All week
CHRISTMAS TRANSPORT: Before you make any plans for the upcoming week, check the Christmas transport situation in London. Thankfully there's not as much disruption as there has been in previous years, but you'll find a couple of big station closures worth knowing about.
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON: You may have heard of a little thing called 'Christmas' happening this week. Our complete guide to Christmas 2025 in London has everything you need to know about the season, spanning things to see and do, festive food and drink, the best Christmas shows and LOADS more. Read it, share it, bookmark it for everything you need this week.
ICE SKATING: London's festive ice rinks remain open throughout the Christmas period and into January. Somerset House, Battersea Power Station and Hyde Park are some of the places you can take to the ice this year — here's a full ice-skating guide.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: London's Christmas lights stay on up until and after the big day, illuminated every evening until early January. Have a read of our guide to London's Christmas light displays for tips on seeing them — you can do it by TfL bus (not Christmas Day) or book a Christmas lights bus tour, or on foot with our self-guided festive walking route though central London.
PANTO: Browse through the capital's best pantomimes this year, spanning Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan and Mother Goose, and other familiar favourites... with some well-known faces. If you're booking for the whole family, just be aware that some of the pantos on that list are definitely NOT for kids — and they'll get very booked up this week, so plan ahead.
FESTIVE SHOWS: The Snowman, Cinderella and The Nutcracker are among the many festive productions taking place on stage in London this year. From ballet to circus to musicals, take a look at these fantastically festive theatre shows in London, and book yourself a seat this Twixmas. We've also got a guide to family-friendly shows, if you're treating the whole clan to an outing.
CHRISTMAS WITH KIDS: Got children to entertain, either buzzing with excitement in the build-up to the big day, or on something of a comedown afterwards? We've compiled a guide to family-friendly things to do in London during the Christmas holidays to keep the whole clan happy.
TWIXMAS: Our full guide to things to do in London between Christmas and New Year has oodles more ideas for ways to keep out of mischief this week.
ROYAL ALBERT HALL CAROLS: An absolute staple of Christmas in London, Carols at the Royal Albert Hall continues until Christmas Eve. Song sheets are provided so that you can join in with a mix of traditional and modern festive favourites. Performers include the Royal Choral Society, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and different soloists for each show. Until 24 December
WINTER WONDERLAND: Huge festive fair Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is all-systems-go throughout the festive season, closing only on 25 December. Fairground rides, markets, food and drink stalls, circus shows and an ice rink are all part of the fun. Just bear in mind that you need to book entry in advance. Until 1 January
SNOOPY SCULPTURES: In need of some fresh air (and a break for your wallet)? The free Snoopy in the City sculpture trail is in situ in the Fleet Street Quarter until the new year. Get out and stretch your legs as you seek out a dozen differently decorated incarnations of the beagle atop his kennel. FREE, until 16 January
MISCHIEVOUS MOVIES: Tired of the same old festive telly? You need Mischief Movie Night In. The chaos merchants behind The Play That Goes Wrong present 4 completely improvised movies (with another 4 released on 29 Dec), recorded live in front of an audience who suggest the genre, setting and title and streamed straight to your living room. Book now from £15 and you’ll have a week to watch at your leisure. (sponsor)
DRINK OF THE WEEK: Looking for a seasonal slurping sesh? What you need is our freshly-updated 12 Days of Christmas pub crawl, which takes you from the Dove in Hammersmith to the Partridge in Bromley... and many other establishments in between. Can you do them all in one day, however.
CINEMA OF THE WEEK: Opened earlier this year, Romford's Lumiere cinema has already gifted us with a huge South Asian film festival, and screened the 100 greatest horror films over Halloween. Right now, it's a shoo-in for your big screen Xmas fix, movies this week including Elf, Krampus, It's a Wonderful Life and The Holiday.
Today's events: Monday 22 December
CHAPEL OPEN DAY: Last 2025 chance to visit the glittering, magnificent Fitzrovia Chapel, at its final open day of the year. The pint-sized building has an Italianate rib-vaulted ceiling, encrusted with many thousands of gilded mosaic tiles, lined with green onyx, as well as 17 different kinds of marble, and several stained glass windows. An absolute stunner, hidden away in central London, and well worth a visit. FREE, 11am-5pm
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: The Birmingham Stage Company production of Horrible Christmas comes to Cadogan Hall for a family-friendly, Horrible Histories-style look at Christmas through the ages. Encounter Victorian villains, Medieval monks, Puritan parties, and Tudor treats, as well as figures including Charles Dickens and Saint Nicholas. Age five+. 2pm/4.30pm
SOUTH INDIAN SUPPER CLUB: KOKUM in East Dulwich hosts its third South Indian-inspired supper club, with a tasting menu celebrating the flavours of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and beyond, with dishes ranging from aromatic rasam and coastal-style fried fish to ghee roasted paneer with crisp dosa, ending with a traditional creamy payasam. 7pm
PUB QUIZ: Give your brain cells a last workout before the cheese/Baileys takes hold, at Big Fat Quizbox, the regular pub quiz night at Boxpark Shoreditch. Rounds cover everything from pictures to music, general knowledge, film and TV, pop culture and music bingo, with prizes to be won. Entry is only £4 per person. 7pm
CHRISTMAS ORATORIO: The Hanover Band and The Hanover Band Chorus are at Kings Place in King's Cross for an atmospheric performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. The piece is in six parts, each part a cantata intended for performance in a church service on a feast day of the Christmas season — though on this occasion, they are performed in one show lasting two hours 15 minutes, including an interval. 7.30pm
THE POGUE TRADERS: Wittily-named Pogues cover band The Pogue Traders pop up at music pub the Half Moon in Putney for a Christmas Hoolie. Expect to hear a comprehensive set of Pogues numbers (yes, including that one). Support act is Joseph Peters. 8pm
Today's events: Tuesday 23 December
CHRISTMAS TALES: Southgate's Chickenshed Theatre hosts the final pre-Christmas performance of Christmas Tales, a festive twist on its regular Tales From The Shed show. This time round, Santa has ordered a brand-new magic tree to match the sparkle of the Christmas decorations, but he needs help to make sure it's ready in time for the big day. 10.30am
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: Footprints of London guide Rob Smith offers a virtual tour (meaning you don't have to leave your house/battle the festive crowds), looking at how Christmas was celebrated in Islington during the Victorian period. Hear both sad and funny stories, and information gleaned from local newspapers of the time, including dancing at Henry's Assembly Rooms, and a special lunch for the Boot Black Brigade. 2pm
CANDLELIT CAROLS: It's Cadogan Hall's turn to host a candlelit carols event. The Chelsea landmark has the Mozart Festival Orchestra among its performers, with works by Handel, Bach and others, as well as some familiar carols, interspersed with readings by Matt Baker. 2.30pm/7pm
FLASH: Queen tribute act Flash promise to rock you at the New Cross Inn tonight; their covers of songs like Bohemian Rhapsody and Killer Queen have been described by the BBC as "as close as it gets". Doors 6pm
SPECIAL KINDA MADNESS: More cover bands! Experience a ska/2-Tone twist on a Christmas party at tribute band Special Kinda Madness make an appearance at the Half Moon in Putney, playing sets of songs by both The Specials and Madness. 8pm
Today's events: Wednesday 24 December/Christmas Eve
MEAT AUCTION: Every Christmas Eve, as the meat suppliers of Smithfield Market close down for the holidays, their surplus meats are sold off to the public during a raucous meat auction. Even if you're not looking to score a hunk of bargain meat, it's a chance to witness a quirky London ritual dating back more than 100 years. 10am (though arrive early for a good spot)
DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS EVE: There are few places in London we'd rather spend Christmas Eve than the Charles Dickens Museum. The author's former home in Bloomsbury looks magnificent decked out for the festive period in authentic Victorian style. The dining table is even set for Christmas dinner, as if the Dickens family are about to enter the room at any moment, and the scent of mulled wine lingers in the air. Plus, film adaptations of A Christmas Carol are shown throughout the day. 10am-5pm
MOTOWN CHRISTMAS: Camden's Jazz Cafe gets the festivities off to a lively start with A Motown Christmas in which the Atlantic Soul Orchestra perform soul classics from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Etta James. 5pm-8pm
CHRISTMAS RAVE: While Santa gets busy in the skies above, there's a techno rave going down at Dalston's Club Makossa. Hosted by RA, it's raising money for New Horizons Youth Centre — with prizes to be won including vinyl bundles, show tickets and bar tabs. FREE, donations encouraged, 5pm-12am
CHRISTMAS EVE EVENTS: For further ideas of things to see and do today (other than pacing the floor waiting for the man in red to arrive...) check out our guide to Christmas Eve events in London.
Today's events: Thursday 25 December/Christmas Day
Bear in mind that there are no buses, trains, Tubes or trams running in London on Christmas Day, with changes to the Congestion Charge and various other tolls. Full details here.
WHAT'S OPEN: Planning to leave the house today? Before you do, check what's actually open in London on Christmas Day. Almost everything shuts, save a select few pubs, restaurants and bars — and a bakery which is handing out free mince pies! Full details here.
THINGS TO DO: Despite the fact that many venues are closed, there are still a few organised events today including Parkruns, church services, tours, guided walks and even sightseeing cruises. Read our full guide to things to do in London on Christmas Day for inspiration.
CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER: Want to leave the cooking (and washing up) to someone else? Realistically, many of the places in London which serve Christmas dinner tend to get booked up. Nonetheless, if you're reading this a couple of days before Christmas Day, try some of the places on this list and see if they can squeeze you in.
SWIMMING: Fancy a dip? There are a few places around town where you can don your swimsuit and take to the water on Christmas Day (mainly in the morning, so you can still take full advantage of the turkey/cheeseboard later). Check out these pools and lidos which open on Christmas Day, though note that some need to be booked in advance.
FESTIVE FILM CLUB: The W Film Club, which takes place in the private cinema at the W Hotel on Leicester Square, holds two screenings on Christmas Day itself. Anyone can book tickets, whether you're a guest of the hotel or not. Each ticket includes popcorn, with the option to add a cocktail for a small extra charge. Watch Home Alone at 3.30pm or Elf at 5.30pm
Today's events: Friday 26 December/Boxing Day
BOWIE: THE FINAL ACT: From today, the Bertha DocHouse cinema in Bloomsbury screens new release documentary Bowie: The Final Act. It traces his journey from the 1990s, to his headline set at Glastonbury at the turn of the millennium, to crafting Blackstar, his final album which was released just days before his death in 2016. 26-30 December
DISNEY ON ICE: Don't know about you, but Disney On Ice was a staple of our childhood, and it's back at The O2 from today. This year's theme is Find Your Hero, taking you through several Disney stories, featuring characters including Mirabel (Encanto), Moana and Maui (Moana), Elsa (Frozen), plus Princesses Ariel, Belle and Rapunzel. You'll be singing and clapping along to this one, guaranteed! 26 December-4 January
SPIDERS FROM SIDCUP: If Bowie: The Final Act (above) tickled your fancy, you may also want to know that tribute group The Spiders From Sidcup are playing some of the Thin White Duke's many hits at the Pelton Arms in Greenwich. Doors 6pm
LOCAL FOOTBALL: Enfield Town Football Club play a home match at their Queen Elizabeth II Stadium, taking on Chelmsford City in the National League South — a great chance to get out and cheer on a local London team. K/O 3pm
BOXING DAY EVENTS: For further ideas of things to do today that don't involve Monopoly or turkey curry, see our pick of ways to spend Boxing Day in London.
Today's events: Saturday 27 December
FLEETWOOD BAC: Fleetwood Bac bring a Rumours‑era Fleetwood Mac tribute to the Half Moon Putney, performing a theatrical show that includes costume changes, an acoustic section and material spanning the Peter Green period to Stevie Nicks solo hits. 27-29 December
ASHES OVERNIGHTER: If you're cricket crazy enough to stay up and watch the Ashes, currently taking place Down Under, then Greenwood in Victoria has your back, with its overnight 4th Test screenings. Book your space in advance. 11am Saturday 27 December-11.30pm Sunday 28 December
DACRES WOOD: Located near Crystal Palace, Dacres Wood Nature Reserve opens on the last Saturday of every month, and today should provide a splendidly sylvan setting to walk off all those turkey sandwiches. Fittingly, the woods here are home to some very large Turkey oaks. FREE, 1pm-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 3 Jan. 2pm
DICKENS AFTER DARK: Join Footprints of London guide Mark Rowland to follow in the footsteps of Charles Dickens on his night walks through London, which gave him inspiration for his themes and characters. Begin outside the old St Peter Cheap churchyard (Cheapside) and wander for two hours before ending at the Old Bailey. 5pm
BONGO'S BINGO: Bongo’s Bingo mounts a year‑end show at Big Penny Social in Walthamstow, combining traditional bingo games with music, raving and comedy as it riffs on 2025 memes such as 100 Men vs Gorilla, Donald Trump’s micro penis and Ibiza Final Boss. 7pm-11.30pm
POP UP PAINTING: Join a sip-and-paint evening at The London Art Bar in Holborn inspired by Gordon Bruce’s Lights Of London. All materials are provided and a professional artist gives step-by-step guidance to create your own version of the artwork. Your ticket includes a glass of Prosecco and there is an optional cheeseboard. 7.30pm-10pm
Today's events: Sunday 28 December
WINTER BOAT TRIP: Head to the London Canal Museum in King's Cross and board a "mince pie cruise" winter boat trip. As you travel by canal boat through the Islington Tunnel, enjoy a mince pie and hot drink, along with guided historical commentary about the tunnel and the route. 10.30am-2.45pm
MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION: The Model Railway Club — the world's oldest model railway club — opens the doors of its King's Cross HQ for a mini exhibition. Drop by to see a selection of layouts in operation, and browse and buy pre-owned models to make your own. 11am-4pm
LA DANSE: As part of its Frederick Wiseman series, Bertha DocHouse screens La Danse: The Paris Opera Ballet, a 2009 documentary following the production of seven ballets by the Paris Opera Ballet across 12 weeks. 2pm
ICE HOCKEY: Local London ice hockey team Romford Raiders host Basingstoke Bison in a Planet Ice National League fixture at Sapphire Ice & Leisure. 5.15pm
COMEDY TAKEOVER: Headliners include Guz Khan, Tez Ilyas, Jeremy McLellan, Azhar Usman, Aatif Nawaz and Ali Official take a 20-city UK tour, The Comedy Takeover, raising funds for Gaza’s orphan appeal. Catch them at the ILEC Conference Centre in West Brompton tonight. 6pm
HUMAN JUKEBOX: Tony Bowen — aka the Human Jukebox — is back at the George IV in Chiswick for his monthly show, in which you the audience, control what he plays. Request Last Christmas at your own peril. 7pm
REGGAE CHOIR: The Jazz Cafe House Choir takes to the stage at the Camden venue, reimagining the biggest hits from Reggae legends like Bob Marley, Toots & The Maytals, Dawn Penn, Jimmy Cliff, Gregory Isaacs, Sister Nancy, and more. 7pm-10.30pm
