All weekend
LONDON INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL: This festival does what it says on the tin, presenting some groundbreaking new animation as well as putting on classic retrospectives. Screenings take place all over London. Take a look at the programme to see if anything takes your fancy. Prices vary, 2-11 December
HORNIMAN CHRISTMAS FAIR: This is slightly different than your run of the mill Christmas market, due to all the extra events The Horniman Museum has tied into it. Choose from puppet making, storytelling, a Christmas trail, and more. Free entry but individual events cost and should be booked, 3-4 December
CRAFTY FOX CHRISTMAS MARKET: This Brixton Christmas market aims to promote the work of local designers. The event is curated by Zoe Pearson, the UK Marketing Manager for Pinterest, and the stalls will be different on each day, with items on sale including textiles, ceramics, jewellery, vinyl art and more. Free entry, just turn up, 3-4 December
POP-UP DESIGN MARKET: Life isn't easy for young creative graduates. There's so much amazing work out there, it's easy for a piece of brilliance to get lost in the shuffle. This pop-up market at the Peckham Pelican aims to set that straight, showing off some of the amazing work done by graduates from Central Saint Martins. Free entry, just turn up, 3-4 December
CIRCUS WEEKEND: Ever thought you could dazzle a big top with acrobatic majesty? Here's your chance to get involved with a circus skills workshop at Southbank Centre. Suitable for children of 5+ and all talent abilities. Free, just turn up, 3-4 December
TURNING EARTH WINTER MARKET: Turning Earth ceramic studio in Hoxton is hosting its annual winter market. The market has more than just ceramics; there's food, drink and ceramics demonstrations, as well as live klezma music. Proceeds from specially donated works will go to the Hackney Migrant Centre, so there's a good cause at the heart of this one. Free entry, just turn up, 3-4 December
WALLHALLA: Anselm Kiefer has an incredible new exhibition at White Cube in Bermondsey. He's turned the entire space into an internment camp which is well worth seeing first hand. Free, 10am-6pm Saturday, 12am-6pm Sunday
Saturday 3 December
EAST END INDEPENDENTS' DAY: Get your belly ready, it's jellied eel time. The East End Trades Guild represents over 150 east London businesses, trying to keep the community spirit and integrity that the area is famed for. Check out the full listings, as there are loads of fabulous events and discounts on the day. All day
WELL STREET MARKET: After hard work and crowdfunding, Well Street Market is back and better than ever. Alongside the traditional market stalls, there will also a be a teenage market and Student Makers market, as well as workshops and talks along the street. You might even bump into Santa. Free, just turn up, 9am-5pm
NATURAL NAVIGATION: Leave your smartphone at home, it's time to go old school. Learn how to navigate using the sun, wind, plants and animals at this workshop in Hyde Park. Wrap up warm as you'll spend most of your time outside. £10, book in advance, 10am-12pm
CREATE A LANTERN: Kensington Palace is hosting a drop-in session for anyone who wants to create a paper lantern, inspired by the beautiful ones that decorate the palace itself. Perfect for families, you only have to pay for entrance to the palace and then swing by, 10am-3pm
FREE MASSAGE: Feeling stressed? Treat yourself to a complimentary 20-minute shiatsu massage at Crown House Creative. The Professional Shiatsu School has teamed up with its students to deliver a six-hour shiatsu massage marathon. Free, donation suggested, just turn up, 10am-4pm
BLOOMSBURY WALK: Bloomsbury has strong associations with children and this tour hopes to uncover many of them. Learn about Peter Pan, Captain Coram, a world famous children's hospital and an art deco building said to have inspired a beloved toy. Adults £10 (children go free), book in advance, 11am-12.30pm
LUMEN CHRISTMAS FAIR: Get your fix of science and Christmas at Lumen Studios in Bethnal Green for Lumen's Alternative Christmas Universe. The market features artists and designers who base their work on a mixture of art and science. Free, just turn up, noon-6pm
BIG WOW SMALL WONDER: Perfect for any child tired of feeling little, Big Wow Small Wonder follows the story of Justin, the smallest boy in the whole town. It's at the Half Moon Theatre in Limehouse and is performed by poet Justin Coe, ideal for children aged 4-9 and their families. £7, book in advance, 3pm-3.50pm
THIS IS YOUR TRIAL: Many tremble at the thought of audience participation in a comedy show, so here's an upfront warning; This Is Your Trial has lots of it. The show takes the form of a courtroom (comedy) drama, and is a chance for audience members to put each other on trial, led by talented comedians. £6, book in advance, 7.30pm-9pm
THE RAVE SPACE: This ambitious project is a blend of a DJ set and performance. Created by London DJ Will Dickie, The Rave Space at Camden People's Theatre explores the significance of dance culture, at a time when so many of London's clubs are under siege. £12/£10, book in advance, 9pm
Sunday 4 December
MAKE YOUR OWN CHILDREN'S BOOK: A chance for parents to give their child a Christmas present they'll cherish for years to come. Authors Laura Dockrill and artist Paul Johnson will expertly guide you through the journey of crafting a children's book from scratch. £45, 10.30am-4.30pm
STALKING TREES: Nature and the city share a strained relationship. Marking the end of National Tree Week, the Museum of Walking is putting on this walking tour, which studies how the city's trees have been affected by urban development. £15, book in advance, 11am-12.30pm
HAMPSTEAD CHRISTMAS: Got that festive feeling yet? You will when you go to Burgh House and Hampstead Museum's Christmas Art and Craft Fair. Drink mulled wine, stuff yourself with mince pies, pick up some gifts and get crafting! Free, just turn up, 11am-4pm
ACOUSTIC SUNDAY: Cosy up in Dalston's The Crypt for a festive Acoustic Sunday, presented by Sound Advice UK. Things kick off with an open mic session, before whittling through a selection of east London's finest acoustic musicians. Make a donation, just turn up, 2pm-7pm
QUIZNEY: Quizcats are taking over Proud Camden to host their annual event Quizney, a Disney and Christmas themed quiz. It's supported by the Quizcats themselves, a 10-piece band, who'll be playing all your favourite Disney tunes as the night wears on. £13, book in advance, 6.30pm
LUNAR SHADOWS: Witness a dance epic at Rich Mix in Shoreditch. Lunar Shadows is an odyssey that travels from the outer reaches of the ancient universe, to a modern day psychiatric hospital in Las Vegas. £10, book in advance, 7.30pm
