Things To Do Today In London: Monday 16 December 2019

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Austentatious perform their final London show of the year

Things to do

CHRISTMAS IN LONDON: With just over a week to go until the big day, festivities in the capital are becoming unavoidable... so embrace it. Our guide to Christmas in London covers everything from ice skating and Christmas markets, to cheap festive things to do.

RECITALS AT LUNCH: The Royal Opera House's Recitals at Lunch programme continues with a musical performance by baritone Krzysztof Szumanski, with Bojana Dimkovic on piano. Royal Opera House (Covent Garden), £12, book ahead, 1pm

HOME ALONE 2: Southbank Centre's Winter Cinema hosts a family-friendly screening of Home Alone 2. The 1992 film is a sequel to the festive classic, and this time Kevin McCallister and his family are in New York... as are the Wet Bandits (and Donald Trump, who makes a weird cameo). Southbank Centre, £5, book ahead, 3pm

Enjoy a lunchtime recital at Royal Opera House

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES: Memory expert Professor Martin Conway gives a talk about childhood memories. Find out why we often experience fictional memories of events that didn't actually happen, particularly in childhood. He also addresses some of the claims about memory that can be found on the internet. National Theatre, £9/£6, book ahead, 6pm

CAROL CONCERT: Actor Tim McInnerny, comedian Rory Bremner and actress and comedian Jenny Éclair are among the famous faces giving readings at the Lord's Taverners carol concert. Festive music comes courtesy of the St Marylebone Parish Church Choir. St Marylebone Parish Church, £25, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm

ROCK 'N' ROLL POLITICS: The Rock 'n' Roll Politics podcast records a Christmas version in front of a live audience. Political commentator Steve Richards presents a look back over a lively year in British politics, and forward to what 2020 is likely to have in store. Kings Place (King's Cross), £12.50, book ahead, 7pm

Treat the kids to a screening of Home Alone 2

CHRISTMAS CARD MAKING: Can't face your local Clintons at this time of year? Spend the evening making your own Christmas cards, aided along by a drink or two. Materials are provided, and it's up to you whether your creations turn out sentimental or saucy. Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), £5, book ahead, 7pm

AUSTENTATIOUS: Jane Austen improv comedy troupe Austentatious perform their last London show of the year. See the cast put together a brand new show right in front of you. It's designed like a 'lost' Jane Austen novel, and based on nothing more than a title suggested by the audience. Fortune Theatre (Covent Garden), from £35, book ahead, 7.30pm

John Kearns and Pat Cahill team up for a Christmas show. Just don't ask what they're doing with their hands.

WE ARE FUNNY: Comedy night We Are Funny Project holds its final event of the year. Paul Merryck headlines, with more than 10 other up-and-coming comedians on the bill. The Jago (Dalston), free, book ahead, 7.45pm-10.15pm

CHRISTMAS COMEDY: Comedy duo John Kearns and Pat Cahill team up for a festive edition of their off-Broadway show, 110%. Expect festive chat, merry dances, new songs, and new thoughts on the Northern line.  The Bill Murray (Islington), £10, book ahead, 8pm-10pm

TIGER LILLIES: Musical trio The Tiger Lillies perform a special concert celebrating their 30-year career. They perform music from their latest album The Devil’s Fairground along with songs from their various shows through the years, and some of their earliest recordings. London Coliseum, from £22.25, book ahead, 8pm

Tube ponderings with Barry Heck

Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.

My Roundel of the Week is one of several choice specimens from Marble Arch. If you're using the stop for Winter Wonderland, or some last-minute Oxford Street shopping, take time out to admire the platform art. Created by Annabel Grey in the 1980s, the 17 panels show the station's namesake in a variety of vibrant colours and patterns — some of which sit over the roundels like birds tending to their eggs.

Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.

Good cause of the day

Got some spare time over the Christmas period? Take a look at our guide to volunteering in the capital. Plenty of places need help over Christmas, from assisting at homelessness shelters to delivering presents to those in need.

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