All week
EVER AFTER GARDEN: This is the final full week to see Mayfair's Grosvenor Square aglow with 25,000 illuminated roses, forming the Ever After Garden. The installation is a fundraiser for the Royal Marsden Hospital Cancer Charity, and though it's free to visit, you're invited to dedicate a rose to a loved one (suggested minimum donation £10). FREE, until 19 December, 3pm-9pm
CHRISTMAS MARKETS: Still got some Christmas shopping to do? Swing by London's plentiful Christmas markets and fairs for food and drink, jewellery, homewares, crafts and other gift ideas — and maybe treat yourself while you're at it. We won't tell if you won't...
ICE SKATING: Want to go ice skating in London this winter? We've rounded up the best pop-up winter ice skating rinks in London, including the biggies at Somerset House, Battersea Power Station, Hampton Court Palace, and all manner of other lovely backdrops for perfecting your Bambi impression.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: You can't turn anywhere in London at the moment without catching sight of Christmas lights. So embrace it, with our guide to London's 2023 Christmas lights, including where and when to see them, and what they look like. Alternatively, see them from a bus, or take a self-guided walking tour around the West End's most festive spots.
FESTIVE BARS: Got a date night/friends catch-up/office drinks planned? Hit up one of London's winter drinking pop-ups and sup your way through festive drinks including boozy hot chocolate, Toblerone Martinis, spiced cider, mulled sloe gin and the like. For an absolute overdose of Christmas, Miracle is a particular favourite of ours.
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON: To be honest, we could go on for ages telling you about the various festive things you could do in London this week. Instead, we'll point you in the direction of our huge Christmas in London guide, which covers all of the above plus pantomime, festive theatre and dance shows, Winter Wonderland, Santa's grottos, Christmas dining and plenty more.
ANTI-CHRISTMAS: And if all that is so not up your street, or the festivities are getting too much, have a peruse of ways to avoid Christmas in London this December. We've got plenty of ideas for current theatre shows and exhibitions where you shouldn't find so much as a tickle of tinsel or a flash of a fairy light.
DRINK OF THE WEEK: Mayfair welcomes rakish new bar, Dear Darling, a mansion-like establishment, which we're told has "a provocative, seductive and kinky side", with immersive performances including the likes of shibari. Sounds like a devilishly good place to sink a cocktail or two.
EAT OF THE WEEK: From festive sushi to red-nosed doughnuts, we've compiled the quirkiest festive eats available around town this Christmas — time to get stuck in!
Monday 11 December
PARENTS' COMEDY: Woolwich Works hosts a Bring Your Own Baby comedy session, aimed at parents and carers with little ones in tow. You're welcome to feed and change your baby as needed, as two comedy acts take to the stage. Note that strictly no children over 12 months are allowed. 12pm
THE HAUNTED MAN: Watch an online performance of The Haunted Man, the last of Charles Dickens's Christmas books. James Swanton stars in the production, which is hosted by the Charles Dickens Museum, but shown over Zoom. 6pm
SOCIAL MEDIA: Entrepreneur Simon Squibb hosts an evening focusing on the power of social media, with influencers and social media experts offering tips and tricks on how to use social media to the best effect. YouTube star Zac Alsop and marketing manager Ahmad Jabbir are among the panellists at Boxpark Wembley. 6pm-9pm
BIG FAT QUIZBOX: Meanwhile, Boxpark Shoreditch hosts its regular quiz night, Big Fat Quizbox. Gather your most knowledgeable friends to be part of your team, and compete in questions about music, films and general knowledge, as well as a picture round. There's a £50 bar tab for the winning team. 7pm-9pm
ROYAL DOCKS: Once the largest enclosed body of water in the world, London's Royal Docks have a lot of history — and Footprints of London guide Rob Smith shares some of it on a virtual tour tonight. Find out how it all started with a railway, the factories which were built alongside the docks, and the heritage features which remain today. 8pm-9pm
NO DIRECTION HOME: Refugee comedy collective No Direction Home puts on a show at Soho Theatre, starring comedians of refugee and migrant backgrounds. Sarah Keyworth hosts and Shaparak Khorsandi headlines, with performances by Yasmeen Audisho Ghrawi and Leith Elzubaidi too. 9.15pm
Tuesday 12 December
TAVERN CHRISTMAS PARTY: Leadenhall Market's Lamb Tavern throws a Christmas party, open to everyone. Mulled wine and turkey scotch eggs are available, and entertainment includes a wandering brass band. 4pm-11pm
KIM WILDE: Singer Kim Wilde headlines a Wilde Winter Acoustic Session at Union Chapel in Islington, performing a mix of her own songs and well-known Christmas tracks in an intimate, acoustic setting. Her brother Ricky, niece Scarlett and guitarist Neil accompany her on stage. 7pm
THE NUTCRACKER: The Royal Opera House's cinema programme ensures its productions reach a wider audience by screening recordings at cinemas. Today, The Nutcracker is streamed live to selected cinemas (find your nearest), or if you can't make tonight, Encore (pre-recorded) screenings take place from this Sunday. 7.15pm
LIARS' LEAGUE: Spoken word night Liars' League is at a slightly different venue this month — The Wheatsheaf in Rathbone Place — but has the same blend of storytellers and spoken word artists taking to the stage to share their performance on this month's theme of Hearth & Home. 7.30pm
LAUGH TILL IT HURTS: Rich Wilson is MC at the Laugh Til It Hurts fundraising comedy show at The Comedy Store, with Rob Beckett, Marcus Brigstocke, and Esther Manito among the performers. Money raised goes to homelessness charity Crisis. 7.30pm
COMEDY PODCAST LIVE: Be in the audience at the live recording of the Adam and Joe Podcast Christmas special. It's the first time the festive edition has been recorded in front of a live audience, and we're told to expect conversational rambles, email contributions from listeners, and music from a special guest. Takes place at Southbank Centre. 8pm
Wednesday 13 December
MUSEUM BY CANDLELIGHT: Did you know that London has its own Fan Museum, located in Greenwich? You do now, and this week is absolutely the time to visit as it hosts four Museum by Candlelight evenings, giving you a chance to see the collection illuminated almost entirely by candlelight, with a soundtrack of classic festive tunes. 13-16 December
LONDON HORSE SHOW: The London International Horse Show returns to ExCeL from today, with international equestrian sport, seriously impressive equestrian displays and over 200 luxury shops, as well as three FEI World Cup competitions – in Show Jumping, Dressage and Driving. 13-18 December
SHIPKEEPING: Every so often, Cutty Sark hosts Shipkeeping in Action, a chance to meet and talk to the team who care for the historic tea clipper. Find out why wetting down the deck has to be done daily, and see what else is going on, from hull inspections to oiling, painting and more. Included in the price of a Cutty Sark admission ticket on the day. 11am-3pm
E.T. IN CONCERT: The Philharmonia Orchestra performs John Williams' famous score to E.T., live at Southbank Centre — while the film is screened in sync, on a huge HD screen. 7pm
CHRISTMAS WINES: Planning your Christmas wine selection? Mull it over as you sup your way through a flight of eight different styles of wine at Woolwich Works. Experts are on hand to offer advice and help you find the right tipple for you, whatever you're after. 7.30pm
STOLEN TABLE COMEDY: The free monthly oddball-clown-comedy night Stolen Table Comedy Party is back at the Love cocktail bar on Portobello Road, starring seven clowns and alt comedians who'll be vying for your giggles in some seriously silly ways. FREE, 7.30pm-10.30pm
Thursday 14 December
SHAKESPEARE: 2023 marked the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare's First Folio. Jonathan Wober is at Guildhall Library (and livestreamed) to discuss where the Bard lived and worked in London, how London influenced Shakespeare and how he left his mark on the City. FREE, 2pm-3pm
CAROLS AND ICES: London has plenty of carol concerts at this time of year, but London Canal Museum can probably claim the most unusual venue, with Camden Town Community Choir performing inside its historic ice well, which is specially illuminated for the occasion. There's also the chance to take a short boat trip on the canal at night, plus free mince pies, ice cream-making demos and other entertainment. 5.50pm-9pm
KEATS BY CANDLELIGHT: Another winter evening, another museum hosting a special candlelight opening. This time it's Keats House in Hampstead, former home of poet John Keats, and the event gives you a chance to explore the building, led by an expert guide. 6pm-7pm
CHRISTMAS CAROLS: Fancy soaking up loads of seasonal cheer at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all while supporting a superb cause? You can do exactly that at The Passage Christmas Carol Service, which takes places this evening at St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey. There's a suggested donation of £25, with all money raised supporting the charity's mission to end street homelessness. Look out for some familiar faces/voices from the worlds of TV and radio during the readings, and don't forget to admire this spectacular, history-steeped building while you’re there. Book ahead, 6pm-7pm (sponsor)
AUTISM AID: Enjoy festive music and readings in St Luke’s Church, Battersea. All proceeds go towards BeyondAutism, who help autistic children and young adults access an education which empowers them to lead a life full of choice, independence and opportunity. 6.30pm
ICE DISCO: Sure, you could take to one of London's regular ice rinks. OR, you could dance/tumble the night away at one of Ally Pally's Christmas ice discos, which begin tonight. Spend two hours skating away under disco lights while classic Christmas songs are played. Age 14+. 7pm
WAR CHILD: Gabrielle Aplin, Passenger, Hannah Grace, Alfie Hudson-Taylor and Maya Delilah all perform at a special Christmas concert at Union Chapel in Islington. The event is in aid of charity War Child, which supports children living through war. 7pm
COMEDY NIGHT: Sara Barron, Nabil Abdulrashid, Runi Talwar, Abi Carter Simpson and a special guest (TBC) all perform at this comedy night at Sambrook's Brewery in Wandsworth. Your ticket includes a free Third of Sambrook's beer. 8pm
BAPTISM BY FIRE: In Rex Lee's hour-long existential comedy-horror Baptism By Fire, two characters find themselves stuck in a play written by a Bulgarian playwright who's gone missing and hasn't finished writing the piece. It's on at Barons Court Theatre for the next three nights. 8pm, and again on 15 and 16 December
Friday 15 December
KENSINGTON GARDENS: The Royal Parks offers a guided walking tour around Kensington Gardens, telling the hidden stories of some of its well-known statues. Find out why it was gradually separated from neighbouring Hyde Park and hear about the Peter Pan statue, the Albert Memorial, and a statue which was thrown out of Trafalgar Square. Age 18+. 11am-12.30pm
YULE ROCK: The Sunday Assembly hosts its annual festive sing-along, Yule Rock, at Conway Hall in Holborn. Comedian, writer and secular activist Ariane Sherine hosts, and Christmas outfits are encouraged — the sillier or sparklier, the better — as you join in with well-known Christmas songs. All ages welcome. 7pm
BEYONCÉ CLUB NIGHT: Relive the magic of the Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour at Between The Bridges. Club Renaissance is a night filled with music, dancers, DJs, and live performances from Beyoncé Experience. 7pm
CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT: As Christmas concerts go, Southwark Cathedral is up there among London's best settings. Head along there this evening for the Cathedral Choir's Christmas concert, featuring Handel's Messiah and carols by candlelight. Mulled wine and mince pies are available to buy during the interval. 7.30pm
GALLERY LATES: The National Gallery hosts its final Friday Lates of the year, with various activities and events going on. Contemporary artists Sharon Walters and Rana Begum give talks, musician Hannah Catherine Jones performs a live improvised soundscape, and there's comedy inspired by painting, as well as a chance to explore the usual galleries. FREE, until 9pm
Saturday 16 December
FAMILY BALLET: Take the family along to Mycanae House in Blackheath for The Magic Word, a family-friendly ballet show featuring dancing, storytelling and eye-catching costumes. It's the story of the Forest Queen who needs something from the Forest Elf, and has to learn how to ask for it nicely. 10.30am/12pm
FAMILY FESTIVAL: Artist Peter Paul Rubens is the inspiration behind Dulwich Picture Gallery's Family Festival, which has a theme of Winter Light. The event includes sketching classes, fashion catwalks and trails around the Gallery, focusing on how Rubens used light and movement in his paintings. 11am-4pm
SIP, STAMP AND SAVOR: If you're looking to treat yourself this weekend, Café Spice Namasté in Gallions Reach is hosting Sip, Stamp, and Savor, where you'll block print an apron, enjoy a festive drink, then sit down to a specially festive Indian feast, courtesy of culinary maestro Cyrus Todiwala. 11.30am-3pm
IRAQNOPHOBIA: Based on its ingenious title alone, this special instalment of Weapons of Mass Hilarity is worth going to. 20 years on from the Iraq war, comedian Jenan Younis performs fresh material about this, being a model minority, selective empathy... and the 1001 microaggressions she's accumulated over the years. Doors 1.30pm
THE BOOK OF DUST: Barbican Cinema offers an NT Encore screening of The Book of Dust. It's a recording of the National Theatre's previous production of the show, which is set 12 years before Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. 2.30pm
MAKROOH: Soho Theatre is the place to head for Makrooh, an afternoon of spoken word and music performed by British Muslim artists. Headliners TBA at time of writing, but there's also an open mic for any members of the audience who want to get involved. 3pm
Sunday 17 December
UPCYCLING WORKSHOP: Got an item of clothing in need of repair? Take it along to Tipis on the Green in Parsons Green, and learn the basics of sewing and embroidering to visibly mend it, adding colour, texture and character as part of the repair process. 10am-11.30am
BANGLATOWN WALK: Take a guided walk focusing on Bengali migration and settlement in the East End of London. Begin at Brick Lane Bookshop, and learn about the Bengali community’s history, heritage, cultural practices, as well as both the value of multiculturalism and the tensions it can create. 12pm
DRAG BRUNCH: There's a festive edition of the West End Drag Brunch at The Otherist by Drake & Morgan, near Liverpool Street. You can expect a two-course brunch and welcome drink (with the option to go bottomless), along with performances from drag queens from the West End, in full festive mode. Expect them to... sleigh. 1pm-4pm
HO LO SINGERS: Get thee to Forty Hall in Enfield, where the Hi Lo Singers invite you to partake in mulled wine and a mince pie, while they perform a collection of Chrimbo classics. 2pm-3pm
VICTORIAN ISLINGTON: Meet Footprints of London guide Rob Smith at Angel station, for a guided walk focusing on what Christmas was like in the local area during the Victorian era. Hear both funny and sad stories, and learn about past local traditions, including currant cake, dancing, and Christmas lectures. 2pm-3.45pm
ALL NIGHT WORKERS: Nine-piece Memphis Soul and Motown group All Night Workers are playing at the Cavern in Raynes Park this afternoon — and we dare you not to get up and groove! 3pm
POPUP PAINTING: Try your hand at recreating Elizabeth Kennedy‘s Klimt-inspired Tree of Life, at a festive edition of PopUp Painting. Prosecco is included at the London Art Bar event, where all art materials are provided and a practising artist is on hand to offer guidance. 3.30pm-6pm
Good cause of the week
With all the Christmas hoo-ha in the air, it would be easy to forget about giving blood — but the NHS needs supplies all year round. In fact they need nearly 5,000 people to give blood every day to meet the needs of hospitals and patients. Donating blood is easy in London, with many donation centres across the capital. It takes just an hour and can save up to three lives. (Plus, there's free biscuits and juice afterwards.) NHS Blood and Transplant welcomes all, and particularly needs more Black donors, whose blood type is more likely to be a match for patients with sickle cell disease. You can also donate much-needed plasma, at a dedicated centre in Twickenham.
Do something amazing today — give blood.
Find out how and where to donate blood here.
