All week
MATT ROGERS: American comedian and actor gets the festive season underway at Soho Theatre with Have You Heard Of Christmas?, a seasonal comedy-musical crossover in which he shows off songs from his holiday album of the same name. 13-18 November
MIRACLE AT HENRIETTA: We'll be raising a glass (several, probably, if last year is anything to go by) to the launch of Miracle at Henrietta, the super-Christmassy pop-up bar where you can drink festive cocktails out of themed drinkware, while surrounded by seriously kitsch Christmas decorations. It's one of several winter drinking pop-ups opening this week — more are listed below. 13 November-23 December
WINTER LIGHT: A series of outdoor artworks by 10 different artists, colourfully illuminated at night, form the free Winter Light trail at Southbank Centre, which launches on Monday. Jakob Kvist's Dichroic Sphere makes a return, along with a Cosmic Bloom projected onto the Royal Festival Hall by Leo Villareal. FREE, 13 November-7 January
JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL: The UK Jewish Film Festival continues with screenings at cinemas all around the country this week, including at JW3 and the Phoenix Cinema in Finchley, as well as Picturehouse Central near Piccadilly Circus, and Curzon Mayfair, among several others. Can't make it in person? Some of the films will be available to watch online from next week. Until 19 November
JAZZ FESTIVAL: Also continuing until the end of this week is the EFG London Jazz Festival, with live performances and events taking place at various venues. Highlights include the Blue Town Trio and The Hot Club of Jupiter at Cadogan Hall, the All Female London Gay Big Band at Toulouse Lautrec, and Sergio Mendes at Barbican — though that's just a tiny snippet of the seriously impressive programme. Until 19 November
ICE RINKS: You may have noticed, London's seasonal ice rinks are starting to open. You can already skate at Canary Wharf, Battersea, Mayfair and other locations, and they're joined by openings at Somerset House, Hyde Park and Hampton Court this week.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Similarly, London's Christmas lights are in full swing, with Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden and Carnaby illuminated for the season already. Belgravia and Chelsea are among the locations getting switched on this week. FREE
DISNEY EXHIBITION: If you've got some spare time this week, why not see one of the most popular exhibitions in London right now? Disney100 at ExCel Centre marks the company's centenary, with Cinderella's glass slipper and the carousel horse ridden by Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins among the props on show. Until January 2024
LISTEN OF THE WEEK: Londonist editor Will Noble appears on the brand new podcast Strange Old World, discussing some of the stranger things you'll find in London, including white rabbits, Amy Winehouse's poo, and clown church services. Give it a listen here.
Monday 13 November
LINE DANCING: Poplar Union's regular Monday line dancing session is back. No dancing experience is necessary, as the steps are taught as part of the class, and there's time for tea, biscuits and socialising too. Age 50+. 1pm-3pm
NEON LIFE DRAWING: 'Neon Not Fully Naked Life Drawing' is tonight's happening at the Old Queen's Head in Angel. Think a life drawing workshop, with the models covered in neon and reactive materials to make them colourful and glowing in the UV light. They're not completely naked as they would be in a normal life drawing session, meaning the event is open to under-18s. 6.30pm
KOREAN FILM: As part of the London Korean Film Festival, catch a screening of Riceboy Sleeps, at Rio Cinema in Dalston. It's the story of a single mother and her teenage son living in Canada, who are forced to return to Korea for the first time since emigrating. 6.30pm
MOSAIC WORKSHOP: This week's Monday workshop at Big Penny Social in Walthamstow is a mosaic workshop, led by local artist Charlotte Gerrard. Learn mosaic techniques and take home your own mirror, coaster, house number or animal. 7pm-9pm
LATE NIGHT JAZZ: The Howl Quartet perform a Late Night Jazz concert at the Royal Albert Hall, part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Head to the Elgar Room to hear tracks from their newly-released album Airglow. 9.30pm
MONDAYS IN LONDON: Looking for something else to do, today or any other week? Take a look at our guide to things to do in London on a Monday — we've gathered together live music venues, comedy and cabaret clubs which keep going on what is usually the quietest day of the week, along with guided walks and tours scheduled on a Monday, and a few special offers too.
Tuesday 14 November
WISHMAS: The team behind Secret Cinema launches a new immersive storytelling experience, Wishmas. It's a family-friendly event taking place beneath Waterloo station, exploring where our wishes go — with a grand finale with Father Christmas himself. 14 November-7 January
GAMES NIGHT: A reminder that Chelsea Library offers a free games night for teenagers every Tuesday evening, where they can meet up and play traditional board games, Nintendo Switch games, or tabletop role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons. Age 13-18. FREE, 5.30pm-6.30pm
IRAN: A Gresham lecture in Holborn examines readings and mis-readings of the 1978-79 Iranian Revolution in Europe and the United States from the perspective of today’s uprising in Iran. Are we repeating the analytical mistakes of the past? FREE, 6pm
PEAKY BLINDERS: Footprints of London tour guide Rob Smith offers a guided tour of the London spots known to the Sabini mob, made famous recently in TV show Peaky Blinders. Hear the true story of the real Sabini gang, and visit some of their haunts in what was London's Little Italy. 6pm-8pm
CHARITY COMEDY: Matt Richardson, Joe Wells and Jen Brister are among the acts at the Matt and Co. Comedy Show at Clapham Grand, which raises money for the National Autistic Society. Rhod Gilbert, Rosie Jones, Cally Beaton, Milton Jones, Paul Sinha and Josh Jones also perform. Doors 6.30pm
CRYPT CLOSE-UP: Wander St Martin-in-the-Fields' atmospheric crypt by candlelight, while musician Lotte Betts-Dean performs the songs of English singer-songwriters Nick Drake and John Dowland. It's part of the Crypt Close-Up series of music events. 8.30pm-10pm
Wednesday 15 November
IRISH FILM FESTIVAL: Feature films, documentaries, animations and shorts are all on the programme for this year's Irish Film Festival London, screened at Vue West End, Vue Piccadilly and the London Irish Centre. 15-19 November
ELF THE MUSICAL: Santa! I know him! If you can identify that quote, you need to get yourself to the Dominion Theatre to see Elf! The Musical. For those not familiar (what!?), it's the story of Buddy, who was mistakenly raised as one of Santa's elves, despite being significantly taller than his colleagues. This one will be as popular with adults as kids. 15 November-6 January
HUMBUG BAR: In the dimly-lit arches of Waterloo's Leake Street, a pop-up drinking venue opens tonight. Humbug takes a dive bar, and stirs in a fistful of festive cheer, with a 'Naughty and Nice' cocktail list starring drinks like 'The Grinch', and characters including a disgruntled waitress, a mailman who's lost all his letters... and of course, the man in red himself. There's also live music, cabaret and circus. 15 November-6 January
CHRISTMAS AT KEW: We know we shouldn't have favourites, but we have a real soft spot for Christmas at Kew, the spectacular light and illuminations festival that takes over the gardens each winter. Over a million lights and thousands of laser beams go into the event, which also features a fire garden, light tunnel and illuminated trees. It's one of several light festivals and illumination trails opening in London this winter. 15 November-7 January
CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM: Bloomsbury's Charles Dickens Museum unveils a new exhibition, Mutual Friends: The Adventures of Charles Dickens & Wilkie Collins. It's a chance to learn about the friendship and professional relationship between the two writers, and the body of work they produced collaboratively. 15 November-25 February
EVOLUTION: Natural selection acts to ensure the ‘survival of the fittest’. But random chance has also played a huge role in the history of life on Earth, from meteorite strikes to massive earthquakes. In this Gresham lecture Prof Robin May looks at the role of chance in shaping life. FREE, 6pm
DOCTOR WHO: 60 years, almost to the day, since Doctor Who first aired, broadcaster and cultural historian Matthew Sweet and Christel Dee, author and presenter of Doctor Who: The Fan Show, team up to talk all things Doctor Who at Conway Hall. They discuss the Doctor, the companions, and what the future of the show could look like. Doctor Who fan? Check out our map of all the London locations featured in the show over the decades. 6.30pm
JAWDANCE: Spoken word night Jawdance returns to Rich Mix with a programme of featured acts and up-and-coming artists, hosted by Kat Francois. Nigerian British writer Yomi Sode, Nigerian born poet Gafar Fashola and writer and artist Alice Frecknall perform, and there's an open mic slot too. 7pm
Thursday 16 November
PAPER BOATS: Paper Boats: The Pakistani Bengali Story is a new, free exhibition at Rich Mix examining experiences of statelessness within Pakistani Bengali communities. Many have fragile legal status in Pakistan with issues around documentation and citizenship, something explored here through art, music, animation and film. FREE, 16 November-9 December
EVER AFTER GARDEN: Once again, Mayfair's Grosvenor Square glows with the light of more than 25,000 illuminated roses as the Ever After Garden returns. Anyone can visit, and though there's no admission fee, the installation raises money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, so do consider donating if you can. Alternatively, dedicate a rose to a loved one (minimum suggested donation £10). 16 November-19 December
LAVERGNE FAMILY: The National Gallery opens a new free display, Discover Liotard and the Lavergne Family. It features The Lavergne Family Breakfast, one of Liotard’s largest and most ambitious works in pastel, alongside his oil version of the same work. FREE, 16 November-3 March
BOXING BISHOP: The Untold Edmonton programme of free local history talks continues with an event about the Boxing Bishop of Edmonton. Archbishop Costakis Evangelou MBE's story was told recently in a documentary, and he's present at tonight's event telling the story of how he has founded football, boxing, and arts clubs for young people in the area, over more than 30 years. FREE, 6.30pm-7.30pm
THE WRONG TROUSERS: Animated film Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers is 30 years old, an anniversary being marked by the Cartoon Museum. In an online event, watch the film from the comfort of your own home, followed by a panel discussion with Wallace & Gromit creator, Nick Park, and renowned cinematographer Dave Alex Riddett. 7pm-9pm
SEBASTIAN FAULKS: Author Sebastian Faulks — best known for writing Birdsong — is at Alleyn's School in Dulwich to discuss his new book, The Seventh Son. Published in September, it's about a fertility experiment which takes place behind closed doors and threatens to completely change the future of the human race. 7.30pm
ALICE PISANO: London-based pop singer-songwriter Alice Pisano gives a headline show at the Sebright Arms in Cambridge Heath, performing her own original songs about dating and heartbreak. 7.30pm
Friday 17 November
CHRISTMAS WINE FEST: Thinking about your festive tipple already? The Big Christmas Wine Fest has vino experts Oz Clarke, Tim Atkin MW and Olly Smith on hand to help you pick the perfect wine to pair with your turkey. Over 600 wines from all around the world are available for tasting, and ready to buy when you find one that floats your boat. 17-18 November
CROWN AND CORONATION: The Tower of London is illuminated with regal projections for Crown and Coronation, a light show continuing the coronation celebrations. See images and video clips of monarchs, coronation ceremonies and the Crown Jewels projected onto the White Tower after dark every evening from tonight. 17-25 November
ING DISCERNING EYE: Head to Mall Galleries from Friday to see the free entry ING Discerning Eye Annual Exhibition. It's a show of small, domestic-scale artworks (max 50cm dimensions) by UK-based artists, chosen by an independent panel including artists, art collectors and critics. All of the artworks are for sale. FREE, 17-26 November
HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND: London's giant festive funfair returns to Hyde Park, with all the usual attractions; ice rink, giant wheel, funfair rides, ice kingdom, circus, Christmas market and food and drink stalls. Note that like last year, you'll need to book your entry slot in advance, and prices vary depending on peak and off-peak timings. 17 November-1 January
LIGHT FANTASTIC: Choo choo! All aboard the Epping Ongar Railway for Lights Express, a special ride on a train that's illuminated with countless fairy lights. Once on board, watch the world whizz by the window, with other illuminations to be enjoyed from within the train. 17 November-7 January
STRANGER THINGS: A new Stranger Things show is coming to London, set several decades later than the Netflix show, but in the same town of Hawkins, Indiana. We won't give too much away, but it's got to be worth a look if you're eagerly awaiting series five. 17 November-August 2024
PAELLA MASTERCLASS: Michelin-starred Spanish chef Dani Garcia hosts a paella masterclass at his Shoreditch restaurant, BiBo. Get an insight into Spanish cuisine as you cook along, followed by dinner served by Garcia himself. 6pm-7.30pm
DRAG COMEDY CABARET: BBC New Comedy Award shortlisted drag comedian Lady Bushra hosts Drag Comedy Cabaret at Queen of Hoxton. Hear about life from a South Asian perspective, in a theatre/cabaret style setting. 7pm
Saturday 18 November
PALACE GARDENS: This weekend is your last chance to visit the Hampton Court Palace Gardens for free this year. The Great Fountain Garden, Kitchen Garden and Pond Garden, among other external areas, can be visited for free for two days only (you'd normally have to pay palace admission). Note that there's still a charge to visit the palace itself, the Maze, or the Magic Garden Playground, and for an extra charge, you can go ice skating in the palace grounds too. FREE, 18-19 November
LGBTQ+ FAMILY NETWORK: Every couple of months, the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich hosts the LGBTQ+ Family Network, allowing LGBTQ+ families to meet and get to know each other while taking part in creative activities inspired by the local area. FREE, 10am-2pm
SEA SHANTY FESTIVAL: Cutty Sark celebrates its 154th birthday with a sea shanty festival taking place on board. Join in with singing traditional maritime songs, with performances from all-female group The Silver Darlings, and The London Sea Shanty Collective, among others. Included in usual admission price. 10am-4.30pm
THE HAUNTED LANDSCAPE: London Fortean Society hosts a day of talks about witchcraft, folklore, ghosts and fairies in the British Isles. Hear from Allyson Shaw about her personal journey in the footsteps of those accused of witchcraft in 17th-century Scotland, and Londonist contributor Sandra Lawrence about fungi in folklore, among other speakers. Takes place at Conway Hall. 10am-5pm
OLD BERMONDSEY: Tour guide Alison Turner leads a small group around the wharves, warehouses, and food factories of Old Bermondsey. Discover the triumphs of Victorian engineering — and the era’s dark side: the hellish factories that sparked an uprising by female jam workers, and the cholera-plagued slum immortalised in Dickens' Oliver Twist. Meet 11.15am for 11.30am start
RUBIK'S CUBE: If you've ever been puzzled by a Rubik's Cube, get yourself to the Royal Institution for a talk about the maths and magic of the colourful toys. Mathematician and professional magician Andrew Jeffrey talks about the construction of not just the cube, but numbers themselves. 6pm-7.15pm
IMPROV: The League of Improv is back at the Century Club, Shaftesbury Avenue with guest comedian and master of improv Steen Raskopoulos. The improvised show features a cast from Chicago's renowned Second City and IO Theatres and from The Free Association of London. 8pm
SCARED TO DANCE: Alternative club night Scared To Dance is back at The Shacklewell Arms in Dalston, and this week's guest DJ is comedian Celya AB. Dance the night away to post-punk, indiepop, new wave and art rock music from the likes of Belle and Sebastian, Iggy Pop, Grace Jones and Joy Division. 11pm
Sunday 19 November
MIDCENTURY MODERN: Taking place at Dulwich College, the Midcentury Modern is an interiors show of 20th century furniture, soft furnishings, wallpaper, glassware and other items to kit out your home for a retro vibe, as well as pieces by modern designers. 85 dealers and designers are scheduled to attend. 10am-4pm
SANTA STAIR CLIMB: Fancy seeing the views from the top of One Canada Square, the pyramid-topped skyscraper in Canary Wharf? You can — you'll just need to climb all the steps to get there. The Santa Stair Climb is a charity event with volunteers walking up all 48 floors to raise money for London food poverty charity The Felix Project. You can sign up as an individual or as part of a team. 10.30am-1.30pm
HAND SHADOW SHOW: Take the kids along to Dulwich Picture Gallery for Mr Shadow, a hand shadow show. Watch tales unfold featuring beautiful creatures made from shadows, with vintage hand shadow routines by the likes of Prasanna Rao, Edward Victor and Albert Almoznino used. 10.30am/1.30pm
THE MIGHTY GODDESS: Storytelling experts Crick Crack Club pitch up at the British Museum for The Mighty Goddess. Sally Pomme Clayton brings her book The Mighty Goddess to life through storytelling, featuring lust and greed, death and destruction, transformation and rebirth. Age 16+. 2.30pm-4.20pm
AFTERNOON CONCERT: The Natrio Trumpet Trio perform a programme of works by J.S. Bach. Nicole Piunno, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Harold Arlen in an afternoon concert, taking place at St Nicholas Church in Chiswick. 3pm
Museum treasure of the week
The Thames River Police Museum in Wapping is an Aladdin's cave of maritime history. Perhaps its most poignant treasure is this threadbare ensign, which was recovered from the wreck of the Princess Alice in 1878. The crowded paddle steamer went down after colliding with a coal. Between 600 and 700 people drowned in the chilly Thames waters near Beckton, made all the more horrific by a recent discharge of raw sewage. It is the worst accident of any kind in London's recorded history. The museum is occasionally open to the public (such as on Open House weekend), or group visits can be arranged by appointment.
Good cause of the week
Want to pick up work by a leading artist without spending too much money? Art of a Postcard's autumn/winter auction is now open, with all proceeds going to the Hepatitis C Trust. Over 500 works from many of the world's best contemporary artists feature in the online auction. Put in a bid for as little as £50 and you could pick up a masterpiece. A private view takes place in Soho on 21 November, should you wish to see the works hanging on a wall.
