Things to do
SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY: Time's running out to see Science Photographer of the Year, a free photo exhibition showcasing the tiny details of science. Close-up shots on display include one showing the crystallisation of Aperol, and the structure of soap bubbles. Science Museum (South Kensington), free, book ahead, until 5 January
THE MOON: The sun moon soon sets on this exhibition marking 50 years since the first two lunar landings. It covers artefacts, cultural references and conspiracy theories relating to our only natural satellite. Take a giant leap to Greenwich to see it for yourself. National Maritime Museum (Greenwich), £9, book ahead, until 5 January
HOGARTH: It's also your last chance to see Hogarth: Place and Progress, an exhibition gathering works by the artist from all over the country. Advance tickets for the remainder of the exhibition have sold out, but if you turn up early on the day, you might be in luck. Sir John Soane's Museum, free, just turn up (early arrival recommended), until 5 January
CIRCUS: NoFit State Circus brings its show, Lexicon, to London for a two-week run starting today. Expect a blend of impressive acrobatics, flame juggling, rope and trapeze acts and physical poetry performances, all to a soundtrack of a live band. Roundhouse (Camden), £15, book ahead, 3-18 January
LIVE MUSIC: The Gary Wilcox Quartet performs a free gig as part of Southbank Centre's Friday Lunch series. The jazz group perform some of their own compositions alongside reinterpretations of tracks by the likes of Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 1pm
TANGO: Get your dancing shoes on and join London's longest-running Tango club, Carablanca. The informal evening is open to beginners and regulars alike, and begins with lessons for those not familiar with the Argentine milonga. Conway Hall (Holborn), £12, just turn up, 7.30pm
SNOWY LONDON: Promised yourself you'd tackle a new hobby this year? How about painting? This Pop-Up Painting session invites artists of all abilities to create their own version of Snowy Westminster Bridge, under the guidance of a professional artist and aided along by a drink or two. Urban Meadow (Notting Hill Gate), £32.99, book ahead, 7.30pm
SKATE LATE: Christmas may be a distant memory, but there's still a lively old time to be had at London's ice rinks, including Somerset House, which continues its Skate Lates events. Tonight, London-based collective Unity take to the decks, spinning a blend of hip hop, funk, disco, soul and boogie while you skate. Somerset House, £15, book ahead, from 8pm
FRIDAY NIGHT SINNER: Last couple of nights to catch Candy Gigi's comedy show Friday Night Sinner. Described as a "one-woman, horror-comedy musical about a Jewish, sexually repressed, newly married maniac", it's not one for the coy. Soho Theatre, £15, book ahead, 9pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
Happy birthday to JRR Tolkien. Had he lived, the Lord of the Rings author would have been 128 today. As far as I know, he has no connection with the London Underground. However, the station of Kensington (Olympia) is an anagram of Tolkien (Annoys Gimp).
Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
Book ahead for Make Some Noise, a comedy gig at Union Chapel on 18 January, raising money for The Trussell Trust and Independent Food Aid Network. Bridget Christie and Josie Long are among the acts already announced. Find out more and book tickets.
What we're reading
- New entrance opens at Finsbury Park station.
- The shire horses keeping London's parks going.
- Heathrow Airport could have been renamed after Sir Winston Churchill.
- Epping Forest underground reservoir revealed.
