know Fulham Palace better on a guided tour of the house and gardens, home to the Bishops of London for over 1300 years. Find out about the people who have lived here, and how different generations of residents influenced different architectural styles in the building. Fulham Palace, £6, book ahead, 12.30pm-1.30pm
CLASSICAL PERFORMERS: Enjoy the Cutty Sark after hours, with the added bonus of live music. Debut events bring up-and-coming musicians to the stage, and this tine round the Salomé String Quartet, saxophonist Manu Brazo, tenor Alex Aldren and soprano Lizzie Holmes present a programme of classical music, opera and musical favourites. Cutty Sark (Greenwich), £18, book ahead, 7pm
