Have a read
Catch up on some of our 2018 highlights:
- Is this the most photographed phone box in London?
- Behind the scenes of the Fulham Palace restoration.
- The London toy shop that mirrors a child's imagination.
- How long does the Oyster card have left?
- Where's the new Thames tunnel, and when will it open?
Things to do:
CHRISTMAS FESTIVALS: Several of London's Christmas festivals — and yes, there are many — continue into the new year, with fairgrounds, ice rinks, food markets and other entertainment to banish the post-Christmas blues. If you're feeling the pinch, these festive things to do that won't cost a penny — though of course there are plenty of ways to part with your money if you're so inclined.
ICE SKATING: Get out and about on one of London's many ice skating rinks, twirling and pirouetting to your heart's content at venues ranging from central London rooftops to outer London palaces. Booking recommended this week, as they're all likely to be busy.
SNOOPY: Good grief, Charlie Brown! If you haven't yet seen this Peanuts exhibition featuring Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the gang, there's no time like the present. If you grew up on the comics, you'll recognise much of the artwork, memorabilia and merchandise on show — just don't be surprised if it makes you see some of the characters in a whole new light. Somerset House, £14, book ahead, until 3 March
LITERARY COVENT GARDEN: Join Footprints of London guide Sean Patterson for a literary themed walk around Covent Garden. Hear extracts from Fielding, John Gay, Jane Austen, Charles Lamb, John Evelyn, Samuel Pepys and others as you visit the sites of the theatres, coffee houses, pubs and brothels they would have been familiar with. Covent Garden Piazza, £12/£9, book ahead, 12pm-2pm
MOZART AND BEETHOVEN: Choose between a concert of Mozart's work, played in candlelight by the Mozart Festival Orchestra in authentic 18th century costumes (2.30pm), or a rendition of Beethoven's Ninth, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (7.30pm). Barbican, various prices, booking required.
GREAT GATSBY: Dance like it's the 1920s at a Great Gatsby Christmas party at Cecil Sharp House. The Art Deco Orchestra performs live, and party games and competitions take place throughout the evening. Cecil Sharp House (Camden), £13-£16, book ahead, 7.45pm
BOOT-LED ZEPPELIN: The Half Moon's popular cover band gigs continue with an evening of music from Boot-Led Zeppelin. Tonight, the focus is on Led Zeppelin's early days (1968-1973) — come back tomorrow for songs from the 1974-1980 era. The Half Moon (Putney), £14/£16, book ahead, 8pm
LIVE MUSIC: Superfly put their own funky twist to current pop and rock songs, for a high-octane evening of live music. 100 Wardour Street (Soho), £15, book ahead, 8.30pm
Take a look at our guide to things to do in London between Christmas and New Year for other ways to keep busy this week.
Good cause of the day
There are many good causes worthy of support, but one that comes to the fore at this time of year is homelessness. If you've got a bit of cash spare, why not donate to a homeless charity to help someone less fortunate. Options include sponsoring a room at Centrepoint, providing a hostel welcome package at St Mungo's, or paying for a meal or a bed at Hackney Winter Night Shelter — just a handful of the many worthy charities and causes out there.
