All week
CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: The Highgate International Chamber Music Festival brings together leading musicians from around the world to perform in unique combinations. For the first time, the festival has an evening dedicated entirely to baroque music, and a fundraiser for Haringey Young Musicians, as well as its usual mix of concerts at St Anne's Highgate. 2-8 December
THE GINGERBREAD CITY: A model metropolis made entirely from gingerbread, icing and other sweet treats has opened its tiny doors. The Gingerbread City is on display at The Gaumont in Chelsea featuring mini buildings and structures designed by teams of engineers and architects. Until 29 December. Additionally, free exhibition Gingerbread Greenwich is at Woolwich Works until 6 January
CAROL CONCERTS: We're now in peak carol concert season, with fah-la-las and Away in a Mangers taking place at churches (and other venues) all over town this week. We've listed all of the ones we know about — many of them for charity — in our guide to London's carol concerts, so have a read and get booking.
PANTOMIMES: Also getting underway with vigour is panto season (oh no it's not, etc etc). Whether you're after a family trip to the theatre, or something for an exclusively adult audience, here's our pick of the best pantos in London this year, with all the beanstalks, glass slippers and magic carpets you could ever need.
FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA: In the market for a festive treat, post-shopping pick-me-up, or catch up with friends or family? Loads of London venues are serving up Christmas afternoon teas, with seasonal flavours including cranberry, gingerbread and mince pie featuring heavily on the menus. Have a look at what's available and get booking.
EAT OF THE WEEK: As mentioned above, 'tis mince pie season, and a few offerings have caught our eye, including an empanada version from De Nadas (Notting Hill, Shoreditch, Stoke Newington, Bethnal Green), Pophams' King's Ginger-steeped effort (Islington, London Fields, Victoria Park), and St John's boozy, crusty classic (Borough, Covent Garden, Bermondsey). All mince pies are available now. Meanwhile, London Canal Museum offers mince pie cruises, with boat trips along the canal accompanied by a locally-baked mince pie.
BOOK OF THE WEEK: Tube Mapper's third book of photography focuses on the various contrasts seen on London's transport network (vintage and futuristic, light and dark, nature and the man-made), and is a must for the coffee table of any London aesthete/transport enthusiast. Contrast is available to pre-order now, delivered from 6 December.
Monday 2 December
LIFE DRAWING: The Estorick Collection of Italian art in Highbury hosts an untutored life drawing session with professional life model Dominic Blake. Beginners and experienced artists are welcome to join the event, with materials provided, though you can bring your own if you prefer. 6.30pm
PUB QUIZ: Step on board the Golden Hinde for a pub-style quiz, spanning categories including music, film and TV, and sport. The bar's open all evening, with a maximum team size of six people, and prizes to be won. 7pm
CHRISTMAS CHARITY COMEDY: Jenny Eclair headlines a comedy show raising money for charity Women and Children First, which supports women through childbirth in remote and rural areas around the world. Nish Kumar, Mark Watson and Amy Gledhill are among those joining Eclair on stage at Leicester Square Theatre. 7.30pm
COULD SCIENCE ABOLISH DEATH?: Neuroscientist Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston is at the Royal Institution to talk about the latest brain preservation techniques, whether they could lead to us abolishing death altogether... and whether that's something we should do. 7pm-8.30pm
WITCHCRAFT HISTORY: As part of the Last Tuesday Society's Season of the Witch programme of events, hear from Marion Gibson Professor of Renaissance and Magical Literatures at the University of Exeter. She discusses 13 significant trials in the history of witchcraft, looking at how it evolved from being seen as a threat to Christianity to perceived as gendered persecution. 7.30pm-9pm
Tuesday 3 December
ROLLING STONES: Bayliss Rare Books in Soho opens an exhibition of The Lost Photos of Spanish Tony Sanzhez — a photographer who worked with Keith Richards and the Rolling Stones. View previously unseen photographs of The Stones at the free exhibition, with a 20% discount available on all prints bought. FREE, 3-5 December
OLGA KOCH: Comedian Olga Koch brings her current show, Olga Koch Comes From Money, to Soho Theatre, following a run at the Edinburgh Fringe. Described as her most honest and least relatable show yet, Koch looks inward at how the role of money and her wealthy upbringing have come to shape her, and the moral questions that raises. 3-21 December
THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD: One of our picks for family-friendly Christmas theatre shows in London this year, The Gruffalo's Child opens at Artsdepot today, telling a cautionary tale about the young Gruffalo who ventures into the deep dark wood, despite her father warning her not to. Age 3+. 3 December-5 January
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: Escape the depths of winter for the evening with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Eleanor Rhode’s dazzling production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream opens at the Barbican this week, featuring Mathew Baynton (Ghosts, Horrible Histories) as Bottom. This fairy-filled comedy of enchantment is here for a limited London season, so best get tickets sharpish. 3 December-18 January (sponsor)
BRITISH CEMETERIES: Though we often think of British cemeteries as being Victorian, they're actually a Georgian invention. The Georgian Group hosts Brent Elliott, co-author on a forthcoming book about British cemeteries, to talk about the two key phases of cemetery development, and the resulting landscapes. 6.30pm
WINE PAIRING DINNER: Holy Carrot Portobello joins forces with Sager & Wine for a six-course meal with wine pairings. Enjoy a special menu of Holy Carrot’s plant-based plates, all paired with Sager & Wine’s exclusive natural wines. A selection of non-alcoholic wines is available for anyone avoiding booze. 6.30pm
WOMEN OF THE NATIVITY: Biblical scholar Paula Gooder uses her knowledge and storytelling skills to recreate the events of the nativity, from the point of view of nine women who were involved, some of whom were recorded in scripture, and some of whom have been imagined, such as the innkeeper's wife. Takes place at Southwark Cathedral. 7pm-8.30pm
Wednesday 4 December
CHRISTMAS COMEDY: The Crown & Treaty in Uxbridge hosts a Christmas comedy night. Acts are TBC at time of writing, but there's the chance to add on a two-course festive feast when booking your ticket to help you make a night of it. Either way, your ticket includes a free drink. 6.30pm
BLACK HOLES: Gresham Professor of Astronomy and The Sky at Night host Chris Lintott gives today's free lecture, which delves into the nature of black holes. Find out about the gravitational waves caused by the movements of black holes hundreds of millions of light-years away, and how the gold in your jewellery was forged by epic cosmic events. Watch in person at Conway Hall, or online. FREE, 7pm
CHRISTMAS PAINT & SIP: Big Penny Social hosts a Paint & Sip event, where you can spend the evening using acrylics to create a masterpiece to take home with you — aided along by a drink or two, of course. No artist experience necessary. 7pm-9.30pm
ANGELA MERKEL: Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel is in conversation with BBC journalist Katya Adler at Southbank Centre, discussing her new memoir, Freedom. The former leader rarely gave interviews while in office. Hear her discuss the people and politics which have shaped her life, spanning time in two German states – 35 years in the German Democratic Republic, and 35 years in reunited Germany. 7.30pm
DEAR FATHER CHRISTMAS: Many children across London are getting ready to write their annual letters to Father Christmas — but where did the custom start? Dr Ceri Houlbrook, a Senior Lecturer in Folklore and History, gives an online talk about when the first letters to Father Christmas were written, who started the tradition, and where it is practiced today. 8pm-9pm
Thursday 5 December
CRAZY BOULES: Described as a 'neon playground', new venue Crazy Boules opens in Shoreditch today, temporarily transforming a former church into a neon-lit boules arena. It's not your usual boules though — the ball-tossing fun has been combined with crazy golf, offering six different courses of different shapes and angles on which to play the game. From 5 December
CANINE CAROL CONCERTS: As is tradition, Battersea Dogs Home holds its fundraising carol concerts at St Luke's in Chelsea — and brings the dogs into church to join in the fun. No confirmation yet on exactly which carols will be sung, but we'd hazard a guess at Bark! The Herald Angels Sing. 5 and 6 December
ARCADES: That's of the "shopping" rather than the "Space Invaders" variety. Join guide Jane Parker for a tour of the "alluring arcades and alleyways of St James's and Piccadilly". 2.30pm-4.30pm
MIRACLE ON LEAKE STREET: Free festive party Miracle on Leake Street is back at Waterloo for an evening of live entertainment including karaoke, graffiti workshops and dance performances. Food and drink is available from stalls, bars and restaurants, and it takes place in the Leake Street graffiti tunnel, so no need to worry about the weather. FREE, 5pm
TRAFALGAR SQUARE TREE: See London's most famous Christmas tree illuminated for the season in a special lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square. As always, it takes place on the first Thursday in December, which is today, and is open to everyone. FREE, 5.30pm
WATERSTONES CHRISTMAS EVENING: Europe's largest bookshop Waterstones Piccadilly holds a Christmas evening, offering you a chance to meet several authors, including Alex Scheffler, David Nicholls, Kate Mosse, and Terry Deary, all of whom will be signing copies of their books. Live music by the London Oriana Choir, mince pies, and a chance to browse the many, many bookshelves are also part of the fun. 6pm
IMPERIAL LATES: Imperial College opens its doors this evening for a free Lates event themed around senses. Chat to sensory experts to find out how your senses work... and what happens when they get impaired (your senses, not the experts). Need to give your senses a break? Head to the Sensory Room to relax with some mindful drawing and fidget toys. Plus, a sense-sational quiz, storytelling from the Story Collider, a DJ set from the Rhythm Studio, snacks and drinks. FREE, 6pm-9pm
DON'T LOOK BACK: Comedian Nish Kumar joins host Paul Richards for a screening of Don't Look Back at Hackney Picturehouse, with the pair taking part in a Q&A before the film begins. The 1967 documentary follows Bob Dylan while he was touring England in 1965, surrounded by teen fans, and kicking back with fellow musicians including Joan Baez, Donovan, and Alan Price. 7pm
Friday 6 December
TERRY WOGAN: Comedian Benjamin Alborough takes on the role of the late chat show host in Late Night With Terry Wogan at Soho Theatre, which also sees a line-up of comedians being interviewed in character as celebrities from the past. Tonight, Lachlan Werner portrays Celine Dion, with Bilal Zafar as one of the Kray twins, among others. Tomorrow, see Bec Hill at Keanu Reeves, and Alasdair Beckett-King as Patrick Stewart, again joined by others. 6-7 December
FESTIVE FAYRE: Head to the first weekend of the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre for Christmas grub galore. Wander among the courtyards and grounds perusing artisan food stalls selling everything from Christmas pudding and brownies to chocolate, cheese, biltong, coffee, cakes — plus gallons of booze. 6-8 and 13-15 December. For a thoroughly festive day out, take a twirl on the palace's winter ice rink while you're there.
ALDGATE WINTER FESTIVAL: Watch a lantern parade move through the streets of east London at the Aldgate in Winter Festival. Live music and dance performances and stalls are also part of the festivities, and the lanterns are made by local artists, school children and community groups. FREE, 3.30pm-8pm
BRIXTON FILM FESTIVAL: The inaugural edition of Brixton Film Festival takes place at Ritzy Picturehouse, championing emerging local filmmakers in partnership with the Black Cultural Archives. Watch a series of short films shot in and around Brixton, including a love story, a supernatural queer comedy, and Brixton, a day-in-the life style look at the local area. 5pm-11pm
MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL: One of the many places screening The Muppet Christmas Carol this festive season is The Geological Society in Piccadilly. Take part in Christmas card printing and craft activities before settling down to watch the film, with the bar open throughout the event. Doors 6pm. Find other Christmas film screenings in London this year.
LOVE LINES: London Sinfonietta is at Kings Place for an evening of music by Scottish composers exploring the idea of love and our human need for connection. The programme includes the public world premiere of privately commissioned work Love Bade me Welcome by James MacMillan, as well as pieces by Judith Weir and Peter Maxwell Davies. 8pm
Saturday 7 December
EEL PIE ISLAND: The secretive Eel Pie Island in west London has one of its open weekends, inviting the public to cross the footbridge and step inside the artist studios to meet the people who work there. Browse and buy ceramics, oil paintings, jewellery, sculptures and more. Note that although the event is free as always, for the first time you need to book tickets in advance, giving you a two-hour timeslot on the island. FREE, 7-8 December
ART AND CRAFT TRAIL: Head out east to London Fields and surrounds for the E8 Art and Craft Trail, a chance to visit the homes and studios of artists and makers specialising in fine art, illustration, ceramics, jewellery and more. See the experts at work, with a chance to buy direct from the makers. 7-8 December
ANIMAL TALES: Combine a Christmas visit to the Charles Dickens Museum with a family-friendly storytelling session for ages 5+. See the author's former home decked out in its festive finery, and become part of an interactive animal-themed tale, featuring some of the creatures from Dickens' own life. 7-8 December
VEGAN FAYRE: Kensington Town Hall hosts the London Vegan Fayre, chock-full of more than 100 stalls selling vegan food and drink, bodycare and cosmetics, clothing and gifts — ideal if you're vegan, vegan-curious, or are looking for a vegan Christmas gift for someone in your life. 7-8 December
MEDIEVALFEST: Though tickets to attend in person have sold out, online tickets for the British Library's ever-popular MedievalFest are still available. Spend the day watching talks and discussions with leading historians, writers and speakers, about the medieval history of war, literature, and much more. 10.30am-6.30pm
CHRISTMAS ANGEL: Take an historically minded Christmas tour of London's most festively named neighbourhood, Angel, with guide Jonathan Wober. 11am-1pm
FESTIVE KNEES-UP: Tom Carradine takes to the ol' Joanna, for a family-friendly (and note the 45-min run time) knees-up, with a special festive twist. Songs you and the kids are encouraged to join in with range from Spike Jones to Aled Jones. It's happening at the Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch. 11am-11.45am
GIN LANE: Guide Laura "the Naked Anthropologist" Agustin goes back to the 18th century with a tour of the Seven Dials area, once notorious for its poverty and crime. Laura will explore why parts of the area were dubbed rookeries, thieves’ kitchens, the Holy Land and, for Drury Lane’s red-light zone, Little Sodom. She'll also highlight famous thieves and thief-takers. 1pm-3.30pm
GEORGIAN DINING: Enjoy a "Yuletide Supper" in an historic setting with the Georgian Dining Academy. Enjoy a three-course supper (with drinks), while enjoying the history of the City and the Georgians through music, poetry and song. The rooms are candlelit, and you're encouraged to wear period costume (though it's not mandatory). 7pm-11.15pm
GOBLIN MARKET: The candlelit Gothic surrounds of Guy's Chapel forms a fitting setting for a performance of Christina Rossetti's narrative poem Goblin Market. The grotesque/erotic fairy tale about two sisters, one of who succumbs to exotic goblin fruits, is envisioned via spoken word and harp music. 7pm
Sunday 8 December
OLD NUN'S HEAD: One of south London's most exciting (and unpredictable) pubs, the Old Nun's Head in Nunhead, has two events on today: get gift shopping (and have a pint while you're at it) at an independent maker market hosted by local florists, Sid + Friends (12pm-6pm), followed by wacky alternative comedy from Clown Soup Cabaret (8pm-10pm).
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. 8 December (registration closes 5 December)
WINDMILL WINTER MARKET: Brixton Windmill hosts a winter market, with local makers selling their wares. Children are kept entertained with arts and craft activities and a Santa's grotto, while adults can take part in a wreath-making workshop. 12pm-3pm
UNCANNYCON: Supernatural BBC Radio 4 podcast and BBC TV series Uncanny comes to life on stage at Southbank Centre. Danny Robins hosts a selection of guests including experts and witnesses from the podcast and TV show, as they discuss Uncanny cases and delve into the world of the spooky. 2pm
FAMILY RAVE: Big Fish Little Fish bring one of their legendary family raves to The Goodness in Wood Green. Dance together at a Jingle Bell Ball themed event with bubbles, balloons and foam. Fancy dress is optional, and face-painters are on hand for on-the-spot transformations. 3pm-5pm
BASEMENT ORCHESTRA: Lively 50-piece musical group The Basement Orchestra pitches up at Big Penny Social for two festive shows. The afternoon performance is family-friendly, while the evening show is for age 18+, but both feature classical Christmas favourites from the Nutcracker Suite as well as festive pop numbers, and plenty of singalong carols. 3.30pm/7pm
NIGHTSHIFT: Glasgow indie outfit Nightshift play songs from their fantastic new album, Homosapien, at the Lexington in Angel tonight. Support comes from Mary Currie & Robert Sotelo + Annelies Monseré. 7pm
_079.jpg){kind=link}