Things to do today in London is sponsored by Westfield. Scroll down to discover why it's about more than the shopping.
Things to do
HYPER JAPAN: Hyper Japan has returned to the Tobacco Dock with its annual Christmas markets, selling all things Japanese from fashion to food. £15, book in advance, 25-27 November
THE ROYAL AFRICAN: It's the opening day of Museum of London Docklands' new collection on Britain and the slave trade. It follows the story of an African Prince called William Sessarakoo, who was tricked and sold into slavery when he travelled to England. Free, just show up, until 4 June 2017
JAZZ AGE SAVOY: Discover what life was like back in the glitzy Jazz Age in the Savoy Hotel. The Savoy's archivist Susan Scott is giving a talk that will recreate the glamorous scenes before your eyes. It takes place at the Fashion and Textile Museum in conjunction with the Jazz Age exhibition. The talk is included in the exhibition ticket (£9.90), book in advance, 11.30am
GLOW LIGHT FESTIVAL: Illuminate your night at Eastbury Manor House in Barking. Lights festival Glow will include a fire garden, a light up solar system model and one work made by lighting up thousands of festival wristbands. £5 for adults (kids go free), book in advance, 5pm-10pm
POEM NIGHT: The National Theatre presents the launch of a new poetry anthology curated by Allie Esiri, A Poem for Every Night of the Year. The event will feature recitals of some of the featured poems and will be followed by a book signing. Book in advance, £6, 5.15pm-6.15pm
CHRISTMAS NIGHT MARKET: William Morris Gallery's Christmas Night Market returns in Walthamstow. Contrary to the plethora of other Christmas markets out there, this one only features items made by local designers. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm-10pm
FOLK AT THE FOUNDLING: Catch a soothing folk show at the Foundling Museum in Brunswick Square. The project aims to showcase the best folk music from across the British Isles at the museum and they've lined up The Breath and Julie Murphy this week. £12/£14, book in advance, 6.30pm-10pm
UNICORN PIÑATA: Drink, Shop & Do in King's Cross is giving away free piñatas for anyone who buys a drink this evening. You can even enact every five year-old's dream and choose a unicorn one. Piñatas free with drinks, but sweets cost £3, just turn up, from 7pm
VICTORIAN ENTERTAINMENT: Ever wondered what a Victorian night on the town would be like? Find out at the British Library's late night event. Aptly titled Late at the Library: There Will Be Fun, you'll be dazzled by live circus acts, amazing costumes and a music hall mashup featuring Ida Barr. £15, book in advance, 7.30pm-11pm
SUPERHERO: House of Vans is putting on a free screening of the forgotten comic-book adaptation, Supergirl in Waterloo Tunnels. Free, just show up, 6pm/8pm
CEILIDH: It's time to dust off the old kilt. The Ceilidh Club is bringing Scotland to Cecil Sharp House in Camden. £18.50, advance tickets are sold out, but 70 are available on the door, 8pm-11pm
Sponsor message
Eat, Drink, Shop And Be Merry At Westfield
How does a trip to Santa’s Grotto, a festive ice-skating session, and a slap-up turkey dinner sound for a Christmassy outing? This is exactly what you’ll get if you check out Westfield this festive season.
As well as all the best high-street, designer and department stores, London’s two favourite shopping centres have a whole host of special events and pop-ups to get you ready for the big day. Westfield Stratford City certainly will sound like Christmas as local choirs and carol-playing bands are on the agenda. Or perhaps you are on the lookout for somewhere to take the kids whilst you shop til you drop? If so, the Kung Fu Panda themed Santa’s Grottos at both sites are a recipe for success.
Special Christmas menus at many of the centres’ restaurants mean you can treat yourself after a whole day shopping – sit back, relax and feel all festive at Westfield.
Good cause of the day
LAST DAYS OF SHOREDITCH: Party your evening away at the Last Days of Shoreditch, with top-notch DJs, cocktails and street food. Remember is a non-profit organisation, all money raised goes to the Campaign Against Living Miserably, a charity which exists to prevent male suicide in the UK. Tickets from £8, 5pm-12am
BEAUTIFUL GEMS: Stunning glass sculptures on walls and pedestals, as the natural meets the man-made. Don’t miss the hypnotic video in the back rooms as forms shatter and agglomerate. Flavie Audi: Cell(-estial) at Tristan Hoare, 6 Fitzroy Square, W1T 5HJ, free. 17 November - 10 January ★★★★☆
