All week
CHRISTMAS TRANSPORT: Before you make any plans for the upcoming week, check the Christmas transport situation in London. Thankfully there's not as much disruption as there has been in previous years, but you'll find a couple of closures worth knowing about.
ICE SKATING: London's festive ice rinks remain open throughout the Christmas period and into January. Somerset House, Battersea Power Station and Hyde Park are just some of the places you can take to the ice this year — here's a full ice skating guide. The JW3 Ice Rink even opens on Christmas Day!
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Similarly, London's Christmas lights stay on after the big day, illuminated every evening until early January. Have a read of our guide to London's Christmas light displays for tips on seeing them — you can do it by bus (not Christmas Day), or on foot with our self-guided festive walking route though central London.
WINTER WONDERLAND: Huge festive fair Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is all-systems-go throughout the festive season, closing only on 25 December. Fairground rides, markets, food and drink stalls, circus shows and an ice rink are all part of the fun — just bear in mind that you need to book your entry in advance to get in. Until 1 January
PANTO: From classic Aladdin at the legendary Hackney Empire, to Cinderella with a sassy twist, via Jack and the Beanstalk, Dick Whittington and Peter Pan, London's panto scene is absolutely thriving this year. There's even The Hunger Gays, strictly for the adults. Read our guide to London's pantomimes this year to choose your show. Some close late December, and others run right through until January.
LIGHT FESTIVALS: Wrap up warm and head out to one of London's ongoing light festivals. At time of writing, tickets are available for Christmas at Kenwood and Christmas at Eltham Palace this week. Alternatively, hit up Winter Light at Southbank Centre or the Luminaze at Wembley Park — both of those latter two are free and don't require booking.
FESTIVE THEATRE: Elf, The Snowman, The Nutcracker. Nope, not a list of Christmas films, but rather a selection of the festive productions taking place on stage in London this year. From ballet to circus to musicals, take a look at these fantastically festive theatre shows in London, and book yourself a seat this Twixmas. We've also got a guide to family-friendly shows, if you're treating the whole clan to a festive outing.
TWIXTMAS: Our full guide to things to do in London between Christmas and New Year has oodles more ideas for ways to keep out of mischief this week.
DRINK OF THE WEEK: Most of the city's festive drinking pop ups — serving drinks that'll surely jingle your bells, deck your halls and so on a so forth — are serving up their potent concoctions in fluffy surroundings certain days this week (do check their websites for when, exactly).
Monday 25 December: Christmas Day
Thinking of venturing outside into the wide world on Christmas Day? Here's what you need to know:
CHRISTMAS DAY EVENTS: As you might expect, there aren't many events in London on Christmas Day, though you will find the occasional guided tour or sightseeing cruise, and a rather special swimming race to watch in Hyde Park. Read our guide to things to do in London on Christmas Day if that's something you're interested in.
WHAT'S OPEN: Understandably, it's slim pickings in terms of venues open in London on Christmas Day — you'll find the occasional restaurant, pub or cafe open, but it's far from business as usual, and many require advance booking. Crucially, open public toilets can be hard to find, so bear that in mind before guzzling down a flask of mulled wine.
WHERE TO EAT: Many places serve up lunch or dinner on Christmas Day, though in almost all cases, you'll need to have booked in advance. Read our guide to where to eat on Christmas Day for the full lowdown.
CHRISTMAS DAY SWIMMING: Not everyone's cup of tea, but if you fancy a few laps of a swimming pool before you tuck into your turkey, find out where you can swim in London on Christmas Day.
ICE SKATING: Worth noting that the ice rink at JW3 Centre in Finchley opens on Christmas Day. It's an outdoor rink with penguin stabilisers and banana toboggans available for younger skaters, and a cafe on-site for refreshments. Likely to sell out, so book in advance. 12pm-8pm today (open until 7 January)
CHRISTMAS DAY TRANSPORT: Of course, if you're planning to go to any of the above, you'll need to get there. Public transport doesn't run on Christmas Day — this means no buses, tube, trains, DLR, trams etc. Cycle hire or taxi (if you can find one) are your options. Or, if you're lucky enough to have a car, note that the ULEZ and Congestion Charge don't apply on Christmas Day — full details here.
Tuesday 26 December: Boxing Day
BOXING DAY GUIDE: Take a look at our full guide of things to do in London on Boxing Day for plenty of inspiration to keep you busy today. Here are a few highlights:
COLD TURKEY: Offering both lunchtime and evening shows on Boxing Day, jazz singer Liane Carroll performs songs from her back catalogue, classic jazz tunes and some Christmas songs at Ronnie Scott's. Bassist Roger Carey and drummer Russell Field accompany her. 12pm/6pm
BOOZE AND BOROUGH: Footprints of London guide David Charnick offers both an in-person and virtual tour around the Borough area, focusing on its links to the booze industry. Hop wagons from Kent, Sussex and Surrey used to unload into warehouses in the area, and it used to be home to one of London's largest breweries too. In person 2.30pm-4.30pm or virtual tour 9.30pm-10.30pm
LAURYN HILL: Camden's Jazz Cafe marks the 25th anniversary of studio album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, a neo-soul, hip-hop and RnB album that has influenced many other musicians in the intervening period. Note that Hill herself doesn't appear in the show, but a group of musicians perform together to celebrate her work. Doors 5pm
BACK TO 95: Hold a torch/glowstick for the mid-90s club scene? Transport yourself back to those heady daze — with beats from DJ Spoony, Wookie, Norris Da Boss, Masterstepz, Pied Piper and plenty more at Ministry of Sound's Back to 95 rave. 10pm-6am
Wednesday 27 December
MONSTER CHRISTMAS: Kids bored of their new toys already? Artsdepot in North Finchley hosts a run of There's A Monster In Your Christmas Show, based on Tom Fletcher's Who's In Your Book? series of children's reads. It's a brand new, 50-minute musical show featuring Little Monster and his friends, Dragon, Alien, Elf and Unicorn, and aimed at age 2+. 27 December-7 January
COVENT GARDEN PUBS: Footprints of London guide Richard Watkins offers a walking tour which traces history through the pubs of Covent Garden. Hear stories of the pubs themselves, their names, and the famous people who used to drink in them, including a literary sleuth, a highwayman and a king's mistress. 2.30pm-4.30pm
LA LA LAND CONCERT: 2016 award-winning film La La Land is shown in HD on a large screen at the Royal Albert Hall, with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra (conducted by the film’s original composer Justin Hurwitz) performing the live score. 2.30pm/7.30pm
COMEDY NIGHT: BBC Radio London presenter Aurie Styla hosts free comedy show Laugh In The Box at Boxpark Wembley. A handful of comedians (names TBC) take to the stage for an evening of gags, games and prizes, and the usual food vendors will be open if you fancy a change from leftovers. FREE, 7pm-10pm
JOHN WILLIAMS: The London Concert Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Inglis, give a concert of pieces of music by film composer John Williams. The programme includes themes from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Schindler's List and others. Takes place at Barbican. 7.30pm
Thursday 28 December
WINTER WALK: Join the Gentle Author — who runs the Spitalfields Life blog — for a winter walk through the City of London. Meet at St Paul's Cathedral and pass some of the area's most historic spots, including Roman relics and 18th century graffiti, before finishing with refreshments at Barbican Library. 2pm (repeated Saturday)
SCROOGE WALK: A Christmas Carol was written by Charles Dickens in 1843 (and perfected by the Muppets in 1992). 180 years later, many of the streets and buildings from the novel can still be seen, and what better way to do so than on an London on the Ground guided walk (followed by a tipple in a pub afterwards)? 2.30pm
CHRISKIRKPATRICKCHRISTMAS: "A Christmas Carol meets It's A Wonderful Life meets... *NSYNC" — that's how Chriskirkpatrickmas: A Boy Band Christmas Musical describes itself. There are two chances to catch this festive boy band parody at the Seven Dials Playhouse today, with a matinee and evening show. 3.30pm and 7.45pm
Friday 29 December
NEW YEAR CONCERT: Ahead of the New Year's Day Parade on Monday, some of the high school bands who've flown in from the USA for the performance get warmed up with a series of special concerts. They take place at St John's Smith Square, St John The Evangelist Waterloo and Holy Trinity Church Sloane Square, 29-30 December
TUNNEL TRIPS: At time of writing, there are some tickets left for the ever-popular mince pie tunnel boat trips at the Canal Museum in King's Cross. Board a canal boat at the museum and take a one-hour trip through the Islington tunnel and back, complete with guide commentary, while enjoying a mince pie and a drink. Museum entry is included in your ticket. 10.30am-2.45pm
FAMILY RAVES: Keep the party going with Big Fish Little Fish, who host several of their family raves this weekend. Get together on the dancefloor in Brixton today, Crystal Palace tomorrow, or New Cross on Sunday, and dance to live DJ sets. Other entertainment includes giant balloons, craft tables, bubbles and glitter cannons. 29-31 December
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: A jolly man dressed in red is threatening Christmas in the Horrible Histories festive show at Barbican, aimed at age 4+. It gives children and their families an introduction to Victorian villains, medieval monks, puritan parties and Tudor treats, with characters including Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and St Nicholas. 2pm/4.30pm
HIP HOP KARAOKE: Take on old school gems from the 80s and 90s or the latest records from Drake, Nicki and Kendrick, at Hip Hop Karaoke at Boxpark Shoreditch. Get up on stage and belt out the hits in front of a live audience — just sign up on the night. 6pm-9pm
FIREWORKS PAINTING: Try your hand at painting a Van Gogh-inspired picture of fireworks over the London skyline. Using the style of Starry Night as your starting point, create your own depiction of New Year's Eve in the capital, at London Art Bar in Holborn. Materials and art supplies are provided, and an artist is on hand to offer tips and advice. 7.30pm-10pm
Saturday 30 December
BIG GAME 15: Harlequins' Rugby Union Big Game is one of the biggest events in London in the downtime between Christmas and New Year. This is the 15th edition, and like last year, both Harlequins Men and Women's sides are playing the same opposition in a double header against Gloucester. Takes place at Twickenham Stadium. 2.30pm
SHAKE SOME ACTION: The Water Rats in King's Cross hosts the Shake Some Action End of Year Extravaganza this evening, feat. punk, trash, garage and dirty rock 'n' roll from the Blue Carpet Band, the Glorias and others. It'll certainly blast any meek Christmas carols out of your system. 6.30pm
LORD OF THE RINGS: Hear music from Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Game of Thrones and more, performed live by the London Concert Orchestra and a choir at Barbican. 7.30pm
Sunday 31 December: New Year's Eve
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES: Looking for somewhere to see-in 2024? Check out our guide to New Year's Eve parties and events, including rooftop shindigs and a 1920s speakeasy themed evening. The guide also covers daytime events, a few of which are highlighted here:
KIDS' COUNTDOWN: Kids buzzing for New Year, but not going to last until midnight? Take them along to Southbank Centre on NYE morning for the Kids' Countdown with Len Blanco — a full-on party with singing, dancing and a NYE-style countdown to midday instead of midnight. FREE, 10.30am
ART SUNDAYS: Dulwich Picture Gallery isn't letting a little thing like New Year's Eve stop its regular Art Sundays from going ahead. Designed for 7-12 year olds and their families, it's a chance to experiment with colour and make different artworks inspired by the current Rubens & Women exhibition. FREE, 1pm-3.45pm
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY: It's become something of a tradition for Leicester Square's Prince Charles Cinema to show 1989 rom-com When Harry Met Sally on New Year's Eve (makes sense if you've seen the film). We're pleased to say they're not letting us down this year, so you can spend the evening huddled away in the cinema watching Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, and still make it out to a party/home for the Hootenanny. Cheers to that! 6.30pm
