Things to do this week is sponsored on behalf of StubHub.
All week
CHRISTMAS AT KEW: This spectacular light festival is one of our favourite annual events in London. Wander through light tunnels, fire gardens and laser shows on an enchanting trail through the gardens at night, with vintage fairground rides and food stalls along the route. A laser garden and moonlit woods are new for this year. Kew Gardens, from £16.50 adult/£10 child, book ahead, until 5 January 2019
CHRISTMAS AT LONDON ZOO: If Kew's light festival impresses you, you'll be chuffed to learn the same company is behind Christmas at London Zoo, new for this year. Wander through the zoo after the animals are in bed, on a one-mile trail featuring animal lanterns, illuminated buildings and a very trippy light vortex. London Zoo (Regent's Park), from adult £16.50/child £10.50, booking required, until 1 January 2019
SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL: Dr Seuss favourites including Horton the Elephant and The Cat In The Hat come to the stage in Seussical The Musical, a lively show in which Horton tries to save Whoville and all the Whos. Dugdale Centre (Enfield), £15-£18, book ahead, 26 November-2 December
STANFORDS POP UP: Get a sneak peek inside Stanfords travel bookshop's new store, weeks before it opens fully. A pop-up Christmas store opens on the ground floor, selling gifts, decorations and cards, all with a travel theme. 7 Mercer Walk (Covent Garden), free, just turn up, 26 November-24 December
LAST CHANCE: It's the final week of Epping Forest's Returning From The War exhibition, which gives an insight into the lives of forest keepers who returned to work in Epping Forest after the war. Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge free, just turn up, until 30 November (excluding Monday)
ICE RINKS: From Canary Wharf to Natural History Museum, via an Oxford Street rooftop, ice rinks are popping up all across London for winter. Find your nearest rink on our guide and get your skates on.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS: Get a head start on your Christmas shopping at these festive markets and fairs taking place across the capital.
Monday 26 November
BARNARDO'S CONCERT: A variety concert of musical performances comes to the Royal Albert Hall in support of Barnardo's children' charity. Royal Albert Hall, £10.66-£38.20, book ahead, 6.30pm
DAVE GORMAN: Powerpoint presentations may not be your idea of a great night out, but comedian Dave Gorman makes them a hoot in his show With Great Powerpoint Comes Great Responsibility. He even whips out his projector screen to give you a detailed analysis of things you've never even thought about before. Southbank Centre, £35, book ahead, 8pm
VARIETY NIGHT: Theatre, poetry, storytelling and musical comedy are all on the bill at this treat of a variety night, which promises "fun, frivolity and fearless frisson". Pleasance Theatre (Islington), £10-£12, book ahead, 8pm
Tuesday 27 November
JO BRAND: Comedian Jo Brand talks about her life — including her background as a nurse— her sense of humour and comedy influences in this conversation with producer John Lloyd. BFI Southbank, £20/£16, book ahead, 6.30pm
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: No sign of Andrew Lloyd Webber here. Instead, watch the 1925 silent film version, accompanied by a live musical score by pianist Meg Morley. A screening of short film The Haunted House (1921) starring Buster Keaton precedes the main screening. 1901 Arts Club (Waterloo), £12.50/under 16s £8, book ahead, 7.30pm
OPERA APPRECIATION: This latest in a series of opera talks sees singer Helen Astrid discuss some of the myths and fascination around the art form, in a lecture interwoven with recorded music and group discussions. St Mary's Parish Hall (Teddington), £15, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm
SOLO ROULETTE: Four actors perform the solo shows they're currently working on. Petra Haller's Deliver Me is an insight into depression, Michael Brazil's folk opera looks at the consequences of assisted dying, TV actor Blake Forder offers his tips for getting into the industry, and Tony Tang promises us some Passion On The Night Tube. Ooer. Blue Elephant Theatre (Camberwell), £10/£9/£8, book ahead, 8pm 27-29 November
GUILTY FEMINIST: Popular comedy podcast The Guilty Feminist is recorded in front of a live audience. Comedian presenter Deborah Frances-White chats to guests, comedian Rachel Parris and opera singer Nadine Benjamin, about 21st century feminism. London Coliseum (Covent Garden), £20, book ahead, 10.30pm
Wednesday 28 November
ALICE IN WINTERLAND: This new lantern festival dedicated to all things Alice in Wonderland opens today. Come face to face with giant lanterns of Lewis Carroll's much-loved characters (lantern Alice is a towering five metres tall) and wander through illuminated scenes from the books. Finish off in a tea party-inspired dining area, before paying Santa a visit. Southwark Park, from £15 adults/£9 children, book ahead, until 5 January 2019
THE WIZ: Mark 40 years since the release of Wizard of Oz spin-off film The Wiz, featuring an all African-American cast including Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. The evening begins with a selection of food from St Lucia, Ivory Coast, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Syria. For each ticket bought, a refugee or asylum seekers attends free. Amnesty International (Shoreditch), £19.50-£25, book ahead, 6pm-10pm
MUSEUM LATES: Salute the sun at Science Museum's late night opening, focusing on everything to do with our star to tie in with the current exhibition. Have a go at solography (sun photography), find out about the latest solar research, or dance the night away at the silent disco. Science Museum (South Kensington), free entry, just turn up (charge and booking required for some activities), 6.45pm-10pm
NAVAL COLLEGE UNLOCKED: Go behind the scenes at rarely-seen parts of the Old Royal Naval College, including some of the oldest parts of the building. The tour ends with a free drink at The Old Brewery. Here are a few secrets of the place to get your juices flowing. Old Royal Naval College (Greenwich), £25, book ahead, 7pm-8pm
INTERGENERATIONAL ARCHITECTURE: For a new series pairing established and up-and-coming architects, Kate Macintosh is in conversation with Mary Duggan. Macintosh has spent much of her career working for local authorities, and Duggan is currently working with an affordable housing company established by Croydon Council. RIBA (Portland Place) £12, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
SKATE LATES: Liven up your figure-of-eights at a club night on the ice. It's the first of three consecutive nights when DJs from nightclub Five Miles man the decks — tonight it's Mafalda, Rachael and Eliza and DJ Marshal Darling. Somerset House, £17, book ahead, from 8.30pm
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StubHub's Top Three London Events Of The Week
Whether you're into Motown, clubland bangers, or sweeping cinematic soundscapes, StubHub's got concert tickets to suit everyone this week.
It's last chance saloon for Ennio Morricone fans, as he holds his final UK concert. The Oscar-winning composer scored over 500 films and TV programmes, including The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, and The Hateful Eight. Tickets are available on StubHub from £44*.
Soul fans, rejoice! Motown legends The Four Tops & The Temptations play the O2 Arena on Tuesday. The chance to hear them perform their classics back-to-back from just £28* on StubHub? Bargain.
And party animals can't go wrong with Pete Tong. For StubHub's score of the week, the Balearic maestro presents Ibiza Classics — an audio-visual reimagining of the White Isle's most iconic records. Tickets are available on StubHub from £45*.
*Whilst tickets last
Thursday 29 November
CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER: Frosted cabins and a recreation of the Northern Lights take centre stage at this Christmas market which opens today. Keep an eye out for festive workshops and events throughout December. London Bridge City (next to City Hall), free entry, just turn up, until 2 January 2019. See which other Christmas markets are now open around London.
TATE TAP TAKEOVER: A year of late-night gallery boozing comes to a close with seven beers getting their first UK pour at this tap takeover. Northern Monk, Deya Brewing, Verdant Brewing, Track Brewing, Wylam, North Brew Co and Left Handed Giant have all created beers as part of a special numbered series, with corresponding artwork displayed on the walls. Tate Modern, £17.95 (includes seven thirds of beer), book ahead, 6.30pm-10.30pm
LONDON VS. HOME: London has one of the most multicultural workforces in Europe, and plenty of those new arrivals have something to say about their new city. Comedians and storytellers perform sets about London vs. home, wherever that may be. Welshman Phil Cooper, Egyptian Maria Shetata, and Arna Spek from The Netherlands are some of the comedians on the line-up. The City Centre (Bank), £9.50, book ahead, 6.45pm-9.30pm
ACOUSTIC ICE RINK: Love ice rinks but not sure about the actual ice skating bit? These acoustic lates are the solution: soak up the festive atmosphere and live acoustic music of the ice rink cafe-bar, and enjoy a drink or two, without having to set foot on the ice. Natural History Museum (South Kensington), free entry, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm
NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: The programme at this festive classical music concert covers everything from mistletoe to the macabre, with conductor Alexander Conway revealing some of the secrets behind the music. Newcomers to classical music are especially welcome. St John's Church (Waterloo), £8, book ahead, 7.30pm
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: For a more traditional Christmas concert, the Salvation Army’s International Staff Band, International Staff Songsters and a special celebrity guest take to the stage. Royal Albert Hall, £17.80-£42.28, book ahead, 8pm
Friday 30 November
LUSH FILM FEST: Filmmakers from around the world are given a platform to show their creations at the Lush Film Fest (yes, that's Lush the bath bomb shop). The films all have important messages to share, and as well as screenings, talks, workshops and Q&As take place throughout the two days. Lush Studio (Soho) free, book ahead (for individual screenings), 30 November-1 December
ELLE WEEKENDER: Elle Magazine pulls together one heck of a speaker line-up with Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley, Maisie Williams, Rosamund Pike and Laura Mvula just some of the names appearing at this lifestyle festival. A beauty bar, cafe, wellness suite and marketplace keep you entertained between talks. Saatchi Gallery (Chelsea), £15-£45, book ahead, 30 November-2 December
ILLUSTRATION FAIR: Illustration, print and graphic arts are celebrated at The London Illustration Fair, which takes over five floors with displays, workshops and talks from top artists, all of whom will be selling their works too. Bargehouse (OXO Tower Wharf), £10-£17.50, book ahead, 30 November-2 December
HIDDEN ST JAMES'S: There's more to St James's Park than the pelicans — but they make a fine place to end this guided walk. Learn some secrets of the park, and the surrounding areas of The Mall and Horse Guards Parade, from an expert guide. St James's Park, £10, book ahead, 1.15pm-2.45pm
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Tonight it's Putney's turn to switch the Christmas lights on, at a family-friendly event involving performances from local schools and drama groups, festive food, craft stalls, children's rides, and a Christmas tree forest. St Mary's Church Square (Putney), free, just turn up, 3pm-8pm
MUSEUM LATE: The Natural History Museum stays open after hours for its final late of the year. The theme this time is ' Your planet needs you', so hear from a scientist trying to make palm oil more sustainable, and meet a scientist whose work focuses on marine plastics. Natural History Museum (South Kensington), free entry, just turn up (charge and booking required for some individual activities), 6pm-10pm
JAZZ VS. JUKEBOX: Jazz music meets spoken word at this regular performance evening. Sit back and watch performers — including spoken word artist Lisa Luxx and singer Tracey J Campbell — do their thing, or take part in the open mic session yourself. Hoxton Hall, £9, book ahead, 7.30pm
Saturday 1 December
FAIR CHRISTMAS FAYRE: London's longest running ethical Christmas market is the way to go for Christmas shopping with a conscience. Think silk scarves from India, jewellery from Kenya, handbags made from recycled tyres and natural handmade soap — all giving a fair price to the makers, and all supporting the Salvation Army. Regent Hall Salvation Army (Oxford Street), free entry, just turn up, 11am-6pm
FORTEAN LONDON: London Fortean Society's Christmas gathering includes talks from experts on topics as diverse as ghosts, UFOs, voodoo and amphibious babies. Like what you hear? There's a book sale too, so stock up on tomes about the weird and wonderful. Backyard Bar & Kitchen (Bethnal Green), £15/£10, book ahead, 12pm-6pm
ARCHITECTURE ON THE THAMES: Admire London's architecture from a river vantage point on this boat trip, which passes Battersea Power Station and the new US Embassy, Portcullis House, Somerset House and The Shard. Your guide is Benedict O'Looney, a working architect and Architectural Association teacher. No under 7s. Crown Pier (Blackfriars), £35.50, book ahead, 1pm
POWER OF LOVE: 26 years ago, Dean Addams lost his partner Tony to Aids. Now, he's organised fundraising concert The Power of Love to raise awareness of HIV, with all funds raised going to the Terrence Higgins Trust. Performers range from four-piece band Indigo Face to London International Gospel Choir and singer-songwriter Louise Carter. The Tabernacle (Notting Hill), £17.50-£40, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
Sunday 2 December
ICE RINK: Another day, another ice rink opens. This time, JW3 unveils its 200m2 outdoor rink, complete with twinkling lights and music. Penguin aids are available, along with seated banana toboggans. JW3 (North Finchley), adult £13/child £8, book ahead, until 6 January 2019
FAMILY SINGALONG: Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler are the duo behind children's picture books The Gruffalo and The Highway Rat. Today they're celebrating another of their creations, Zog, with songs, stories and drawings. Zog himself is expected to make an appearance. Southbank Centre, £15 adult/£7 child, book ahead, 11am
HANUKKAH FAMILY DAY: Celebrate Hanukkah and mark the 80th anniversary of the Kindertransport at this day of family activities. Create a clay Hanukkah lamp, have a go at playing dreidl, and make your own Hanukkah candle. Jewish Museum (Camden), included in museum entry fee (£7.50 adult/£3.50 child), just turn up, 1pm-4pm
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT: Get all the festive feels at this carols by candlelight concert, set in the Tudor courtyard of Fulham Palace. Fulham Palace, free, book ahead, 3.30pm-5pm
MENORAH LIGHTING: Witness the lighting of Islington's nine-branch Menorah — marking the first night of Chanukah — along with live klezmer music, dreidel, free latkes (potato pancakes) and doughnuts. Jewish and non-Jewish members of the community welcome. Islington Green, free, just turn up, 5pm-7pm
HIDDEN JAZZ CLUB: Tenor sax player Binker Golding is the star of tonight's Hidden Jazz Club, a regular, intimate concert in an unlikely setting. Meet at Pop Brixton, £18, book ahead, 7.30pm-9.30pm
